Speaking of Yamanashi Prefecture, it is Mt. Fuji. There are many spots in Japan where you can see Mt. Fuji beautifully, but Mt. Fuji seen from the Yamanashi side is exceptional. In addition, there is “grape” as a special product that represents Yamanashi. There is also a major base for Japanese wine. It also has a base for Japanese whiskey. The article below will guide you through the attractions of Yamanashi, places to visit, and things to do.
Table of Contents
Outline of Yamanashi
Yamanashi Prefecture is located on the north side of Mt. Fuji. Mt.Fuji seen from Yamanashi prefecture’s Kawaguchiko and Lake Motosu etc. is very beautiful. Kofu city with prefectural office is located in the basin which is famous as grape and wine producing area. On the north side are mountains of Japanese Alps such as Mt. Yatsugatake.
Access
Shinkansen does not run through Yamanashi Prefecture. Also, there is no airport. Therefore, to go to Yamanashi Prefecture, you will have to use conventional trains, buses, taxis, or rental cars.
The easiest way to get there from Tokyo is on the JR Chuo Line, which connects Tokyo and Kofu. You can reach Kofu in about 90 minutes by express train from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. There is also a way to take an express bus from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station, which will take you to Yamanashi in about two hours. There are also direct trains from Tokyo Station to Lake Kawaguchi, Fuji-Q Highland, and other places in Yamanashi, where you can enjoy the scenery of Mt. Fuji.
There are discount passes that allow unlimited rides on JR trains and buses, which are recommended when visiting Yamanashi Prefecture and its surrounding areas, such as sightseeing at Mt. Fuji. I think the following two types are the best. Please choose according to your purpose.
>>3 Day JR Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Area Tourist Pass Mini
Mt. Fuji
One of Yamanashi’s most famous tourist attractions is Mount Fuji. Many tourists visit Yamanashi to see Mt. Fuji up close.
Fuji is a mountain that symbolizes Japan. It is an active stratovolcano that last erupted in 1707. With an altitude of 3,776m, it is the highest mountain in Japan. It is a majestic natural landmark as well as an important religious and cultural spot in Japan.
Mount Fuji has been a religious site for over 1000 years and is considered one of the most sacred mountains in Japan. A popular place of pilgrimage for centuries, many climb it for religious and spiritual reasons. The mountain is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural significance.
Climbing Mt.Fuji is relatively easy, so it is popular with people of all ages, from children to the elderly. The climbing season runs from July to August. In addition, hot spring tours, hiking in the surrounding lakes, and local gourmet foods such as hoto are also popular.
There are many places around Mt. Fuji where you can enjoy breathtaking views. The most popular spot is the Fujikawaguchiko area where you can see Mount Fuji reflected in the lake. Another popular spot is Chureito, a five-storied pagoda located in Arakurayama Sengen Park in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, where you can see Mt. Fuji and its surroundings.
In Yamanashi Prefecture, there are various spots where you can see Mt. Fuji more attractively. Please refer to the articles linked below for recommended viewing spots for viewing Mt. Fuji.
Fuefukigawa Fruit Park
Yamanashi is also famous for producing delicious fruits such as peaches, grapes, and strawberries. From summer to autumn, you can enjoy fruit picking at local farmers and taste fresh, juicy fruit straight from the trees.
“Fuefukigawa Fruit Park” is a spot where you can enjoy fruits and flowers all year round, and there is a corner where you can learn and experience fruits, such as a fruit workshop and an orchard.
Budonooka Wine Storage
“Budonooka (Grape Hill)” is located in Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Koshu is one of Japan’s leading grape-producing areas and is also famous for its wine production.
Wine Storage is located on a small hill surrounded by vineyards, and is a popular place for bus tours of Yamanashi wineries. If you like wine, please visit this place. There is an underground wine cellar with about 200 brands and about 20,000 bottles of wine in one place, and you can taste all the wines by purchasing a special tasting container “Tartvin”.
On the premises, there is a fine-view wine restaurant, barbecue facilities, natural hot springs, and lodging facilities that you can enjoy all day long.
Suntory Hakushu Distillery
“Suntory Hakushu Distillery” is now producing the world-famous single malt Japanese whiskey “Hakushu”. It is a popular spot for whiskey and liquor lovers, located in Hakushu-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, a town at the foot of the Southern Alps rich in nature.
Visitor tours, where you can taste rare whiskeys, are very popular. There are also museums, restaurants, shops selling limited goods, and bars.
Saru Bridge
Saruhashi Bridge is one of Japan’s three most unique bridges, and has a unique structure even in Japan. It has a beautiful appearance and is in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature. The bridge is also depicted in Ukiyo-e, and has been designated as a national scenic spot.
There is a walking course in the surrounding area, and it is a must-see spot that can be recommended throughout the four seasons, such as the fresh green of spring and the colored leaves of autumn.
Thank you for reading to the end.
>>If you want to know the tour menu of Yamanashi Prefecture, click here!
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