10 Best Places to Visit in Yamanashi Prefecture - More Than Just Mt. Fuji! (2023 Edition)

Yamanashi Prefecture is best known for its stunning Mt. Fuji panoramas, but the region has a lot more to offer than just scenery! With a small population, Yamanashi Prefecture is covered in untouched greenery and bucolic countryside, and is home to fascinating tourist spots like Lake Kawaguchi and Shosenkyo. Here are 10 must-visit Yamanashi Prefecture tourist spots to add to your Yamanashi travel itinerary!

Check out our writers’ top Japan travel ideas!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

The long and narrow country of Japan is divided into what are called the 47 prefectures, but are actually 43 prefectures, 2 urban prefectures (Osaka and Kyoto), one territory (Hokkaido), and one metropolis (Tokyo).

Each area has their own unique nature, with their own good characteristics and peculiarities.

Of course, when you talk about sightseeing in Japan, places like Tokyo and Kyoto are famous, but other than that there are plenty of sightseeing areas to go to.

Among those is Yamanashi prefecture.

Yamanashi is surrounded by mountains that reach elevations of over 2000 meters, and is a relatively small prefecture, ranked at 32 out of 47 in area.

Here are 7 of the most recommended sightseeing areas in Yamanashi.

Our Top Tips

JR Pass for Whole Japan

Explore Japan in the most convenient and economical way with a Japan Rail Pass! It is valid for the majority of railways and local buses operated by JR. 

 

1. Kiyosato Plateau

https://pixta.jp/

This is famous as a sightseeing spot thanks to the Yatsugatake South Base Observatory.

Around it are many farms, boardinghouses, and museums.

2. Lake Kawaguchi

https://pixta.jp/

As part of Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsenko, it flourishes as a hot spring town, and around it is the Kawaguchiko Music Forest, as well as many camp grounds, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

3. Kobuchisawa

This is a sightseeing area in Hokuto City.

Around it is rows and rows of boardinghouses, hotels, and ryokan inns, as well as places for horseback riding and skiing. It's tourist facilities are complete with art galleries and parks.

4. Stone Egg Eigado

Yamanashi is also a place where crystals naturally grow. It boasts the town that is number two in the world in crystal production and polishing.

Various power stones, gems, and accessories are sold and displayed here.

Our Top Tips

Japan Shinkansen, Narita Express (N'EX) & Express Train Tickets

Plan ahead by booking your shinkansen, airport train, and express train tickets online in English. Have the tickets sent to you by mail or collect them at the station once you're in Japan.

5. Isawa Onsen

Fuefuki is another hot spring town. There are many places where you can pick strawberries and grapes, so it's a popular tourist spot.

6. Katsunuma-budoukyo

This area is practically a fruit kingdom, where you can enjoy picking various fruits like cherries, grapes, and peaches.

7. Enrinji

https://pixta.jp/

Part of the temple has been designated as a national important cultural property.

It's one of Japan's most scenic places, and you can really experience the beautiful Japanese scenery in the garden.

8. Shosenkyo

https://pixta.jp/
 
https://pixta.jp/

This valley was made naturally by the river that runs 4km through it. It's a sightseeing spot that's especially recommended in the spring, when it's verdant, and in the fall, when it's full of foliage.

9. Takeda Shrine

https://pixta.jp/

This shrine deifies the historical shogun, Takeda Shingen. It's famous for gracing people with "the luck to win," so it's said that if you go there, you'll prevail over life or over your insecurities.

10. Maizuru Castle Park

It's said that Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered this to be built after the shogun Takeda Shingen died.

It's an area very well-known for when the cherry blossoms bloom in the spring.

Chubu Feature

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

tsunagu Japan Newsletter

Subscribe to our free newsletter and we'll show you the best Japan has to offer!

Subscribe Now!
Get your Japan discounts here!

About the author

honoca.
honoca.
  • Check out our writers’ top Japan travel ideas!

Restaurant Search

Sign up to our free newsletter to discover the best Japan has to offer.