Yamanashi Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan in the Chubu region. The northern half of Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lake are present in the Yamanashi Prefecture. The prefecture is landlocked and has a fertile valley, known as the Kofu Basin. The place may seem a bit boring to some people but nevertheless, there are quite a few things to do in Yamanishi. So here are the top things to do in Yamanishi:
1. Visit Lake Kawaguchiko
Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the five lakes of Mount Fuji and there are many interesting things to do around its bank. You should go to visit the lake on beautiful warm days. The lake glitters with the sunshine against the backdrop of the mountains. You should walk along the river bank and you will get some amazing views. You can also take beautiful pictures of Mt. Fuji. So, this is a must visit in Japan.
Information
- Name: Lake Kawaguchiko
- Address: Minamitsuru-gun, Fujikawaguchiko-machi 401-0301, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
2. Hang out at Fuji-Q Highland
Fuji-Q Highland is an amusement park present at the foot of Mount Fuji. It is one of Japan’s most famous theme parks and is popular for its thrilling, record holding anime, and other attractions. The park has become the forefront of theme attraction park and is continuously opening new attractions and rides. The park also features record holding roller coasters and the haunted hospital. So, you should bring your children along with you.
Information
- Name: Fuji Q. Highland
- Address: 5-6-1 Shin Nishihara, Fujiyoshida 403-0017, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Website: https://www.fujiq.jp/en/attraction/
3. Enjoy Mount Fuji with a Private Guide
You should climb Mount Fuji with a private guide and experience some of the most iconic temples and shrines. Many tourists aren’t completely aware of the beauty possessed by Mount Fuji. There are many interesting sightseeing spots nearby, like tea houses and shrines with a long history. In the tour, the guide will introduce you to the history of the mountain and its rich nature. The fee is about $265 excluding the lunch fee.
Information
- Name: Mount Fuji
- Address: Yamanishi Prefecture 418-0112, Japan
- Opening hour: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Website: http://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/
4. Visit Lake Yamanaka
Lake Yamanaka is another beautiful place close to Mount Fuji and provides great views of Mount Fuji. There are many restaurants and natural spots to visit nearby. You can also take a trip to Fujisan museum and learn about the history of Mount Fuji. This place can be considered as a great family vacation. Just bring your family with you along with some food or visit the nearby restaurants.
Information
- Name: Lake Yamanaka
- Address: Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanakako-mura 401-0500, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Opening hour: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
5. Visit Shosen Valley
If you are in Yamanishi, you shouldn’t miss a visit to the Shosen Valley. After walking through it, you will admit that it has one of the most beautiful sceneries you have ever seen. You should also bring a 1 yen coin to tuck in the cracks for good luck. The cable car, however, is a bit old, and you would have to squeeze yourself. There is also a restaurant in the Valley with outdoor and indoor seats.
Information
- Name: Shosen Valley
- Address: Ikaricho | Chichibu Tama Kai National Park, Kofu 400-1217, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
6. Hang out at Oishi Park
Oishi park is a relatively smaller park with a great view of Mount Fuji. The place is a bit difficult to find for tourists because most of the places have a Japanese name and the whole place is packed with tourists. But since it is free cost, you should visit this park. The surrounding area has some beautiful trees and flowers. You can get nice pictures here and when you get hungry you can eat at a nearby restaurant.
Information
- Name: Oishi Park
- Address: Oishi, Minamitsuru-gun, Fujikawaguchiko-machi 401-0305, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
7. Visit Takeda Shrine
Takeda shrine is a Shinto shrine in Yamanishi dedicated a powerful samurai who brought peace to Kofu. The shrine was built in 1915 in the love of Shingen-ko. Many people today visit the shrine and pay their tribute to the great samurai. There is a Shingen festival also held every year at the place where the main festival is the samurai parade. The shrine gives you a feeling of calmness and peace. So you should visit it.
Information
- Name: Takeda Shrine
- Address: 2611 Kofuchumachi, Kofu 400-0014, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
8. Visit Saiko Lake
Saiko Lake is another one of the five Fuji lakes and is present on the southern side of Yaminishi. It is a smaller and relatively less developed lake than the neighboring Lake Kawaguchiko. Here, the views of Mount Fuji are blocked by many other mountains. It is a popular place for camping and fishing. You can lie here all day and watch the pleasant waves passing by you.
Information
- Name: Saiko Lake
- Address: Minamitsuru-gun, Fujikawaguchiko-machi 401-0301, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Opening hour: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
9. Enjoy Nature at Shosenkyo Gorge
Shosenkyo Gorge is a beautiful autumn colored spot to visit in Yamanishi. Shosenkyo Gorge is a beautiful ravine present across central Yamanishi. This hidden spot is available through public transport and makes for a wonderful trip all year around. In a private guided tour, you would be able to tour around Kofu city going further into the realm of the gorge. There are some breathtaking rocks and autumn trees at the place. So you should visit this place.
Information
- Name: Shosenkyo Gorge
- Address: Takanaricho, Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture 400-1214
- Opening hour: Open 24 hours
10. Enjoy Nature at Makiba Park
Makiba park is another worth visiting park in Makiba. This park is as close to nature as it gets. You can find a different kind of animals in summer, like sheep, rabbits and horses. You can touch the sheep and play with them. You should also bring your kids to this park. They can freely mingle with rabbits and other animals. There is also a restaurant present there whose hamburgers are quite delicious.
Information
- Name: Makiba Park
- Address: 8240-1 Oizumicho Nishiide, Hokuto 409-1501, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
11. Dine at Restaurant Kagetsu
When you get tired of traveling, the first restaurant that you should turn to is restaurant Kagetsu. It is a hot, quiet and simple hotel and the food served here is just delicious. They serve a variety of different dishes, including salmon, tofu, udon, sarden, nut and bean. The cooks make sure that every single detail is covered. The staff here is friendly too. So you should visit this restaurant.
Information
- Name: Restaurant Kagetsu
- Address: 3-2-25 Yumura, Kofu 400-0073, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Opening hour: 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
12. Visit Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai is one of the eight ponds in Oshino and is present between Lake Kaweguchiko and Lake Yamanaka. Oshino Hakkai still has its charm. The only problem there is the large crowd of tourists and the pushy behavior of the tour buses. So, to enjoy the place, you would have to move a bit away from the crowds. Oshino Hakkai is quite near to Oshino Ninja village and a taxi drive of five minutes will take you there.
Information
- Name: Oshino Hakkai
- Address: Shibokusa, Minamitsuru-gun, Oshino-mura 401-0511, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Opening hour: Open 24 hours
13. Dine at Izutsuya
Popular for Kyoto and Tanba beef, Izutsuya is every meat-lover’s desire. You can have meat in a variety of ways here but meat cooked on the iron griddle is just delicious. You can also order eel at the restaurant and enjoy the outside environment while eating the dish. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is quite nice and smoking isn’t allowed. This restaurant is highly recommended for families.
Information
- Name: Izutsuya
- Address: 1035 Kobuchisawacho, Hokuto 408-0044, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Opening hour: 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Website: http://www.izutsuya.co.jp/
14. Tour Nishizawa Canyon
Nishizawa Canyon is a 10 Km trail, first half going up a trail and the second half having a straight dry, flat path. You can also hike on these Canyons with a guide. You can stop for lunch and taking pictures. However, some of the areas are quite steep and you would have to show some athletic ability to get through them. The place is breathtakingly beautiful as there are waterfalls after waterfalls and clear blue pools.
Information
- Name: Nishizawa Canyon
- Address: Mitomikawaura, Yamanashi 404-0201, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Opening hour: Open 24 hours
15. Dine at Cafe Koharubiyori
Café Koharubiyori is an awesome café in Yamanishi. It has a unique atmosphere with smiling waitresses which make you at home. The café serves a variety of soups but you should definitely taste the miso soup. It is quite tasty. The café also serves dinner coffee which is quite delicious. The service is quite quick and your order comes at your table within minutes.
Information
- Name: Cafe Koharubiyori
- Address: 71-1 Kamikanogawa, Yamanashi, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Opening hour: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Now you know the top things to do in Yamanishi. There are tons of things to do here with its parks, lakes and restaurants. It is popularly said that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Yamanishi is just one of those places which sound different on the outside but is absolutely fascinating. So you should plan your next tip to Yamanishi.
Have a good trip and travel!
