1Yatsugatake Highlands Bridge

The colorful valley and yellow bridge harmonize with the majestic Yatsugatake mountain range in the background.

This 100m high, 490m long bridge spans the Kawamata River valley on Prefectural Route 28, which connects the Chuo Expressway Nagasaka IC to Kiyosato. The Higashizawa Ohashi Bridge, which also spans the Kawamata River, is commonly known as the "Red Bridge," while this bridge is known as the "Yellow Bridge." It is a popular scenic spot overlooking the majestic beauty of the valley, with the Yatsugatake mountain range centered around Akadake to the north, the Southern Alps to the southwest, and Mt. Fuji to the south.
During the autumn foliage season, the larch, birch, and maple trees turn a colorful red, creating an elegant landscape that resembles a masterpiece, combined with the surrounding scenery. If you view it from the observation deck Parking on the Kiyosato side, you can enjoy the contrast between the yellow bridge and the autumn leaves.

[When the leaves start to change color] Usually from early to mid-October
[Best time to see] Late October to early November
[Types of autumn leaves] Larch, birch, maple, etc.

Yatsugatake Highlands Bridge

• Yamanashi Prefecture Hokuto City Takane Town Higashiide MAP
• Approximately 12 minutes by car from JR Kiyosato Station
• From JR Kiyosato Station, take the "Kiyosato Picnic Bus" on the Oizumi Tour Route for about 22 minutes and get off at the "Yatsugatake Ohashi-Nakamura Farm" stop
  *The Kiyosato Picnic Bus operates on limited days and during limited periods. For details, please see Here Please check.
• 0551-30-7866（北杜市観光協会）
• free

2Higashizawa Bridge

A red arch bridge that stands out against the autumn leaves of the valley

This is a view spot that represents the Kiyosato Plateau, a popular resort at the southern foot of the Yatsugatake Mountains. It is a 90m-long arch bridge that spans the Higashizawa Valley of the Kawamata River. Nicknamed the "Red Bridge" for its red-painted appearance, it is also a popular spot for photography and sketching. The scenery created by the red bridge and the Yatsugatake Mountains, which show different faces throughout the seasons, is magnificent, but it is especially special during the autumn foliage season. The colorful larch, Erman's birch, silver birch, maple trees, and other trees create a spectacular contrast between the majestic Yatsugatake Mountains and the red of the bridge. There is an observation deck on the Kiyosato side of the bridge, so you can enjoy the spectacular view while walking across the bridge.
We also recommend the Doryu Falls, located downstream of the Kawamata River from Higashizawa Bridge.

[When the leaves start to change color] Usually from early to mid-September
[Best time to see] Early October to early November
[Types of autumn leaves] Larch, Erman's birch, white birch, maple, etc.

Higashizawa Bridge

• Yamanashi Prefecture Hokuto City Oizumi Nishiide MAP
• Approximately 6 minutes by car from JR Kiyosato Station
• From JR Kiyosato Station, take the "Kiyosato Picnic Bus" on the Oizumi Tour Route for about 7 minutes and get off at "Higashizawa Ohashi"
  *The Kiyosato Picnic Bus operates on limited days and during limited periods. For details, please see Here Please check.
• 0551-30-7866（北杜市観光協会）
• free

3Nyukasayama

Take an aerial stroll through the gorgeous scenery

Mount Nyukasa is located at the northern end of the Southern Alps. Take an 8-seater gondola from the Gondola Base Station at Fujimi Panorama Resort and head straight from the base of the mountain to the Gondola Summit Station at an altitude of 1,780m. From there, you can easily trek to the Nyukasa Marsh and the summit of Mount Nyukasa. From the summit, you can see Mount Fuji as well as the Southern, Central and Northern Alps. During the autumn foliage season, you can enjoy the "three-tiered autumn foliage" where the peak, middle and foothills of the Yatsugatake Mountains change color in three tiers of red, yellow and orange.
Also, on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from early October to mid-November, in addition to the regular gondolas, the "Premium Unkai Gondola" (from 5:30 am) will be operating. The fantastical scenery of the sea of clouds shining golden in the morning sun from Yatsugatake and Mt. Fuji floating above the clouds can only be enjoyed during this time of year.
There is a cafe located right after you get off the gondola at the summit station, so be sure to try the soft serve ice cream made with rhubarb, a vegetable unique to Fujimi, while taking in the spectacular view.

[Start of coloring] Usually around mid-September
[Best time to see] Mid-October to late October
[Types of autumn leaves] Maple, Japanese maple, larch, etc.

▼Premium Sea of Clouds Gondola
Period: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from (Sat) October 4th to (Mon) November 24th, 2025
Time: 5:30 (ticket sales start at 5:15)
remarks: https://www.fujimipanorama.com/summer/event/

Nyukasayama

• Fujimi Panorama Resort, 6666-703 Fujimi, Fujimi-cho, Suwa-gun, Nagano Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 8 minutes by car from JR Fujimi Station *Free shuttle bus available from JR Fujimi Station
• gondola
  Green Season: April 25th (Fri)- November 24th (Mon, National Holiday), 2025
  April to October: 8:30 to 16:00 (last downbound trip 16:30)
  November onwards: 8:30-15:30 (last downbound trip 16:00)
  
  Summit Cafe 9:30-15:30
• Gondola round trip: Adults 2,400 yen / Children (elementary school students) 1,200 yen, one way: Adults 1,600 yen / Children 800 yen
• 0266-62-5666（富士見パノラマリゾート）
• free
• *Gondola operation times may change depending on weather conditions.

4Mizugaki Lake

A spectacular combination of autumn leaves reflected on the lake and a white bridge

This artificial lake is the gateway to Masutomi Radium Hot Springs, one of the best radium hot spring in Japan. It was built on the Shiokawa River, which flows into the Kamanose River and Hontani River that flow from Mt. Mizugaki and Mt. Kinpu, part of the Okuchichibu mountain range, and is surrounded by mountains, making it a lake rich in nature.
During the autumn foliage season, the mountains colored with maples, oaks, and sumac trees, and the white arched Rokumeikyo Bridge, Lake Mizugaki's signature bridge, are reflected on the lake's surface, creating a truly mystical sight. There is a visitor's center facing the northern shore of the lake, and you can enjoy the view of the lake and the autumn leaves while relaxing and dining at Restaurant.
There is also an observation deck and the cold mineral spring "Yosya no Yu" along the lakeside, and it is recommended to take a stroll around the lakeside for about an hour.

[When the leaves start to change color] Usually from mid-October to late October
[Best time to see] Early to mid-November
[Types of autumn leaves] Maple, Mizunara, Urushi, etc.

Mizugaki Lake

• Yamanashi Prefecture Hokuto City Suwamachi Hishi MAP
• From JR Nirasaki Station, take the Yamako Town Coach bus bound for "Masutomi hot spring" for about 50 minutes, get off at "Shiokawa" and walk for about 10 minutes
• 0551-45-0081（みずがき湖ビジターセンター）
• free

5Ojiragawa Valley

Admire the beautiful autumn foliage of the valley in this village of famous water

The Ojiro River, which originates from Mt. Kaikoma, a famous peak at the northern end of the Southern Alps, has been selected as one of the Ministry of the Environment's "100 Famous Waters" and is a famous water source that is often used as a location for TV commercials, etc. There is a promenade along the valley from Parking, and as you walk there you will find many sights to see, such as the transparent emerald green Sengafuchi, the three-tiered Jinja Falls, and the powerful Fudo Falls.
It's breathtakingly beautiful no matter what season you visit, but it's especially graceful during the autumn foliage season. The beech and maple trees turn red and yellow, harmonizing with the emerald green of the waterfall basins at Sengafuchi and other spots, creating a mystical landscape that is almost divine. The standard walking course to Shinjataki Falls takes three hours round trip. If you extend your trip to Fudotaki Falls, it will take an additional hour. You can enjoy the unique beauty of the mountain stream that appears one after the other.

[Start of coloring] Upstream: Early to mid-October, Downstream: Mid-October to late October
[Best time to see] Late October to late November upstream, early November to late November downstream
[Types of autumn leaves] Beech, maple, etc.

Ojiragawa Valley

• Hakushu Town, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 30 minutes by car from JR Kobuchisawa Station
• 0551-30-7866（北杜市観光協会）
• free
• Beyond Sengafuchi the trail becomes a mountain climbing course. As there is a risk of slipping, please be sure to wear hiking boots and proper mountain climbing equipment.
  People with little mountain climbing experience, children, and those who are not confident in their physical strength are not allowed to use this trail.

6Shosenkyo

Gorgeous autumn foliage in a valley designated as a special national scenic spot

Located about 30 minutes by car from Kofu Station, this is a representative tourist spot in Yamanashi Prefecture that has been designated as a special national scenic spot. There are many attractions, including Kakuenpo, the main peak of Shosenkyo, and Sengataki Waterfall, which has been carving the granite rock face over a long period of time, as well as numerous oddly shaped rocks and stones, and it attracts many tourists throughout the year.
During the autumn foliage season, azaleas, maples, and cherry blossoms paint the valley in vibrant colors, and their beauty is further accentuated by the dynamic rock formations. Due to the difference in elevation, the autumn leaves can be viewed for over a month. There are various ways to enjoy the area, such as easily seeing the famous sights while walking or trekking along the stream, or taking a ropeway to enjoy the spectacular views and power spots.

[Start of coloring] Mid-October
[Best time to see] Late October to late November
[Types of autumn leaves] Azalea, maple, cherry blossom, etc.

Shosenkyo

• Chichibu-Tama National Park, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture MAP
• From JR Kofu Station, take the local bus bound for Shosenkyo for about 30 minutes and get off at "Shosenkyo Takigami"
• 055-287-2111（昇仙峡観光協会）
• free
• For more information about the Shosenkyo Ropeway, please see the official website.

7Doryu Falls

The beautiful Kinuito Falls flowing among the autumn leaves

Located along the Kawamata River Higashizawa Valley at the southern foot of Mt. Yatsugatake, this waterfall has a drop of 10m and a width of 15m. It was named after the fact that it flows like a dragon spitting water. The sight of the silk-like waterfall trickling delicately down in multiple tiers, as if it seeps out from between rocks covered with autumn leaves of oak, maple, rowan, and other trees, gives it an elegant feel reminiscent of a Japanese garden. Another plus is that it's only a 10-minute walk from Parking.
Along the valley, we also recommend Higashizawa Ohashi Bridge, famous as the "red bridge" that spans the upstream side of Toryu Falls.

[When the leaves start to change color] Early to mid-October
[Best time to see] Late October to mid-November
[Types of autumn leaves] Oak, maple, rowan, etc.

Doryu Falls

• Yamanashi Prefecture Hokuto City Takane Town Higashiide MAP
• Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Kiyosato Station
• From JR Kiyosato Station, take the "Kiyosato Picnic Bus" on the Oizumi Tour Route for about 25 minutes, then get off at "Toryu Falls Entrance" and walk for about 25 minutes
  *The Kiyosato Picnic Bus operates on limited days and during limited periods. For details, please see Here Please check.
• 0551-30-7866（北杜市観光協会）
• free

8Kiyosato Terrace

A spectacular view of autumn leaves from a special seat at an altitude of 1,900m

Sun Meadows Kiyosato is popular as a scenic spot overlooking the Kiyosato Plateau in the green season, and as a ski resort in the winter season. From the center house at the base of the mountain, take a 10-minute aerial stroll on the panoramic lift with a total length of 1,100m and an elevation difference of 300m to reach the summit area where the Kiyosato Terrace is located.
From the 1,900m Kiyosato Terrace, you can get a panoramic view of the Kiyosato Plateau, the Southern Alps, and even Mt. Fuji. In the autumn foliage season, the mountains turn yellow, especially the coniferous forests such as larch, making the scenery even more gorgeous. In addition to the regular outdoor terrace seats, there are also premium seats available by reservation only, a second observation deck, and a mountaintop gazebo. Why not spend an elegant time sipping on specialty coffee and parfaits and strolling around the surrounding area?

[Start of coloring] Usually late September
[Best time to see] Mid-October to late November
[Types of autumn leaves] Larch, etc.

Kiyosato Terrace

• Sun Meadows Kiyosato, 8240-1 Nishiide, Oizumi-cho, Hokuto-shi, Yamanashi PrefectureMAP
• Approximately 7 minutes by car from JR "Kiyosato" station, approximately 10 minutes by panoramic lift from "Center House", and alight at the summit
• Business period: (Sat) May 24th, 2025 - Monday, November 3rd (National Holiday)
  Business hours: Cafe stand 9:30-16:20
  Panorama Lift: 9:00-16:30 (last lift at 16:00)
  *Subject to change depending on weather conditions
• Panorama lift: Adults (junior high school students and above) 2,800 yen, elementary school students 2,200 yen, children 3 years and above 2,000 yen
• 0551-48-4111（サンメドウズ清里）
• free

9Waterwheel Village Park

A soothing rural landscape created by the autumn leaves of the Yatsugatake Mountains and a thatched waterwheel

This park features a waterwheel and a plaza, located in the tranquil countryside of Mukawacho, Hokuto City, surrounded by the Southern Alps and the Yatsugatake Mountains. The symbolic thatched waterwheel was built by volunteers in an effort to bring back the scenery of their hometown. The sight of the waterwheel slowly turning and the sound of the water flowing are extremely soothing.
The watermill shed is backed by the Southern Alps, including Mt. Kaikoma. In early autumn, the watermill and golden ears of rice sway in the wind, and when the mountains start to change color, the watermill and autumn leaves blend together for a very picturesque sight.
It is also the season for new rice, so one of the pleasures of the area is to try the rare Takekawa rice, which is said to be a mythical rice, at the surrounding Restaurant and eateries, or to buy some new rice as a souvenir at the nearby "Town Station Takekawa Town Agricultural Products Direct Sales Center" or the roadside station "Hakushu."

[When the leaves start to change color] Usually from early October to mid-October
[Best time to see] Late October to early November

Waterwheel Village Park

• 2569 Mibuki, Takekawa-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Hinoharu Station
• 0551-30-7866（北杜市観光協会）
• free