Located at an elevation of around 1,200 meters in northern Yamanashi Prefecture, the Kiyosato and Yatsugatake area is one of Japan’s most beloved highland resorts—particularly popular as a summer retreat. Just a 2- to 3-hour drive from Tokyo, the region offers a refreshing escape from the city, with cool breezes and tranquil natural surroundings that make it perfect for a peaceful summer holiday.
Once known as the “Switzerland of Japan,” Kiyosato developed as a vibrant tourist hub filled with resort hotels and charming pensions. Its appeal remains strong today, offering sweeping pastures, white birch forests, and Alpine-like vistas that provide deep relaxation for those seeking refuge from the demands of urban life.
Around Kiyosato Station, visitors will find destinations like Seisenryo and Moeginomura, where nature and culture blend harmoniously. Seisenryo’s rich yet refreshing soft-serve ice cream is a local favorite. From its scenic terrace, you can take in breathtaking views of the Yatsugatake mountain range while enjoying a café lunch featuring ingredients sourced from the local countryside.
The surrounding forests of the Kiyosato and Yatsugatake area offer a range of beginner-friendly trekking courses. Thanks to the high elevation, the summer air remains cool and crisp, and simply walking under dappled sunlight brings a natural sense of rhythm and peace. Popular trails around Doryu Falls and the Yatsugatake Nature Interaction Center are particularly well-maintained and ideal for families with children.
This region is also perfect for stargazing. With clean air and minimal light pollution, the night sky reveals a breathtaking blanket of stars. At the Nobeyama Radio Observatory, located at an altitude of 1,900 meters, visitors can enjoy educational programs and guided tours, offering a rare opportunity to learn about the universe in a deeply moving and memorable setting.
Accommodations in the area are varied, from log-style cottages and highland resort hotels to boutique lodges that incorporate art and design. All are close to nature, where the morning is greeted by birdsong and the night is filled with the soothing sounds of insects. Enjoying breakfast on a terrace or gathering around a bonfire adds a unique rhythm to your stay—something you won’t find in the city.
Summer in Yatsugatake is not just about escaping the heat; it’s about embracing a slower, more intentional way of living. Whether through food, nature, art, or learning, everything here is wrapped in the fresh mountain air—offering a kind of quiet luxury that turns ordinary moments into cherished memories.