A walking tour to actively experience
the splendid mineral waters of the Minami Alps
"The blessings of water", nurtured by the magnificent nature of the Minami Alps, represents the theme of this walking tour in the Hakushu town area of Hokuto city. We have selected locations to relish the walking activities and to refresh your body and mind while appreciating the mountainous and historical scenery of the area.
- Introduce by
- Mr. Yasuhiro Hanatani
(Mountaineer, Representative Director of First Ascent Co., Ltd., Hokuto City Hometown Goodwill Ambassador)
Born in Hyogo prefecture in 1976. From a young age, he became familiar with climbing Mr. Rokko. In 1996, he accomplished his first ascent of Ratnathuli Peak (7035m, Nepal), and has been climbing all over the world ever since. In 2012, he won the Piolet d'Or, the Oscar of the mountaineering world, for his first ascent of the South Pillar of Kyashar Peak (6770m, Nepal). He moved to Hokuto City in 2007 after falling in love with the city's mountain environment. He has been active in a broad range of activities both in Japan and abroad, including the operation of the Shichijo cabin on the Kuroto Ridge of Mt. Kaikoma. He is a Hokuto City Hometown Goodwill Ambassador.
Taxi (20 minutes)
Ojirogawa valley
The journey starts at the beautiful Ojiro River. The clear stream springs from Mt. Kaikoma in the Minami Alps is one of the notable rivers of Hokuto city and has been listed as one of the 100 best mineral waters of Japan. From there we visit the Chikuu Komagatake Shrine, cross the suspension bridge and go down to the riverside, where you will be soothed by the crystal clear stream. The mysterious emerald-green waters of Senga-fuchi can be reached via a walking path (a 15-minute walk from the parking lot).
- Adress
- Shirasu 8886 , Hakushu town, Hokuto city, Yamanashi
On foot ((60-90) minutes)
Verga street - Daigaharajuku
While walking down Verga street heading to Daigahaharajuku, Mt. Kaikoma will gradually appear. Daigahara, which prospered as a post town on the Koshu highway during the Edo period, has been selected as one of the "100 significant roads of Japan." It is recommended to take a walk and enjoy the picturesque place, which is still dotted with old private houses and warehouses.
- Adress
- Shirasu-Daigahara, Hakushu town, Hokuto city, Yamanashi prefecture
Places to stop-by
Charmant Wine
The winery "Charmant Wine" is located at an altitude of 600 meters, taking advantage of the cool climate. Originally, it was a "cooperative winery" where farmers in the region brought their grapes to produce wine. You can sample the unique wines of this region, made with mineral-rich water nurtured by the granite mountains of Mount Kai Komagatake!
Recommended by Marina Tsuji, a "homecoming two-base resident who travels between Tokyo and Hokuto"!
- Adress
- Shirasu 1045-1, Hakushu town, Hokuto city, Yasmanashi prefecture
- Phone
- 0120-35-2602
On foot
Daimin
We offer a seasonal menu using the best of Hakushu. You can enjoy the traditional dishes that make use of the sake brewery "fermentation" techniques while relaxing in a warm Japanese space.
- Adress
- Daigahara 2287, Hakushu town, Hokuto city, Yamanashi prefecture
- Phone
- 0551-35-5111
On foot (1 minute)
Shichiken
This is the well-known brewery of the "Shichiken" sake. The sake is produced with the underground water from Mt. Komagatake and rice grown under contract by local farmers. It is a long-established store that has been in business for 300 years. It is also known as the place where Emperor Meiji stayed when he made a royal tour. You can also visit the tatami room where the "Seven Wise Men of the Bamboo Grove", the origin of the sake's name, remains.
- Adress
- Daigahara 2283, Hakushu town, Hokuto city, Yamanashi prefecture
- Phone
- 0551-35-2236（代）
On foot (1 minute)
Daigahara KINSEIKEN
This long-established Japanese confectionary shop focuses on local production for local consumption with ingredients of rice, water, and sake from Yamanashi. Popular products include Nama Shingen Mochi and Mizu Shingen Mochi made with 100% Hokuto city's natively grown Rihoku rice.
- Adress
- Daigahara 2211, Hakushu town, Hokuto city, Yamanashi prefecture
- Phone
- 0551-35-2246
Taxi (10 minutes)
Agrieable MUKAWA
This accommodation facilitates a rental farm facing the famous Sanehara Cherry trees. At the attached restaurant, KOMAGATAKE SKILLET, you can enjoy outdoor style cuisine using an abundance of fresh vegetables from Hokuto City. On a morning walk, you can see the majestic figure of Mt. Kaikoma towering up close. For active people, we also recommend taking a walk to the Nakayama Fort Observatory.
- Adress
- Yamataka 3567-212 , Mukawa town, Hokuto city, Yamanashi
- Phone
- 0551-26-3880