The Utsukushigahara Highlands, located in the northernmost part of Yatsugatake-Chūshin Kogen Quasi-National Park, boasts Japan's most spacious plateau. Ougatou, Utsukushigahara Highlands' highest peak, stands at 2034 meters high and was written about in a book by mountaineer and author Kyuya Fukada, 100 Famous Japanese Mountains. Here, you can gaze at the landscape of idyllic grasslands and steep terrain while enjoying leisurely walking trails or full-fledged trekking courses. 
Nearby, you'll find caravan parks and Michi-no-Eki, roadside rest areas with a variety of facilities including onsen. We recommend this area particularly for those who wish to take an extended trip. 
On the eastern side, there is also the Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum, which is famous for its outdoor sculptures. With grounds of over 132,000 square meters, there are currently about 350 sculptures on display by artists famous both in Japan and overseas. With indoor exhibitions such as an art gallery, a museum of light, and a children's art museum also available, there are a variety of kinds of modern art to enjoy. Additionally, the Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum is the final point on the 76-kilometer long sightseeing road, the Venus Line, which is known as Japan's foremost leisure-driving route. 
Not only beautiful for its green landscape and blue sky, but many people also choose to visit in fall to see the colors of the changing leaves during their drive.