Located in the highlands of Hokuto City in northern Yamanashi Prefecture, Kiyosato is a breathtaking resort town blessed with old-timey charm, alpine views, and rich culture. Just two and a half hours from Shinjuku, it serves as a convenient nature escape.
At an altitude of 1,470 meters, Kiyosato offers a deeply restorative experience rooted in its high elevation, exceptionally clear air, and high levels of sunshine. Even during the summer months, this area remains cool and comfortable. The refreshing temperatures, coupled with the blue skies and sunny days, create a sense of openness and peace not often found in urban areas. It is a rejuvenating, off-the-beaten-path destination where you can avoid overtourism and immerse yourself in rich nature, refined culinary experiences, and healing hot springs. Unsurprisingly, Kiyosato is a popular summer getaway for locals compared to more famous summer resorts since the less-crowded atmosphere allows them to enjoy the rich natural surroundings at a relaxing and calm pace.
One of Kiyosato’s greatest lures is its five distinct alcohol cultures—whisky, wine, sake, craft beer, and shochu (a traditional Japanese distilled spirit). This combination of beverages is rarely found elsewhere in the world and is built on the area’s high-quality water. In fact, the southern foothills of the Yatsugatake Mountains in Kiyosato are regarded as a “land of renowned pure water.”
As a base for your exploration, Kiyosato Kogen Resort—a Mt. Fuji-view hotel in Yamanashi—promises a revitalizing stay complete with nourishing hot springs, refined Western and Japanese cuisine, local alcohol pairings, cozy guest rooms, and exciting amenities that help you enjoy Kiyosato to the fullest.
Let’s jump in!
What to do in Kiyosato
Kiyosato is located within Hokuto in Yamanashi Prefecture and near Suwa in Nagano Prefecture. Both cities feature a rich array of nature, history, and culture away from the crowds of popular tourist destinations.
Suwa, Nagano
The city of Suwa, located about an hour to an hour and a half from Kiyosato via car or train, is a charming area home to hot springs, Nagano’s largest lake—Lake Suwa—and one of Japan’s oldest shrines.
Let’s start with Suwa Lakeside Park, just a 10-minute walk from Kami-Suwa Station. Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Suwa, this narrow greenspace stretches more than 2.5 kilometers (1.55 miles) and offers spectacular views of the Japanese Alps. It is a beloved local spot, popular for its sightseeing cruises and annually held fireworks festivals—including the Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival in August and the National New Fireworks Competition in September. However, even on ordinary days, the park offers a peaceful getaway where you can stroll among stone sculptures and admire mountains against blue water.
About a one-minute walk from the park is Katakurakan, a historic hot spring facility designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. This building, founded in 1928, visually captivates all passersby with its retro, Western-style architecture. Inside, its grand marble bath, called Sennin-buro, or Thousand-Person Bath, is still open to guests. As you soak in the natural hot spring water, enjoy the jade gravel at your feet, admire the stained glass windows, and lose yourself in the refined artistic details.
Not far from Kami-Suwa Station is another picturesque spot—Takashima Castle, also known as the “Floating Castle of Suwa.” Built in 1598, this castle is regarded as one of Japan’s “Continued Top 100 Castles,” a sequel list to Japan’s “Top 100 Castles” compilation. The current castle keep (a reconstruction) showcases the castle’s unique kokera-buki, or wooden shingle roofing, which, due to the soft, marshy ground, was used as an alternative to the heavier, traditional roof tiles. The keep also has an observation terrace where you can witness Mt. Fuji on clear days.
If you are interested in tasting the heritage of the area, be sure to stop by Masumi Sake Brewery, about a 15-minute walk from Kami-Suwa Station. This over 350-year-old brewery has earned high acclaim in Japan and abroad for its sake making, which combines pure local water with traditional brewing techniques. It is also the birthplace of one of Japan’s most renowned sake yeasts, which played a pivotal role in establishing the foundations of modern Japanese sake. Today, Masumi offers brewery tours where you can experience traditional sake brewing and sample its delicious products.
And finally, a trip to Suwa would be incomplete without a visit to Suwa Taisha Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest shrines. Consisting of four shrine precincts around Lake Suwa, Suwa Taisha is the head shrine of approximately 25,000 Suwa shrines across Japan. The shrine complex is divided into the Upper Shrine (Kamisha) and Lower Shrine (Shimosha) on opposite sides of Lake Suwa. Revered as a deity of life and a protector of daily living, Suwa Taisha is popular for a variety of blessings, including success in relationships, good fortune, protection from misfortune, and victory in competitions. With its integration of greenery and Shinto architecture, it is a sacred site where you can experience both history and nature.
Hokuto, Yamanashi
Now, how about we move to Hokuto, resting in northern Yamanashi and home to Kiyosato. Similar to Suwa, Hokuto is renowned for its idyllic nature, award-winning alcohol, and traditional culture. However, unlike Suwa, Hokuto’s spots are a little more spread out and may require car travel.
One of the best places to admire Hokuto’s natural beauty is the Kiyosato Terrace, an observation area located at the summit of the Sun Meadows Kiyosato Ski Resort. The terrace’s exclusive sofas and wooden decks offer expansive panoramas of Mt. Fuji and the Nobeyama Highlands. No matter the season, the open-air views, coupled with the crisp mountain air, are nothing short of magical. Pair your visit with tasty sweets, ice cream, and/or a beverage from the onsite cafe.
If you’re looking for some thrills, be sure to also check out G-KART. This gravity-powered downhill cart starts at 1,700 meters high and rapidly descends using only gravity. Enjoy the exhilarating speed and don’t forget to take in the magnificent views of the Yatsugatake Mountains and Mt. Fuji as you descend.
About a seven-minute drive away is Seisen-Ryo, an equally idyllic spot encircled by lush forests and mountains. This multi-facility complex features the popular Jersey Hut—where you can savor Seisen-Ryo’s famous ice cream—restaurants, and hands-on workshops. The ice cream itself is made with 100% organic Jersey milk and has a rich, creamy texture, making it one of Kiyosato’s most beloved sweets. Enjoy this iconic dessert on Seisen-Ryo’s terrace as you overlook the pasturelands.
For more of the area’s captivating nature, we also recommend visiting Doryu Falls, about a six-minute drive from Kiyosato Station. Fueled by underground spring water from the Yatsugatake Mountains, this elegant waterfall flows through the rocky environment like strands of silk. Although it is relatively small, Doryu Falls’ multiple cascading streams create a beautiful landscape reminiscent of a traditional Japanese garden. The walking trail to the waterfall takes approximately 15 minutes on foot and follows a clear mountain stream, creating an easy and soothing trek.
Ojiragawa River, about a 16-minute drive from Hinoharu Station, is another tranquil spot blessed with pristine water. Originating from Mt. Kaikomagatake in the Southern Alps, this river is designated as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Exquisite Waters” and is widely known as the source of Suntory Minami Alps Tennensui mineral water. During summer, the river becomes a hot spot for visitors and travellers looking for relief from the heat. The striking juxtaposition of the white-granite riverbed, emerald-green pools, and surrounding greenery creates a breathtaking landscape you will not soon forget.
One of Hokuto’s most sacred sites is Misogi Shrine—the principal shrine of Koshinto (Ancient Shinto) and a revered place that preserves and promotes the spirit of misogi, the Shinto practice of purification. Here, prayers and spiritual disciplines are conducted with the aim of cleansing the body and mind and restoring one's innate purity. The main sanctuary is built in the unique Shinmei-zukuri architectural style, and the shrine’s Suijo Noh Stage appears to float on the surface of a koi-filled pond. The stage is widely regarded as one of Japan’s most picturesque landscapes.
Since the area is renowned for its alcohol, we also have to give a shout out to the Suntory Hakushu Distillery, a Japanese whisky distillery located about a 10-minute drive from Kobuchizawa Station. This distillery, dubbed the “Forest Distillery,” rests at an elevation of approximately 700 meters and uses natural spring water from the Southern Alps, filtered through granite rock formations, as its brewing and production water.
In addition to its production facilities, the distillery also features a whisky museum, a nature trail that winds through the surrounding forest, an onsite bar and a restaurant that offer exclusive whiskies, highballs, and local food pairings, and a gift shop where you can purchase the popular Hakushu Non-Vintage (NV), among others. You must reserve your visit in advance, which includes a complimentary shuttle bus from Kobuchizawa Station.
If you are looking for tourist facilities where you can unwind between destinations, enjoy regional cuisine, shop for souvenirs, and admire nature, Hokuto has you covered.
- Moeginomura (Moegi Village): Located in Kiyosato and set within a garden spanning approximately 33,000 square meters, Moegi Village is a picturesque complex home to a host of attractions, including a hotel, restaurants serving craft beer, a music box museum, a carousel, gift shops, souvenir stores, and nature-based activities. One of the village’s highlights is the Natural Gardens MOEGI, which was cultivated without using pesticides or chemical fertilizers. It showcases a harmonious relationship between nature and human design and is a tranquil place to appreciate the beauty of the seasons.
- Michi-no-Eki Kobuchizawa (Roadside Station Kobuchizawa): Located at the southern foothills of the Yatsugatake Mountains, this multi-purpose facility has a farmers’ market selling local produce, restaurants serving Italian cuisine and soba (buckwheat noodles), hands-on craft workshops, a day-use natural hot spring called Enmei-no-Yu, and a footbath—making it an ideal place to relax and refresh. The roadside station also serves as a popular gateway to surrounding sightseeing areas and offers sweeping views of the Yatsugatake Mountains and Southern Alps.
What to eat and drink in Kiyosato
Thanks to the region’s abundant nature and high-quality water, Kiyosato is blessed with a variety of delectable dishes, alcohol types, and fruit. Be sure to add these bites and sips to your Kiyosato itinerary.
- Hoto: Due to Yamanashi Prefecture’s unsuitability for rice cultivation, wheat farming has long flourished in the region—making wheat-based dishes an integral part of everyday cuisine. One such dish is Hoto, which consists of flat noodles made from kneaded wheat flour and a generous assortment of seasonal vegetables simmered in a miso broth. Compared to udon noodles, hoto noodles are made without added salt and are cut and cooked immediately without resting beforehand, creating the noodle’s characteristic chewy and elastic texture.
- Shinshu Soba: Shinshu Soba is the collective name for buckwheat noodles produced in Nagano Prefecture and is regarded as one of Japan’s three great soba varieties. The noodle’s rich aroma and flavor are a result of Nagano’s cool climate—marked by significant day and night temperature differences—exceptionally pure water, and the soba’s high proportion of buckwheat flour. The most common styles of Shinshu Soba are Nihachi Soba (made with approximately 80% buckwheat flour and 20% wheat flour) and Towari Soba (made with 100% buckwheat flour). Both varieties showcase the earthy and nutty flavor of buckwheat to the fullest.
- Koshu Fujizakura Pork and Koshu Jidori Chicken: Koshu Fujizakura Pork and Koshu Jidori Chicken are premium branded meats developed through the Yamanashi’s commitment to selective breeding and carefully managed environments. The pork is known for its finely textured, tender meat, high-quality fat, rich sweetness, and excellent water retention, which allows it to remain juicy even after cooking. The chicken is a Yamanashi-original, free-range chicken breed characterized by its low fat content and firm texture, with a deep, distinctive umami. One of the best ways to sample these meats is with a refined pairing meal at one of Yamanashi’s wineries.
- Shingen Mochi: Regarded as one of Yamanashi’s most iconic souvenirs, Shingen Mochi consists of bite-sized pieces of soft mochi generously coated with roasted soybean flour (kinako) and drizzled with a rich brown sugar syrup (kuromitsu). The combination of chewy mochi, fragrant kinako, and rich kuromitsu creates a well-balanced sweetness that keeps you coming back for more. Pick up this special treat at Kinseiken or Kikyouya—two well-known Shingen Mochi producers in Yamanashi.
- Shine Muscat and Grapes (in season from August–October): Shine Muscat Japan grapes are one of Yamanashi’s most celebrated fruits. In fact, Yamanashi is Japan’s leading grape-producing region and accounts for approximately 30% of the nation’s Shine Muscat production. These grapes are prized for their refined yet intense sweetness, elegant muscat aroma, thin skin, and crisp, juicy texture. The peak grape season generally runs from August through late September, and many orchards open for grape picking and direct sales. Harvest your own grapes and enjoy them onsite for a unique experience of Japanese cuisine.
- Peaches (in season from July–August): Peaches are another one of Yamanashi’s signature agricultural products, with the prefecture boasting the highest peach production in Japan. Yamanashi peaches are renowned for their crunchy texture, overflowing juice content, and rich sweetness—a result of the prefecture’s long sunshine hours and drastic day and night temperature differences. During the day, the peaches soak up plenty of sunlight and store sugar, while cooler nights help suppress the fruit’s sugar consumption, resulting in very sweet peaches. The well-drained soil and farmers' careful cultivation techniques give them a firm, yet juicy texture. This crisp bite is especially renowned, offering a unique texture that sets them apart from the soft peaches more commonly found elsewhere. From mid-June through late September, numerous peach varieties are harvested throughout the prefecture, allowing you to enjoy peak-season peaches over an extended period. Join a peach-picking experience at a local orchard, many of which feature all-you-can-eat plans, to immerse yourself in the region’s fruit legacy.
Kiyosato’s alcohol traditions
The Southern Alps and the Yatsugatake Mountains have long blessed Yamanashi Prefecture with rich nature and pristine water. From these resources, Hokuto developed a diverse alcohol culture that still flourishes to this day—featuring whisky, sake, wine, craft beer, and shochu.
Here, you can not only sample the local flavors but also learn about the artisanal craftsmanship behind the beverages and the harmonious relationship between traditional brewing/distilling customs and nature. Listed below are some of the area’s top products.
- Hakushu Whisky (Suntory Hakushu Distillery): This single malt whisky is beloved for its refreshing aroma that evokes young forest leaves and mint, alongside a smoky and deeply layered flavor profile.
- Yamanashi Wine (Yatsugatake and Hokuto Wineries): Enriched by one of Japan’s longest annual sunshine durations, the Yatsugatake and Hokuto areas are home to numerous wineries that cultivate high-quality grapes. The offered wines are produced primarily from Japan’s indigenous grape varieties and are known for their rich fruit character, delicate aromas, and refined elegance.
- Shichiken Sake (Yamanashi Meijo): Shichiken is a type of sake brewed by Yamanashi Meijo, a long-established brewery founded in 1750. Made using carefully selected rice and Hakushu’s pure snowmelt, the sake is known for its crisp yet smooth and rounded taste.
- Craft Beer (Yatsugatake Brewery): Touchdown is a must-try craft beer, brewed in the Kiyosato area with pure spring water. The brewing techniques were passed down from German Braumeisters (master brewers) and combine authentic brewing traditions with exceptional local ingredients. Touchdown has received numerous accolades and is recognized as one of the country’s finest craft beers.
Where to stay in Kiyosato: Kiyosato Kogen Resort
Don’t just explore Kiyosato’s nature, stay in it at Kiyosato Kogen Resort, located just a ten-minute drive from Kiyosato Station. Encircled by verdant trees and majestic mountains and resting at an altitude of 1,470 meters, this nature getaway near Tokyo combines rustic elegance, peaceful amenities, and local food specialties to create an authentic experience of Kiyosato that nurtures your mind, body, and soul.
Diverse rooms suitable for all guests
Start your day with spellbinding views of Mt. Fuji and the Southern Alps right from the comfort of your guest room. Not only are most of the rooms southeast-facing towards the aforementioned wonders, but they are also all newly added or renovated as of 2026. The thoughtfully designed rooms consider every guest’s desires, from chic camping interiors to bunkbed-equipped rooms that comfortably fit five people. The hotel also offers varying degrees of a traditional Japanese lodging experience with its Western-style, Japanese-Western, and Japanese-style rooms, allowing you to choose a room that best aligns with your level of comfort and curiosity.
The refined and homey spaces have private baths—ideal for visitors who may be uncomfortable with communal bathing—towel warmers, Smart TVs equipped with streaming services, tea bags, instant coffee, snacks, mineral water, and POLA's premium skincare series, which includes everything you would need for a complete skincare routine, i.e. shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, moisturizing emulsion, cleansing oil, and cleansing foam. Indulge in a luxurious self-care moment without needing to cram your bags with personal toiletries.
The rooms’ earthy tones and simple designs allow the nature outside your window to take center stage. Listed below are some of the hotel’s unique room varieties.
- Starry Sky Room: Opened in February 2026, this guest room is the hotel’s most popular concept room and brings the sparkling night sky indoors. The room is equipped with special light fixtures that cover your room in dazzling pinpricks of light, mimicking the starry skies of Yatsugatake and Kiyosato.
- Comfort Japanese-Western Room: Renovated in February 2026, this room blends the comfort of traditional Japanese tatami flooring with the convenience of Western-style beds. Take off your shoes, unwind on the tatami, and enjoy the uniquely Japanese atmosphere. At night, relax in the comfort of a Western-style bed. This room is especially recommended for international guests who want to experience traditional Japanese elements without compromising on comfort. The room features two single beds and three Japanese futons, accommodating up to five guests. It is an ideal choice for families or groups of friends who wish to stay together in one spacious room.
- Treehouse Room: Built in April 2026, this bohemian-style, outdoor-inspired room features an in-room tent, hammock, and wooden table. It also has direct access to a relaxation area outside, so you can easily take in the refreshing highland air and rich natural environment. The room is particularly popular among families with young children, as it offers the feeling of camping alongside the comforts of a hotel.
Hinoki cypress- and cedar-fragranced hot springs
Swap hiking and sightseeing for a different type of nature immersion: natural hot spring bathing! Kiyosato Kogen Resort is home to indoor and outdoor baths, both of which are deeply entwined with nature. Starting with the open-air one, this bath is supported by a yagura structure made from 250-year-old Akita cedar and has a tub crafted entirely from hinoki cypress. Thanks to the aromatic building materials, every inhale during your hot spring soak is blessed with soothing earthy fragrances.
Throughout the day, the scenery shifts, starting with leaves against blue skies and ending with infinite stars, including the Milky Way. Additionally, the contrast between the cool highland air and enveloping hot spring water creates a truly rejuvenating experience.
The indoor bath is also surrounded by the scent of wood and leaves your skin feeling soft and moisturized. You can sweat it out in the sauna and cold bath as well for additional detox benefits.
Kiyosato cuisine with a French twist
Treat yourself to a luxurious dining experience as you admire the tranquil waters of Karamatsu Lake, a spring-fed lake from the Yatsugatake Mountains that stretches across the hotel's courtyard. In addition to the picturesque views, one of the hotel's greatest prides is its culinary diversity, allowing you to sample both Western and Japanese cuisine within a single stay.
Dinner is a modern French course meal, showcasing fresh highland vegetables harvested at the foot of the Yatsugatake Mountains and a variety of carefully selected local ingredients. These flavors—including specialties like Koshu wine beef, fujinosuke (a premium hybrid salmon developed in Japan) and seasonal produce—are reimagined in a sophisticated collection of dishes. As you enjoy your meal, be sure to sample some of Hokuto’s renowned wine, sake, craft beer, shochu, and/or whisky, which are all produced from the region’s renowned pure water. Please note that the menu is subject to change depending on seasonal availability and ingredient sourcing (seasonal course menus are available).
For breakfast, you can choose between a Japanese meal, which highlights washoku (the traditional, centuries-old dietary cultures of Japan), and a Western meal, offering classic Japanese breakfast staples like bread, omurice, salad, and freshly squeezed juice.
Engaging facilities and onsite attractions
Kiyosato Kogen Resort houses a number of facilities and activities that allow you to experience the splendor of Kiyosato without even needing to leave the hotel. The hotel’s grounds also serve as a habitat for numerous birds, butterflies, and rare species, making it an excellent place for wildlife viewing.
- Astronomical Observation Dome: This dedicated observatory, located on the hotel’s fourth floor, offers complimentary stargazing sessions paired with commentary from a navigator.
- Walking Trails and Boating on Karamatsu Lake: Karamatsu Lake has a leisure walking path that takes about 15 minutes to complete. You can also rent a cute swan boat to traverse the lake’s surface. Please make a reservation at the front desk before visiting the dock.
- All-Weather Kids' Park: Even on rainy days, families with small children can create fun memories. The park has educational toys, such as MAGFORMERS’ magnetic shapes, large mountain-inspired play equipment, slides, tunnels, and an exciting indoor play space.
- 24-Hour Shop: If you are suddenly feeling peckish at night or are looking to do some souvenir shopping, the hotel’s 24-Hour Shop has you covered, offering Yamanashi specialty sweets, local alcoholic beverages, and original hotel goods at any time.
- Lobby: In addition to being a place you can lounge, the lobby also features an antique music box produced in the 1980s. The hotel plays it twice a day.
- Birdwatching: Kiyosato is one of Yamanashi's leading birdwatching areas, and you can observe approximately 80 species of wild birds, including resident birds and migratory birds. Please note that the below lists are not exhaustive.
- Resident birds: Japanese Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Varied Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Common Kingfisher, and Red-flanked Bluetail
- Summer birds (spring–autumn): Narcissus Flycatcher, Blue-and-White Flycatcher, Japanese Thrush, Common Cuckoo, and Siberian Blue Robin
- Winter birds (autumn–winter): Red-flanked Bluetail, Daurian Redstart, Brambling, Meadow Bunting, Eurasian Jay, and Eurasian Bullfinch
- Butterfly viewing: Kiyosato is also a haven for butterflies, including rare alpine species and the migratory Asagimadara butterfly (Chestnut Tiger butterfly) characterized by its translucent pale blue and black wings that resemble stained glass. You can see the Chestnut Tiger butterflies migrating north in early summer (around June) and traveling south in autumn (around September to October).
- Rare species observations: In terms of unique plants and animals, Kiyosato is home to the Japanese Dormouse, an endemic species designated as a National Natural Monument, and the rare Himalayan Blue Poppy (Meconopsis), a blue flower native to the Himalayas.
Swap the crowds from an authentic experience of Japanese nature
Kiyosato is your gateway to a side of Japan that many tourists have yet to discover. From Suwa in Nagano to Hokuto in Yamanashi, the region and beyond has no shortage of enchanting nature and cultural intrigue, including its local food and alcohol heritage. With Kiyosato Kogen Resort as your home away from home, you will find that nature and exploration never seemed closer.
How to reach Kiyosato and Kiyosato Kogen Resort
Situated in Yamanashi, Kiyosato is relatively easy to access from Tokyo and nearby prefectures in the Kanto region. From Tokyo, the simplified route is: Tokyo to Kobuchizawa Station, then Kobuchizawa Station to Kiyosato Station. From Nagoya, you follow the same directions.
- Tokyo (Shinjuku Station) → Kiyosato Station (2.5 hours): From Shinjuku Station, take a limited express train on the Chuo Line to Kobuchizawa Station (2 hours). Then, take a local train on the Koumi Line to Kiyosato Station (25 minutes). Alternatively, you can rent a car at Kobuchizawa Station and drive 20 minutes to the hotel. Along the way, you can stop at roadside stations and other attractions, making the journey itself part of the experience.
- Aichi (Nagoya Station) → Kiyosato Station (a little over 3 hours): From Nagoya Station, take a limited express train on the Chuo Line to Kobuchizawa Station (2 hours and 40 minutes). Then, take a local train on the Koumi Line to Kiyosato Station (25 minutes).
From Kiyosato Station, you can catch a complimentary hotel shuttle bus to Kiyosato Kogen Resort, as well as nearby sightseeing destinations. Two to three times a day, shuttle buses depart from the hotel and from popular tourist spots like Moegi Village, Seisen-Ryo, Kiyosato Station, and Kiyosato Terrace. In order to use the shuttle you must make a reservation by 6pm the day before. Please review the official site for departure and arrival times.
