Yatsugatake Area
The Mt. Yatsugatake mountain range with its main peak Mt. Akadake (2,899m) and the 3,000m Southern Alps with the lofty Mt. Kitadake (3,192.6m) make a magnificent, powerful mountain view. The Mt. Yatsugatake area is one of stunning nature that changes in various ways throughout the seasons and is a symbol of Japan’s highland resorts.
Kiyosato Highland stretches out across the foot of Mt. Yatsugatake, whose peaks range from an altitude of 800m to 1,500m. There are retreats, the best known being Seisen Ryo, hotels, pensions, art museums, restaurants, and at the night you can gaze out at the night sky full of stars – a sight not seen in urban areas.
The JR Koumi (Komi) Line which runs through this area is the highest local train line in Japan, and from the train window you can enjoy the boundless wilderness stretching out before you.
The area also has many attractions to enjoy such as skiing and other sports in winter, and original crafts in the village of artisans.
There is also an outlet mall where you can enjoy shopping.
Access
It takes approximately 2 hours from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to JR Kobuchizawa Station by train (JR Chuo Line), approximately 2 hours by car to Nagasaka I.C. on the Chuo Expressway, or around 2 hours 30 minutes by Chuo Highway Bus from Shinjuku Station West Exit.
It takes approximately 50 minutes by car or around 1 hour by train from the Mt. Yatsugatake area to the Kofu area.
From the Mt. Yatsugatake area to the Isawa area it takes 1 hour 10 minutes by car or 1 hour 15 minutes by train (Fuji Kyuko Line from Otsuki Station (JR Chuo Line)).
To the Fujikawaguchiko area it takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes by car or 1 hour 50 minutes by train on the Fuji Kyuko Line from Otsuki Station (JR Chuo Line).