[1 Night, 2 Days in Yamanashi] Refresh at a Highland Resort on the Southern Foothills of Yatsugatake!

[1 Night, 2 Days in Yamanashi] Refresh at a Highland Resort on the Southern Foothills of Yatsugatake!

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Written by :  mizutama_renga
Supervised by :  GOOD LUCK TRIP

Yamanashi Prefecture is known for Mt. Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes, historic sites tied to the famed Sengoku-era warlord Takeda Shingen, and as a major fruit-producing region.
Across the prefecture, you’ll find attractions where you can enjoy nature, history, and local food, drawing many visitors in every season.
This trip takes you to Kiyosato, a highland resort spread across the southern foothills of Yatsugatake, and the surrounding area.
Cool even in summer, this area is packed with places where you can experience its rich natural beauty, including ranches, flower fields, and scenic cafes.
Starting from Kofu Station, why not set out on a relaxing 1-night, 2-day trip to refresh yourself?

Day 1 | Head to Kiyosato, a highland resort that’s also popular as a summer retreat

The trip starts at JR Kofu Station, which is easy to reach in Approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes from Tokyo Station by JR Limited Express on the Chuo Line.
From here, take the Chuo Main Line to Kobuchizawa Station, then transfer to the sightseeing train HIGH RAIL for Kiyosato Station.
The first stop, about a 10-minute walk from the station, is Moeginomura, a complex where nature and art come together.

Take a stroll through the lush grounds of Moeginomura!

The first place to visit is Moeginomura, a multi-purpose complex surrounded by Kiyosato’s rich natural beauty.
Centered around a wildflower garden, the grounds are dotted with classical buildings, unique shops, cafes, and places where you can enjoy craft experiences.
One spot you won’t want to miss is Carousel Dream, the only merry-go-round in Japan set in a forest.
Even just walking among the green trees feels refreshing, letting you enjoy the slow pace of the highlands.

For lunch, enjoy the signature dish at Moeginomura ROCK

After your walk, you’ll probably be ready for lunch. Head to ROCK, the restaurant inside Moeginomura, for a meal you’ve been looking forward to.
At this long-loved favorite in the Kiyosato Highlands, the must-try dish is the signature ROCK Beef Curry.
It’s a Kiyosato specialty, with 150,000 orders served each year.
Another recommendation is the original craft beer brewed at Yatsugatake Brewery, which has won world championships in numerous competitions.

Take an Approx. 10-minute ride through the sky to Kiyosato Terrace, then enjoy cafe time with spectacular views

After lunch, take a taxi for Approx. 15 minutes to Sun Meadows Kiyosato Foothill Center House. Then hop on the panoramic lift and enjoy an Approx. 10-minute ride through the sky to Kiyosato Terrace.
Located at an elevation of 1,900 meters, this open-air scenic spot offers a sweeping panorama of Mt. Fuji and the Nobeyama Highlands.
Sit back on a resort-style garden sofa and enjoy a relaxing cafe break while taking in the beautiful view.
Feel the highland breeze and spend a leisurely moment here.

From the garden sofas lined up on the lawn, you can even see a sea of clouds on clear days
From the garden sofas lined up on the lawn, you can even see a sea of clouds on clear days

Head to Seisenryo, a popular place to stay where you can fully enjoy magnificent nature

After enjoying Kiyosato Terrace, take the lift back down to the base, then ride a taxi for Approx. 10 minutes to Seisenryo.
This popular lodging sits on expansive grounds, welcoming visitors with sweeping views of the Yatsugatake Mountains and the Southern Alps right in front of them.
Rooms come in a wide variety of styles, including the main building, new building, and cottages, so you can choose what best suits your trip.
There is also the open-air bath Seisen no Yu, which uses spring water from Yatsugatake, where you can stretch out and soothe away the fatigue of travel.

The main building also has a charming classical atmosphere
The main building also has a charming classical atmosphere

In addition to the lodging buildings, the grounds also have cafes, restaurants, and gift shops, another nice point that makes your stay even more fulfilling.
The famous Seisenryo Soft Cream at Seisenryo Jersey Hut has a rich flavor and is perfect for a short break during your walk.
A classic way to enjoy this place is to soak your feet in Seisen Footbath while savoring soft cream and taking in the grand scenery.

Day 2 | Start early with a ranch walk! From Kiyosato to Akeno, one of Japan’s sunniest areas

On day two, enjoy a morning walk from Seisenryo, then head about 20 minutes on foot to Makiba Park, located in the highland area on the southern foothills of Yatsugatake.

Enjoy meeting animals at spacious Makiba Park

Makiba Park, developed as part of Yamanashi Prefectural Yatsugatake Ranch, lets you interact with animals such as sheep, goats, and ponies, and if you stroll along the walking paths, you can also enjoy spectacular views overlooking the Southern Alps and the Yatsugatake mountain range.
As you walk under the blue sky while watching the animals roam freely, you may feel your mind naturally relax. There is also a cafe and shop, making it easy to enjoy a peaceful highland morning surrounded by nature.

Relax over flowers and lunch at Yamanashi Prefectural Flower Center Heidi's Village

After enjoying a morning walk at Makiba Park, take a taxi for Approx. 10 minutes to Kiyosato Station.
Take the Yatsugatake Kogen Line to Kobuchizawa Station, then transfer to the JR Chuo Main Line for 25 minutes to Anayama Station. From there, take a taxi to your destination.
Yamanashi Prefectural Flower Center Heidi's Village is a flower-and-greenery theme park that recreates the world of the anime Heidi, Girl of the Alps.
Inside the park, you’ll find buildings modeled after Swiss streetscapes and exhibits that recreate scenes from the story.
First, enjoy lunch at the park restaurant with its specialty cheese fondue.
After the meal, spend a relaxing afternoon taking commemorative photos at the recreated Alm mountain hut and strolling through gardens filled with seasonal flowers.

The Alm mountain hut, where you can fully immerse yourself in the world of Heidi, Girl of the Alps
The Alm mountain hut, where you can fully immerse yourself in the world of Heidi, Girl of the Alps

A summer-only spectacular view! Be amazed by the vast sunflower fields of Akeno

At the foot of Yatsugatake, in the Akeno area of Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, said to have the longest sunshine duration in Japan, you’ll find Akeno Sunflower Fields, where Approx. 400,000 sunflowers bloom.
To match the blooming season, the Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival is held every year from late July to early August, drawing large crowds.
The contrast between the summer blue sky and the vivid sunflowers is truly spectacular.
This photogenic and breathtaking scenery is sure to become a wonderful summer-only memory.
Planning your trip around this seasonal view is also highly recommended.

The stunning sight of sunflowers set against the beautiful ridgelines of the Southern Alps and Yatsugatake is unforgettable!
The stunning sight of sunflowers set against the beautiful ridgelines of the Southern Alps and Yatsugatake is unforgettable!

1-night, 2-day Yamanashi model course schedule

Day 1

10:00
JR Kofu Station
...
Chuo Main Line → Kobuchizawa Station → transfer to the sightseeing train HIGH RAIL → Kiyosato Station → 10-minute walk
11:00
Moeginomura
12:30
Moeginomura ROCK
...
Approx. 15 minutes by taxi → Approx. 10 minutes on the panoramic lift
14:10
Kiyosato Terrace
...
Approx. 10 minutes on the panoramic lift → Approx. 10 minutes by taxi
15:30
Seisenryo

Day 2

9:00
Makiba Park
...
Approx. 10 minutes by taxi → Kiyosato Station → Yatsugatake Kogen Line to Kobuchizawa Station → transfer to the JR Chuo Main Line for 25 minutes → Anayama Station → Approx. 10 minutes by taxi
12:00
Yamanashi Prefectural Flower Center Heidi's Village

Summary

How did you like this trip through the highland resorts of the southern foothills of Yatsugatake in Yamanashi Prefecture?
On this model course through Kiyosato and Akeno, you can enjoy relaxing moments surrounded by flowers and greenery, along with spectacular seasonal scenery.
When planning your trip, be sure to check out the article below as well.

mizutama_renga

Author

Working at Travel Publishing

mizutama_renga