Introduction to Yamanashi Prefecture
Yamanashi Prefecture is known for its natural beauty, historical heritage, and gastronomy. Located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, you can enjoy the scenery of each of the four seasons. I often visit the area to refresh myself on holidays by camping, driving, and viewing the autumn leaves, and highly recommend it as a tourist destination where you can enjoy the natural beauty of Japan.
Geographic location
Yamanashi Prefecture is located at the foot of Mt. Fuji and offers beautiful natural scenery. It is easily accessible and a very popular tourist destination, as it takes only about 1.5 hours from Tokyo by public transportation.
History
Yamanashi Prefecture has long flourished as Kai Province (the former name of Yamanashi Prefecture) and is home to many places associated with historical figures such as Shingen Takeda and Ieyasu Tokugawa.
Culture
Yamanashi’s unique culture, including local festivals and traditional crafts, is very attractive. Fuji, and there are many places to enjoy Mt. Fuji, such as Oshinohakkai and Niikurayama Sengen Park.
Tourist attraction
Yamanashi Prefecture has many tourist attractions that are well worth a visit.
Mt. Fuji
Fuji is Japan’s highest active volcano and a symbol of the country. It is a freestanding peak at 3,776 meters above sea level, and its graceful appearance is world-famous. Climbing the mountain from the Yamanashi Prefecture side is one of the most popular activities.
Oshino hakkai
Oshinohakkai, designated as a national natural monument, is the collective name for eight ponds fed by subterranean water from Mt. Fuji. The clarity of the water is very high, and the ponds are known for their beautiful reflections of the scenery of Mt.
Yamanakako Tourism Association Official Homepage -Oshino Hakkai
Lake Kawaguchi
Lake Kawaguchi is one of the Fuji Five Lakes located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, and its magnificent scenery attracts many tourists. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as sightseeing boats, boating, walks along the lakeside, hot springs, and camping.
Fuji-Q Highland
Fujikyu Highland is one of Japan’s leading amusement parks, famous for its scream attractions. The park offers a wide range of thrilling attractions, including the world’s tallest roller coaster “FUJIYAMA” and the world’s longest and most terrifying haunted house “Shiver Labyrinth”.
Shosenkyo
Shosenkyo Gorge is a ravine designated as a special national scenic beauty spot. The magnificent scenery of the valley, with its strange rocks and oddly shaped stones, is said to be the most beautiful valley in Japan, and visitors can enjoy nature in all seasons.
Niikurayama Sengen Park
Niikurayama Sengen Park is located at the foot of Mt. Fuji and offers a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji and the vermilion-lacquered five-story pagoda “Churyo-to”. It is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot during the cherry blossom season.
Fuji Country Yamanashi Tourism Net – Arakurayama Sengen Park
Lake Yamanaka
Lake Yamanaka is one of the Fuji Five Lakes, located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, and you can enjoy a close-up view of this majestic mountain. There are also many tourist attractions such as hot springs and museums in the surrounding area, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing resort atmosphere.
Kaikomagatake
Kaikomagatake is a 2,967-meter-high mountain at the northern end of the Southern Alps, straddling Yamanashi and Nagano Prefectures. It has been selected as one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan and one of the 100 most scenic spots in Japan. It has also been selected as one of the three steepest climbs in Japan. It is a mountain that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including hiking and nature observation.
Food culture
Blessed with abundant nature, Yamanashi Prefecture is home to many delicious local dishes and local specialties.
Hoto
A local delicacy of Yamanashi, this dish consists of thick noodles simmered in miso with vegetables such as pumpkin and meat. It can be enjoyed at local eateries and restaurants.
Fuji no Kuni Yamanashi Tourism Net – What is the charm of Yamanashi’s local cuisine “Hoto”?
Yoshida’s udon
It is a local dish of Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture. It is characterized by hard and firm noodles, and the more you chew, the more the flavor of the ingredients and broth fills your mouth. Topped with horse meat and cabbage, it is one of the must-try dishes when visiting Yoshida City.
Yatsugatake Beer
Brewed in the rich natural environment of Yatsugatake, these craft beers are characterized by their refreshing taste. There are a variety of varieties, from standard favorites such as “Kiyosato Lager” and “Pilsner” to seasonal specials.
Craft beer brewery in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture – Yatsugatake Brewery
Koshu wine
Made from Koshu grapes grown in Yamanashi Prefecture, this is one of Japan’s most popular white wines. It is characterized by its fresh and refreshing taste and is popular among Japanese wine fans.
Fujinomiya yakisoba
Fujinomiya yakisoba is a local delicacy of Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture. It is characterized by its firm noodles, light sauce, meat dregs, and shaved powder. Fujinomiya yakisoba is a local delicacy that has won the grand prix twice at the “B-1 Grand Prix,” a festival for revitalizing the city! It is a nationally famous yakisoba that has twice won the Grand Prix at the “B-1 Grand Prix.
Local gourmet food in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture – Fujinomiya Yakisoba Society
Fruits from Yamanashi
Yamanashi boasts the highest production and quality of fruits in Japan. In particular, “Kyoho” and “Shine Muscat” grapes, “Koshu Hakuho” and “Asama Hakuto” peaches, and “Oishi Sasai Sumo” and “Kiyo” plums are famous throughout Japan.
Activities
Yamanashi Prefecture offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy nature, including Mt.Fuji.
Mt. Fuji climbing
Fuji is the spectacular view from the summit. If the weather is good, you can see beyond the sea of clouds to the cityscape of Tokyo. Although it requires physical strength and preparation, the sense of accomplishment is exceptional, so why not give it a try?
Tour of hot springs at the foot of Mt. Fuji
Fuji, visitors can enjoy hot spring baths with abundant spring water while viewing the World Heritage Mt. In addition, at onsen ryokan, you can taste traditional Japanese cuisine and dishes made with local ingredients!
Kinki Nippon Tourist – Introducing hot spring spots you should visit in Yamanashi Prefecture!
Kawaguchiko sightseeing boat
On a sightseeing boat on Lake Kawaguchi, visitors can enjoy an up-close view of the majestic Mt. Guides are on board to explain the history and culture of Mt.
Hiking in Yatsugatake
Hiking in Yatsugatake has a wide variety of well-maintained courses that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced hikers alike, allowing you to choose the course that best suits your fitness and interests. The hiking trails allow you to fully enjoy Japan’s natural attractions, such as magnificent mountains, beautiful plateaus, and abundant nature.
Yatsunavi – Recommended one-day hiking course at the southern foot of Mt. Yatsugatake
Yamanashi Prefecture Winery Tour
Yamanashi Prefecture is one of the leading wine-producing regions in Japan. At wineries, visitors can tour vineyards and wineries and enjoy wine tasting. There are about 80 wineries scattered throughout Yamanashi Prefecture, so be sure to find your favorite winery.
Fuji Country Yamanashi Tourism Net – When you think of Yamanashi, you think of wine!
Fuji-Q Highland
The attraction of Fujikyu Highland is its thrills, and there are many attractions, such as FUJIYAMA, that offer world-class thrills. In addition, there are many attractions that can be enjoyed by families and couples, such as Thomas Land and a spectacular spot with a view of Mt. If you are looking for a thrilling experience, please visit Fujikyu Highland.
Seasonal Recommendations
Yamanashi Prefecture offers a variety of nature in each of the four seasons.
Spring
- Cherry Blossoms on Mt. Fuji: In particular, Niikurayama Sengen Park and the rows of cherry trees along the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi attract many tourists every year.
- Nemophila at Lake Kawaguchi: The best time to see these flowers is from late April to early May every year, when they attract many tourists.
- Yamanashi Peach Picking: Peach picking can be enjoyed throughout the prefecture from late June to early August.
Summer
- Lake cruise on Mt. Fuji: A lake cruise on the Fuji Five Lakes is highly recommended to fully enjoy the spectacular view of Mt.
- Kawaguchiko Fireworks Display: The annual Kawaguchiko Lake Festival fireworks display held in July is a popular event that attracts many tourists from Japan and abroad, as approximately 2,000 fireworks are shot off against the backdrop of Mt.
- Fruit Picking in Yamanashi Prefecture: In summer, visitors can enjoy picking grapes, peaches, cherries and other fruits.
Autumn
- Fuji Autumn Foliage: From early to mid-November, the autumn foliage on the Yamanashi side of Mt. Fuji and the majestic Mt.
- Kawaguchiko Autumn Foliage Festival: Held annually from late October to early November, this event allows visitors to enjoy the autumn foliage along the shore of Lake Kawaguchi. With the maple corridor lit up and food stalls, this is a recommended event to enjoy both the autumn leaves and the festival.
Winter
- Snowy landscape of Mt. Fuji: The contrast between the glistening white Mt. Fuji and the snow-covered mountains is truly spectacular.
- Illumination of Lake Kawaguchi: This fantastic illumination with a view of Mt.
- Yamanashi Hot Springs: Yamanashi Prefecture is dotted with hot spring resorts mainly at the foot of Mt. In winter, visitors can enjoy open-air baths with a view of the snowy landscape.
Local Culture
Yamanashi Prefecture has its own unique festival culture and traditional crafts.
Festival
- Kofu Castle Town Tanabata Festival: This is a summer tradition in Kofu City. The central shopping street and other areas are decorated with colorful Tanabata decorations and crowded with people dressed in yukata (summer kimono).
- Yoshida Yamanakako Summer Festival: Visitors can enjoy fireworks, food stalls, and portable shrines while viewing Mt.
- Yamanashi Nouveau Festival (Wine Festival): Held every November to coincide with the lifting of the new sake ban, the festival features tastings and sales of new wine produced by wineries in the prefecture.
Traditional Crafts & Sake
- Koshu Inden: A leather product with patterns drawn in lacquer on deerskin. Made since the Edo period, they are characterized by their beautiful patterns and durability.
- Famous Sake of Yamanashi Prefecture: Yamanashi Prefecture is one of the leading sake-producing regions in Japan, located at the foot of Mt. In particular, Koshu sake, made from Koshu rice grown in Yamanashi Prefecture, is highly acclaimed throughout the country.
Transportation
There are many ways to get to Yamanashi Prefecture from Tokyo, including airplanes, bullet trains, trains, and highway buses.
Airplane
It takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Narita Airport to Kofu Airport.
Shinkansen
There is no Shinkansen station in Yamanashi.
Railway
From Tokyo Station to Shinjuku Station takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes on the Chuo Line, and from Shinjuku Station to Kofu Station takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes on the limited express Azusa.
Express Bus
It takes about 2 hours from Tokyo Station to Kofu Station by Yamanashi Kotsu highway bus.
Lastly
Yamanashi Prefecture is a very popular tourist destination that combines Japan’s nature, history, and culture. Fuji and other magnificent nature, rich food culture, unique festivals and traditional crafts, and much more. We encourage you to visit.