Makiba Park is a prefectural ranch park located in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, at the southern foot of the Yatsugatake Mountains. Located on a plateau at an altitude of 1,400 meters, the spacious grounds offer a magnificent panorama of the Yatsugatake Mountain Range, the Southern Alps, and even Mt. Fuji. Sheep, goats, cows, and other animals are grazing here, and you can enjoy interacting with the animals in nature and the idyllic scenery unique to the plateau, making it a popular tourist spot for families and couples.

The greatest attraction of this park is its open space and the closeness to the animals. The sight of the animals grazing in the spacious pastures provides a sense of healing that you cannot experience in the city. In particular, in the sheep grazing area, you can see the animals up close through the fence, and if the timing is right, you can even interact with them directly. There is also a popular restaurant on-site, offering soft serve ice cream made with fresh milk from the farm, jumbo burgers made with locally grown ingredients, beef stew, and other dishes, allowing you to enjoy the bounty of the plateau.

[Useful points of concern]
Due to the high altitude, it can be chilly even in summer, so you will need to dress appropriately for sudden changes in weather (warm clothing, rain gear). The sun is also strong, so don't forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The park is closed in winter, so be careful about when you visit.