2026 Yamanashi Prefecture Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

Yamanakako is the calmest way to experience Mount Fuji. Quieter than Kawaguchiko, this lakeside town offers wide-open views, fresh mountain air, and a relaxed pace. Walk or cycle the flat lakeside path, take a short boat cruise, or visit Hana no Miyako Park for seasonal flowers with Fuji as the backdrop. Unwind afterward in a local onsen, some with mountain views. Don’t miss Hōtō noodles, a hearty local favorite, and arrive early for the best chance of clear Fuji reflections. Every season brings its own charm — from spring blossoms to crisp winter scenery. Simple, scenic, and stress-free, Yamanakako is perfect for first-time Fuji travelers. #Yamanakako #MountFujiViews #FujiFiveLakes

This trip is incredibly exciting for me because it’s my first time seeing Mount Fuji with my own eyes. We rented a car in Tokyo and drove to Fujiyoshida City in Yamanashi Prefecture. The plan is to explore around Mount Fuji for 3 days and 2 nights. I’ll be sightseeing, taking photos, and checking in at various spots. Let’s see how amazing it will be to see Mount Fuji up close. I promise it’s going to be absolutely fantastic! 🥰🥰 📍Plan trip 3 Days 2 Nights Day 01 - Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine - Stay at Megu Fuji Day 02 - Honcho Street (Mt Fuji View) - Kanadorii - Lake Yamanakako - Hirano Beach - Dine at Dosanko どさん娘 - Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine - Lake Kawaguchiko (Nagasaki Park) - Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center - Ogizaki - Lake Saiko - Stay at Shoji Lake Hotel Day 03 - Lake Shoji - Saiko Wild Bird Forest Park (Fujisan Eco Net) 西湖 野鳥の森公園 - Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba (Traditional Japanese Village) - Shiraito no Taki Waterfalls - Otodame no Taki Waterfall

I finally understand what it means to be 'speechless with happiness.' At 6 a.m., I opened the window, and there was Mount Fuji, lounging in front of me, eating clouds☁️! The aroma of hand-brewed coffee wafted up... At that moment, all my worries disappeared～ 📍【Detailed Address】 Asagawa Onsen Suigou, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture 🚗【Transportation Guide】 Take the "Fuji Excursion" Limited Express from Tokyo Shinjuku Station👉Kawaguchiko Station (about 1hr 50min, ¥4130), then a 10-minute taxi ride to the hotel 🎯【Must-Do Experiences】 • View the inverted Mount Fuji at Oishi Park, Kawaguchiko——The lake reflection is so stunning it feels unreal! • See cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji together at Arakurayama Sengen Park in spring——It's like stepping into a Japanese postcard! • Enjoy hot pot udon at Houtou Fudou (Kawaguchiko branch)——The chewy pumpkin udon is heartwarming! 🗺️【My 3-Day 2-Night Itinerary】 👉 Day 1: Depart from Shinjuku→Enjoy Mount Fuji views from the private onsen at the hotel→Night stroll to the lakeside convenience store (don’t forget to grab the limited-edition Mount Fuji soda🥤) 👉 Day 2: Morning run at Sengen Park→Try spring water tofu at Oshino Hakkai→BBQ on the terrace of the guesthouse (every photo at sunset looks like a masterpiece📸) 👉 Day 3: Cycle around the lake→Take the Kachi Kachi Ropeway for panoramic views——Which do you think complements Mount Fuji better, cherry blossom season or autumn foliage? 💰【Cost Breakdown】 • Airfare: HK$3500 (off-season budget airline) • Accommodation: Two nights at an onsen hotel ¥45000/person • Transportation + Food + Tickets: Approx. ¥30000 ⚠️【Pro Tips】 Make sure to book "Fuji Excursion" reserved seats one month in advance! Standing for 2 hours is exhausting. To capture the inverted Mount Fuji, you need to shoot early in the morning when there’s no wind. I got up at 6 a.m. for three consecutive days to catch it🥹 There are very few bike rental spots around Kawaguchiko, so renting from the hotel is more reliable. Onsen hotels with dinner included usually have early cut-off times, so rush there right after landing! Plan well, and don’t forget to buy travel insurance～ The beauty of Mount Fuji is truly worth protecting from all angles!

The Japanese subway only seems scary for the first five minutes. Then you begin to understand the system, and you realize that everything is thought out to the last detail. How to avoid getting lost on the Japanese subway • Don't rely on kanji characters, but on three things: line color, station letter, and station number (for example, G09 or H12). • Before leaving your hotel, enter your route into Google Maps: from where to where, select public transportation, and remember the line color and station code. • Inside, pay attention to the letters and colors on the signs—yellow G, purple Z, etc. You don't even need to read the names. Floor navigation is a key life hack • In large hubs, there are colored lines on the floor: simply "follow the color" to the desired line or exit. • On the platform, markings show where the train stops, where the queue forms, and where it's best to board if you have a transfer. • Yellow tactile paving with "bumps" leads to the main routes—stairs, elevators, and exits. Essentially, it's built-in navigation. How to read stations • Each station has a code: a line letter plus a number—for example, G05 or JY17—this is your main landmark. • Each letter is always associated with one line (G—Ginza Line, H—Hibiya, JY—Yamanote, etc.), plus a specific color on the maps. • These codes are always duplicated in cars and on platforms; you can simply "catch" your number and avoid the hassle of long names. Google Maps—your best friend on the subway • Maps do a great job of showing routes: lines, colors, station codes, departure times, and transfers. • Even exit numbers are often indicated (Exit 3, Exit 5)—they're easy to find by the yellow signs at the bottom. • If the GPS is a bit shaky among the high-rise buildings, use the station code and exit number as your guide, not just the blue dot.

If you're a die-hard fan of Naruto and Boruto, the "Naruto x Boruto Fuji Hidden Leaf Village" zone at Fuji-Q Highland amusement park will make you feel like you've stepped into the ninja world for real! The atmosphere within the replica of the Hidden Leaf Village is astonishingly realistic. From the Hokage Rock statues to the Ichiraku Ramen shop where you can actually enjoy a delicious bowl of ramen, and even 3D and VR activity zones that let you use chakra alongside your favorite characters. One activity you absolutely can't miss is the "Ninja Mission VR," where you'll join Naruto and Boruto on an immersive mission, feeling like you're Kakashi's apprentice! Additionally, there are plenty of official merchandise items for fans to collect, including T-shirts, postcards, and adorable figurines. While Fuji-Q Highland is famous for its thrilling rides like Fujiyama and Dodonpa, this ninja-themed zone is perfect for all ages, especially anime fans who want to experience the world of Konoha up close. ✨ If you've ever dreamed of becoming a ninja, Fuji-Q Highland will make that dream come true!

#AdventureTrip 🎢Fuji-Q Highland 🗻 * A thrilling amusement park near Mt. Fuji. The views are incredible. * Scream-inducing rides like Fujiyama and Eejanaika are insanely intense! 🎠😱 * There's a ghost zone, a kids zone, and a cute zone. Perfect for taking photos and having fun! * The view of Fuji is behind the rides. It's both thrilling and beautiful! 📸 * Perfect for thrill seekers who want both fun and entertainment. 📍Fuji-Q Highland, Yamanashi, Japan 🇯🇵

[The world's oldest hot spring inn that you'll want to stay at once ♨️] A true "secret hot spring in Japan" located deep in the mountains of Yamanashi ✨ Introducing the world's oldest inn, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, with over 1300 years of history 😌💫 Founded in 705 AD! A ryokan registered in the Guinness Book of World Records as the "oldest hot spring inn in the world" ♨️ ✅5 attractions of Keiunkan 💡 1. The world's oldest hot spring inn: Founded over 1300 years ago! A legendary inn that Japan is proud of 🏆 2. All-natural spring water ♨️: All water from the on-site hot spring is 100% natural! No heating or circulation! Enjoy real hot spring water to your heart's content. 3. There is also a spectacular open-air bath and private bath🧖♂️: Take a deep breath in the open-air bath overlooking the valley...🌿 There is also a private bath that you can enjoy privately, so it feels very special◎ 4. You can drink the hot spring water! 🍵: You can drink the hot spring water in the building! Power water is said to be effective for beautiful skin and intestinal regulation✨ 5. The food is also excellent🍱 & Japanese modern space: The food uses plenty of local ingredients and the heartwarming hospitality is the best🤍 ✅How to get there🚗🗺 ・About 30 minutes by car from Shimobe Onsen Station on the JR Minobu Line (Free shuttle available! *Advance reservation required) ・About 3.5 hours by car from Shinjuku! Perfect for a road trip💨 📍Get away from the everyday and enjoy an extraordinary experience that will refresh your mind and body🌲 A luxurious time spent at the "oldest inn in the world" is a must-try at least once in your life✨ #domestictravel #hotspring #hotspringtrip #hotspringryokan #tourism #yamanashi #keiunkan #recommendedfordates #anniversarytrip #coupletrip #coupletrip

🌺🌺 Remember the sweet peas Chihiro carried on the way out with her parents in the Studio Ghibli film *Spirited Away*? Warm and natural. When Chihiro cried sadly, Haku crouched in a field full of azaleas in the Japanese countryside to comfort her. These everyday flowers in Japan bring people closer to nature and allow them to heal in nature.🌺🌺 🌈🌈🌈🌈Great places to explore Japanese flowers 📍Ibaraki Prefecture/Hitachi Seaside Park—Nemophila Approximately 4.2 hectares of Miharashi Hill is covered with about 5.3 million delicate blue nemophila flowers, which look even more brilliant against the azure sky. Strolling through it is like walking on a vibrant blue carpet. 📍Yamanashi Prefecture/Fuji Motosuko Resort—Shibazakura Held annually from mid-April to late May, the "Fuji Shibazakura Festival" is the largest shibazakura spectacle in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The bright shibazakura "carpet" frames the snow-capped Mount Fuji, providing a truly moving experience. 📍Hiroshima Prefecture/Senkoji Park—Wisteria Senkoji Park's cherry blossoms are selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan," but the wisteria here is also a breathtaking sight. The wisteria hangs like a purple waterfall, swaying in the wind. 📍Saga Prefecture/Daikozenji Temple—Azaleas Daikozenji Temple, home to numerous cultural heritage sites, is also known as the "Azalea Temple" for its colorful azalea blossoms. About 50,000 azaleas bloom from mid-April to early May, filling visitors with joy and wonder. 📍Akita Prefecture/Unchoji Temple—Hydrangeas Ranked first on the list of Japanese scenic spots as a "must-see destination in a lifetime." During the blooming season, the entire temple is transformed into a blue ocean, complementing the beautiful seascape of the nearby Oga Peninsula, creating a breathtaking view.

#2024Travel Review I went to Kawaguchiko for two days and one night in early November. Snow had just started to fall on the top of Mount Fuji. It was particularly late this year, so I couldn't see the white-headed snow. I checked the visibility forecast online and it was 6 on the first day and 10 on the second day. In fact, I would be satisfied just by seeing Mount Fuji. With only two days, we decided to visit the main attractions around Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, and Lake Saiko. 🗓️Day 1: Narusawa Ice Cave, Wind Cave, Reagan Field of Healing and Oishi Park. **Transportation Ticket: One-Day Bus Ticket for Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Saiko, Lake Shoji, and Lake Motosu: 1,500 yen, which allows unlimited rides on the Red Line (Lake Kawaguchi), Green Line (Lake Saiko), and Blue Line (Narusawa, Lake Shoji, and Lake Motosu) on the same day. In the morning, take the first Blue Line (9:35) for half an hour to the Ice Cave. After the visit, walk to the Wind Cave for a visit, and then take the Green Line to the Reagan Field of Healing. After the end of the root field, take the green line back to the "Yamanashi Gem Museum" where it intersects with the red line, and then transfer to the red line to Oishi Park (which can be replaced with any scenic spot you want to visit in Kawaguchiko). 🗓️Day 2: Oshino Hakkai, Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, Fujihonmachi Street, Kawaguchiko Tenjoyama Park. **No transportation ticket was purchased. At 6:50 in the morning, take the Fuji Lake Bus from Kawaguchiko Station and arrive at Oshino Hakkai in about half an hour. First visit the ponds that can be visited; Indeba Pond is located in the Hazelwood Forest Folk Museum and is open at 9 o'clock. It is also the only one that requires a ticket. After visiting the Deba Pond, take a bus to Fuji Station, then take the train to Shimoyoshida Station, and walk from Shimoyoshida Station to Arakurayama Sengen Shrine. From here, you can also take a detour to Fujihonmachi-dori, a popular photo spot recently. After visiting Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, take the train from Shimoyoshida Station back to Kawaguchiko Station, walk 17 minutes to the Tenjoyama Park Cable Car Boarding Area, and take the cable car up the mountain (you can also take the Tensei-go to cruise the lake instead, the boat stop is just opposite the cable car station). √Hazelwood Museum: 09:00-17:00 💰Tickets: 300 yen for adults. √Fuji Michi Honmachi Street Address: 1-4-25 Shimoyoshida, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture √Tenjoyama Park: 09:00-17:00 💰Round trip ticket for the sightseeing bus: 1,000 yen. On the first day when visibility was 6, I didn’t see Mount Fuji the whole day, only thick clouds. On the second day with visibility of 10, Mount Fuji was very clear in the early morning, but as the sun grew bigger, it gradually became blurry after 11 o'clock. But the two-day trip to chase Mount Fuji was very beautiful and I was very happy. #Kawaguchiko #Reagan Field of Healing

This time we stayed at "Glamping Village Totonoi Fuji Yamanakako". You can see Mt. Fuji from your room, and at night the stars are more visible than in Tokyo. ✨ I was worried about the cold during glamping in the winter, but the dome tent was warm with a stove and two air conditioners!!! There is a beautiful private indoor BBQ, so you can feel safe even in winter. By the way, from Monday to Thursday until 2/29/2024, they are having a great sale where 4 options worth 5,000 yen are free.Benefit 1: Grilled whole chickenBenefit 2: Original half bottle of wineBenefit 3: 1 bundle of firewood (for fire pit)Benefit 4: Art fire for bonfireWe had a really fun time, so if you go to Yamanashi, please try staying here. Glamping Village TOTONOI Fuji Yamanakako 295 Hirano, Yamanakako-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi 401-0502 #AccommodationTrip #CoupleTrip #DomesticTrip #TripWithMe #0YenTrip #YamanashiTrip #Glamping #YamanashiGlamping #bbq

Dashi Park 🏔 Fuji Oshii Hanaterasu Fujikawaguchiko Town Fuji Cherry Blossom Festival🌸 💙Pink Butterfly💙 Can't see Mount Fuji🏔 in bad weather Calm, hilly lake view🏔 so beautiful Big Rock Park 📍Address: 2585 Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko-cho, Minamitoru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture Shinkurayama Senma Park ⛩️・Chung Yu Tower🗼 You can also see cherry blossoms🌸 Address: 📍〒403-0031 2-4-1 Asama, Fuji Yoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture

#fallvibes fall/autumn in Japan is called Aki- A time to reset! Autumn season the beautiful change of green foliage to vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and purples. The turning of the leaves in Japan varies due to temperature, elevation, and latitude, and the best time to experience the phenomenon differs every year. During Autumn in Japan attracts more tourist and is the best viewing times. During my stay in Japan with my sister and Japanese brother-in-law, I learn so many things in life. While I was walking on the street, the leaves slowly and softly falling down and created a carpet like on the ground. While I was in awe with the beauty of fall, looking closely with the fallen leaves is life is like the autumn of human life. The trees are full of colour, vibrant energy and life, but this is short lived. Though for the leaves is the end cycle of life it still show grace and beauty til the end of time. so as we should reset our mind to fight our battles and end with grace til end of time. Choose kindness and overflow with love.

Lake Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchiko) Japan Lake Kawaguchiko is the second largest lake among the five lakes around Mount Fuji. It originated from the eruption of Mount Fuji in the past, causing the lava to spread out and block the original river area, becoming the lake we know today. Located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan #WinterTravel #TravelAbroad

1. Lake Kawaguchi Recommended points: Mt. Fuji is very beautiful when viewed from Lake Kawaguchi. Also, the best view is from the morning! However, the downside is that hotels near Lake Kawaguchi are very expensive! 😅 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2. Sobakura Recommended points: The chicken offal, a specialty of Yamanashi Prefecture, is very delicious! It's a recommended dish! Other items such as soba and shrimp tempura are also delicious! Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3. Gourmet Ichigokan Maeda Strawberry Picking Recommended points: This time I tried four types of strawberries, all of which were very delicious! The staff were also very nice, so I would like to go again! Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4. Chateau Sakaori Winery Recommended points: Originally a wine store, but after climbing the heart-breaking steep slope, a very beautiful and spectacular view awaits! Lol It is recommended to go in the evening! Rank: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #Yamanashi #Tourism #Mt.Fuji

If you stop by the Dangosaka Service Area, you should try this! The "dan" character on this bean bun makes a big impact. 300 yen each. It's wrapped tightly in plastic wrap instead of in a bag, so you can enjoy the freshly baked, chewy and moist texture. They also have madeleines made with Mt. Fuji milk and Yatsugatake eggs. I bought this along with my personal favorite, kusamochi. Make sure to try it on your drive! #gourmet #bean bun #Dangozakasa

#TravelJapan #ChureitoPagoda is located in Arakurayama Sengen Park. This park is located near Lake Yamanakako and Lake Kawaguchiko. If you visit #LakeKawaguchiko, you can easily visit the red pagoda, which is a highlight for viewing #Fujisan. The image of the red 5-story #ChureitoPagoda, which appears with Mt. Fuji as a backdrop in different seasons, has become a major highlight that makes people around the world want to see this view at least once in their lives. At the bottom of the pagoda, there is a shrine where people can come to pay their respects before walking up the steep stairs to the top of the mountain. For teenagers, it may not be difficult, but for the elderly, it may be a bit difficult to climb. When you reach the top of the mountain, you will see a beautiful view of Yamanashi Prefecture, including the red 5-story pagoda. On a clear day, Mt. Fuji will appear clearly. In spring, the image of pink cherry blossoms makes the atmosphere even more beautiful. Or if it is autumn, the surrounding leaves will turn beautiful yellow and red. In winter, covered in snow, it is also beautiful in another way. It can be said that it is beautiful in every season. On the day we went, it was mid-October, the leaves were still green and it was raining, so the clouds covered the area and we couldn't see #Mt.Fuji clearly, so we could only see the image of the 5-story red pagoda. But after walking down for a while, the numbers covering it all disappeared, which was a bit of a pity. But it's okay because it is said that Mt.Fuji is a shy mountain and doesn't show itself easily. Some people have to go more than 3 times to see it, so next time we will definitely go again!!

Katsuensou is a building located near the bottom of the stream on the way to Daibosatsu Pass. The building doesn't feel old because it has been renovated once, but it actually has a long history, and many famous Showa-era writers are said to have written here. Unfortunately, it is currently closed. #gw2022jp #mountaineering

There are two paths leading to the Daibosatsu ridgeline, and this building is located on the route leading to Daibosatsu Pass. It used to be a mountain hut called Fujimi Sanso, but it is no longer open. #gw2022jp #mountaineering

The road to the parking lot on the north shore of Lake Daibosatsu, a short distance from Kamikawa Hitoge Pass, is a nature trail with boardwalks. If you head up the mountain instead of taking the route to the parking lot, you will find an observation deck, and the road is quite rich in sights. #gw2022jp #mountaineering #photogenicspot #Kamikawa Hitoge Pass

There are several parking lots around the trailhead of Mt. Daibosatsu at Kamikawa Hitoge Pass, but the farthest of them is the parking lot on the north shore of Lake Daibosatsu. It is also called the 4th parking lot. It is a bit of a walk from here to the trailhead, but Mt. Daibosatsu is famous as a popular day-tripping mountain, and on weekends, it seems that the parking lot here also fills up in the morning. #gw2022jp #mountaineering

🍜Spicy Ramen 🥟Gyoza (Dumpling) 🍚Chahan (Fried Rice) #mouthwateringfoods😋

Unaju is a Japanese food served in jubako (lacquer ware box), which contains grilled eels on rice and topped with a sweet sauce. Eel is a fish that has been eaten in Japan since ancient time. ... In the beginning of the 1700s, a dish called kabayaki was discovered, which the eel fillets are grilled with sweet sauce.#yummyfood😋

#yummymentaikoudon😋 Japanese food is so delicious😋

The magnificent beauty of cherry blossoms at night❤️#sakura #cherryblossoms#travelinspiration

On my way back from hiking, I stopped by the outdoor shop ELK! They had a wide selection of hiking and camping gear! They also carried clothing and shoes from a variety of manufacturers. If you love camping, hiking, or other outdoor activities, be sure to check them out! It's a recommended free spot that's fun even just to browse! #hiking #camping #outdoors #freespot #Yamanashi #elk

On the way back from climbing Mt. Hyuga in Yamanashi Prefecture, we stopped by the Hakushu Roadside Station. They had a wide selection of local vegetables, fruits, souvenirs, and more! If you're looking for souvenirs or to enjoy local fruits and vegetables, be sure to stop by! The prices are also reasonable, so it's a great deal! #RoadsideStation #Hakushu #FreeSpot #MountainClimbing #BargainInformation

Located on the slopes of Mount Kushigatake in Yamanashi Prefecture, Lake Minami-Inaga is at an altitude of about 890m. A walking path surrounded by trees goes around the lake, allowing you to enjoy forest bathing. The lake's surface is green, and the view of the autumn leaves reflected on it is beautiful. The autumn foliage season is from mid-October to mid-November.