4 Recommended Souvenirs from Hokuto City, Surrounded by the Southern Alps and Mt. Yatsugatake

Hokuto City is located in the northwest of Yamanashi Prefecture, bordering Nagano Prefecture. Much of the area is covered by the ridges of the Southern Alps and the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake. The sunflower fields that became a movie setting and the original resort area of Kiyosato are also found here, making it a popular tourist destination, especially in summer.
It is also famous for producing delicious sake and food made from the spring water of the surrounding mountains! Surrounded by rich nature, Hokuto City offers many specialty products that make perfect souvenirs. Here, we have carefully selected four especially recommended souvenirs from Hokuto City.

1. Hakushu Whisky

The former town of Hakushu in Hokuto City is blessed with famous water and also known for its beautiful forests. For many people, the name “Hakushu” immediately brings whisky to mind. Suntory’s whisky “Hakushu” is brewed right here in Hokuto City.
The Suntory Hakushu Distillery, located on the west side of National Route 20, can be toured if you make a reservation by the day before. You can join guided tours, sample rare whiskies for comparison, or enjoy meals with whisky in hand. And after the distillery tour, it’s time to choose souvenirs! The Hakushu Distillery has a museum and factory shop where you can buy not only whisky made with Hakushu water, but also goods crafted from barrel wood and even winter-only whisky bonbons—perfect souvenirs.
However, please note that even just browsing for souvenirs requires a reservation.

2. Yatsugatake Cheesecake

When speaking of Hokuto City, Mt. Yatsugatake always comes to mind! Right off the Kobuchizawa IC of the Chuo Expressway, you’ll find the “Yatsugatake Cheesecake Workshop,” where you can purchase exquisite cheesecakes perfect as souvenirs.
Using the pure spring water of the Yatsugatake Highlands and rich cheese generously, these cakes are luxuriously made with a rich yet refreshing melt-in-your-mouth texture. Visitors can also tour the workshop and sample cakes. If you visit Hokuto City for sightseeing around Yatsugatake, it’s worth stopping by on your way there or back. Step inside the retro wooden building—unexpected for a cheesecake workshop—and you’ll discover souvenirs that let you fully enjoy the Yatsugatake Highlands.

3. Japanese Sake “Shichiken”

The old Koshu Kaido road runs north-south through Hokuto City. One of its post towns, Daigahara-juku, still preserves the atmosphere of an old town and is now a tourist attraction. Here you’ll find the sake brewery of the renowned brand “Shichiken,” well known even in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Brewed with Hakushu’s famous water and Yamanashi-grown rice, “Shichiken” is an elegant sake with a crisp taste and light, refreshing rice flavor. Loved for its sharp finish, it makes an excellent souvenir for those who enjoy sake. With many varieties available, you’re sure to find one that suits your taste.
The brewery building itself is also historic and impressive, with the main house where Emperor Meiji once stayed still preserved. In recent years, a café has been added, drawing even more visitors. This brewery, “Shichiken,” can truly be called one of Hokuto City’s signature souvenir spots.

4. Fresh Shingen Mochi from Kinseiken

When it comes to Yamanashi souvenirs, Shingen Mochi is probably the first that comes to mind. The Shingen Mochi in red and purple drawstring bags from Kikyoya is particularly famous. However, “Kinseiken’s Fresh Shingen Mochi,” located across from the Shichiken brewery in Daigahara-juku, is another local specialty known to connoisseurs.
Made with 100% rice produced in Hokuto City, this “fresh” Shingen Mochi has such a soft texture that it completely overturns the image of traditional Shingen Mochi. The natural sweetness of the rice itself is preserved, so there is no need to add syrup.
Its shelf life is only 3 days, and daily production is limited, so you need to visit the store early to secure some. This premium Fresh Shingen Mochi is a special souvenir that can usually only be purchased in Hokuto City.

◎Summary

We’ve introduced four exquisite souvenirs born from the rich nature of Hokuto City.
From local sake and whisky made with delicious water, to sweets and yogurt crafted with fresh milk, Hokuto City offers unique souvenirs you can only find in this highland region. Conveniently located near the Tokyo metropolitan area, Hokuto is full of tourist attractions—so visit again and again to try out the many different souvenirs it has to offer.

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4 Recommended Souvenirs from Hokuto City, Surrounded by the Southern Alps and Mt. Yatsugatake