Travel / Tourism Spots in Yamanashi Area

  • Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum
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    4.0
    603 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Yamanashi Minamitsuru-gun Fujikawaguchikomachi Kawaguchi 3077-20
    This music box museum is located at Kawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru County, Yamanashi Prefecture. In addition to music boxes playing, there are live concerts too, so you can enjoy historical works and performances of the music box. Inside is a flower garden, with flowers in each season decorated the garden, so, in conjunction with the surrounding buildings, you can feel as though you are in a different country. There is also a museum shop where you can buy souvenirs, and a restaurant where you can get a meal.

    Interesting place , many automatic organ from 1890-1905 , still working fine. Staff is very kind and willing to explain. They have some scheduled events to show “concerts” of some very ancient and...

  • Mt. Fuji
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi / Shizuoka prefecture
    This is an elegant mountain which is certainly also a symbol of Japan, which is the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776 meters. Mt. Fuji is also often the theme of artistic inspiration such as Hokusai Katsushika: “Fugaku Sanjurokkei” (Thirty-six Sceneries of Mt. Fuji). Also, Mt. Fuji is also the place where the “Mt. Fuji faith” started and it is revered as a sacred mountain in which a deity resides. In 2013 it was registered with World Cultural Heritage as “Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration”. There are four climbing routes including the Yoshida Route, the Subashiri Route, the Gotemba Route and the Fujinomiya Route. Since the opening periods vary depending on which mountain trail you choose, it is necessary to confirm in advance whether your intended route is open.
  • Suntory Hakushu Distillery and Suntory Natural Mineral Water Minami Alps Hakushu Plant
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    4.5
    363 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Hokuto-shi Hakushucho Torihara 2913-1
    "This malt whiskey distillery, also known as the ""Forest Distillery"", is located in the foothills of the Southern Alps approximately 20 minutes by car from Kobuchizawa Interchange on the Chuo Expressway. On the grounds is the ""Whiskey Museum"" where visitors can learn about the history of the birth of the single malt whiskey ""Hakushu"", and the worldwide culture of whiskey. There is also a shop that offers goods limited to the distillery, as well as restaurants and bars featuring seasonal dishes made from local produce. There is no charge for admission but reservations (at least one day in advance) are required. A factory tour (including tasting) is also available (fees apply)."

    I love whisky distilleries and this one did not disappoint (except for one thing, to be mentioned below). The location was breathtaking, in the Japanese Southern Alps, and the tour was fantastic...

  • Takeda-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    444 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Koufushi Kofuchumachi 2611
    Takeda Shingen, a pre-eminent daimyo from the Sengoku (warring states) period, is enshrined here as a deity. It is said that for those praying at this shrine, not only luck in competitive games can be attained, but you can also be rewarded with a stronger mind to better oneself. In addition, through its efforts to attain prosperity in agriculture, commerce, and industry, the enshrined deity draws many worshipers as the god of industry and economy. The sanctuary within the grounds of the shrine houses a host of treasures such as a Kamakura period sword, Yoshioka-ichimonji, designated a national important cultural property. The Tsutsujigasaki-yakata Ruins, a national historic monument of Japan, is the place where three generations of the Takeda family, Nobutora, Shingen, and Katsuyori, actually lived. Festivals are held throughout the year and attract many, many people.

    This shrine is dedicated to Shingen Takeda who was a famous Samurai in the Sengoku period. He was so strong in wars that this shrine is known as giving luck to a battle. The precinct has wide space...

  • Lake Kawaguchi
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    4.0
    2 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Prefecture Minamitsuru-gun Fuji Kawaguchiko Town
    Lake Kawaguchi is located at the lowest elevation of the Fuji Five Lakes. It also has the longest shoreline, about 20 kilometers, of any of the lakes and affords spectacular views of the magnificent Mt. Fuji. The area is a popular resort attracting many visitors with so many things to do such as the Music Forest Museum, pleasure cruises, campsites and hotels. The lake is registered as a World Heritage site as part of the Fujisan cultural site, ‘Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration’.

    河口湖畔をお散歩していると、自然と河口湖七福神めぐりが出来るような感じになっています。七福神のうちの弁財天は、唯一女性の神様。河口湖音楽と森の美術館の裏手、というか、湖側にいらっしゃいます。調べたら、綾小路きみまろさんが寄贈されたんですね。

  • Narusawa Hyoketsu Ice Cave
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    4.0
    297 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Minamitsurugunnarusawamura 8533
    This is a cave located at the eastern entrance to the “Aokigahara Jukai” (sea of trees) forest, and is one of the sightseeing spots within the Fuji Five Lakes area. In 864 A.D., when Mt. Nagao, a flank volcano of Mt. Fuji erupted, the red hot lava flow descended down between the ancient parasitic volcanoes creating this cave. The average temperature within the cave is as low as three degrees, and it is covered with ice year round. It was designated by the Ministry of Education as a Natural Monument in 1929.

    This is a terrible place to visit unless you are fit and adventurous, The attendant at the gate didnt warn us enough about the danger. Our previous experience with lava ice cave was in Jeju and that...

  • Kitaguchihongu Fuji Sengenjinja
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    4.5
    255 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Fujiyoshidashi Kamiyoshida 5558
    This shrine boasts some 1,900 years of history and is also known as the starting point for the Mt. Fuji Yoshida Trail. The shrine flourished in the Edo period as a center for Mt. Fuji worship, and one can still sense the vestiges of this period on the shrine’s extravagant grounds. The goddess of Mt. Fuji, Konohanasakuya-hime, is enshrined here, and it is said she grants easy childbirth and the prevention of fires. The Yoshida Fire Festival, considered one of Japan’s top three unusual festivals, is held here very year on August 26 and 27.

    We would strongly recommend having a guide that knows the history if this place, it will only elevate the experience. This is a starting point for the ascent of Mt Fuji and understanding the rituals...

  • Itchiku Kubota Art Museum
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    4.5
    356 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Yamanashi Pref. Minamitsurugunfujikawaguchikomachi Kawaguchi 2255
    This three Michelin star art museum exhibits the kimono of textile artist Itchiku Kubota. Kubota established a unique dyeing technique called ''Itchiku Tsujigahana'' after having been fascinated by the Tsujigahana style of fabric dyeing that flourished in the Muromachi Period before suddenly dying out. The museum displays Takeda's ''Symphony of Light'' series, which features kimono with themes including the four seasons, the ocean, and the universe. It also displays kimono featuring motifs of the many faces shown by Mt. Fuji in different weather conditions.

    The kimonos are beautiful, but I would only visit if you are in the area. The gardens in back are pretty. You can sit down for a bite to eat or get something to drink in their little cafe. The...

  • Lake Yamanaka
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    4.0
    11 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanakako village Minamitsuru gun Yamanashi prefecture
    Located to the northeast of Mt. Fuji at an approximate altitude of 980 meters, Lake Yamanaka is the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes in terms of surface area. With very comfortable temperatures of around 20 degrees in the summer the place is known as a summer resort alongside Karuizawa and Hakone. There are a range of tourist facilities such as guest houses, sports facilities, fishing spots, literature museums, and art galleries, etc.

    山中湖の湖畔で打ちあがる花火大会です。4か所から打ちあがる為、色々な場所で花火鑑賞を楽しめます。駐車場確保が一苦労しました。

  • Minobusan Kuonji Temple
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    4.5
    238 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Minamikomagunminobuchou Minobu 3567
    High Priest Nichiren entered Kuonji Temple at Mt. Minobu where he remained for his entire life teaching his disciples. This sacred place where Nichiren devoted his life to reciting the Lotus Sutra draws many worshipers as the head temple of the Nichiren sect. Many annual events are also held here. The Setsubun Ritual held in February attracts tens of thousands of people. In the grounds of the temple are drooping trees said to be 400 years old. The place is well known as a cherry blossom viewing spot with beautiful pale pink flowers showing their full glory during the spring.

    There is a lot of history here and participating in morning prayer (5:30AM) whether you follow the faith or not provides for a relaxing and unique introspective experience. The ropeway to Mt Minobu...

  • Maizuru Castle Park
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    3.5
    283 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Koufushi Marunouchi 1
    This castle park is located in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Originally the site of Kofu Castle, built at the end of the 16th century, today parts of the castle ruins are a public park. The area in and around the park features a number of historic sites that help visitors imagine what the castle would have looked like in its heyday. These include Yuki Bridge, the castle quarry, and Inari Yagura Tower. The park has a great team of volunteer tour guides.

    Basically just the ruins of castle. While it can be a great view, the steps up are steep and uneven with no handrails.

  • Oshino Hakkai Springs
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Minamitsurugunoshinomura Shibokusa
    Oshino Hakkai Springs is a collection of eight spring water ponds created from water from Mt. Fuji. The springs are revered as a place of pilgrimage for many people. The place was also registered as a World Heritage site as an integral part of Mt. Fuji due to being an historical sacred place of Sengen Shrine, and an historical place for people on the road to Mt. Fuji to perform a purification ceremony, as well as because of its mysterious beauty.
  • Roadside Station Doshi
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    3.5
    104 Reviews
    Transportation
    Yamanashi Pref. Minamitsurugundoushimura 9745
    Roadside Station Doshi provides all sorts of information including tourist information on Doshi Village, events and special products. In the restaurant you can enjoy some original dishes made with ingredients freshly harvested from the village. They also have a dessert menu with dishes made with watercress, a special product of Doshi. The shop sells Doshi pork related products, vegetables and edible wild plants from local farmers, river fish, and shichiri miso, etc. They also have a range of vases and woodwork products on sale too. Events are sometimes held depending on the season.

    駐車場も店舗も広いが、それなりにお客さんも多い。特産品売り場のほか、飲食店も多くある。バイクとサイクリストが多い。

  • Yamanashi Prefectural Maglev Exhibition Center
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    4.0
    192 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Yamanashi Pref. Tsurushi Ogatayama 2381
    This facility in Tsuru City, Yamanashi Prefecture is a place where people can learn first-hand how superconducting magnetic levitation (SCMaglev) railways work. Visitors can also watch tests on the Yamanashi maglev test line or check out models and exhibits that introduce SCMaglev technology and the Chuo Shinkansen. The adjacent Waku-waku Yamanashi-kan features an area with tourist information on Yamanashi Prefecture on its second floor, while its first flour features a shop that offers local products.

    Even if you only have a passing interest in trains (or even none at all!) this is well worth calling into if youre on your way to Fuji. The staff were all very helpful - enthusiastic even to help...

  • Shosenkyo Gorge Ropeway
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    4.0
    156 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Koufushi Ikarichou 441
    This ropeway is located in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Built on a panoramic lookout at the top of Shosenkyo Gorge where the old road meets the new road, the car takes about five minutes to complete a journey. Passengers on the ropeway can enjoy great views of mountains including Mt. Yasaburo, one of Yamanashi's most famous 100 mountains, as well as Mt. Fuji, Southern Japan Alps, and the Chichibu Mountains. The lower station in the foothills features a souvenir shop, while the upper station at the peak features a diner that serves hoto noodles and char.

    Small cable car that takes you to the top of the mountains overlooking Kofu with (on a clear day) a great view of Mount Fuji. Not for the faint of heart if worried about heights.

  • Arakurayama Sengen Park
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Fujiyoshidashi Arakura 3353-1
    Arakurayama Sengen Park is the best place to see Mt. Fuji from within Fujiyoshida City. Especially during the spring, when the Yoshino cherry blossom trees are in full bloom in the park, it’s a popular place to enjoy both the cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji. Moreover, having been designated as one of the new three major night views in Japan and top 100 night views, it’s no wonder the park is hugely popular with night view fans.
  • Kai-Zenkoji Temple
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    4.0
    187 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Koufushi Zenkouji 3-36-1
    This temple is located in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. It was built in 1558 by Takeda Shingen, who feared that the fires caused by the Battles of Kawanakajima would reach Shinano Zenkoji Temple, as a place to relocate the temple's statues, scriptures, and other properties. The temple's gate and main hall are nationally-designated Important Cultural Properties. The treasure hall built on the temple grounds exhibit some of the temple's countless treasures.

    It will be great to read some history of Takeda Shingen from the war period in Japan prior to visiting the temple. A totally historical place that continue to play import religious roles in the...

  • Roadside Station Hakushu
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    4.0
    179 Reviews
    Transportation
    Yamanashi Pref. Hokutoshi Hakushuchoushirasu 1308
    A roadside station in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Located at the hiking entrance to Mt. Kaikomagatake, it provides tourist information, sells fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, and rice, as well as an array of specialty goods cultivated with Hakushu's meisui water. You can enjoy a meal at the restaurant which makes good use of in-season ingredients. Meisui water springs up near the entrance. You can pump it and take some home if you'd like.

    信州方面に行くとき、中央道だと、八ヶ岳Pをよく利用します。国道20号線を利用するときは、ここで休憩します。売店を利用しますが、少し高めのように思われます。今回、諏訪湖周辺に行きますので、もう何回も来ています。

  • Kentokusan Erinji Temple
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    4.0
    184 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Koushushi Enzanoyashiki 2280
    This temple famous for its gardens, a nationally-designed historic site and scenic area, was chosen by samurai warlord Takeda Shingen to serve as his family's temple. It also boasts many attractions including a good number of cultural properties such as its four-legged gate, a National Important Cultural Property, and the family gravesite of Takeda Shingen, a prefecturally-designated Historical Site. Every April 12, the temple is packed with people attending the Shingen Festival.

    Following Shousenkyou Valley, we visited Erinji Buddhist Temple of the Rinzai zen sect in Koushuu City. There are a couple of must sees in this temple founded in the 14th century which is also the...

  • Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Art
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    4.5
    150 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Yamanashi Pref. Koufushi Kugawa 1-4-27
    This art museum surrounded by the greenery in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture is located inside Prefectural Arts Park. The museum has become known as the the museum of Millet due to its collection centered on the representative works of French painter Jean-Francois Millet. In addition to a gallery focused on painting and sculptures by western artists, the museum also holds a range of events.

    I’ve only toured the museum exhibits once but I often came to visit the gorgeous gardens and walk the grounds. My girlfriend and I came here together and we have wonderful memories of this place. The...

Yamanashi Areas

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Yamanashi prefecture is the proud home of one of Japan’s most celebrated icons: Mount Fuji. Although the mountain straddles both Yamanashi and Shizuoka, the most breathtaking views of Fuji-san can be seen from the Fuji Five Lakes north of the mountain in Yamanashi prefecture. The plethora of outdoor activities in and around the lakes all have the benefit of the country’s highest mountain as their backdrop, and we can assure you that it is an unforgettable sight.

Yamanashi Photo Album

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