Yatsugatake and Kiyosato driving guide: bridges, highlands and Nobeyama

The Yatsugatake–Kiyosato area stretches across the southern foothills of the Yatsugatake mountains: Kiyosato, Oizumi, Nagasaka and Kobuchizawa in Hokuto, Yamanashi, and Fujimi, Hara and the Nobeyama area of Minamimaki in Nagano. From Sutama, Nagasaka or Kobuchizawa interchanges on the Chuo Expressway, roads climb into a landscape of farms, springs and viewpoints beside high bridges. This guide follows a day from Kobuchizawa up to Kiyosato and Nobeyama, then back down the valley, with roads and stops listed below.

Map of the Yatsugatake and Kiyosato area

The line follows the full-day Kobuchizawa–Kiyosato–Nobeyama route below. Numbers mark the stops: green for scenery and nature, blue for roadside stations. Tap a marker to see its name.

Recommended drives

First visit: Kobuchizawa, Kiyosato and Nobeyama in one day

Start at Michi-no-Eki Kobuchizawa and stop at Sanbuichi Yusui springs. Take Prefectural Route 28 over the yellow Yatsugatake Kogen Bridge, then climb to the red Higashizawa Bridge on the Yatsugatake Kogen Line and Utsukushimori. Visit Seisenryo and Moegi no Mura before following Route 141 to JR's highest railway point and Nobeyama Radio Observatory. Finish by descending Route 141 to Michi-no-Eki Minami Kiyosato. The drive is about 57 km, taking roughly 1 hour 45 minutes before stops. Distance and time are calculated from map data and exclude congestion.

For the return journey, Michi-no-Eki Minami Kiyosato to Sutama Interchange is about 15 minutes, or 11 km.

Autumn colours at Higashizawa Bridge and Doryu Falls

Hokuto's tourism association reported peak colour at Higashizawa Bridge and Doryu Falls on 27 October 2026. This is a dated observation, not a forecast for your visit. Bridge repairs are scheduled through 10 August 2027, with alternating traffic and sheeting covering half of the bridge's exterior.

Doryu Falls is about a 15-minute walk from its car park, which holds roughly 15 cars. The access road after leaving Prefectural Route 28 is narrow; the tourism association asks visitors not to bring vehicles larger than ordinary passenger cars. Parts of the longer gorge walking trail are closed, so follow the indicated detour towards Seisenryo if continuing beyond the falls.

Winter: check the Sutama–Nagasaka chain-control section

The 8.7 km stretch of the Chuo Expressway between Sutama and Nagasaka interchanges is a designated chain-control section. During exceptional snowfall, when chain controls are activated, winter tyres alone are insufficient: chains are required, including on four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Route 141 from Sutama is another approach to Kiyosato, but it is not a guaranteed escape from snow restrictions. Check expressway and local-road information before deciding whether to travel. The main routes differ from the seasonally closed branches to Kannon-daira and Tennyozan; snow, ice and temporary restrictions still affect winter journeys. See the winter road-closure guide.

Roads you can drive

Places to stop

Views and nature

Numbers match the map.

Roadside stations

Best seasons and crowds

Road and visitor restrictions checked on 1 November 2026

• Higashizawa Bridge repairs are scheduled through 10 August 2027, with alternating traffic and work hours of 08:00–17:00. Check current road information and follow site controls; this schedule is not a live guarantee of passage.
• Chuo Expressway lane restrictions and contraflow between Okaya Junction and Suwa Interchange continue through 30 November 2026. This affects approaches from Nagoya and Matsumoto.
• Prefectural Routes 618 to Kannon-daira and 620 to Tennyozan, branching from the Yatsugatake Kogen Line, have winter closures. The exact 2026–27 dates are not confirmed here; check Yamanashi Prefecture's road information.
• On 14–15 November 2026, the observatory's festival uses temporary parking and a shuttle bus. Allow extra time to reach the site. General visiting hours remain 08:30–17:00.

Getting there and fuel

Refuel in the built-up areas around Sutama, Nagasaka or Kobuchizawa interchanges before climbing into the highlands. EV charging is available at Michi-no-Eki Kobuchizawa and Shinshu Tsutakijuku.

If you don't have a car

Use the Yamanashi rental-car listings to look for a pickup location. Check the driving-permit requirements and, if collecting a car on arrival, the airport pickup guide.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I drive with one day in Yatsugatake and Kiyosato?

Head from Kobuchizawa via Yatsugatake Kogen Bridge, Higashizawa Bridge and Utsukushimori to Kiyosato. Stop at Seisenryo and Moegi no Mura, continue to Nobeyama, then descend to Michi-no-Eki Minami Kiyosato. The route is about 57 km with roughly 1 hour 45 minutes of driving before stops and congestion.

Can I drive to Kiyosato in winter?

Check the main approaches and weather before travelling; seasonal mountain branches and temporary snow closures have different rules. On the Chuo Expressway's Sutama–Nagasaka section, activated chain controls require chains even with winter tyres or four-wheel drive. Do not treat another road as automatically open or suitable during the same snowstorm.

Can I cross Higashizawa Bridge?

The published repair arrangement allows alternating traffic, with work scheduled through 10 August 2027. Sheeting covers half of the bridge's exterior. Follow current restrictions and on-site controls.

Can I visit Nobeyama Radio Observatory?

Self-guided visits are free, 08:30–17:00, except 29 December–3 January and during weather warnings. The village car park normally has 50 free spaces, with temporary parking and a shuttle on 14–15 November 2026. The observatory also provides visitor information in English.

Where should I refuel before Kiyosato?

Fill up in the towns around Sutama, Nagasaka or Kobuchizawa interchanges before heading into the highlands.

Nearby areas and guides

• Suwa driving guide: Venus Line, Lake Shirakaba and Tateshina
• Fuji Five Lakes driving guide
• Yamanashi driving and travel guide