Records
Hokuto boasts a couple of interesting records. First, it is known as the sunniest place in Japan. With 2,600 hours of sun a year, Hokuto rivals with places like the south of France or the Canary Islands. The record was first measured 20 years ago by a group of junior high school students in the Akeno area and has been confirmed many times since. Hokuto’s everlasting blue sky and its mountainous location make summers there very pleasant --contrasting with the heat and humidity that normally overtake most parts of Japan from June to September. As a result, Hokuto attracts many tourists from large urban areas, like Tokyo or Nagoya, in search of natural clean air and mild temperatures.
Even more impressive is the second record. In the area of the fomer village of Mukawa, near an old Buddhist temple, lays jindaizakura, a cherry blossom tree that started growing some 2000 years ago. Jindaizakura is the oldest of the “Great Three Sakura,” famous in Japan for their unique longevity.
Every year in April, jindaizakura and the cherry blossoms around the temple look as beautiful as ukiyoe (Japanese traditional prints), offering to visitors a magical atmosphere.

A place blessed by nature
As the number of places to see in Hokuto is impressive, it is hard to decide where to start. The area of the former Hakushu town, with its beautiful mountains and waterfalls, may attract the visitors first. In summer, this area is the perfect place to enjoy outdoor sports like climbing and hiking. Hakushu is even more spectacular in autumn, when the leaves turn to yellow and red, offering a wonderful cornucopia of colors to hikers. Hakushu is also famous for its delicious mineral water, which counts for nearly 30% of national production.
Other areas in Hokuto are also worth a visit. The omurasaki, Japan’s national butterfly, is abundant in Hokuto and has its own center in the Nagasaka area. After a walk in the mountains in search of the precious butterfly, you can relax in one of the many onsen (Japanese hot springs). The Grapevine especially recommends Panorama no yu in the area of the former Omizu town for the splendid view on Mount Fuji, and the radium onsen in the former town of Sutama which helps cure some diseases.
On the Kiyosato plateau, the beautiful landscape and clean air invite visitors to relax. Visitors can also take advantage of the various museums built in the area --including a surprising music box museum.
Sun, water, nature… but also delicious fruits and home made soba noodles. Hokuto has definitely something to offer to all visitors. If you plan a trip in Yamanashi, don’t miss the opportunity to visit this unique place.