As spring transitions into early summer, Japan’s central highlands reveal a refreshing seasonal experience defined by space, clarity, and comfort. The Yatsugatake Highlands and the Southern Japanese Alps are characterized by cooler mountain air and wide-open scenery often associated with traditional European summer retreats such as the Alps.
Located within approximately two hours of Tokyo by car or train, the region offers an easy transition from a major city to a spacious highland environment. Rather than fast-paced sightseeing, visitors can enjoy gentle outdoor activities, seasonal experiences, and thoughtfully designed stays that resonate particularly well with family and multi-generational travel during the mild spring and early summer season.
In this edition, we introduce a selection of experiences that bring these qualities to life, offering a closer look at how nature, culture, and design come together in this part of Japan
Explore the Yatsugatake Highlands by E-bike
Located on the border of Yamanashi and Nagano
Exploring Yatsugatake by e-bike provides a practical and accessible way to move through the area. With electric-assisted support, travelers can comfortably cover gentle slopes and longer distances, making the experience suitable for a wide range of visitors, including families and travelers who may not typically choose cycling activities.
Guided e-bike tours organized by local operators combine mobility with local insight. Routes are designed to pass through scenic viewpoints, forests, farmland, and small rural communities. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, participants gain insights into the area’s landscape, local life, and seasonal production, while benefiting from a guided experience designed to ensure safety and ease of movement.
For travelers seeking an outdoor activity that balances light physical engagement with comfort, e-bike exploration in the Yatsugatake Highlands provides an engaging way to discover rural Japan within a relaxed and adaptable travel schedule.
Enjoy Comfortable Scenic Experiences at Fujimi Kogen Resort
Situated at an elevation of around 1,300 meters, Fujimi Kogen Resort offers panoramic views across the surrounding mountain landscape. From the “Sozo-no-Mori” observation area, visitors can enjoy wide-ranging sightlines that on clear days extend to both the Southern and Northern Japanese Alps, as well as Mount Fuji, creating a strong sense of scale.
A defining feature of Fujimi Kogen Resort is its approach to outdoor enjoyment, designed so that visitors of all types can experience the landscape comfortably. Facilities such as the automated cart service “Sky Cart” enable guests to reach elevated viewpoints with minimal physical effort. In addition, well-designed pathways make it easy to move throughout the resort.
Beyond scenic viewpoints, the resort offers various activities for visitors to engage more actively with the surrounding environment. Gentle walking routes, trekking through forested trails, golf courses, and nearby hot spring facilities allow visitors to adjust their day according to their interests and energy levels. Family-friendly attractions in the area, including farm visits and opportunities to interact with animals, further broaden the experiences available.
For travelers seeking cooler summer conditions and outdoor enjoyment without physical exertion, Fujimi Kogen Resort offers a balanced highland experience combining thoughtful access design and the flexibility that suits families and a wide variety of travelers
Seasonal Fruit Picking in Shinshu
The Shinshu region, corresponding to present-day Nagano Prefecture, is known for its favorable climate for fruit cultivation, including long hours of sunlight and significant temperature differences between day and night. These conditions contribute to the production of high-quality fruits, making the region one of Japan’s leading agricultural areas.
Miharashi Farm, situated in the Ina Valley with views of the Southern Japanese Alps, offers seasonal fruit picking experiences throughout much of the year. Depending on the season, visitors can harvest and enjoy strawberries in spring, blueberries in summer, and apples and grapes in autumn.
In addition to fruit picking, the farm provides hands-on culinary activities such as soba noodle making, bread baking, and tofu making, as well as gentle outdoor activities including walking trails and putting‑style golf. These experiences are well suited for families and multi‑generational groups, offering an engaging way to connect with local food culture and rural life at a relaxed pace.
An Art-Inspired Boutique Stay at Hotel Keyforest Hokuto
Conceived around the concept of a “stay‑in museum,” Hotel Keyforest Hokuto places art at the center of the guest experience. Works of contemporary art are thoughtfully integrated throughout the property, transforming the hotel itself into a curated cultural space rather than a conventional accommodation.
Set in the highland area of Kobuchizawa in Yamanashi Prefecture, the hotel is directly connected to the Nakamura Keith Haring Collection, allowing guests to engage with art while surrounded by the Yatsugatake Mountains and the Southern Japanese Alps. Forest pathways link the hotel and museum, encouraging calm and unhurried exploration of both art and architecture.
With only six guest rooms, Hotel Keyforest Hokuto offers a highly intimate, low-density stay. Guest rooms feature natural materials and large windows, creating a seamless connection to the outdoors. The small scale of the property ensures privacy and a sense of exclusivity.
For a more private and immersive stay, Ayus Villa Misen offers a separate villa within the same concept. The villa features a private outdoor hot spring bath, as well as access to an open-air onsen nearby. Additional features such as a rooftop terrace provide expansive mountain views and clear night skies.
By positioning art not as decoration but as the core of the stay, Hotel Keyforest Hokuto presents a distinctive mountain retreat where culture, privacy, and thoughtful design come together. This creates an experience that appeals to travelers seeking a refined and intellectually engaging stay in Japan.
