The Venus Line is a scenic driving route that winds through mountainous landscapes at elevations over 1,000 meters, stretching approximately 75.2 kilometers from Chino City to the Utsukushigahara Highlands in Nagano Prefecture.
HÔTEL de L’ALPAGE is also located along this beautiful route.
From July to November, many visitors from across Japan come to the area to escape the summer heat and enjoy the cool, high-altitude climate. In the fall, the Venus Line is especially popular for its late-season autumn foliage.
In this article, we will introduce some recommended spots along the Venus Line that are perfect for a scenic drive.
Tateshinakogen Barakura English Garden
Entering the Venus Line from Chino City, drivers can enjoy panoramic views of the Yatsugatake Mountains and other surrounding peaks. After passing several soba noodle restaurants and Tateshina Jiyū Nōen, a local market known for fresh produce and regional specialties, the Tateshinakogen Barakura English Garden will appear on the right.
Commonly referred to as “Barakura,” this garden opened in the early summer of 1990 as Japan’s first authentic English garden. Covering approximately 10,000 square meters, it showcases a wide variety of seasonal flowers and plants throughout the year.
The garden’s shop offers a selection of gardening items and original Barakura merchandise, making it a beloved spot not only for tourists but also for local residents.
HÔTEL de L’ALPAGE provides its guests with complimentary admission passes to the Barakura English Garden. We also offer a special accommodation plan that includes the opportunity to enjoy a traditional English Afternoon Tea within the garden grounds. Please feel free to contact us or to click here, for more details about this collaboration.
After a stroll through the elegant garden and some shopping, continuing northeast along the Venus Line will lead to HÔTEL de L’ALPAGE, which appears on the left.
The hotel is set on elevated ground, making it difficult to spot the entire building from the road. The entrance is located just before a large curve and upon passing through the front gate, a charming French-style mansion becomes visible.
At HÔTEL de L’ALPAGE, guests can enjoy a One-plate Terrace Lunch during the spring and summer months. The terrace offers a serene setting where guests can relax and savor a meal while enjoying the refreshing air of the Tateshina Highlands.
Yatsugatake Ropeway
After departing from HÔTEL de L’ALPAGE, continue driving northeast for about seven minutes, where signs for the Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway will appear. Following the signs uphill leads to the ropeway station, where beautiful views of Japan’s three major alpine mountain ranges await.
The ropeway, which can carry up to 100 passengers, ascends 466 meters in approximately seven minutes, from the base station at 1,771 meters to the summit at 2,237 meters above sea level. During the ride, the scenery transforms gradually with elevation, offering a visually rich ride through the mountains.
At the summit lies the Tsuboniwa Nature Park, a lava plateau covered with dwarf pines, firs, and a variety of alpine plants. The natural beauty of the area is abundant throughout all four seasons, making it perfect for leisurely walks.
Kurumayama Highlands
Continuing driving north along the Venus Line and beyond several winding curves, will lead to Kurumayama Highlands. This scenic highland area is known for its beauty throughout the seasons. In spring, fresh greenery fills the landscape; in summer, alpine flowers such as daylilies bloom; and in autumn, vibrant foliage transforms the hillsides into a stunning display of color.
A highlight of the area is the Kurumayama Observation Terrace, also known as Sky Terrace, which was opened in 2020. The terrace offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Yatsugatake mountain, Mt. Fuji, and the Southern Alps.
Nestled quietly in this natural setting is the Korobokkuru Hutte, a mountain hut that first opened in 1956 that not only accommodates hikers but also features a terrace café with spectacular views, making it a perfect stop for those on a scenic drive. Guests can relax with a freshly brewed coffee at 1,820 meters above sea level, taking a break from the road while enjoying the peaceful highland landscape.
After enjoying the drive to Kurumayama Highlands, travelers can continue along the Venus Line toward the Utsukushigahara Highlands to complete the scenic route. Alternatively, they can turn back and return to HÔTEL de L’ALPAGE, conveniently located on the way.
The Venus Line offers a journey through some of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes, charming attractions, and a wide range of local shops and activities. A single day may not be enough to fully appreciate everything it has to offer.
Adding the Venus Line, a destination well worth exploring, to a travel itinerary is highly recommended.
