Yamanashi (prefecture) Travel Guide
A comprehensive travel guide to Yamanashi Prefecture in Japan, including places to visit, outdoor adventures, food and drink scene, accommodations, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation, and more.
- Introduction to Yamanashi Prefecture
- List of Places to Visit in Yamanashi Prefecture
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Yamanashi Prefecture
- Best Things to Do in Yamanashi Prefecture: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Yamanashi Prefecture
- Food and Drink Scene of Yamanashi Prefecture
- Where to Stay in Yamanashi
- What to Buy in Yamanashi Prefecture: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Yamanashi Prefecture
- Best Time to Visit Yamanashi Prefecture
- Do’s and Don’ts of Yamanashi Prefecture
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Yamanashi Prefecture: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Yamanashi Prefecture
- Where to Go Next from Yamanashi Prefecture: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Yamanashi Prefecture
Yamanashi Prefecture is located in Chubu, central Japan and is known for its natural beauty and stunning views of Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. The region is filled with hot springs, scenic lakes, and lush valleys, making it the perfect destination for sightseeing and outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and skiing.
List of Places to Visit in Yamanashi Prefecture
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Art: Known for its impressive collection of Japanese paintings and sculptures, this museum is a must-visit for art lovers.
- Hottarakashi Onsen: A traditional hot spring resort that offers stunning views of Mount Fuji.
- Kofu Castle: A historic castle that was built during the Edo Period and is now a popular tourist attraction.
- Kai Zenko-ji Temple: A well-preserved ancient Buddhist temple that dates back to the 7th century.
Natural Attractions of Yamanashi Prefecture: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Mount Fuji: One of the most iconic mountains in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site.
- Lake Kawaguchi: One of the Fuji Five Lakes, and is known for its picturesque scenery and vibrant fall foliage.
- Kiyosato Plateau: A scenic highland area that offers stunning views of the Yatsugatake mountain range.
- Fuji-Q Highland: An amusement park that offers roller coaster rides and other attractions, with views of Mount Fuji.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Yamanashi Prefecture
Yamanashi Prefecture is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the best hiking and biking routes in the region include:
- Fuji Five Lakes Trail: A popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes.
- Southern Alps Trek: A challenging hiking trail that takes you through the Southern Alps, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
- Shosenkyo Gorge: A scenic hike that takes you through a picturesque gorge with stunning waterfalls and rock formations.
- Fuefukigawa Fruit Park Cycling Course: A scenic cycling course that takes you through orchards and vineyards, offering a taste of local agricultural life.
Best Things to Do in Yamanashi Prefecture: Activities and Tours
- Horseback Riding: Explore scenic trails and rolling hills riding horseback, with views of Mount Fuji.
- Sake Brewery Tour: Take a guided tour of a local sake brewery and learn about the traditional brewing process.
- Wasabi Farm Visit: Visit a local wasabi farm and learn about the cultivation and usage of wasabi.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: Enjoy stunning views of the Yamanashi landscape from a hot air balloon.
- Snowshoe Trekking: Explore snowy trails and experience the beauty of the region in the winter.
Week-Long Itinerary for Yamanashi Prefecture
Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Yamanashi Prefecture:
Day 1: Arrive in Yamanashi and check into your hotel. Explore the city of Kofu and visit Kofu Castle.
Day 2: Explore the natural beauty of Yamanashi by visiting Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, and the Fugaku Wind Cave.
Day 3: Visit the historic Kai Zenko-ji Temple and then head to Hottarakashi Onsen for a relaxing hot spring experience.
Day 4: Go on a cycling tour of the Fuefukigawa Fruit Park, and visit a local winery.
Day 5: Visit the Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Art and enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Day 6: Go hiking in the Southern Alps, and then visit Fuji-Q Highland for a thrill roller coaster ride.
Day 7: Depart from Yamanashi Prefecture or stay an extra day and participate in the activities and tours that piqued your interest.
Food and Drink Scene of Yamanashi Prefecture
Must-Try Dishes
- Houtou: A noodle dish that is made with flat udon noodles and vegetables, often found in the Fuji Five Lakes area.
- Yamanashi Grapes: The region is known for its wine-making, with the grapes being grown in the Katsunuma area.
- Budo Nabe: A hot pot stew made with locally grown grapes, pork, vegetables, and tofu.
Local Beverages
- Wine: Yamanashi Prefecture is Japan’s most famous wine-producing region.
- Sake: Sake brewing has a long history in Yamanashi and is considered to produce some of the best sake in Japan.
Where to Stay in Yamanashi
Visitors to Yamanashi Prefecture can choose from a variety of accommodation options. Some of the most popular include:
- Ryokans: Traditional Japanese inns that offer overnight stays, with meals included.
- Hotels: From budget-friendly to luxury, there are plenty of hotel options in Yamanashi Prefecture.
- Guesthouses: A more affordable option for travelers, guesthouses offer a communal living experience.
What to Buy in Yamanashi Prefecture: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Yamanashi Wine: Take home a bottle of wine from the famous Yamanashi vineyards.
- Koshu Inden: A type of lacquerware that is a traditional product of Yamanashi.
- Kikyou Shingen Mochi: A sweet, lightly sweetened mochi, made with rice flour and filled with sweet red bean paste and wrapped in edible jelly.
Local Culture and Customs of Yamanashi Prefecture
Yamanashi Prefecture is home to a rich cultural heritage, with a focus on traditional art forms like Japanese painting, calligraphy, and music. Visitors can pay a visit to local temples and museums to learn more about Yamanashi’s history and traditions.
Best Time to Visit Yamanashi Prefecture
The best time to visit Yamanashi is from April to June and from September to November when the weather is mild, and the autumn foliage is in full bloom. However, visitors can still enjoy the region’s natural beauty throughout the year, with winter sports being popular in the colder months.
Do’s and Don’ts of Yamanashi Prefecture
Do:
- Respect Japanese customs and traditions.
- Try the local cuisine and wine.
- Take your shoes off when entering a traditional Japanese house.
Don’t:
- Touch or lean on a Torii gate.
- Leave your chopsticks sticking in your rice bowl.
- Talk loudly on public transport.
Safety and Health
Safety in Yamanashi Prefecture
Yamanashi is generally a safe region for travelers, but visitors should still take precautions, such as using common sense, avoiding dangerous areas at night, and staying aware of their surroundings.
Health in Yamanashi Prefecture
The tap water in Yamanashi Prefecture is safe to drink, but visitors should come prepared with any necessary medications, and health insurance.
Getting to Yamanashi Prefecture: Transportation Options and Logistics
Yamanashi Prefecture is easily accessible by public transportation, including:
Airports Near Yamanashi Prefecture
- Haneda Airport (Tokyo) - the closest international airport to Yamanashi.
Bus Stations Near Yamanashi Prefecture
- Tokyo Station - take the Kaiji limited express train from Tokyo Station to Kofu Station.
- Shinjuku Station - take the Chuo Highway Bus from Shinjuku Station to Kofu Station.
Other Options
- Renting a car is also a popular way to explore Yamanashi Prefecture.
How to Get Around in Yamanashi Prefecture
Public transportation is readily available in Yamanashi Prefecture, including trains and buses. Visitors can also rent a car or bicycle to explore the region at their own leisure.
Where to Go Next from Yamanashi Prefecture: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Some of the most popular destinations near Yamanashi Prefecture include:
- Tokyo: Japan’s capital city is located less than two hours away from Yamanashi and is a must-visit for any traveler to Japan.
- Nagano: Famous for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano is a beautiful mountainous region that is well worth a visit.
- Kyoto: Known for its beautiful temples and gardens, Kyoto is a popular tourist destination with a rich cultural heritage.
Conclusion
Yamanashi Prefecture offers an incredible tourist experience, with beautiful natural scenery, cultural attractions, and exciting outdoor activities. Any traveler to Japan should make sure to include this region on their itinerary for an unforgettable vacation.
