Nature Spots in Kiyosato / Kobuchisawa Area

  • Hontanigawa Valley
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Hokutoshi Sutamachouhishi
    Hontanigawa River Gorge extends from its source on Mt. Kinpu in the city of Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, and continues to Lake Mizugaki (Enzan Dam), crossing Masutomi Radium Hot Spring from east to west. In 2008, the headwaters region of Mt. Kinpu and Mt. Mizugaki that includes the Hontanigawa River was designated as one of the Top 100 Heisei Famous Water. With its clear, pure water and rocks of various sizes, and trees such as maples and Mongolian oaks, it is delightful in any season, offering rich greenery in spring and summer and brightly colored leaves in the fall. Wading areas have been set up along the river, so that everyone can easily make themselves familiar with this famous water resource.
  • Lake Mizugaki
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Hokutoshi Sutamachouhishi 3730-3
    This man-made lake formed by Shiokawa Dam is located in Hishi, Sudama-cho, Hokuto City. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery created by the interweaving of the fall foliage and other surrounding natural elements with the Rokumei Gorge Bridge that spans the lake. There is also an observatory, a restaurant, a visitor's center, and other facilities on the lake's shore.
  • Kiyosato Highland
    Travel / Tourism
    Takanecho, Hokutoichi Yamanashi prefecture
    Kiyosato Highland lies in the foothills south of the Yatsugatake Range. In addition to enjoying nature to the greatest possible extent in all seasons, visitors can take part in other activities, such as mountain climbing and trekking. Easy access from major metropolitan areas is one of its attractive features. It is only two hours by car from Tokyo and three hours from Nagoya. There are plenty of hot springs, famous sights, and popular resorts for the visitors.
  • Mt. Mizugaki
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Hokutoshi Sutamachouobi
    This 2,230 meter-tall mountain in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture has been designated as one of Japan's 100 best mountains. It is notable for the rocky climbing trails strewn with boulders and for its sheer cliff peak. You can enjoy views of Mt. Fuji, the Minami Alps, Mt. Yatsugatake, and more from the peak. While most of the climbing courses are one-day climbs, there is also a course that leads to the peak from the Mt. Mizugaki mountain villa.
  • Ojiragawa Valley
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Hokutoshi Hakushuchoushirasu 8886
    The clear streams of the Ojira River, sourced by Mt. Kaikomagatake, were selected as one of Japan's 100 best waters. This scenic spot, enhanced by the beautiful contrast between the emerald green mountain stream and the seasonal beauty of the ravine, features many waterfalls and pools of various sizes, including the Jinja Falls and the Fudo Falls. A trail has been built along the ravine, but caution is required due to the rugged terrain and steep slopes. We recommend wearing clothing suitable for mountain climbing.
  • Doryu Falls
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Hokutoshi Oizumichounishide
    This 10 meter-tall, 15 meter-wide waterfall in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture is located along the Kawamata River Valley. It gained its name from the mysterious way the water falls like silk threads from between the greenery-covered rocks. Notable for having multiple tiers, the falls can be viewed from the Kawamata River Valley hiking trail. The falls are a 15-minute hike from the parking lot.
  • Mt. Kayagatake
    Travel / Tourism
    Akuno-machi, Hokutoichi Yamanashi
    This 1,704 meter-tall dormant volcano is also known by the name Nise-Yatsu (false Yatsugatake) due to its resemblance to Mt. Yatsugatake. The mountain is known for being the site of the death of author and mountaineer Kyuya Fukada. The park built at the trailhead in his memory, Kyuya Fukada Park, features a stone monument bearing his words.
  • Yashajin Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Prefecture Minami Alps City Ashin Ashikura
    This mountain pass is located at the southern tip of the three peaks of Ho-o Sanzan, the vanguard of the Southern Japan Alps. It is highly recommended for its beauty, especially in May due to the fresh green leaves and from mid to late October due to the fall foliage. The route is also easily understood and can be climbed in an hour, making it a popular destination for mountain climbing with the whole family. Its great location gives the pass a head-on view of the three peaks of Shirane sanzan.
  • Mt. Amari
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Nirasakishi Asahimachi
    This 1,731 meter-tall mount is known as one of Yamanashi's 100 most famous mountains. On clear days, climbers can enjoy a 360 degree view of the three peaks of Mount Ho-o, as well as of Mt. Fuji and Mt. Yatsugatake from the peak. In early summer each year, the entire area is dyed vermilion by the nearly 150,000 Japanese azaleas vermilion that grow between the trailhead and the peak.
  • Mt. Hinata
    Travel / Tourism
    Hakushu-cho Hokutoichi Yamanashi prefecture
    Climbing this 1,660 meter-tall mountain can be enjoyed even by beginner climbers and families. At Karigahara near the peak, you will be treated by unusual sight of snow-white sands. One of the mountain's biggest attractions is enjoying the magnificent scenery provided by Mt. Yatsugatake, Mt. Kurakake, and Mt. Kaikomagatake. Of the two hiking courses, the course from Yatateishi to the peak features relatively gentle slopes.
  • Mt. Tennyo
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Hokutoshi Oizumichounishide
    This famous 1,529 meter-tall mountain is well known as a scenic spot. From the peak, you can enjoy views of Mt. Akadake, Mt. Fuji, and the mountains of the Minami Alps. In addition to the area just below the peak being accessible by car, there is a hiking course that crosses the base of Mt. Yatsugatake from Utsukushi Forest to Mt. Tennyo, making it easy to casually explore the area around the mountain. The mountain is home to rare alpine plants such as Asian Skunk Cabbage and Japanese primrose, as well as wild Japanese larch which turn beautiful colors each autumn.
  • Hakuho Valley
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Minami-Alps-shi Ashiyasu Ashikura
    30 minutes from the Shirane Interchange on the Chubu-Odan Expressway via National Route 52, and an hour from the Ashiyasu Municipal Parking Area via the bus bound for Hirogawara. This gorge sprawls along the Noro River, whose source lies among the three Shirane mountains. Once unexplored, virgin forest, today the area is a renowned destination for fall foliage viewing. From mid- to late October, the gorge is decorated with the colorful foliage of Japanese rowans, beeches, and maples; the views from the suspension bridge spanning the gorge and from the busses which travel the Southern Japan Alps forest road following the gorge are also beautiful. Note that the use of personal vehicles in the area is prohibited and visitors must take a bus or a taxi from Ashiyasu. Note that the forest road is closed in winter.
  • Fujimi-daira
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Hokuto Kobuchisawacho
    A scenic destination situated north along the Yatsugatake Kogen Line heading towards the Kannondaira. In early summer, azaleas bloom in profusion, while in the fall visitors can enjoy views of Japanese pampas grass and golden Japanese larches covering the area. An observatory along the way offers a sweeping view of the Southern Japan Alps and Mt. Fuji. There are tables and benches which visitors can use to rest while taking in the surrounding scenery. Note the road is closed to traffic from November to April.
  • Lake Minamiinagako
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Minami-Alps Kamiichinose
  • Mt.Kitadake
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi
  • Nakanokawa Otaki
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Hokuto Hakushucho
  • Kudannotaki
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Hokuto Mukawacho Kurosawa
  • Honotaki
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Nirasakishi Seitetsumachi Aoki
  • Mt.Akadake
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Chino-shi
  • Ushiro Sawa Reservoir (Yagi Hane Lake)
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Kai-shi Ushiku 2814

Yamanashi Areas

around-area-map

Yamanashi prefecture is the proud home of one of Japan’s most celebrated icons: Mount Fuji. Although the mountain straddles both Yamanashi and Shizuoka, the most breathtaking views of Fuji-san can be seen from the Fuji Five Lakes north of the mountain in Yamanashi prefecture. The plethora of outdoor activities in and around the lakes all have the benefit of the country’s highest mountain as their backdrop, and we can assure you that it is an unforgettable sight.

Yamanashi Photo Album

Browse Interests