Panduan
The Paul Rusch Festival ~Yatsugatake County Fair~ 2026 is a special festival held at the Seisenryo Plaza in Kiyosato, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. This festival originated to honor the spirit of Dr. Paul Rusch, a man from Kentucky who dedicated his life to the reconstruction and democratization of post-war Japan, passing down his indomitable frontier and volunteer spirit to the present day.
A "County Fair" is a traditional American-style harvest thanksgiving. Dr. Rusch conceived this festival to encourage all those who face harsh realities but continue to strive forward with "hope for tomorrow." This event aims to reflect on his life, give thanks for the harvest, deepen international connections, and strengthen the bond with those who love the Yatsugatake region.
The greatest highlight of this event is experiencing the atmosphere of a traditional American "County Fair" at the foot of the beautiful Yatsugatake mountains in Japan. Set in the Seisenryo Plaza surrounded by the rich nature of Kiyosato, the event features cultural exchanges dedicated to the harvest.
Participants can learn about the spirit cherished by Dr. Paul Rusch while feeling a sense of connection to the local community and the international world. Through this American-style festival, you can enjoy warm interactions that transcend cultural differences. Being an outdoor event in a lush natural environment, it offers a special moment to feel the changing seasons.
The event will be held over two days: Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 2026. A detailed time schedule is expected to be announced on the official website as the event date approaches. It will be a special two days to share the joy of harvest amidst the beautiful autumn scenery of Kiyosato.
The venue is the "Seisenryo Plaza" located in Takane-cho, Kiyosato, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. The event takes place in an open space with a stunning view of the Yatsugatake highlands.
Access to the venue is via public transportation or car. While the Kiyosato area is a well-developed tourist destination, please check the latest local information regarding traffic congestion or road restrictions on the day of the event.
This is a cultural festival aimed at celebrating the harvest and fostering international exchange. Beyond being a simple sightseeing event, you can gain a deeper experience by touching upon the history and spirit established by Dr. Paul Rusch. By experiencing the American-style harvest festival, you can feel like a part of the Yatsugatake community.
The Seisenryo Plaza is an outdoor area surrounded by nature. In the Yatsugatake/Kiyosato area during mid-October, temperatures tend to drop significantly. Please prepare a thick jacket or warm layers for cold protection.
Regarding payment, while cash or credit cards may be used for food and merchandise, we recommend preparing in advance. While English communication is possible, please follow basic etiquette and respect the natural environment and local rules while enjoying the event.