When speaking of Japan, the image of Mount Fuji, with its symmetrically spreading slopes, likely springs to mind. Not only does it captivate with its elegant snow-covered peak in winter, but after the snow melts, the summer opening season also makes it a top destination for travelers who love nature and mountains.
Maybe the Yatsugatake Sightseeing Area isn't everyone's first choice when visiting Japan, but it’s a serene alternative for those enchanted by Mount Fuji views. It’s not limited to a single city or prefecture, encompassing northern Saitama City in Yamanashi Prefecture, Fujimiko Town and Haruno Village in Suwa District, Nagano Prefecture. Spread across an elevation difference of 1,000 meters, it’s known as a “sky resort.” Below, we’ve picked a few worthwhile spots to visit here — just compiling this list has me tempted to book another flight already!
How to Get to Yatsugatake
Taipei Songshan Airport –> Haneda Airport (by train) –> JR Shinagawa –> Shinjuku (JR Chuo Main Line) –> Kobuchizawa
Taoyuan International Airport –> Narita Airport (via JR Narita Express) –> Shinjuku (JR Chuo Main Line) –> Kobuchizawa
Yamanashi Prefectural Ranch Park
ACCESS: Take a taxi for about 10 minutes (approximately 5 km) from Kai-Oizumi Station or Kiyosato Station on the JR Koumi Line
TIME: April 20 – November 10, 9:00–17:00 (Closed Mondays); Ranch Restaurant open October 1 – November 30, 10:00–18:00 (Closed every third Tuesday), December 1 – March 31, 11:00–16:00 (Closed every Tuesday)
If you’re driving here, the winding mountain roads with pastoral scenery — plus the delightful surprise of catching occasional glimpses of Mount Fuji — are so soothing that you’ll lose track of time until you hear the high-pitched calls of the adorable goats. The lush green fields offer endless natural beauty. “Yamanashi Prefectural Ranch Park” is calming and reassuring, and you’ll often be surrounded by three lovely goats. Whether it’s the warmth of Choco, or the playfulness of Mint or Candy, these are the most vivid memories while standing on the park’s observation deck, gazing at Mount Fuji — a flawless World Heritage site — and other majestic peaks.
Sun Meadows Kiyosato | Kiyosato TERRACE
ACCESS: From Kobuchizawa Station on the JR Chuo Line, transfer to the JR Koumi Line to Kiyosato Station, then take a taxi for about 10 minutes or the picnic bus for around 20 minutes
TIME: Varies each year; in 2020, it was open from April 29 – May 10 and May 23 – November 8; closed outside of cable car operating periods
In winter, Kiyosato TERRACE serves as a ski area, but once the snow melts, the mountain cable car opens, taking visitors to the mountaintop for a comfortable view from the plateau observatory. As the cable car ascends the mountain, you can feel the serene stillness of the peaks and the calming effect on your mood. Once you reach the altitude of 1,900 meters, a sweeping mountain panorama unfolds. Sit on a lounge chair at the open-air observation deck, enjoy a leisurely coffee moment with the mountain scenery beside you, and occasionally, when the clouds part, catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji with its base veiled in a vast sea of white clouds. Feel like an immortal perched above it all, witnessing the ever-changing beauty of nature!
Sky Tour Bus
ACCESS: ① From Kobuchizawa Station on the JR Chuo Line, take a taxi for 10 minutes ② From Fujimiko Station on the JR Chuo Line, take a taxi for 15 minutes ③ From Kobuchizawa Station to Fujimi Plateau Resort, you can use a sightseeing bus voucher
TIME: April 1 – early December, midday session: 9:30–16:00; evening session: 18:00–21:00 (last admission at 20:00), runs every Saturday and in summer
There are so many beautiful sights in the area that it’s recommended to stay overnight. If you have a car, you can head to Fujimi Plateau to experience the “Sky Tour Bus.” Travel along a pre-set route up the mountain, taking in diverse peak views along the way. Enjoy the summer-cool breeze as you ascend to the clouds at an altitude of 1,420 meters. Once you reach the final stop, the “Bokkyo Hills Observation Deck,” you’ll be treated to an unobstructed panoramic view of Japan’s three great peaks: Mount Fuji, Mount Kitadake, and Mount Okuhotakadake. Stroll along the nearby trails close to the mountaintop for a forest phytoncide journey that completely relaxes the soul!
Exploring the beautiful sights around Mount Fuji, each tranquil scene and simple rural serenity leaves a peaceful impression. Even as time passes, the mountains stand unmoved, etching different life imprints in the forested landscape that remain timeless.
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