Yamanashi Prefecture offers a variety of sightseeing spots centering on Mt. Fuji, and leisure spots such as Fujikyu Highland and golf courses are scattered throughout the area.
Kofu is also home to temples and shrines such as Takeda Shrine and Kai Zenkoji Temple, both associated with Takeda Shingen, and scenic spots such as Yatsugatake and Shosenkyo in the north. In addition, there are well-developed hot spring resorts close to the city center, such as Ishiwa Onsen and Yumura Onsen, which can be enjoyed as a day trip from the city center.
To enjoy sightseeing in Yamanashi Prefecture
Yamanashi Prefecture is divided in two by Shizuoka Prefecture, with Japan's tallest mountain, Mt. Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan, and sightseeing in Yamanashi Prefecture is not to be missed.
Fuji Subaru Line, Fuji-Q Highland where both children and adults can enjoy sightseeing, and the Fuji Five Lakes created by the eruption of Mt.
There is no end to the attractions of the area, including exploration spots such as Narusawa Ice Cave and Toyama Wind Cave, where you can feel the dynamism of the earth, Oshinohakkai, where you can see crystal-clear Fuji spring water, and the Fuji Shiba Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring.
Surrounded by mountains, Yamanashi Prefecture is also home to many valleys, including Shosenkyo Gorge, famous for its huge rocks and mysterious stones, Oshirakawa Valley with its beautiful emerald green water, and Nishizawa Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in Japan, which is popular among hikers.
Kofu City is full of temples and shrines, including Takeda Shrine, Kai Zenkoji Temple, and Chozenji Temple, all associated with Takeda Shingen, a bronze statue of Takeda Shingen in front of Kofu Station, Kofu Castle, and the Kofu City History Park, which features a recreation of a mountain gate, to name just a few.
In addition, there are also well-developed hot spring resorts close to the city center, such as Ishiwa Onsen and Yumura Onsen, making it easy to visit hot spring resorts even without a car.
History of Yamanashi Prefecture
Yamanashi Prefecture was once called "Kai Province," and its establishment dates back to the 7th century. After the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate, the Minamoto clan entered Kai Province and became the ancestors of the later Takeda clan and others.
In the history of Kai Province, Shingen Takeda (Harunobu), who was famous for his efforts to build the country, laid the foundation of Kofu by developing the castle town of Kofu, the Kurokawa gold mine, which operated until modern times, the Yunoku gold mine and other gold mines, and flood control projects such as Shingen's bank.
In the Meiji period (1868-1912), the paper manufacturing and wine brewing industries were fostered, and with the opening of the Chuo Line to Tokyo, industry, agriculture, and other industries and culture developed. After World War II, with the opening of the Chuo Expressway, accessibility from urban areas increased, and the area is now attracting attention as a tourist destination that can be easily visited.
Local gourmet foods, food culture, and specialties of Yamanashi Prefecture
Houtou, thick flat noodles in a broth made of vegetables and other ingredients simmered in miso, is a representative local gourmet dish. Centered in front of Kofu Station, there are many famous Hoto restaurants in the prefecture, so it is easy to eat Hoto.
Other famous local delicacies include torimotsu-ni (stewed chicken gizzards, hearts, liver, etc.), which is one of the most popular B-class local delicacies in Japan. In the southern part of the prefecture, around Mt. Fuji, there is kappa-meshi, a bowl of rice topped with yam and cucumber, and Yoshida udon, a specialty of Fujiyoshida.
Yamanashi Prefecture is also one of the largest producers of fruits in Japan, and visitors can enjoy picking peaches, grapes, cherries, and other fruits. In Koshu City, a production center of grapes for wine, visitors can tour wineries that brew high-quality domestic wine.
Recently, the city has been offering a variety of curry with fruits, such as peach curry and grape curry, so if you are interested, please give them a try.
Brand-name meat dishes such as Koshu beef, Fujizakura pork, and Koshu jidori chicken can be found at restaurants in the city. For souvenirs, in addition to the standard Shingen mochi, there is a wide variety of new hot items, so ask at souvenir stores about trendy souvenirs.
One of the most beautiful valleys in Japan, the Shosenkyo Gorge is lined with oddly shaped rocks, rare stones, and famous stones among steep cliffs.It is especially beautiful during the season of fresh green leaves and autumn leaves when the colors of the trees deepen. Ontake Shosenkyo, one of the most scenic spots in Japan, has been designated as a special place of scenic beauty by the governmen...»
An amusement park with world-class scream attractions and elaborate haunted houses that hold numerous Guinness World Records. There are more than 60 thrilling and fun attractions, including the four major coasters, FUJIYAMA, Do Dodompa, Ee Jana Yana, and Takabisha, that are sure to please scream lovers. There are also attractions named after characters from cartoons and video games, "Thomas Land...»
Located on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, this park offers seasonal flowers and a view of Mt. Along with Yagisaki Park on the south shore, this park is famous for its lavenders. Lavenders start blooming in late June, and until mid-July, visitors can enjoy the view of the lake and Mt. Hana Kaido (Flower Road)More than 90 kinds of flowers can be seen along the 350-meter-long flower highway ...»
Lake Kawaguchi is famous for the upside-down view of Fuji on its surface.Many tourist attractions, including Fujikyu Highland, museums, and hot spring facilities, are located in the surrounding area. Fuji, and is the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes.There is a small island called Unoshima (鸕鷀島) in the center of the lake. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.Fuji - Object of Faith and Source of Art...»
A theme park of flowers and stars inspired by the anime "Heidi, Girl of the Alps.The park recreates the streets of Switzerland where Heidi lives, and seasonal flowers such as tulips, roses, and lavenders are in full bloom. In 1974, Heidi, a young girl, grew up in the Alps through her life in the great outdoors.The TV animation "Heidi, Girl of the Alps," which depicts the growth of a young girl He...»
Located on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi, this museum exhibits world-class music boxes and other valuable artifacts in an architecture inspired by the pavilions and streets of the nobility of medieval Europe....»
This hot spring bathing facility in the mountains is open one hour before sunrise, allowing visitors to bathe in the morning glow. There are two open-air baths, uniquely named "that hot spring" and "this hot spring.The "this hot spring" is on the right and the "that hot spring" is on the far left, and visitors are free to choose whichever they wish to enter. Each has separate indoor and outdoor b...»
This museum features kimonos made by Itchiku Kubota, a dyeing craftsman who revived the Tsujigahana dyeing technique, which has been called a phantom. The museum exhibits a series of Itchiku Tsujigahana works on the theme of the four seasons and numerous works on the theme of Mt. Kubota Itchiku is internationally recognized for his efforts to restore the Tsujigahana, a dyeing and decorating tech...»
Tenjozan, which rises on the eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchi.Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, and the Southern Alps in the distance. The mountain is also famous as a hydrangea mountain where hydrangeas bloom in summer. About 100,000 hydrangeas bloom from mid-July to early August, and the view of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi can be enjoyed along with the light purple hydrangeas. Tenjozan is said to be t...»
Located on the 1,000-meter-high plateau on the shore of Lake Yamanakako, the closest highland resort to Mt. Beyond the flower garden, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Mt....»
The deepest of the Fuji Five Lakes, with a maximum depth of 122 meters, Motosu Lake is the westernmost of the five lakes scattered at the northern foot of Mt. The lake has the highest transparency in Honshu, although the transparency of the lake water fluctuates seasonally.The deep cobalt-colored water has a mysterious, calm atmosphere. The north shore is a good vantage point for viewing Mt. Fuj...»
This urban park covers a vast area of 32.2 hectares under the theme of fruit.Located on a hill in the suburbs, the park commands a panoramic view of Mount Fuji in front and the Southern Alps in the distance. At night, visitors can see a star-filled sky and a night view of the Kofu Basin, which is recognized as one of the "New Three Great Night Views of Japan. The park has a restaurant with a vie...»
Yamanakako is the easternmost and largest of the Fuji Five Lakes scattered at the northern foot of Mt.The lake is the highest in elevation among the Fuji Five Lakes and the third highest in Japan as a whole.The depth is 13.3 meters, the shallowest of the Fuji Five Lakes. Its shape resembles a cow, and when viewed with the north side up, it also resembles a whale. It is designated as Fuji-Hakone-...»
The eight springs that have been gushing out from the rain and snow that have fallen on Mt.The water is endlessly clear and surprisingly blue when you look into it. The springs are designated as a national natural monument and one of the 100 best waters in Japan.Fuji - Object of Faith and Source of Art" is registered as a World Heritage site. Fuji and from the foot of Mt. Shakushiyama to Mt. Ish...»
The ropeway takes you to the top of Mt. Rohanji in Shosenkyo, one of the most beautiful valleys in Japan, where strange, unusual, and famous rocks line the steep cliffs. It takes about 5 minutes to reach the Panorama-dai station at an elevation of 1,058 meters.From the observation platform, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of Mount Fuji and the Southern Alps mountain range. Fuji floating in...»
This lava cave is located near Lake Saiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, and is known as a habitat of bats. With a total length of 386.5 meters, it is one of the largest among the many lava tubes at the foot of Mt.It is designated as a national natural monument. Formation of the caveFuji erupted in 800 and 864, lava flows covered the area from Lake Motosuko to Lake Nishiko, which used to be one va...»
Sun Meadows Kiyosato is a facility where you can enjoy activities in the rich nature located in the highlands of Yamanashi Prefecture. Kiyosato Terrace is an open-air luxury space located at an altitude of 1,900 meters, further up to the top of the mountain on the Panorama Lift. Fuji and the green Nobeyama Plateau spread out below. Fuji and the green Nobeyama Plateau below. Spend your free time...»
This open-air museum features about 20 restored thatched-roof houses on the shores of Lake Saiko, overlooking Mt.Fuji in the background, visitors can see a nostalgic scene of old Japan where thatched-roof houses used to stand side by side. Each thatched-roof house is used as a souvenir store, a restaurant serving local delicacies, a sweet shop, an exhibition of handicrafts, a corner for needlewor...»
A park where seasonal flowers and herbs are cultivated on the southern shore of Lake Kawaguchi.Along with Oishi Park on the north shore, it is famous for its lavender.Cherry blossoms line the lakeside in spring, hydrangeas bloom during the rainy season, and lavenders are in full bloom from late June to mid-July. The grassy plaza on the gentle hillside offers a good view of Mt.Fuji. It is also one...»
A whiskey distillery surrounded by a forest, which is rare in the world.It was established in 1973 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Suntory Whisky in Hakushu Town, one of the most famous water areas in Japan, as the company's second distillery after the Yamazaki Distillery. The distillery produces malt whiskey for blended whiskey and single malt whiskey "Hakushu". Part of the distillery is...»
Built on the site of the Takeda family residence built in 1519 during the Warring States period, the shrine is dedicated to Shingen Takeda (1521-1573), a military commander of the Warring States period, a guardian of Kai and a feudal lord in the Warring States period. The main shrine is of the Ikkensha Nagarezukuri style, and was completed in 1919. Ishimizudera Yohyosai Castle near Takeda Shrine ...»
Founded by priest Muso Kokushi, this temple is the family temple of Takeda Shingen. In the Myouden Hall, a seated statue of Fudo Myoo, known as Takeda Fudo, and two children are enshrined. The temple was founded in 1330 in the Kamakura period (1185-1333) by Soseki Muso, and was devastated during the Onin War (1467-1477), a civil war that lasted 11 years, but was restored after being designated as...»
Fuji, while soaking in natural hot spring water that wells up from 1,000 meters underground in the Aokigahara Sea of Trees. Fuji, the "Reiho Open-air Bath" and "Panorama Bath," the fantastic dome-shaped "Cave Bath" with lava rocks covering the walls, and the "Reiho Spring Water Bath" are just a few of the 16 different types of baths available. At the restaurant, guests can enjoy local foods and ...»
Fuji, and groundwater containing vanadium, which is unique to Mt. The purely wooden bathing building is a replica of a machiya (townhouse) style, inspired by the architecture of Hida Takayama.The building is made of 60-cm-diameter zelkova trees that are more than 200 years old, and features a beam structure that uses traditional construction methods without the use of nails. Visitors can enjoy a...»
A charming area with unique stores, restaurants, a music box museum, and a hotel dotted among Kiyosato's green forests. It began with the opening of Kiyosato's first coffee shop, "ROCK," and now offers dining, experiences, shopping, and lodging within its vast grounds. The entire village is a natural garden with a romantic atmosphere.There is even an American-made merry-go-round in the forest, o...»
This is a one-day hot spring facility that combines hot spring and fruits. Fuefukigawa Fruit Park, where Pukupuku is located, is selected as one of the "New Three Great Night Views of Japan". Located at the top of the park, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and the Kofu Basin during the day and the New Three Great Night Views of Japan at night while soaking in the open-air natural h...»
This is a beautiful valley surrounded by clear streams and waterfalls. In spring, azalea blossoms bloom, and in fall, autumn leaves add color to the scenery. The Ryumon Gorge is dotted with such sights as the "Three Ochiai Waterfalls," "Ryumon Falls," "Senga no Iwa," and "Tengu Fuchi. The 2.4-km-long promenade course runs from Ryumon Bridge to Seiunji Temple. Visitors can easily enjoy hiking whil...»
A noodle dish with wide and thin udon noodles simmered with pumpkins, negi, shiitake mushrooms, and potatoes in miso-based soup. Simmering row noodles thickens the soup, and it keeps the soup hot. There are several different stories of its origin, and one of the stories says that Shingen Takeda invented it as an alternative food to rice since rice was precious during the Age of Provincial Wars. Th...»
To use Ome in the front where I ripen a specialty in Yamanashi "Koshu Koume", I finish pickling at the end of May. The flavor which is also called "potash potash immerse" from the resistance to the teeth I made crisp and is refreshing is the feature. After putting plum in a night water and doing one without lye, plum and salt are pickled alternately. When slaked lime is added in case of pickling, ...»
A noodle dish with hard and chewy udon noodles with carrots, boiled cabbages, gobou, aburaage and horse meats in soup which is seasoned with miso, or shoyu, or mixture of both. Barley has been one of the biggest crops along with millet around Yoshida Town since the climate of the area is not ideal for growing rice. In the area, barley is hydroponically-cultivated and it is called mizukake mugi. Yo...»
Kofu Tori Motsuni (stewed Kofu chicken gut) is an original dish of Kofu with chicken gizzard, heart, liver, and kinkan (eggs before layed) stewed with sweet and salty soy sauce. It is said to be born around 1950 when an owner of a soba restaurant in Kofu city tried to make the use of the chicken guts that were thrown away. Normally the word “motsuni” is used for soup dishes that have been stewed f...»
This is a local delicacy curry with wild boar meat as its main ingredients. Do not be afraid of the unique taste and smell even when you are not used to it. The spicy curry with the splendid texture of the meat calls for new fans of wild boar meat. Boar meat used to be an ingredient for hunters during the old times, however it is now known as a sophisticated menu using wild meat. The taste has bee...»
The processed food which made the ear shell which are the luxury ingredients a stew by broth of a soy sauce base in the state of the form. The ear shell which could be passed at Suruga Bay is processed in the effect country in an inland area which isn't seaward, it's done in soy sauce, and, wooden, a barrel, it was being inserted and carried. Soy sauce pervades ear shell by the body temperature of...»
“Yamanashi croquette”was invented by a soba noodles restaurant founded in 1966 called Kikuya. It is a unique deep fried croquette filled with ‘hoto’, a local cuisine of Yamanashi. The cooking procedure starts from cooking ‘hoto’ with noodles, pumpkins, taro, mushrooms and pork. It is made with a lot of effort by deep frying it after the hoto cools down. It is also called “Nashikoro”. Some have che...»
Horse meat is known as a meat with low calories and high protein. It is a nutritious food also rich in iron and mineral. It can be recommended not only to women but to anybody as it is also low in cholesterol and has low risk of allergy. Kumamoto is famous of its custom to eat horse meat, but high quality horse meat is also produced in Yamanashi and in the Tohoku area, and the meat has been enjoye...»
Fuji, which looms directly in front of the station, is located at a height of about 900 meters above sea level. Fuji. It is a popular spot that consistently ranks high in the "Kanto Roadside Station Ranking," and is crowded with many people throughout the year. Here, visitors can not only purchase textiles, a major industry, and local specialties, but can also taste the local specialty, Yoshida's...»