Local Guide
Know the four seasons, climate, and clothing in Yatsugatake, Kiyosato, and Kobuchizawa.

The southern foot of Yatsugatake (Hokuto City) is surrounded by mountains on all sides: the Yatsugatake mountain range to the north, the Chichibu Mountains to the northeast, Chigatake to the south, and Kaikomagatake to the southwest. Hokuto City is the largest and widest area in Yamanashi Prefecture and is home to a number of national and quasi-national parks.
The city has a large difference in elevation, with the center of Hokuto City at around 500 m above sea level, Kobuchizawa at around 900 m above sea level, and Kiyosato Plateau at around 1,300 m above sea level. 100 m higher in elevation results in a 0.6°C drop in temperature, so be prepared to dress differently in each area.
The average annual temperature is 11.3℃. The average annual temperature is 11.3°C, about 5°C lower than Tokyo's average temperature of 16.4°C. The region has an inland climate with large daily and annual temperature differences. In the lower elevation areas, the Kofu Basin is close by, so the heat peculiar to the basin continues in summer, while Obuchizawa and Kiyosato in the highland areas are cool and comfortable, but winters are bitterly cold.
The Kanto Koshin region has the longest hours of sunlight and the most sunny days in the region.

Comparison of temperatures in Oizumi, Hokuto City with those in Tokyo

Yamataka Jindai Cherry Blossom, designated as a national natural monument
Yamataka Jindai Cherry Blossom, designated as a national natural monument

The average minimum temperature in March is -1.1°C and the average temperature is 4.3°C. Compared to Tokyo's average temperature of 9.8°C for the same month, it is still cold in the Yatsugatake area, so you need to take warm clothing. With an average maximum temperature of 10.1°C, you may feel a little warmer during the day, but the northerly winds are chilly and a down coat or heavy coat is essential.
In late March, flowers and grasses sprout, and cherry blossoms bloom in mid-April. The average temperature rises to 9.2℃.
May is the season for active play in the great outdoors, including trekking and ranching experiences. The average maximum temperature is over 20°C, and during the day you can comfortably spend your time with a long-sleeved shirt and a light jacket, but the average minimum temperature is 9.2°C, which is less than 10°C. Due to the large difference in temperature, it is recommended to prepare a thick jacket or light sweater.

Places to see cherry blossoms in Yamanashi and the best time to visit

Sunflower field in Akeno
Sunflower field in Akeno

The Yatsugatake area is popular as a summer resort because of its cool and dry climate. In July and August, the average maximum temperature does not exceed 30°C, making it a comfortable place to spend time, except in areas at lower elevations. In the center of Hokuto City, which is close to the Kofu Basin, the temperatures can reach 30°C or higher, and the heat and humidity characteristic of the basin are sufficient for a T-shirt and sleeveless shirt.
In Yatsugatake, the highland areas such as Kobuchizawa and Kiyosato are lively in summer. Music festivals and art festivals are held, and Akeno Town boasts 600,000 sunflowers in full bloom, which is a tradition in the area.

Ishikurakawa Canyon
Ishikurakawa Canyon

The average temperature in Tokyo in September is 24.6℃ and 19.2℃ in October. In comparison, the Yatsugatake area experiences an earlier autumn with temperatures of 19.4°C in September and 13.6°C in October. The morning and evening temperatures are cooler, with the average minimum temperature in September being 15.1°C. However, in October, the mornings and evenings suddenly become cold, and the average minimum temperature drops to 8.9°C, so be sure to pack a sweater or coat. The best time to view the autumn foliage at Kannon-daira and Fuji is from mid-October to mid-November, when the average temperature drops to 7.8°C and the weather becomes even colder. During this time of the year, you will need to take winter protection. Be prepared to wear a down coat, scarf, hat, boots, etc. to keep your feet warm.

Winter in the Yatsugatake area is very cold because of the strong and cold northwest wind, "Yatsugatake Oroshi" (wind blowing from the Yatsugatake mountains). The average temperature in Tokyo is 5-8℃, but in the Yatsugatake area, it is 2.2℃ in December, -0.8℃ in January, and 0.4℃ in February. When going out, be sure to take thorough cold-weather precautions. It is recommended that you wear a thick inner layer, a sweater, a down coat, and of course, snow boots. You will also need a scarf, ear muffs, gloves, hat, and body warmer.
The highland areas at high elevation have a lot of snowfall, and you can enjoy winter activities such as skiing in the Kiyosato area and viewing the tree ice near the Kita-Yatsugatake ropeway.

After enjoying sightseeing, spend a relaxing time at a wine resort on the Yatsugatake plateau. Enjoy shopping and dining at the 19 stores along Piment Street, decorated with seasonal events and unique decorations, and meet your favorite wines at YATSUGATAKE Wine House, which offers a wide selection of regional wines. The indoor wave pool can be enjoyed before check-in or after check-out, and visitors can spend their time playing in the abundant nature with a variety of activities ranging from horseback riding, which is a part of the town's culture, to aerial tours above the trees.

A wine resort with a European townscape on the Yatsugatake plateau

Guest rooms expressing the nature of Yatsugatake and the wine resort
Guest rooms expressing the nature of Yatsugatake and the wine resort

This highland resort is located at the foot of a 960-meter-high mountain, about 90 minutes by car from Tokyo, and offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Yatsugatake, the Southern Alps mountain range, and Mt. It is a summer retreat in summer and a place to enjoy winter sports in winter. The Property, which was designed by a world-renowned architect to resemble an Italian mountain city, is equipped with Guest rooms where you can relax as if you were living in a house, an indoor swimming pool with large waves, a Books & Café, the YATSUGATAKE Wine House with 24 kinds of wine from Yamanashi and Nagano Prefectures, Activities in the magnificent nature, and a restaurant where you can enjoy the land. The YATSUGATAKE Wine House offers 24 varieties of wines from Yamanashi and Nagano prefectures, and activities in the magnificent natural environment. A pet room where you can spend time with your dog was also renovated in April 2020.

Declaration of the Highest Level of Corona Protection
Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake has declared the highest level of Corona countermeasures to be implemented at all of its Properties to ensure a safe and comfortable stay for its guests, based on the two measures of "hygiene management" and "avoidance of the three clandestine areas. Corona countermeasures We are implementing the "Corona Countermeasure," which is an evolution of our existing services, at all our facilities.

Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake
  • Address 129-1 Kobuchizawa-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi MAP
  • Bus Direction 5 minutes by free shuttle bus from JR Kobuchizawa Station or 5 minutes by car from Kobuchizawa I.C. on Chuo Expressway
  • TEL 0570-073-055（Reservations)
  • Parking Available
  • memo Click here to make a reservation
    Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake Reservation Site
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.