Perfect as a Summer Retreat Too! 4 Recommended Sightseeing Spots Around Masutomi Onsen in Hokuto City

Masutomi Onsen is a hot spring area located in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Known for its high radium content, the source temperature is a mild 30°C, making it perfect for a long, relaxing soak. Because it’s situated in the highlands, Hokuto City is a pleasant place to visit during summer, and it’s home to a variety of tourist attractions including outlet malls and farms, which are popular among visitors. Agricultural products harvested in this area—such as blueberries and pea sprouts—are also famous local specialties and make for great souvenirs.

With clear streams flowing down from the mountains, nostalgic rural landscapes, and pastoral scenery stretching across the highlands, Masutomi Onsen is a travel destination blessed with natural beauty. Here are some recommended sightseeing spots around Masutomi Onsen.

1. Daimon Dam

Daimon Dam was constructed in Hokuto City, on the Daimon River, a tributary of the Fuji River system. This 65.6-meter-high gravity concrete dam supports the daily life of the Masutomi Onsen area by regulating floodwaters, supplying water for general use and drinking, and generating electricity. As a flood control dam, it adjusts water levels to protect about 1,400 hectares of land and the people living in downstream areas like Hokuto City (Sutama Town) and Nirasaki City from the threat of flooding.

With an advance reservation, the dam can be toured, making it a hidden gem among sightseeing spots around Masutomi Onsen, especially popular with dam enthusiasts.

2. Yamanashi Prefectural Flower Center “Heidi’s Village”

Inspired by the story of Heidi, Girl of the Alps, this facility is one of the most popular sightseeing spots near Masutomi Onsen, especially crowded with families during peak tourist seasons.

As soon as you arrive, you can hear the anime’s background music playing from the parking lot, filling visitors with excitement. Inside the park, colorful seasonal flowers create a fairytale-like world. Don’t miss the romantic 230-meter-long “Rose Corridor,” with about 1,000 types and 5,000 rose bushes in full bloom, and the “Royal Rose Garden,” featuring roses named after royalty such as Princess Masako and the late Princess Diana.

A shuttle bus runs within the park, so those with limited mobility or families with small children can also enjoy it comfortably. With great views of the Southern Alps and Yatsugatake Mountains, don’t forget your camera. The “Heidi Theme Hall,” which features a diorama of Heidi’s alpine village, and the “Kids’ Garden” with play equipment and athletics, are especially popular. There are also hot spring facilities, souvenir shops, and candle-making workshops, so you can easily spend an entire day enjoying yourself.

For a souvenir, the white bread featured in the Heidi anime is highly recommended! You’ll definitely want to try the same soft, fluffy bread Heidi once ate.

3. Sun Meadows Kiyosato Ski Resort / Highland Park

Sun Meadows Kiyosato, a popular spot near Masutomi Onsen, is easily accessible—about 20 minutes by car from the Nagasaka Interchange. Though known as a ski resort, it also draws many visitors in the summer as a refreshing highland getaway.

Located at an altitude of 1,900 meters, it’s cool at the summit, but the views are breathtaking. From “Kiyosato Terrace” at the top, you can even see Mt. Fuji clearly on a good day. A lift takes you up to the summit, and the area is equipped so that everyone—including wheelchair users and owners of large dogs—can enjoy the scenery.

It’s also highly recommended to enjoy delicious gourmet food while taking in the views. At the base, there’s a popular buffet restaurant offering local highland vegetables, and at the mountaintop terrace, the soft-serve ice cream is a must-try. You’ll want to experience both.

Keep in mind that even in summer, it can get chilly at the summit. It’s a good idea to bring an extra layer when sightseeing.

4. Roadside Station Minami-Kiyosato

This roadside station is located about 10 kilometers north along National Route 141 (the Kiyosato Line) after exiting the Chuo Expressway at the Sutama Interchange.

With its beautiful scenery, it's a great spot to take a break during a scenic drive around Masutomi Onsen. During the holiday seasons, it's bustling with people stopping for a rest on their way to Kiyosato. There’s also a free dog run on-site, making it a perfect spot for travelers with dogs. It's a wonderful place to play freely with your pet.

One of the most popular sweets is soft-serve ice cream topped with Shingen mochi, a Yamanashi specialty. This local-only combination of mochi and ice cream is a must-try when you stop by.

This large roadside station is a common stop for sightseeing buses and offers plenty of local products such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and wild mountain plants. It’s also a great place to shop for souvenirs during your Masutomi Onsen trip.

Be sure to use it as a rest stop for your Masutomi Onsen drive, and as a place to find local souvenirs.

◎ Summary of Tourist Spots Around Masutomi Onsen in Hokuto City

Hokuto City, where Masutomi Onsen is located, is a well-known summer retreat area. Of course, it’s also an enjoyable destination outside of the summer season. Staying at Masutomi Onsen and exploring the surrounding sightseeing spots makes for a wonderful travel experience.

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Perfect as a Summer Retreat Too! 4 Recommended Sightseeing Spots Around Masutomi Onsen in Hokuto City