Yamanashi Prefecture, located not too far away from the capital of Tokyo, is a perfect day or multi day trip for someone interested in the outdoors, or just looking for a fun experience outside of the big city. Let’s get you knowledgeable about Yamanashi Prefecture!
Yamanashi
Yamanashi Prefecture is made up of the characters for mountain (山) and pear (梨). Does this mean that there are mountains in the prefecture? The answer is yes! Does this also mean that there are pears in the prefecture? Also yes! The 32nd largest prefecture of Japan by area, it has a population slightly over 800,000 people.
How Do I Get There?
Depending on your method of transportation, it can take a couple of hours to reach the prefecture from Tokyo. One way is to take a leisurely coach ride, which can also take you straight to Mt. Fuji if that is what you are after. Another way is to use the local train system, an extensive and efficient way to spend some time gazing out the window. You can take the Chuo Line to Takao Station, where you’ll transfer to a local train (bound to Kofu) and eventually you transfer at Otsuki Station. From Otsuki Station, board the Fujikyuko Line and make sure you have a good seat. As you pass each station, Mt. Fuji gets closer and closer, and then eventually it appeared from behind the hills! Once you alight from the train at Kawaguchiko Station, there are so many spots to view the mountain from.
You can take buses from Kawaguchiko Station to some of the other lakes in the area, you can also take a bus over towards the capital of the prefecture, Kofu.
What Should I Do?
As Mt. Fuji is one of the prefecture’s most famous attractions, seeing the mountain is a must. But, as there are so many different viewing spots in the prefecture, here are a few that you might want to keep in mind.
Probably the most famous view of the mountain can be had near Shimoyoshida Station on the Fujikyuko Line. Near Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, you’ll find the Chureito Pagoda, which can be framed with Mt. Fuji in the background, and depending on the season, can be flanked by autumn leaves or blossoming cherry blossoms. There can sometimes be a queue for the iconic shot, but it is iconic for a reason.
For some more views of the mountain, try walking along the eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, the view when the mountain comes back into sight is amazing. Crossing the Lake Kawaguchi Great Bridge is another prime spot to get pictures and sights, as the entire mountain is visible as you traverse the bridge. The far side of the lake is also a great spot, lined with cherry blossoms to frame the mountain, in addition to autumn foliage that makes the mountain pop. Also on the far side of the lake is what is called the ‘Maple Corridor’, a length of maple trees that is illuminated at night during the autumntime.
There is also the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, which takes you up to Kawaguchi Tenjoyama Park, and another brilliant view of the mountain. Various hikes around the area can give spectacular views of the mountain, though you may have to huff and puff a bit to reach them.
What Else?
If you are Mt. Fuji’d out, there is still plenty to explore in Yamanashi Prefecture. There are multiple historic shrines worth a visit, including Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine and Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine. There is also Shosenkyo Gorge north of Kofu, and Senga Falls, which is included in the list of the top 100 waterfalls of Japan.
Did you know that Yamanashi Prefecture is also a top producer of wine in the country? With vineyards around the Kofu basin, a visit to one or a wine tasting is another great way to spend your time in the prefecture.
If you pass Mt. Fuji and head close to the western border of the prefecture with Shizuoka Prefecture, you find the Minobu area. Deep in the mountains, it offers stunning views of the surroundings, and many historic and beautiful temples and shrines to visit. You can take a ride up the Minobusan Ropeway, and enjoy the views from the top of the mountain of the surrounding peaks and greenery.
Yamanashi Prefecture is easily accessible from Tokyo and other major cities, making it a top destination for anyone wanting to explore Japan more, or get one of the best views of Mt. Fuji. Whether a day trip or extended stay, Yamanashi is waiting!
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