Nature Spots in Yamanashi Area

  • Lake Shibire
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Prefecture Nishiyachiyo-gun Ichikawa Misato-cho Yamaeya Four Tail Unit
    This small natural mountaintop lake in located in Ichikawamisato Town, Nishiyatsushiro County, Yamanashi Prefecture. Legend has it that this mystical lake was the site of rainmaking rituals. The lake shore features a campground and a rental boat dock. You can enjoy the colors of the cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn foliage in the fall.
  • Mt. Minobu
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Minamikomagunminobuchou Minobu
    A 1,153 meter tall mountain located in Minobu-cho, Minamikoma County, Yamanashi Prefecture. There is a ropeway which can take you to the top of the mountain in about seven minutes, and during your ride in the sky you can enjoy fantastic scenery. There are also two trails which visitors can use to hike to the top as well. The mountain is a habit for Japanese macaques, wild boar, Japanese deer, and a variety of other animals, as well as Japanese serow and Japanese dormice, rare species designated as Natural Monuments which you just might catch a glimpse of if you're lucky. Twice a year, visitors can enjoy the sight of the sun perfectly capping the top of the mountain in a phenomenon popularly known as the “Diamond Fuji,” and the mountain is also a popular spiritual destination.
  • Lake Chidori
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Yamanashishi Manriki Inside the 18828 Mangiwa Park
    Located about five minutes on foot from Yamanashi-shi Station on the JR Chuo Line, Lake Chidori is an artificial lake at the northern edge of Manriki Park. It was originally a holding pond for agricultural use, but now it has been repurposed into a place for rest and recreation for the local residents. Lined with willow and cherry trees, it is a popular spot for leisurely strolls during the cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons. Nearby is Sashide-no-Iso, a place immortalized in the 12th-century poetry anthology Kokinwakashu. Every spring, the Daitakesan Festival is held here, and in the summer, the local Chamber of Commerce sponsors a fireworks festival.
  • Ryumon Gorge
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Koushushi Yamatochoutano
    Ryumon Gorge runs from the Tano District, Yamato-cho, in the city of Koshu to the Tenmoku District. Walking trails have been put in place for 2.4 kilometers along the Hikawa Valley, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful natural environment in every season, from new greenery in the spring to autumn leaves. Each species of tree is identified with a nameplate, making the trail a superb place for nature study. There are spots in the gorge where visitors can fish for char, amago trout, and other river fish. The trail ends at Seiunji Temple and Tenmokuzan Onsen, a hot spring where weary hikers can rest for a while.
  • Hontanigawa Valley
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Hokutoshi Sutamachouhishi
    Hontanigawa River Gorge extends from its source on Mt. Kinpu in the city of Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, and continues to Lake Mizugaki (Enzan Dam), crossing Masutomi Radium Hot Spring from east to west. In 2008, the headwaters region of Mt. Kinpu and Mt. Mizugaki that includes the Hontanigawa River was designated as one of the Top 100 Heisei Famous Water. With its clear, pure water and rocks of various sizes, and trees such as maples and Mongolian oaks, it is delightful in any season, offering rich greenery in spring and summer and brightly colored leaves in the fall. Wading areas have been set up along the river, so that everyone can easily make themselves familiar with this famous water resource.
  • Lake Chiyoda
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Koufushi Shimobinachou
    This man-made lake built as a reservoir for irrigation water is located in Shimoobinacho, Kofu City. Visitors can enjoy activities such as boating and fishing for Japanese crucian carp, black bass, and other species. The nearby Takeda no Mori, a prefectural forest park equipped with a camping ground and other facilities, is located within the vast forest that surrounds the lake.
  • Lake Mizugaki
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Hokutoshi Sutamachouhishi 3730-3
    This man-made lake formed by Shiokawa Dam is located in Hishi, Sudama-cho, Hokuto City. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery created by the interweaving of the fall foliage and other surrounding natural elements with the Rokumei Gorge Bridge that spans the lake. There is also an observatory, a restaurant, a visitor's center, and other facilities on the lake's shore.
  • Misaka Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi
    This mountain pass is located in Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru County, Yamanashi Prefecture. The pass, which straddles between Fujikawaguchiko and neighboring Fuefuki City, is said to be the pass that the Japanese mythological hero, Yamato Takeru-no-Mikoto crossed over on his expedition to the eastern provinces. Just south of the southern exit of Misaka Tunnel on National Route 137 is Fujimi Bridge. There, can stop there and enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji from the observation deck that runs parallel to the bridge.
  • Kiyosato Highland
    Travel / Tourism
    Takanecho, Hokutoichi Yamanashi prefecture
    Kiyosato Highland lies in the foothills south of the Yatsugatake Range. In addition to enjoying nature to the greatest possible extent in all seasons, visitors can take part in other activities, such as mountain climbing and trekking. Easy access from major metropolitan areas is one of its attractive features. It is only two hours by car from Tokyo and three hours from Nagoya. There are plenty of hot springs, famous sights, and popular resorts for the visitors.
  • Otome Highland
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Yamanashishi Makiokachoukitabara
    Otome Highland lies at 1,700 meters and is a grassland where sub-Alpine plants, such as miscanthus and reeds, grow. Gentian blooms in the fall, and flowers bloom in abundance all year, but the sight of blooming rhododendrons in early summer is especially recommended, a sight well worth seeing. Hiking paths and lookouts are available, and hiking is another recommended activity.
  • Kaneyama Falls
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Fujiyoshidashi Kamiyoshida
    Kaneyama Falls, with a 10-meter drop in two streams, is on the upper reaches of the Katsuragawa River, which flows into the Sagamigawa River. Formerly, it was called Kaneyama Pool, because the pool at the bottom of the falls is extremely deep. In the spring, the azalea bloom, and visitors enjoy the fresh greenery in the summer, while the Japanese maples are lovely in the fall. The contrast between these plants and the white foam from the falls is delightful. The falls are located a short walk from the so-called Fujisan Museum (the former Fuji-Yoshida Museum of Local History).
  • Mt. Mizugaki
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Hokutoshi Sutamachouobi
    This 2,230 meter-tall mountain in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture has been designated as one of Japan's 100 best mountains. It is notable for the rocky climbing trails strewn with boulders and for its sheer cliff peak. You can enjoy views of Mt. Fuji, the Minami Alps, Mt. Yatsugatake, and more from the peak. While most of the climbing courses are one-day climbs, there is also a course that leads to the peak from the Mt. Mizugaki mountain villa.
  • Ojiragawa Valley
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Hokutoshi Hakushuchoushirasu 8886
    The clear streams of the Ojira River, sourced by Mt. Kaikomagatake, were selected as one of Japan's 100 best waters. This scenic spot, enhanced by the beautiful contrast between the emerald green mountain stream and the seasonal beauty of the ravine, features many waterfalls and pools of various sizes, including the Jinja Falls and the Fudo Falls. A trail has been built along the ravine, but caution is required due to the rugged terrain and steep slopes. We recommend wearing clothing suitable for mountain climbing.
  • Doryu Falls
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Hokutoshi Oizumichounishide
    This 10 meter-tall, 15 meter-wide waterfall in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture is located along the Kawamata River Valley. It gained its name from the mysterious way the water falls like silk threads from between the greenery-covered rocks. Notable for having multiple tiers, the falls can be viewed from the Kawamata River Valley hiking trail. The falls are a 15-minute hike from the parking lot.
  • Mt. Daibosatsurei
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Pref. Kitatsuruguntabayamamura
    This 2,057 meter-tall mountain in Tanbayama Village, Kitatsuru County, Yamanashi Prefecture was designed as one of Japan's 100 best mountains. From the ridge, you can see mountains including Mt. Fuji, the Minami Alps, Mt. Norikura, and Mt. Yatsugatake. The long, gently sloping mountain ridge makes it a popular destination for beginning climbers. In the summer, you can enjoy views of the mountain's wild grasses and flowers, while in the autumn you can enjoy views of the fall foliage.
  • Mt. Kayagatake
    Travel / Tourism
    Akuno-machi, Hokutoichi Yamanashi
    This 1,704 meter-tall dormant volcano is also known by the name Nise-Yatsu (false Yatsugatake) due to its resemblance to Mt. Yatsugatake. The mountain is known for being the site of the death of author and mountaineer Kyuya Fukada. The park built at the trailhead in his memory, Kyuya Fukada Park, features a stone monument bearing his words.
  • Sengataki Falls
    Travel / Tourism
    Kofu city, Yamanashi prefecture
    This waterfall is one of the highlights of Mt. Ontake's Shosenkyo Gorge in northern Kofu City. It is located at the foot of Kakuenbo Rock in the innermost part of Shosenkyo Gorge. The beautiful waterfall, which is gradually eroding the granite rock face, is visited by many tourists year-round. While the 30 meter-tall falls are impressive during the fall foliage season, it is also well worth a visit after area is covered in snow.
  • Mt. Kinpu
    Travel / Tourism
    Kofu city, Yamanashi prefecture
    The mountain is often referred to as the leader of the Okuchichibu Mountains. At its peak towers Gojoiwa Rock, which serves as the main shrine of the various shrines that sit at the mountain's trailheads, including Kanazakura-jinja Shrine and Kinbo-jinja Shrine. A number of climbing courses are available, including those well suited for beginning mountaineers.
  • Mt. Kobushigatake
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Prefecture Yamanashi-shi
    This 2,475 meter-tall mountain is located at the shared border of the three prefectures of Yamanashi, Saitama, and Nagano. It offers great views everywhere but its eastward side, where the views are obscured by the forest. The mountain and the mountain hut located 200 meters southeast of it, the Kobushigoya, are both beloved by mountaineers. The peak offers views of many of Japan's 100 best mountains, including the Japanese Alps and Mt. Fuji.
  • Yashajin Pass
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamanashi Prefecture Minami Alps City Ashin Ashikura
    This mountain pass is located at the southern tip of the three peaks of Ho-o Sanzan, the vanguard of the Southern Japan Alps. It is highly recommended for its beauty, especially in May due to the fresh green leaves and from mid to late October due to the fall foliage. The route is also easily understood and can be climbed in an hour, making it a popular destination for mountain climbing with the whole family. Its great location gives the pass a head-on view of the three peaks of Shirane sanzan.

Yamanashi Areas

around-area-map

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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