![[Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture] Touring spots you’ll want to visit by motorcycle | Enjoy the refreshing Yatsugatake](https://motopeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/4280-1760972972114.jpg)
The point indicated by the coordinates and address is the Hokuto Observation Parking Lot, which is located immediately on the left after turning the corner just after crossing the Yatsugatake Kogen Bridge.
The highland tourist destinations around the Yatsugatake Mountains evoke nostalgia for many visitors, especially the towns of Kiyosato, home to the Haramura Pension Village near Tateshina and Seisenryo Ryokan. The Yatsugatake Kogen Line (Prefectural Route 11), already open to the public for free, connects the Kobuchizawa Interchange on the Chuo Expressway to Kiyosato, and is famous for its 21km winding highland road that runs through the southern foothills of the Yatsugatake Mountains. While this road is extremely comfortable for riders, the Hokuto Yatsugatake Park Line (Prefectural Route 28) we’ll be introducing here is also a very pleasant road.
The point indicated by the coordinates and address in this report is the Hokuto Observation Parking Lot, located on the left hand side after crossing the Yatsugatake Kogen Bridge, about 9km (15 minutes by car) from the Nagasaka Interchange on the Chuo Expressway toward Kiyosato. Compared to the Yatsugatake Kogen Line, the road is newer, has gentler curves, and is a smoother surface. The surrounding scenery is open, and on clear days, the panoramic mountain ranges, including the Yatsugatake Mountains, are breathtaking. While the parking lot at the coordinate point does not have restrooms or other facilities, there are numerous facilities nearby, so you’ll have no trouble finding a place to rest or eat.
From the parking lot, drive about 4km to reach Kiyosato. Climb Paul Rusch Street to Seisen Ryokan. Exit onto National Route 141 and you’ll reach Moegi no Mura. Head north on Route 141 to Nobeyama (Koumi Line), the highest point on the JR line (1,375m above sea level). Off-road enthusiasts can also take the Nakatsugawa Forest Road, which passes through Kawakami Village and Mikuni Pass before heading to Chichibu. Continuing north on National Route 141, you can pass through Saku City and head towards Karuizawa, Asama, and Kusatsu. Conversely, heading south on Route 141 via Nirasaki City will take you to the Fuji Five Lakes and Tokyo, offering a variety of options for touring routes.
This is a refreshing touring route that is perfect for the autumn foliage season, especially on a nice day.
Yatsugatake is extremely famous among riders.
If you park your bike in the parking lot and walk to the Yatsugatake Kogen Bridge, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view, including the beautiful Mount Fuji in the distance.
Kiyosato, Takane-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture (approximately 5 minutes by car/approximately 2.7km from Kai-Oizumi Station on the JR Koumi Line)
In the distance you can see the snow-capped Japanese Alps.
The Yatsugatake mountain range can be seen from the Kiyosato area.
It is also recommended for viewing autumn leaves and stargazing in the coming season.
The ridgeline is clearly visible, and the fresh air that can only be found on a plateau with the moon peeking out is very pleasant.
Hokuto City Tourism Information Site “Hokuto Navi”
URL: hokuto-kanko.jp
You can see the Japanese Alps in the distance. There are many tourist cars, so please be careful when walking.
If you go down a side street, you will come across a peaceful view.
