Yamanashi

Kiyosato Station

Gateway to a highland paradise in Hokuto City

Cathy Cawood Aug 20, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>Pots of lavender outside Kiyosato Station</p>

<p>The grass beside the tracks is full of wildflowers</p>

<p>You can hire bicycles at the station</p>

<p>An attendant stands at the ticket gate</p>

<p>Next stop Nobeyama in Nagano Prefecture, and the highest JR station in Japan</p>

<p>An old steam engine is on display near the station</p>

<p>Below the station there is a kind of park with seats and umbrellas</p>

<p>'Aozora" is the visitor information center at Kiyosato Station</p>

Koumi Line's Kiyosato Station stands on the edge of Yamanashi Prefecture just over the border from Nagano. It is the highest JR station in Yamanashi, and the gateway to the Kiyosato area. You can hire bicycles from the station to explore the area. There are also two 'picnic buses' to ferry visitors around Kiyosato's attractions. These include lots of beautiful natural forest, rolling hills, mountain views, Paul Rusch's hotel, Seisen-Ryo, surrounded by beautiful farmland, and many good museums. There are also many spas, trendy cafes, restaurants and pensions. Did I mention how much more pleasant summer is in the mountains?

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...