Photo/Illutration Visitors spend time at the Kiyosato Terrace observatory and rest area on a slope of the Sun Meadows Kiyosato Ski Resort/ Highland Park in Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, on Aug. 5. (Masahiro Haba)

HOKUTO, Yamanashi Prefecture--While the Sun Meadows Kiyosato Ski Resort/ Highland Park here is popular among skiers during the winter, it draws in more visitors between late April and early November.

They come for the Kiyosato Terrace observatory and rest area located at about 1,900 meters above sea level.

The terrace is on the uppermost section of the ski resort on a slope on the Yamanashi Prefecture side of Mount Akadake, the tallest of the Yatsugatake mountains, at 2,899 meters.

It is also the highest point of the scenic Kiyosato area, overlooking the Nobeyama Plateau on the Nagano Prefecture side and Mount Fuji in the distance.

Established in 2015, the summer haven offers wooden observation decks dotted with circle-shaped sofa beds and one-seat sofas.

Premium seats are also available with a reservation.

For thrill seekers, “G-Kart” gravity racers were introduced in the adjacent ski lift area last year for visitors to speed down a slope on the motorless vehicle.

Two courses with different difficulty levels are offered for riders. Children of a third-grade age or older and at least 120 centimeters tall can ride the vehicle on their own.

It takes about 30 minutes from the Kobuchisawa Interchange on the Chuo Expressway to reach the Kiyosato Terrace.

The chairlift going up to the Kiyosato Terrace closes at 4 p.m. A round-trip ride costs 2,500 yen ($17) for junior high school students or older.

There are also chairlifts for wheelchair users. The chairlift is open daily until Nov. 5, except in inclement weather.

The reception counter for “G-Kart” gravity racers is open until 4 p.m.

For more information, visit the official website at: (https://www.sunmeadows.co.jp/green/en/).

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