The landlocked Yamanashi’s claim to fame might be the spectacular Mount Fuji that lies on its southern borders, but travellers to the region have stayed for more than just that. Japan’s fertile central prefecture is surrounded by its highest mountains and has been a prime attraction for wellness-seeking travellers to the country. Yamanashi prefecture is a region of extremes, being home to both traditional hot spring baths as well as some of Japan’s most impressive roller coasters. Herein also lies Japan’s most famous wine region, officially making Yamanashi the most versatile of the country’s prefectures. Here are the top things to do in Yamanashi, Japan.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 28, 2024.
1. Visit Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum
Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum houses an impressive collection of antique music boxes, player pianos, and other mechanical musical instruments from around the world, making it one of the best places to visit in Yamanashi. Visitors can marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of the museum’s collection and learn about the history of mechanical music.
In addition to the mechanical instruments, the museum has a concert hall where live performances are held throughout the year. These performances showcase a variety of music genres, including classical, jazz, and pop. The concert hall is also home to a stunning pipe organ played during special events. The museum is set in a picturesque garden, which provides a peaceful atmosphere for visitors to relax.
Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum
Address: 3077-20 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0304, Japan
Website: Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum
Opening hours: Thu- Mon: 10am - 5pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
2. Go on a tandem hang gliding experience (from USD 130.69)
For an unforgettable adventure in Japan, try tandem hang gliding in Yamanashi! This beginner-friendly tour allows you to experience the thrill of flying through the air while safely strapped to an experienced pilot.
The tour begins with a safety briefing and introduction to hang gliding equipment, followed by a short hike up a mountain to the launch site. From there, you will take off and soar through the sky, enjoying breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding landscape. You can purchase photos and videos from your flight to bring back home.
Tandem Hang Gliding in Yamanashi
3. Enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji at Oishi Park
Imagine this view - a bed of gorgeous flowers spread out like a kaleidoscopic carpet in the foreground, and the majestic Mount Fuji in the background. This is the jaw-dropping view that Oishi Park, a public park on the north shores of Lake Kawaguchi, offers. The gorgeous park also features a 350-metre-long (1,148 feet) walking path with different flowers blooming alongside it in different seasons. A pink carpet of Moss Phlox flowers feature in early April to late May, gorgeous lavender plants bloom in late June to late July, while the fiery red Kokia shrubs flower in October to November, making for a spectacular sight.
Oishi Park
Address: Japan, 〒401-0305 Yamanashi, Minamitsuru District, Fujikawaguchiko, Oishi, 2585-2 地先
Website: Oishi Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
4. Stroll the sumptuous fruit tree gardens of Fuefukigawa Fruit Park
The 32-acre-huge (13 ha) fruit-themed Fuefukigawa Fruit Park features flowering trees, flowers, and fruits throughout the year. Complete with starry night skies and evening views of Kofu Basin, Fuefukigawa Fruit Park was even selected as one of “New Japan’s Three Major Night Views.” The slopes of the park feature eight traditional fruit crops of the Old Kai Province - chestnuts, pomegranates, gingko fruits, persimmons, pears, apples, peaches, and grapes. The park also features delicious citrus, cherry, and plum trees, making Fuefukigawa Fruit Park a wonderful place to enjoy, no matter the season.
Fuefukigawa Fruit Park
Address: 1488 Ezohara, Yamanashi, 405-0043
Website: Fuefukigawa Fruit Park
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
5. Take a sunrise soak in the open-air Hottarakashi Onsen
Imagine soaking in a natural open-air hot spring bath with stunning views. Welcome to Hottarakashi Onsen, which features stunning faraway views of Mount Fuji right from the comfort of the onsen itself! The retreat-type onsen of Hottarakashi, which means “putting your troubles aside for later”, features no hot stone spas, no massage services, and no sauna - the stunning, shallow baths are all about the view. There are two baths - “Kocchi no yu” and “Acchi no yu” - along with a dining room also offering breakfast options.
Hottarakashi Onsen
Address: 1669-18 Yatsubo, Yamanashi, 405-0036
Website: Hottarakashi Onsen
Opening hours: Kochi no yu: Mon - Fri: 10:30am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 10:30am - 10pm; Acchi no yu: 1 hour before sunrise - 10pm (daily)
6. Taste rare whiskies at Suntory Hakushu Distillery
If you’re a whiskey lover and connoisseur looking for fun activities in Yamanashi, then you must visit Suntory Hakushu Distillery, where you can not only learn about the craftsmanship and history of the Hakushu Single Malt Whiskey, but as well as the culture and history of the whiskey itself. Allow yourself to be guided by the expert staff and enjoy the smell, temperature, and sounds of the distillery and experience the production of whiskey malt. What’s more, you even get to taste the Hakushu Single Malt Whiskey along with some snacks!
Suntory Hakushu Distillery
Address: 2913-1 Hakushucho Torihara, Hokuto, Yamanashi 408-0316, Japan
Website: Suntory Hakushu Distillery
Opening hours: 9:30am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: From 500 JPY (5 USD)
7. Experience grape-stomping and wine-making at Fuefuki Wine vineyard
How’d you like to go grape-stomping surrounded by acres of vineyards with stunning views of the largest mountains in Japan? Located in Misaka-cho, Fuefuki Wine vineyard is in full bloom in spring, when the vineyard is covered in a carpet of peach blossoms and green leaves. Since late July, winemaking experience is part of the fabric of the vineyard, complete with the traditional grape-stepping after an all-you-can-eat-grapes experience, after which you can enjoy the freshly squeezed grape juice.
Fuefuki Wine vineyard
Address: 992 Misakacho Natsumehara, Fuefuki, Yamanashi 406-0804, Japan
Website: Fuefuki Wine vineyard
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
8. Climb to the summit of iconic Mount Fuji
The active volcano of Mount Fuji, also known as Fuji-san, is Asia’s second-highest island volcano and also the world’s seventh-highest island peak and is located on the southern borders of the Yamanashi prefecture. This 3,776-metre-high (12,390 feet) mountain sees both experienced as well as novice climbers trying to scale its peak. The official climbing season is early July-mid September when the mountain huts operate, public transport access is easy, the weather is relatively mild, and the mountain is usually free of snow. The trail in the Yamanashi prefecture is the extremely popular Yoshida trail, which is open July 1st to September 10th.
Mount Fuji Climbing
Address: Yoshida Trail - 〒403-0005 Yamanashi, Fujiyoshida, Kamiyoshida
Website: Mount Fuji Climbing
9. Lodge in comfort at the hot-spring inn of Yuki-ya Ryokan
Built around a 1,300-year-old hidden hot spring in Shingen, the popular onsen ryokan of Yuki-ya features one of Japan’s feature cave baths. The natural, hidden hot spring “springs” out of the bottom of the bathtub, making it a very effective and rare phenomenon. The ryokan itself is housed in a three-storey wooden building, built by a Miyanobu carpenter, which is also of great historic and academic importance due to its excellent atmosphere and design. Nestle in the comfort of this beautiful onsen ryokan on your Yamanashi holiday.
Yuki-ya Ryokan
Address: 〒409-2942, 48, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi
Website: Yuki-ya Ryokan
10. Picnic on the serene banks of Lake Kawaguchi
Located within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park on the southern borders of the Yamanashi prefecture, Lake Kawaguchi is the second biggest of the Fuji Five Lakes in size and the lowest in terms of elevation. The lake sees icy winters and cool summers and has the longest shoreline among the Fuji Five Lakes. Picnic tables on the banks of the lake make it an excellent picnic spot, along with stunning panoramic views of the mountains in the distance, including the glorious Mount Fuji.
Lake Kawaguchi
Address: Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi
11. Book a room with mountain views at Hotel Kaneyamaen
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway in the Yamanashi prefecture, Hotel Kaneyamaen is the perfect place. The lovely four-star hotel is located in Yamanaka-ko, Mount Fuji’s romance hub. One of the standout, striking features of this hotel is the stunning views of the mountains around from the 106 rooms at this property. What’s more, the hotel also features wonderfully luxurious facilities for the comfort of its guests such as massage and spa, outdoor pool, a garden, and even a hot spring bath to soak your troubles and tiredness away.
Hotel Kaneyamaen
Address: 6283 Kamiyoshida, Fujiyoshida-city, Fujiyoshida, Fujikawaguchiko, Japan, 4030005
59.98 km (37.3 mi) from Moegi Village
12. Slurp up fragrant houtou noodles at Koushu Houtou Kosaku
With tatami rooms, old-style tea tables, and interiors reminiscent of a Japanese farmhouse, Koushu Houtou Kosaku is as traditional as Japanese dining can get. It offers one of the top dining experiences in the Yamanashi prefecture. The restaurant specializes in its main cuisine hōtō or houtou, a local Yamanashi cuisine made with flat noodles or dumplings and seasonal vegetables in a miso-based soup. With an unchanged, delectable palate since its inception 40 years ago, the cuisine is one whose taste will remain with you long after you’ve walked out of the restaurant.
Koushu Houtou Kosaku
Address: 1638-1 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301
Website: Koushu Houtou Kosaku
Opening hours: 11am - 8:20pm (daily)
13. Learn about Japan's shogun history at Takeda Shrine
The Shinto Takeda Shrine stands on the former grounds of the home of Takeda Shingen, one of Japanese history’s best-known feudal warlords and Kofu city’s most celebrated samurai, and is dedicated to his kami (spirit). The shrine tells the story of the Tokugawa shogunate, the last feudal Japanese military government, and features several ruined elements of the old residence including a moat which protected the former residence and stone walls, multiple torii gates, a prayer hall, and even a main hall.
Takeda Shrine
Address: 2611 Kofuchumachi, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-0014
Website: Takeda Shrine
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
14. Admire colourful autumn foliage around Shosenkyo Gorge
If you’re in Yamanashi, Japan in autumn, Shosenkyo Gorge should be on your itinerary. The 1,250-sq.km-huge (483 sq. miles) Mitake Shosenkyo, part of Chichibu Tama Kai National Park, is all about gorgeous valleys, verdant forested mountains, some stunning, picture-perfect rural towns. However, what the gorge is really known for is its ridiculously bewitching autumn leaf season in early to mid-November, when the region erupts in a riot of autumnal shades of yellows, browns, oranges, and reds. Hike to the spectacular Sengataki Waterfall and see oddly-shaped grey rocks with shades of autumn scattered everywhere.
Shosenkyo Gorge
Address: Takanaricho, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-1214
Website: Shosenkyo Gorge
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
15. See futuristic bullet trains at Yamanashi Prefectural Maglev Exhibition Center
Imagine a time when the 350-km-distance (217 miles) between Tokyo and Nagoya is covered in a mere 40 minutes, and the 500-km-journey (311 miles) between Tokyo and Osaka takes just over an hour. Welcome to the future of Japan’s bullet trains, the wheels for which have been set in motion at the futuristic Yamanashi Prefectural Maglev Exhibition Center, which is the only place in Japan where visitors can actually see Maglev trains up-close running at nearly impossible speeds of 500 km per hour (311 miles per hour)!
Yamanashi Prefectural Maglev Exhibition Center
Address: ２３８１ Ogatayama, Tsuru, Yamanashi 402-0006, Japan
Website: Yamanashi Prefectural Maglev Exhibition Center
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 420 JPY (4 USD)
16. Drink sweet Mt. Fuji springwater at Oshino Hakkai
A traditional Japanese village with thatched roof houses, beautiful gardens, and water wheels with ponds filled with sacred mountain water and spectacular views of Mount Fuji - welcome to Oshino, a stunning little village in the Fuji Five Lakes region. The village is home to the Oshino Hakkai, a group of eight ponds fed by snowmelt from Mount Fuji, filtering down years-old porous layers of lava and resulting in pure, transparent spring water that is considered sacred and is revered by locals. The village is also a popular destination for viewing cherry blossoms.
Oshino Hakkai
Address: Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511, Japan
Website: Oshino Hakkai
17. Explore the fascinating Narusawa Ice Cave
The frozen subterranean realm that is the Narusawa Ice Cave is a lava tube in the heart of the Aokigahara forest. Along with Lake Sai Bat Cave and Fugaku Wind Cave, Narusawa Ice Cave was designated as Natural Monuments of Japan in 1929. The narrow, twisted, natural refrigerator of a cave features temperatures of as low as 3°C (37.4°F) and requires travellers to stroll and crawl through it for exploration. The cave also features gorgeous ice walls and striking ice pillars, especially when they glow like jewels in the night.
Narusawa Ice Cave
Address: Japan, 〒401-0320 Yamanashi, Minamitsuru District, Narusawa, 8533
Website: Narusawa Ice Cave
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 330 JPY (3 USD)
18. Refresh your senses at the lofty temples atop Mount Minobu
Sweeping views and the clear air atop Mt. Minobu make for a refreshing trip for the senses and the soul both. The mountain is home to the Minobusan Kuonji temple, the pilgrimage site for devotees of Nichiren Buddhism since the 13th century, and is said to be the resting place of the Buddhist priest Nichiren. Climb the bodai-tei, the 287 stone steps to enlightenment, and be treated with wonderful views of Minobusan Kuonji’s five-tiered red pagoda. If you visit it in April, you’ll be lucky to see the lovely 400-year-old weeping cherry tree right out front.
Minobusan Kuonji Temple
Address: 3567 Minobu, Minamikoma District, Yamanashi 409-2524, Japan
Website: Minobusan Kuonji Temple
Opening Hours: Apr - Sep: 5am - 5pm (daily); Oct - Mar: 5:30am - 5pm (daily)
19. Queue for all-you-can-bag mochi at Kikyoya Honsha Factory
The early bird gets the worm - or in this case, the mochi! Wake up as early as you can and queue up outside Kikyoya Honsha Factory and bag as much mochi - traditional Japanese sweet rice cakes - as you can. Limited tickets are issued every day, and you need to stuff as many numbers of mochi as you can into plastic bags that they give you, making it a fun-filled activity to do. Remember - wake up as early as you can, for the line is only going to get longer!
Kikyoya Honsha Shingen-Mochi Factory
Address: 1928 Tsuboi, Ichinomiyacho, Japan 405-0077 Yamanashi, Fuefuki, Japan
Website: Kikyoya Honsha Shingen-Mochi Factory
Opening hours: 9am - 4:30pm (daily)
20. Soak up the sacred atmosphere of Kitaguchi-hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine
Nestled in a dense forest on the northern side of Mount Fuji is the Shinto shrine of Fujiyoshida Sengen, dedicated to the Shinto deity of Mount Fuji, Princess Konohanasakuya. Formally the Kitaguchi Hongū Fuji Sengen Jinja (“North Entrance Fuji Sengen Shrine”), the entrance to the shrine is a long boulevard lined by shaded, tall cedar trees and imposing stone lanterns. The red-painted buildings of the shrine include a 17th-century main hall and a dancing stage, among others. Traditionalist hikers to Mount Fuji still use the older trailhead to climb Mount Fuji, located right behind the main hall - but not before praying at the shrine first.
Kitaguchi-hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine
Address: 5558 Kamiyoshida, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0005, Japan
Website: Kitaguchi-hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
21. Get roller-coaster thrills at Fuji-Q Highland
If you have a hankering for thrills on your Japanese holiday, get on the rides at Fuji-Q Highland, the 1968-established amusement park in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, right near the very base of Mount Fuji. Some of its most famous and thrilling roller coasters include Takabisha, Eejanaika, Do-Dodonpa, and Fujiyama. Apart from these roller coasters, the amusement park also features two haunted attractions - the newly built Hopeless Fortress, and the world’s first and largest haunted attraction, the Haunted Hospital. Don’t also miss other attractions such as the fun-filled Thomas Land.
Fuji-Q Highland
Address: 5 Chome-6-1 Shinnishihara, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi-ken 403-0017
Website: Fuji-Q Highland
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8:30am - 9pm; Sun: 8:30am - 8pm
Price: See website for ticket prices
22. Enjoy starry skies and mountain views at Kiyosato Kogen Hotel (from USD 120)
At 1,450 metres (4,757 feet) above sea level at the highest point of the Kiyosato Highlands lies Kiyosato Kogen Hotel, from whose rooms you can not only see mountains such as Oku-chichibu, Minami Alps, and Mount Fuji but also catch amazing views of wonderfully starry skies and Kofu Basin at night! Apart from luxurious and spacious rooms, the hotel features an observatory for stargazing lovers and which also hosts nightly star parties, international food as well as Japanese kaiseki cuisine using the very best seasonal ingredients of Yamanashi, an outdoor spa made from the wood of a 250-year-old Akita cypress and cedar, and an aromatherapy room as well. Get up and close with nature in its purest form by staying at Kiyosato Kogen Hotel.
Kiyosato Kogen Hotel
Address: 3545 Takanecho-kiyosato, Hokuto-shi, Yamanashi Prefecture
2.54 km (1.6 mi) from Moegi Village
Access: From Kiyosato Station (JR Koumi Line): about 5 minutes by taxi. By car: Exit the Chuo Expressway at the Sutama IC and continue along Route 141 for about 30 minutes (30 km).
A wonderful holiday in Yamanashi
From beautiful, ancient Japanese shrines to the most luxurious of hotels, the Yamanashi prefecture probably has it all and has many facets to its personality. Have a thrilling, well-rounded Japanese holiday by exploring these things to do in Yamanashi, Japan.
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