Kiyosato Station

Gateway to a highland paradise in Hokuto City

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

Pots of lavender outside Kiyosato Station

The grass beside the tracks is full of wildflowers

Next stop Nobeyama in Nagano Prefecture, and the highest JR station in Japan

An old steam engine is on display near the station

Below the station there is a kind of park with seats and umbrellas

'Aozora" is the visitor information center at Kiyosato Station

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?