Explore
The Soba and
Hot springs,
Yatsugatake
water tour
The Yatsugatake plateau and the Minami-Alps are listed on the "100 renowned springs of Japan", and the "100 best springs of the Heisei era". The "Village of water", surrounded by famous peaks, has one of the greatest natural environments in Japan. This water brings forth the Yatsugatake soba and hot springs.
The origin of buckwheat
noodles
There are various theories as to the origin of buckwheat noodles, but the prevailing theory is that it originated in the vicinity of China's Yunnan Province. In addition, buckwheat pollen has also been found at Jomon archaeological sites in Japan, indicating soba may already have been present during the Jomon period. Because of the unique climate and soil on the plateau at the foot of the Yatsugatake, the area is known for producing delicious, sweet-smelling soba (buckwheat noodles). In old times, during the middle ages, soba was used as a salvation food. In more modern times it was used as a substitute for other staple food to pay the annual rice tax. There is a history that buckwheat noodles were presented to the Shogun's family as a gift to the feudal lord.
From summer to autumn, you can see buckwheat fields all over Yatsugatake.
Get to know the
efficacy and quality
of the Yatsugatake
hot springs!
Each hot spring contains its own ingredients, giving it its unique inherent quality and efficacy.
Find out about the characteristics of the Yatsugatake hot springs and experience the various spring qualities.
- Plain Hot spring
- An alkaline hot spring has a pH of 8.5 or higher. It is colorless and odorless. It has a mildly stimulating effect and is comfortable to enter.
Bath efficacy (indication) : autonomic dysfunction, insomnia, depression
- Sulfate spring
- Drinking the water contracts the gall bladder, and activates peristalsis in the intestines.
Bath efficacy (indication) : Scratches, peripheral circulatory disorders, coldness, depression, dry skin
- Hydrogen carbonate spring
- This so-called "Hot water of Beauty" softens the keratine of the skin.
Bath efficacy (indication) : gashes, peripheral circulatory disorders, coldness, dry skin.
- Sulfur spring
- It has strong antibacterial properties and removes bacteria and atopy-causing substances from the epidermis.
Bath efficacy (indication) : atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, chronic eczema, epidermolysis dermatitis.
- Chloride spring
- These "warming springs" warm up the body well. The salt content adheres to the skin, so it has heat retention and circulatory effects.
Bath efficacy (indication) : Scratches, peripheral circulatory disorders, coldness, depression, dry skin
A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT.
ENJOY WHEN GOING AROUNDGALLERY
The Yatsugatake and Minami-alps area boast a variety of quality hot springs
and unique tasty soba made with quality mineral water. Enjoy when going around.
Rules on
how to use onsen
- There are separate dressing areas for men and women
- People with tattoos are not allowed
- Pour hot water over your body before going into the bath
- No clothing is allowed in the bath
- No stools and towels are allowed in the bath
- You must sit down while using shower
- Do not to make a loud noise
- Dry your body before returning to the dressing area
How to enjoy soba
After you received the soba, eat it without the soup first. In Japan, it is good customs to eat soba with a slurping sound because it makes it easier to experience the flavor from the nose. Please enjoy the aroma and taste of soba. Next, taste the soup only. The way each shop make their bouillon for the tsuyu (soup) is different. They are particular about their materials. I think you will be able to enjoy the differences between the tsuyus.
Then, finally, have the soba and soup together.
After having enjoyed the soba, enjoy the soba-yu (Hot buckwheat water). The soba-yu contains the nutrition that was left when boiling the soba. Therefore, when you drink the soba-yu, you have tasted the whole of the soba. The taste of soba differs greatly. How about looking for your favorite shop?
Participating stores have implemented infection control measures.
- Hand washing/disinfection: Employees' hands are thoroughly washed and disinfected.
- The store interior is disinfected: The inside of the stores is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
- Wearing masks: We wear masks to prevent infections.
- Regular ventilation: Ventilation is done regularly.
- Maintaining proper distance: Seatings are spaced to ensure proper distance.
- Employees' physical condition management: Employees' body temperature and physical condition are checked.
Request to our customers
- To prevent the spread of infection, please refrain from visiting the store if you display symptoms of illness like a fever or cough.
- Please wash your hands and disinfect with alcohol when entering the store.
- Please observe coughing etiquette and refrain from talking.
- Even if there are seats or lockers vacant, we may be unable to allow you through due to social distancing.
- If you are requested to fill out the visitors' list and measure your temperature, please cooperate.
- Due to the spread of the new coronavirus, business hours and holidays are subject to change. In addition, the New Soba Festival of each individual store may be canceled, or the content changed. Please check with the shops in advance.
GENERAL INFODates & Times, Address
- Date:
- 17 Oct. 2020 - 7 Mar. 2021
- Address:
- Hokuto City (Yamanashi), Fujimicho & Haramura (Nagano), JAPAN
- Organizer:
- Yatsugatake Tourism Management
- Website:
- YATSUGATAKE SOBA FESTA 2020https://tenkuhaku.com/soba2020-2021/ YATSUGATAKE YUYU RALLY 2020-2021https://tenkuhaku.com/yuyu2020-2021/
GETTING HERETransportation
- By Train:
- From Tokyo take the Chuo Mainline to Nirasaki Sta. or Kubuchizawa Sta. When coming from the direction of Nagoya and Matsumoto, Chino Sta. and Kobuchizawa Sta. are the gateways to the area. Get a local feel with the Koumi line highland train which starts at Kobuchizawa Sta. and runs around the South side of the Yatsugatake, connecting with the Nagano Shinkansen at Sakudaira Sta. and the Shinano line in Komoro Sta.
- By Car:
- Take the Chuo Highway when heading for Hokuto city, Fujimi town, or Haramura, and choose from one of the four access points: Sutama IC, Nagasaka IC, Kobuchizawa IC or Suwa Minami IC.
Enjoy the experience of
life
in the sky at the
"Sky Resort Yatsugatake"
the area with a vertical
spread of 1,000 metres
From an altitude of 400 metres at the base to 1,400 metres, Yatsugatake tourism area is a real "Sky Resort"; the nature of which changes hourly and seasonally. Take a special journey to enjoy a "life in the sky" experience in this area with a 1,000 metre altitude difference.
