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Kiyosato Terrace Yamanashi – Mountain-Top Sofas, Sea of Clouds and Relaxed Highland Time

Kiyosato Terrace Yamanashi – Mountain-Top Sofas, Sea of Clouds and Relaxed Highland Time
Kiyosato Terrace on the southern slopes of the Yatsugatake range is a mountaintop lounge area with comfy sofas set around 1,900 meters above sea level. This guide explains how to ride the gondola, the best times of day for views of Mt Fuji, the Southern Alps or a possible sea of clouds, as well as café treats, photo spots, nearby farms and pensions, and practical access tips for a refreshing highland escape.

Highlights

Kiyosato Terrace: quick overview

Kiyosato Terrace on the southern slopes of the Yatsugatake Mountains features sofa seating at around 1,900 m elevation, with views of the Southern Alps and Mount Fuji, and sometimes a sea of clouds when conditions are right.

Relax on the scenic sofa terrace

The viewing deck is designed for enjoying the landscape from sofas, and the views often feel more dramatic in the morning or late afternoon.

Highland café treats

You’ll find light meals, sweets, and drinks made with local ingredients, with highland milk soft-serve and coffee among popular choices.

Scenic lift ride to the summit

Access Kiyosato Terrace via its dedicated lift, making the ride itself part of the highland resort experience.

Access

JR Kiyosato Station → about 5 minutes by taxi / (summer only) Kiyosato “Picnic Bus” (about 20 min), etc. / By car, about 30 minutes from the Chuo Expressway Sutama IC or Nagasaka IC. Free parking is available.

How costs work

Kiyosato Terrace itself is free to use, but the lift requires a ticket.

Time needed & crowd tips

Plan about 1–2 hours, and allow more time if you also enjoy the café and walks. It can be busy during autumn foliage and summer vacation, so early mornings and weekdays are more comfortable.

For the latest information, please refer to official announcements or check on site.

What is Kiyosato Terrace (清里テラス)?

Kiyosato Terrace (清里テラス) is a scenic viewpoint in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, enjoyed during the green season at Sun Meadows Kiyosato (サンメドウズ清里).

Take the Panorama Lift (パノラマリフト) up to the summit area, and an open, airy viewing terrace spreads out before you.

Relax on the deck or sofa seating while enjoying views of Mount Fuji, the Minami Alps, and the Nobeyama Highlands.

It operates on a seasonal schedule, and dates and services vary depending on the time of year.


Kiyosato Terrace Guide: Panoramic Views, Lift Tickets & Best Time to Visit

1. Panoramic views from around 1,900 m elevation

The main appeal of Kiyosato Terrace is the panoramic view from the summit area.

On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji, the Minami Alps, and the mountain ridges around the Yatsugatake area.

When conditions are right, a sea of clouds may spread out below, offering a chance to encounter a dreamy, atmospheric scene.

2. Relaxing on sofa seating

Sofas, benches, and other seating are set up on the viewing deck.

In some cases, seats that can be used for a fee may be available, so checking on-site guidance is recommended.

3. Café menu unique to the Kiyosato Highlands

At the café in the summit area, you can enjoy light meals, sweets, and drinks.

A cup enjoyed in the crisp highland air can become a memorable part of your trip.

4. Highland scenery through the seasons

Kiyosato Terrace offers different scenery depending on the season.

  • Early summer: A refreshing season with vibrant greenery.
  • Summer: A popular time to visit for a cool getaway.
  • Autumn: Fall colors become a highlight.
  • Late autumn: On clear days with crisp air, you may be able to see far into the distance.

5. A “walk in the sky” on the Panorama Lift

Access to Kiyosato Terrace is via the Panorama Lift.

The ride takes about 10 minutes as a rough guide, making the journey itself part of the experience.


Lift Tickets & Seasonal Opening Information

Kiyosato Terrace operates on a limited, seasonal schedule.

Lift ticket prices vary depending on category and season.

To visit with peace of mind, check official information for operating days and conditions before you go.

Rules for visiting with pets may also be set depending on the period.

Best Time to Visit Kiyosato Terrace by Season

  • Early summer: Enjoy fresh green scenery from the viewing area.
  • Summer: Spend time while experiencing the cool highland air.
  • Autumn: Enjoy fall colors and photography in a colorful landscape.
  • Late autumn: It can get chilly, so preparing warm layers is recommended.

How to Get to Kiyosato Terrace

Address

8240-1 Nishiiide, Ōizumi-chō, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture (Sun Meadows Kiyosato)

Access

  • Train and bus/taxi
  • You can reach it by taxi, etc., from Kiyosato Station (清里駅) on the JR Kōumi Line.
  • Car
  • You can access the area from Nagasaka IC (長坂IC) on the Chūō Expressway.

Parking

Parking is available at Sun Meadows Kiyosato.

Weekends and peak leisure seasons can be crowded, so arriving earlier in the morning is recommended.


Recommended Things to Do at Kiyosato Terrace

1. Take it slow on the viewing deck

Because the scenery changes with time and weather, it’s best to allow plenty of time to relax and enjoy the view.

Be sure to pay attention to lift operating hours and the last ride down.

2. Enjoy local flavors at the café

Make the most of the café and shops while soaking up the highland atmosphere.

3. Enjoy a highland stroll

There are also spots nearby for walking, letting you refresh in nature.

In the surrounding area, there are additional places to stop by such as Makiba Park (まきば公園) and Moegi no Mura (萌木の村).


Practical Travel Tips for Visitors

What to bring and what to wear

  • Warm layer: Because of the high elevation, it can feel chilly even in summer. A light jacket is helpful.
  • Comfortable walking shoes: Sneakers are recommended, considering lift boarding and walking around.
  • Camera: Useful for capturing the scenery.
  • Sunscreen and a hat: At high elevation, the sun can be strong on some days, so protection can help.

Notes

  • Check the weather: The summit can be in the clouds at times. Be prepared for changing conditions.
  • Watch the seasonal schedule: There are periods when it may not be available depending on the season.
  • Crowds: On weekends and during peak seasons, crowds and waiting times may occur.

Kiyosato Terrace is a place to spend a special moment surrounded by nature.

Enjoy a relaxing time with views from around 1,900 meters above sea level.



Frequently Asked Questions

A. Kiyosato Terrace is a scenic terrace set at the summit of Sun Meadows Kiyosato Ski Resort (around 1,900 m elevation), reached by a panoramic lift ride of about 10 minutes. At the top, open-air sofa seating lets you relax while enjoying sweeping views of Mt. Fuji, the Southern Alps, and the Yatsugatake range. Sometimes called the “cafe above the clouds,” it’s also appealing for its cool summer climate, with average temperatures around 25°C even in summer.
A. Kiyosato Terrace operates during the green season only, typically from late April to early November. The round-trip panoramic lift costs around 2,800 yen for adults and 2,200 yen for children. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last uphill ride at 4:00 p.m.). Lift tickets may sometimes include cafe discounts, so it’s worth checking when you purchase. In winter, the area operates as a ski resort, and the terrace is not available.
A. From Kiyosato Station on the JR Koumi Line, it’s about 7 minutes by taxi, or about 10 minutes by the seasonal Picnic Bus. By car, it’s about 20 minutes from Nagasaka IC on the Chuo Expressway, and there is free parking for around 1,000 vehicles. Since public transport options are limited, check schedules in advance or consider visiting by car. There are also car rental options around Kiyosato Station, and many travelers combine it with a highland drive.
A. The Premium Seat is a best-view seating area at the summit and typically requires an additional fee of around 2,000 yen per section. It is reservation-based (via the official website), and on weekends during summer holidays or autumn foliage season, it often sells out early, so booking 1 to 2 weeks ahead is reassuring. Premium Seats are positioned in the front row facing Mt. Fuji, offering a more spacious experience than the general area. There may also be drink-included plans, so it’s worth checking.
A. The most popular season is summer (July to August), when you can enjoy cool temperatures that make you forget the heat below. In autumn foliage season (early to mid-October), leaves begin coloring near the summit, and the carpet of red and gold below is spectacular. Since the summit can be in the clouds, checking the live camera on the official website before you go is recommended. Clouds tend to build in the afternoon, so if you’re aiming for clear views, going earlier in the morning is the most reliable.
A. On weekends during summer vacation, lift lines can exceed 30 minutes from the morning. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays, or even on weekends, aim to board the lift right at 9:00 a.m. Early hours also offer a higher chance of seeing a sea of clouds and often the most beautiful scenery. Because afternoons tend to become cloudier, if views are your priority, it’s efficient to spend the morning at the summit and then descend in the afternoon to explore the Kiyosato Highlands.
A. At the summit, “Kiyosato Terrace Cafe” sells drinks and light snacks. Original smoothies and soft-serve ice cream are popular, typically around 700 to 1,000 yen. Since there isn’t a full lunch menu, those who want a proper meal are advised to use the restaurant inside the center house near the lift base. Seating at the summit cafe is limited, so the common style is to buy a drink and enjoy it on the terrace sofas.
A. The Kiyosato Highlands area has scattered attractions such as farms, outlets, and museums. Makiba Park offers free animal encounters and is popular with families. Moegi-no-Mura is a small theme-park-like area with craft shops and restaurants in a relaxed atmosphere. Doryu Falls is a quieter waterfall spot about a 15-minute walk from the parking area, ideal for a refreshing stroll surrounded by nature.

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