If you’re planning to visit Yamanashi, don’t forget to do some popular activities to enrich your experiences. There are many things to do in Yamanashi that can cater to men, women and whole family. Yamanashi is just hours from Tokyo, so you should make it a part of your itinerary.
1. Buckwheat Noodles Cooking Lesson
You can start the day by taking the Buckwheat Soba Noodles cooking session in Kofu. You will learn what this type of noodle is all about and get the chance to prepare, knead, slice and chop the noodles. You will also learn how to cook the noodles. Of course, you get to taste Buckwheat Soba Noodles as lunch is included.
Information
- Availability: Daily
- Session: Morning and Afternoon
- Activity: Cooking lesson
- Fee: $20+
2. Horseback Riding
You may have ridden a horse before, but don’t let go of the opportunity for a horseback riding in the foot of Yatsugatake Mountains. It is one of the popular activities for the whole family since you get to see the trail and the beautiful scenery on the mountain side. First-time horse riders are welcome.
Information
- Availability: Daily
- Length: 30 min – 1hr30min
- Session: Morning and Afternoon
- Fee: $10+
3. Masutomi Hot Springs
For some afternoon dip, make sure to visit the Masutomi Hot Springs. There’s no better way to relax and refresh the body than with an invigorating outdoor swim in a hot spring. The water that comes from the hot springs is usually helpful to boost blood circulation and treat colds. A lunch set is also prepared after you take a dip.
Information
- Availability: Thursday
- Length: 5 hrs 30 min
- Session: Morning
- Fee: $47+
- Includes: Hot spring and lunch set
4. Ski Resort Adventure
One of the popular bonding activities for a group of friends is the ski resort adventure. You can compete in elimination race and finals type of competition, go up against your buddies, other visitors or just establish your personal best time. Of course, for beginners you can go slow and ski until you learn the skill.
Information:
- Availability: Daily
- Length: hourly rental
- Session: Morning, Afternoon
- Fee: $40
5. Zip Lining
Experience the thrill, adventure and fresh excitement in climbing tree tops. Get to see the beauty and allure of the forest near Mt. Fuji. You get to hold the cables attached to the trees and climb the ladders as you climb the height. The next part is for the brave since you’re going to zip line through the course of the forest.
Information
- Availability: Daily
- Length: 2 hrs to 2hrs 30min
- Session: Morning and Afternoon
- Fee: $31+
6. Treetop Adventure
Experience some obstacle course adventures with Mt. Fuji as the backdrop. This treetop canopy adventure requires the participants to be 112 centimeters or taller. There are different types of an obstacle course with varying degrees of difficulty. This will surely challenge your physical limits as it needs you to be physically fit.
Information
- Availability: Daily
- Length: 1 hr to 1hr 30min
- Session: Morning and Afternoon
- Fee: $20+
7. Forest and Cave Exploration
Hear the symphony of bird songs and cacophony of nature sounds of the enchanting forest in Yamanashi. Get down into the deep and wander in the pitch black surroundings of the Aokigahara, a lava cave natural phenomenon in the foothills just near Mt. Fuji. An experienced nature guide will go with you every step of the way.
Information
- Availability: Daily
- Length: 3hrs 30min
- Session: Morning and Afternoon
- Fee: $49+
8. Strawberry Picking and Cherry Blossoms
Visit Yamanashi strawberry fields and delightfully experience how it is to pick fresh strawberries. Don’t forget to stroll along the spectacular pink cherry blossom bushes and plantation, a magnificent background for all your Instagram photos. The pink cherry blossom field is adjacent to the peaceful Lake Kawaguchi. A lunch set for westerners can also be included.
Information
- Availability: Daily
- Length: 11hrs 30min
- Session: Morning
- Fee: $95+
9. Alpine Trail Running
The area around Mt. Fuji is a tourist haven and you shouldn’t miss an exciting Alpine Trail running adventure in Yamanashi Prefecture region. Choose good running shoes if you’re a beginner since this is no ordinary running as you will go the Alpine trail. It’s a great group activity for family and your friends.
Information
- Availability: Daily
- Length: 1hr 30min
- Session: Morning and Afternoon
- Phone: 81 80-3349-9413
10. Mishima Skywalk
Feel the breathtaking view of Lake Kawaguchi and Mt. Fuji by walking in the Mishima Skywalk. It’s a relaxation tour you shouldn’t miss as you feel the cool wind breeze and warm sun rays at the earliest hour of the morning. This is a great stress buster especially if you work most of the time in the city.
Information
- Availability: Thursday, Sunday
- Activity: Sky viewing
- Session: Morning
11. Autumn Fruit Picking
If you’re visiting in Yamanashi falls in autumn, around September to November, make sure to experience picking fruits in the autumn season. Pick some fresh apples, persimmons and pears. You certainly don’t want to miss the chance in picking autumn seasonal fruits right from their tree. Of course, you can also get a taste by having a nibbling some of your picked fruits.
Information
- Availability: Daily (September to November)
- Activity: Fruit picking
- Session: Morning and Afternoon
- Fee: $10+
12. Summer Fruit Picking
Are you visiting Yamanashi in the summer? Don’t forget to include summer seasonal fruit picking activity in your travel plans. The summer season is from June to August. Bring your family into some fun fruit picking under the sun. Get to pick sweet plums, nectarine, peaches, and cherries. You’ll get to taste fresh fruits from the orchard.
Information
- Availability: Daily (June to August)
- Activity: Fruit picking
- Session: Morning and Afternoon
- Fee: $10+
13. Shrine of Asama
Visit the historic sacred shrine in Lake Kawaguchi and walk the beautiful nature atmosphere near Mt. Fuji. Get to see century-old cedars along the Shrine of Asama. Of course, you get to see the beautiful and majestic sight of the mighty Mt. Fuji, with a worthwhile visit of nearby Haha no Shirataki waterfalls.
Information
- Availability: Daily
- Length: 3 hrs 30 min
- Session: Morning and Afternoon
- Fee: $34+
14. Oshino Hakai
A well-visited place in Yamanashi is the Oshino Hakkai. Perfect for viewing spots and picture taking with cherry blossoms, it is great to walk around the area with its rural vibe. You can get some awesome shots even with different types of seasons, from the happy colorful spring season to the calm and serene white snow filled nature.
Information
- Availability: Daily
- Activity: Sightseeing and nature viewing
- Season: June to July
15. Takeda Shingen
Get to visit the historic sites of the Takeda Shingen, a great warrior who lived in ancient Japan. Include the places such as the Shingen Temples, Shingen grave site, Kaizenkoji temple and Housenji temple. Kaizenkoji was built in 1558 by the great warrior and survived for more than 460 years up to this time. Don’t forget to have some local specialties along the way.
Information
- Availability: Daily
- Session: Morning and Afternoon
- Fee: $260+
Yamanashi is a great place to visit if you’re from the big cities. The place has a good mix of nature, sports adventure, fruit picking and shrine visits which your family would surely enjoy. In Yamanashi, you will never run out of activities to do and beautiful sights to see.
Have a good trip and travel!
