A nature park at 1,455 m below Mt. Mizugaki, one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains. It was the main site of the 52nd National Tree Planting Festival.
How to enjoy it
Sit on the lawn and look up at the rock towers of Mt. Mizugaki. In autumn the coloured leaves at its foot set off the crags even more.
Mt. Mizugaki, one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains, is a fine peak at the western end of Okuchichibu. The whole mountain is biotite granite; weathering on its south-west side has carved strange crags, a row of giant rock towers like an ink painting.
Have a relaxed picnic on the lawn while you enjoy the mountain and the autumn colour. The leaves peak from mid-October to early November; the main trees are hemlock, white birch and Mongolian oak.
The park building has a restaurant and a shop selling local farm produce. The restaurant seats 20 inside and 20 on the terrace.
About 100 tent pitches are used by climbers heading for Mt. Mizugaki too. The 3–5 m boulders scattered through the woods are popular for bouldering.
Hours
Restaurant 9:00–16:30
Closed
Restaurant closed Wednesdays; closed for winter from early December to late April
NotesThe park building and restaurant close for winter from early December to late April.
Contact
0551-45-0277
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-8009-hero.webpDrink · Takane
A brewery taproom pouring beer made with highland water.
Tip
At Highland Brewery you can see the brewing tanks through glass at the back. Try a few small glasses side by side to see how one water makes very different beers. If you are driving, enjoy the non-alcoholic drinks and take bottles home.
place-8006-hero.webpEat · Takane
A farm diner with set meals of its own pork and eggs.
Tip
Makiba is run by the farming family. Next to the till, a notice explains how the pigs are raised and fed. Read it before you eat and the same dish tastes different.
scenic-tsugane-school-hero.webpSee · Sutama
An 1875 pseudo-Western schoolhouse with a café.
Tip
In the classrooms, look for old teaching tools such as the bell that started lessons and the pedal organ. Afterwards, rest in the ground-floor café and take in the feel of the wooden schoolhouse.