A 1,542 m hill formed where part of the east ridge of Mt. Akadake stands on its own. It is about a 15-minute walk from the foot to the top.
How to enjoy it
On a clear day, walk up to the summit deck. In June you climb through the azaleas that turn the slopes orange.
From the foot to the top is an easy hike of about 15 minutes. On a clear day the summit deck gives a 360-degree panorama, including the Kiyosato highlands and the Southern Alps.
The hill is known for its masses of Japanese azaleas. In June about 1,000 bushes bloom and turn the slopes bright orange. Its great Yama-tsutsuji azalea is a national natural monument.
At the foot of Utsukushimori, the information centre has trekking information for the hill and the Yatsugatake and Kiyosato area, plus souvenirs and crafts.
Hours
Open all day
Closed
Open all year (the tourist information centre at the foot is closed Wednesdays and from December to the end of March)
Contact
0551-48-4436
Utsukushimori Tourist Information Centre
scenic-higashizawa-bridge-hero.webpSee · Oizumi
The “red bridge”, with the Yatsugatake mountains behind.
Tip
From the viewing area at the east end (the Kiyosato Station side), take in the bridge and the mountains together. Autumn, when the red bridge meets the coloured leaves, is the best time.
doryu-intro-s1.webpSee · Oizumi
A waterfall that falls like silk threads between green rocks.
Tip
Sit on the bench near the falls and watch the many thin streams run down the rock. These falls feel powerful and calm at the same time.
place-8028-hero.webpStay · Kiyosato
A four-room dining inn. Dinner is a course of Yatsugatake vegetables and venison.
Tip
Kurumi is an inn you stay at for dinner. The menu follows the season in the fields and hills, so mention any foods you avoid when you book. After dinner, take your time by the fire.
place-8007-hero.webpEat · Takane
Soft-serve and a café using milk from the farm.
Tip
The Highland Milk Stand uses milk from the farm next door. Try the soft-serve plain first to taste the milk itself. On a sunny day, eat it on the benches outside, watching the cows.
