Kiyosato Plateau Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Kiyosato Plateau. Explore its natural and cultural attractions, and immerse in the local culture and cuisine.


Introduction to Kiyosato Plateau

Kiyosato Plateau is a beautiful natural area situated in Yamanashi Prefecture, in the Chubu region of Japan. Known for its stunning scenery, fresh air, and cool climate, it attracts tourists from all over Japan and the world. Kiyosato Plateau is located at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level, making it a perfect place to escape the summer heat and enjoy outdoor adventures. The area is surrounded by picturesque mountains, including Mt. Yatsugatake and Mt. Fuji, two of Japan’s most famous peaks.

List of Places to Visit in Kiyosato Plateau

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Kiyosato Plateau offers a wealth of cultural attractions that are worth visiting. Here are some of the top highlights:

  • Kiyosato Museum of Photographic Arts: This museum showcases works of photography from all around the world and features rotating exhibitions throughout the year. The museum building itself is an architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned architect Hiroshi Nakamura.
  • Kiyosato no Mori Museum: This museum is dedicated to Kiyosato’s cultural history, including exhibits on the area’s origins, growth, and unique local customs.
  • Kiyosato Music Box Museum: This museum houses a vast collection of music boxes old and new, with some boxes dating back to the 18th century.

Natural Attractions of Kiyosato Plateau: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Kiyosato Plateau is a nature lover’s paradise. Here are some of the top natural attractions in the area:

  • Shirakoma Pond: This pond is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, with views of Mt. Yatsugatake and Mt. Fuji. There are walking trails around the pond, making it an excellent spot for hiking and picnics.
  • Oshino Hakkai: This group of eight natural springs is said to be one of the purest water sources in Japan. They are also surrounded by picturesque views, including the nearby Mount Fuji.
  • Kiyosato Highland Park: This park features a stunning botanical garden of flowers and trees, as well as hiking trails offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kiyosato Plateau

Kiyosato Plateau is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to hike or bike the area’s mountain trails. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Yatsugatake Mountain Range: This mountain range offers various hiking trails that give hikers different levels of difficulty, and a chance to explore the beauty of the Yatsugatake area.
  • Kiyosato Plateau Road: This scenic route is perfect for cyclists and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and picturesque countryside.

Best Things to Do in Kiyosato Plateau: Activities and Tours

Kiyosato Plateau has a wide variety of activities and tours that visitors can enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do in the area:

  • Hot air balloon rides: Tourists can enjoy breathtaking views of Kiyosato Plateau and its surroundings while experiencing a hot air balloon ride.
  • Horseback riding: Visitors can explore Kiyosato Plateau on horseback and enjoy the views while learning more about the area from a skilled guide.
  • Winter sports: Kiyosato Plateau is an excellent choice for winter sports lovers, offering skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and other winter activities.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kiyosato Plateau

The following is a suggested week-long itinerary for exploring Kiyosato Plateau and its surrounding areas:

  • Day 1: Arrive at Kiyosato Plateau and visit the Kiyosato Museum of Photographic Arts in the afternoon.
  • Day 2: Spend the day hiking in the Yatsugatake mountain range.
  • Day 3: Visit the Oshino Hakkai springs in the morning, followed by an afternoon horseback riding tour of Kiyosato Plateau.
  • Day 4: Enjoy a hot air balloon ride in the morning, followed by an afternoon visit to the Kiyosato no Mori Museum.
  • Day 5: Spend the day exploring the Kiyosato Highland Park and other natural areas in the region.
  • Day 6: Take a day trip to nearby Mt. Fuji and its surrounding attractions.
  • Day 7: Depart Kiyosato Plateau or spend the day relaxing and exploring local shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Food and Drink Scene of Kiyosato Plateau

Kiyosato Plateau is a food lover’s paradise, with a range of local dishes and beverages to choose from. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks in the area:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Houtou: This hearty soup is a delicacy in the Yamanashi Prefecture, made with thick udon noodles and vegetables cooked in miso soup.
  • Oshizushi: This pressed sushi is a specialty of Yamanashi Prefecture, with fresh fish combined with sushi rice and then pressed into square shapes.
  • Koshu wine: This special wine is made from grapes grown in the Koshu Valley region, and it goes well with all kinds of food.

Local Beverages

  • Yamanashi Green Tea: This local tea is grown on the slopes of Mount Fuji and is famous for its unique taste and aroma.
  • Suntory Whiskey: Suntory is one of Japan’s most famous whiskey producers and has a distillery and a tasting room in Yamanashi Prefecture.

Where to Stay in Kiyosato Plateau: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kiyosato Plateau offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Here are some of our top recommendations:

  • Kiyosato Kogen Hotel: This hotel offers outstanding views of the surrounding mountains and features an onsen (hot spring) to relax in after a long day of exploring.
  • Kiyosato Terrace: This hotel is designed to blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings, offering stunning views and eco-friendly practices.
  • Pension Bella Vista: This family-friendly guesthouse offers comfortable rooms and a warm atmosphere, with a focus on relaxation and unwinding.

What to Buy in Kiyosato Plateau: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Kiyosato Plateau is the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir or gift for friends and family. Here are some of the top local goods to bring back home:

  • Koshu Wine: As mentioned before, the Koshu Valley area produces some of the best wine in Japan, making it a great souvenir for wine lovers.
  • Houtou Noodles: Visitors can purchase dried houtou noodles to take home and recreate the dishes they have tasted in local restaurants.
  • Kiyosato Music Box: Visitors can take home a beautiful handcrafted music box as a unique gift or souvenir from Kiyosato Plateau.

Local Culture and Customs of Kiyosato Plateau

Kiyosato Plateau is known for its unique local culture and customs. Visitors can learn about the area’s history by visiting its many museums and historical sites. Some of the customs to note include:

  • The locals like to stay quiet while they are outdoors in nature so that they can enjoy the peaceful surroundings fully.
  • Traditional music and dance are still prevalent in the area, and visitors can often catch performances at local events and festivals.

Best Time to Visit Kiyosato Plateau

The best time to visit Kiyosato Plateau is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its most beautiful. During the summer months, Kiyosato Plateau is an excellent place to escape the heat and enjoy outdoor adventures. Winters can be snowy and cold, but it provides a unique opportunity to engage in winter sports activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kiyosato Plateau

Do:

  • Respect the natural surroundings by not littering or damaging the plants and wildlife in the area.
  • Try the local dishes and beverages to experience the area’s unique flavors.
  • Learn about the local culture and customs by visiting museums and attending local events and festivals.

Don’t:

  • Be too loud or disruptive while outdoors to allows others to enjoy peace and quiet.
  • Ignore safety guidelines during outdoor adventures or sports activities.
  • Be disrespectful of local traditions or customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kiyosato Plateau

Kiyosato Plateau is a relatively safe destination for visitors, but some precautions should still be taken. These include:

  • Dress appropriately for outdoor activities, bringing extra layers in case of changing weather conditions.
  • Be cautious when hiking or exploring the surrounding mountains and follow safety guidelines to avoid accidents.
  • Respect wildlife and avoid close encounters with animals.

Health in Kiyosato Plateau

Like most destinations, it is recommended to take standard precautions when visiting Kiyosato Plateau, such as:

  • Drink only bottled water.
  • Wear sunscreen and insect repellent when outdoors.
  • Consult with a doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns.

Getting to Kiyosato Plateau: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kiyosato Plateau

The closest airport to Kiyosato Plateau is Tokyo’s Narita International Airport, which is about 220 kilometers away. Haneda International Airport, also in Tokyo, is about 150 kilometers away, allowing for visitors from around the world to access the area easily.

Bus Stations Near Kiyosato Plateau

Kiyosato Plateau is well-served by buses from nearby cities and towns, with buses running frequently and regularly throughout the day. Visitors can take buses from Yamanashi City, which is only about 30 kilometers away, or from Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture.

Other Options

Visitors can also opt to rent a car and drive to Kiyosato Plateau, as it provides a great opportunity to explore the area at their leisure.

How to Get Around in Kiyosato Plateau

The best way to get around Kiyosato Plateau is by car, although visitors can also opt to take local buses or hire a taxi. For those interested in exploring on foot or bike, many hiking trails are easily accessible, and bike rentals are available in the area.

Where to Go Next from Kiyosato Plateau: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring Kiyosato Plateau, visitors can continue their journey by exploring other nearby cities and areas, including:

  • Yamanashi: This city, also located in Yamanashi Prefecture, is famous for its sake production and its beautiful cherry blossom views along the Shingen-Kaido street
  • Matsumoto: This city in Nagano Prefecture is known for its famous Matsumoto Castle and the beautiful scenery of the Japan Alps.

Conclusion

Kiyosato Plateau is an excellent destination for travelers looking for outdoor adventures, unique local culture and customs, and great food and drink. With a range of activities and attractions, visitors will have an unforgettable experience and memories that will last a lifetime.

Street in front of Kiyosato Street in front of Kiyosato Kiyosato Highland Park Kiyosato Highland Park Seisen dormitory Seisen dormitory