About Yamanashi

The prefecture of Yamanashi lies in the Chubu region of the island of Honshu and is easily accessed from Tokyo. As such, Yamanashi is a great spot for those considering a day trip from the city.

Alternatively, anyone looking to stay longer will also find a huge amount to do in Yamanashi, including visiting the picturesque capital city of Kofu, with the majestic and mythical Mount Fuji rising in the distance. For those who like outdoor activities, this part of Japan has them in abundance including spectacular mountain scenery and granite crags that look like they belong on the surface of the moon. The area is also steeped in local tradition, and as such is studded with shrines and other points of historical interest.

Due to its proximity to Tokyo, Yamanashi is often ignored by tourists in favor of bigger cities, but this is a shame as this is an area of Japan that has a lot to offer for those who choose to make the trip here. In short, Yamanashi is the perfect getaway for those looking to get out of crowded Tokyo.

By plane:

Yamanashi does not have its own airport, and so is serviced by Narita and Haneda airports in Tokyo, from which travelers can then take a bus to their final destination.

By train:

Yamanashi is serviced by the Chuo and Minobu railway lines that link up with the cities of Tokyo, Shinjuku, Matsumoto, and Shizuoka. Main stations in Yamanashi include Kofu, Otsuki, Kobuchizawa, and Minobu.

By bus:

Bus routes run between the city of Kofu in Yamanashi and Shinjuku, Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya. There are different bus companies that visitors can choose from that have different fares available as well as a variety of bus schedules.

Mount Fuji:

Needing almost no introduction, Mount Fuji is by far the most famous tourist attraction in Yamanashi prefecture where the northern side of the mountain is located. Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and visitors can take in all its beauty by hiking to the summit, which can take anything from five to seven hours to ascend and around four hours to descend. Once at the summit, visitors can hike around the spectacular crater, which takes around an hour. Mount Fuji is also known as one of the three sacred mountains in Japan and as such is surrounded by myths and legends. For those who don’t want to hike up the mountain, there are a variety of beauty spots from which you can observe Mount Fuji and take photographs.

Fuji Five Lakes Region:

The Fuji Five Lakes Region sits at the base of Mount Fuji from which the region gets its name. The lakes are named Sai, Shogi, Motosu, Kawaguchi, and Yamanaka, and as well as visiting the picturesque waters, you can also go camping, hiking, and fishing here. As well as the lakes, this region is also home to the Fujikyu Highlands, an amusement park that spans 124 acres and has 33 different rides to choose from.

It is also known for having the largest haunted house attraction in the world, name Senritsumeikyu.

Takeda-jinja Shrine:

Located in Kofu, the Takeda-jinja Shrine is one of the most famous attractions in the city. The shrine was dedicated to a famous leader in the area named Takeda Shingen and is notable for being built on land that the family lived on in the days of old. The shrine is also known for being a great place to take in the beautiful cherry blossoms from March to April, and you can stroll around the shrine and its grounds to enjoy all the sights, including a famous sword room.

Shosenkyo Gorge:

One of the premium tourist attractions in Yamanashi is the Shosenkyo Gorge, which many people in Japan consider to be the most beautiful gorges in the entire country. The gorge is part of the wider Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, so for anyone who wants to spend some time exploring the natural world, this is not to be missed. The gorge is located 30 minutes outside of the city of Kofu and starts at the spectacular Senga-Taki Falls before continuing on in a series of craggy cliffs that stretch for over four kilometers.

AEON Mall:

Located in Kofu is AEON Mall which is one of the largest malls in the area and has a wide selection of stores. These include men’s and women’s fashion as well as stores for younger visitors. There are also food and beverage outlets throughout that mall for those looking for a bite to eat. The mall is easily accessible from Joei Station on the Minobu Line.

Lazawalk:

Another popular mall, this time located in Nirasaki is Lazawalk, which caters to all kinds of budgets. Visitors to the mall will find a range of stores including men and women’s fashions, home furnishings, and an array of cafes and eateries for anyone who wants to take a break from shopping. The closest station to Lazawalk is Shiozaki Station on the Chuo Line.

Yatsugatake Outlet Mall:

For those looking to shop for bargain while in Yamanashi, one of the best places to go is Yatsugatake Outlet Mall which is located in Kobuchisawa. Here visitors will find a range of outlet goods which are usually heavily discounted. Stores at the Yatsugatake Outlet Mall include fashion brands, outdoor wear, home accessories, and shoes. There are also restaurants and cafes throughout the mall.

For those wishing to climb the splendid Mount Fuji, the climbing season starts in June and runs until September. After this period, temperatures drop in the region which means that there is a risk of heavy snow and avalanches on the mountain which makes climbing dangerous.

For those who do not wish to climb Mount Fuji, Yamanashi is known for being particularly beautiful during the Cherry Blossom Season from March onwards, as well as in the autumn time. From October to November, all of Yamanashi is covered in gorgeous rust-colored autumn leaves, and strolling through the many parks all over the prefecture is considered a must-do activity.