Konnichiwa! It's been a while since I updated my blog. Sorry for the delay. My husband and I spent a month in Japan, and I've been busy editing the travel vlog and photos since we returned. This trip also marked my 10th visit to Japan! The travel vlog is now complete, and here comes the blog post. This post is a Yamanashi Travel Guide, covering our one-week itinerary in Yamanashi, including accommodation, things to do, what to eat, and more. Enjoy reading, and don't forget to leave a comment if you have any questions!
About Yamanashi
Landlocked Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨县) is located just west of Tokyo in the Chubu Region. This area, situated in the southern part of Yamanashi, is home to Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest peak and a registered World Heritage Site. At the foot of Mt. Fuji, you will find a unique landscape shaped by lava flows, which includes the Fuji Five Lakes, Aokigahara Dense Woodland, and Lava Cave.
Yamanashi is also known as Japan's "fruit kingdom," producing more grapes, peaches, and plums than any other part of the country, along with a remarkable variety of other delicacies.
How to access Yamanashi from Tokyo
From Tokyo
Shinjuku Station (JR) > JR Chuo Line Limited Express (1 hour) > Otsuki Station (JR) > Fuji-kyuko Line (1 hour) > Kawaguchiko Station
From Osaka
Shin-Osaka Station (JR) > Shinkansen (3 hours) > Shin-Fuji Station > Bus (2 hours) > Kawaguchiko Station
Attractions
Chureito Pagoda
The Chureito Pagoda (忠灵塔) is a five-storied pagoda situated on the mountainside, overlooking Fujiyoshida City with Mount Fuji in the distance. The pagoda is part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine and was built in 1963 as a peace memorial, nearly 400 steps up the mountain from the shrine's main buildings.
Fun fact : Being 3 months pregnant in this photo, climbing over 1,000 stairs without breakfast was exhausting, lol.
The location offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji in combination with the pagoda, especially during the cherry blossom season in mid-April, when hundreds of trees are in bloom, and during the autumn colour season, which usually occurs in the first half of November. This spot is particularly popular among photographers, as it provides opportunities for wonderfully iconic shots of Japan.
Details
Location : 2-chome-4-1 Asama, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0011, Japan.
Business hours : Open 24 hours
Admission fees : Free
How to access : Arakura Sengen Shrine is a 10-minute walk from Shimo-Yoshida Station along the Fujikyu Railway Line (35 minutes, 980 yen from Otsuki or 10 minutes, 310 yen from Kawaguchiko). The pagoda is an additional 5-minute walk up the hill.
Lake Kawaguchiko
Lake Kawaguchiko (河口湖) is the most easily accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes, with train and direct bus connections to Tokyo. A hot spring resort town with various tourist attractions and views of Mount Fuji is located around the lake's eastern end, while the northern and western shores remain mostly undeveloped.
Be aware that, despite Kawaguchiko's proximity to Mount Fuji, the mountain is not always visible due to cloud cover. Visibility is usually best in the early mornings (typically before 9 am) and late afternoons. During the daytime, even on fair weather days, clouds often obstruct the view, especially during the hazy summer months.
Lake Yamanaka
Lake Yamanaka/Yamanaka-ko (山中湖) is the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes and the second most developed, after Lake Kawaguchiko, with small towns at its western and eastern ends and a few hotels, minshuku, campgrounds, and restaurants in between.
Those swans might look harmless, but in reality, they can be very aggressive. Check out my video below to find out more.
Lake Yamanakako is popular among Japanese outdoor sports enthusiasts who enjoy boating, fishing, water skiing, windsurfing, and other water sports on the lake, as well as camping, tennis, and other activities along its shores. Numerous sports camps are found around the lake, which becomes crowded with student-athletes during the summer holidays.
Saiko Iyashi-No-Sato Village
Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba (西湖いやしの里根場) stands on the site of a former farming village on the western shores of Lake Saiko. The village was destroyed by a landslide during a typhoon in 1966. Forty years later, the village's traditional thatched-roofed houses were reconstructed and reopened as an open-air museum and traditional craft village, where people can learn about the culture and try out and purchase different local handicrafts.
In spring, the cherry blossoms all bloom at once, painting the village in cherry blossom pink.
I'm so glad I added this to our itinerary at the last minute. The place is truly a gem!
Come and spend restorative and enriching moments in this beautiful village that once typified Japan, imagining the people and lives of bygone days amidst the serenity of a place where time passes more slowly.
Details
Location : 2710 Saikonenba, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi 401-0332.
Business hours : Daily (9.00am - 5.00pm)
Admission fees : 500 yen (Adults) ; 250 yen (Children)
Tenku No Torii
Tenku No Torii (天空の鳥居), also known as the Torii Gate in the Sky, is situated on the edge of a mountain, offering a clear view of Kawaguchiko, Kawaguchikomachi, and Mount Fuji. Before our visit, my friend, who had been there, informed me that the hike was quite tiring. Fortunately, we had a car, so we drove to the location. However, the roads are steep and narrow, and there is no designated parking. We had to drive further up to find a parking area and then walk about 5 minutes to the destination.
Upon arrival, an elderly lady came to collect the photography fees. I am trying to remember the exact amount, but it was around 100-300 yen (just a small token). They take care of the land, as I saw another elderly man tending to the plants beside the torii gate.
Details
Location : 1119-2 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0304, Japan.
Business hours : Daily (9.00am - 4.00pm)
How to access : It takes about 30 minutes on foot from Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, but less than 10 minutes by car.
Fujiyoshida Honcho Street
Honcho Street (本町通り) is a shopping and residential area in the Shimoyoshida district of Fujiyoshida. It has become increasingly popular with tourists who want to take pictures of Fujiyoshida City with Mt. Fuji in the background.
Please be mindful of traffic in the Honcho area, as it is both a residential and business district. Many tourists step into the street to take photos of Mt. Fuji, which can block traffic and cause accidents. Please observe all traffic laws and follow the directions of the crossing guard staff located at the Honcho Intersection.
Mt.Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
The Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway (富士山パノラマロープウェイ) ascends 400 meters from the eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko to an observation deck near the peak of Mount Tenjo. From the observation deck, which sits more than 1000 meters above sea level, there are panoramic views of the lake below and Mount Fuji.
The Mount Kachikachi Superb View Swing offers an even higher vantage point than the observation deck. This swing, situated in a prime viewing spot, allows you to experience the exhilaration of soaring into an endless panoramic view. As you swing about 3.5 meters high towards Mount Fuji, which rises majestically in front of you, you will feel as if you are diving into the clear, open sky.
Details
Location :
Business hours : Daily (9.00am - 4.00pm) ; Until 5.00pm on weekends / public holidays
Admission fees : 500 yen (one way) ; 900 yen (round trip)
How to access : The Omni Bus Red Line (Kawaguchiko Line) connects Kawaguchiko Station with the ropeway station in about 15 minutes. Get off at the Yuransen Ropeway Iriguchi bus stop. Alternatively, you can walk from Kawaguchiko Station to the ropeway station in about 15-20 minutes.
Food
Cafe Mimi
Cafe Mimi is a beautiful floral cafe in the Lake Kawaguchiko area. Housed in a white Western-style building on the lakeside promenade, it offers a great location with Kawaguchiko spread out before you. And guess what? You can even see Mount Fuji right in front of you.
I ordered spaghetti carbonara and some hot tea, while my husband ordered a strange fruit curry rice and a Coke. I bet he had no idea what the dish was; otherwise, he definitely wouldn't have ordered such a weird combination, hahaha.
Details
Location : 3033 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0304, Japan.
Business hours : Daily (9.00am - 5.30pm)
Brand New Day Coffee
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| ( Photo source : Brand New Day Coffee ) |
Brand New Day Coffee, located in Fuji Oishi Hanaterrace, offers a calm atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious café lattes and authentic pizza with a spectacular view of Mount Fuji from the terrace seating. They also provide baked croissants, desserts, alcohol, and a variety of beverages. The terrace seats are pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your pet along.
We ordered a pizza margherita, a sakura frappe, a sakura croissant, and Fuji Sun Sui mineral water. Since it's sakura season, they naturally have a seasonal sakura menu.
Fun fact : I actually lost my bag here. Thankfully, it wasn't my CHANEL bag, but a non-branded one that had my CHANEL sunglasses case, a tripod, and some candy inside. I reached out to them via Instagram once I got back to our Airbnb, and thank goodness they replied the next day. My first thought was that a tourist would definitely take the case and leave the bag, but luckily, I managed to get it back with everything still inside after a few days. I guess I'm just lucky to be in Japan. If it were another country, someone might have taken it immediately.
Details
Location : 1477-1, Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko town, Minamitsuru gun, Yamanashi, 401-0305.
Business hours : Daily (10.00am - 6.00pm)
Houtou Fudou
Houtou Fudou is a popular and aesthetically pleasing restaurant that serves hoto noodles. For your info, Hoto (ほうとう) is a hearty hot pot dish local to Yamanashi Prefecture. It is commonly believed to have been eaten by Takeda Shingen, the regional warlord during the era of warring states, and his samurai before going into battle. The dish consists of thick wheat noodles in a miso-based soup and is often served in an iron pot.
While hoto noodles resemble extra thick udon noodles, they are prepared more like dumplings, giving the dish a heartier quality than udon. The soup is traditionally a miso-based broth with added pumpkin and other seasonal vegetables. Hoto can be enjoyed throughout the Fujigoko region at specialized restaurants, hotels, ryokan, and other dining establishments.
Details
Location : 3631-2 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301, Japan.
Business hours : Daily (11.00am - 7.00pm)
The Park
The Park is a cafe located along the shores of Lake Yamanaka, offering an exceptional view of Mount Fuji. However, as we know, Mount Fuji is only sometimes visible. Clouds obscured it during our visit, so we focused on our pancakes instead of the view.
We ordered a ginger ale, grape juice, Choco Banana pancake, and Blueberry pancake. Their pancakes are yummy!
You can spot the huge swan boat while enjoying your pancake.
Details
Location : 3752 Hirano, Yamanakako, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0502, Japan.
Business hours : Mon - Fri (10.00am - 3.30pm) ; Sat - Sun (10.00am - 5.00pm)
Tenka Chaya
Tenka Chaya (天下茶屋) specializes in hoto noodles and tea and is housed in a historic building that offers views of Mt. Fuji and serves as a museum dedicated to author Osamu Dazai.
Built in the fall of 1934 near the Misaka Tunnel, Tenka Chaya was originally known as Fujimi Chaya “the teahouse with a view of Fuji” and has long been a favourite local spot for spectacular views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. It was later renamed Tenka Chaya by a newspaper reporter, and the name stuck.
Tenka Chaya is an excellent viewing spot for Mt. Fuji and a delightful place to enjoy a meal or tea. Be sure to try the hoto, a hearty dish of flat udon noodles and vegetables in miso soup, which was reportedly one of Dazai’s favourite foods.
My husband also got to try amazake for the first time.
Details
Location : 2739 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0304, Japan.
Business hours : Daily (10.00am - 4.00pm)
Theme Park
Fuji-Q Highland
Fuji-Q Highland (富士急ハイランド) is an amusement park in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan, owned and operated by the namesake Fuji Kyuko Co. It opened on 2 March 1968. The park is near the base of Mount Fuji. In 1969, Fuji-Q Highland started its history as an amusement park at the foot of Mt. Fuji surrounded by magnificent nature. It was a grand opening of an amusement park business of Fujikyu Corp.
Currently, there are nearly 40 kinds of attractions in the park, many attractions are certified as Guinness World Records, and you can enjoy various amusement while watching Mt. Fuji. In the park, there is a “Thomas Land” the only outdoors Thomas and Friends-themed park in Japan, also a there is a theme park " La Ville de Gaspard et Lisa " The world’s first theme park of the France-born, popular picture book characters, Gaspard and Lisa. Whether old or young, men or women, it will be enjoyable, no matter what you are looking for.
Scary rides are not the only interesting things. Since its opening, we have had dynamic events as our selling points. They started out as “Big Flying Circus” or “Big Automobile Circus”, and “Rock Kids” in 1989 and “American Kids” in 1990 was a turning point in musical events, and now we are having “Sound Conifer229”, which is entertaining a lot of people.
My husband was as happy as a kid that day because he's a fan of Naruto and Attack on Titan.
There are also many varieties of food to choose from. Most of them are like kiosks where you pay via a machine, collect your coupon, and then hand the ticket to the staff to get your food. I was happy to find my favorite candied strawberries there.
Details
Location : 5 Chome-6-1 Shinnishihara, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0017, Japan.
Business hours : Wed - Sun (9.00am - 5.00pm) ; Mon - Tue (9.00am - 5.30pm)
Admission fees : Kindly refer to https://www.fujiq.jp/en
Accommodation
The Garden
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| ( Photo source : Booking.com ) |
Located in Fujikawaguchiko, within one mile of Fuji-Q Highland and 2.5 miles of Lake Kawaguchi, THE GARDEN offers accommodations with a terrace, free WiFi throughout the property, and free private parking for guests who drive. This 3-star hotel also provides luggage storage space. Some rooms at the property feature balconies with mountain views.
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| ( Photo source : Booking.com ) |
To be honest, we booked this hotel primarily for the Mount Fuji view, as we planned to have our baby announcement photoshoot here (and we did). We only stayed for one night, and when we checked in, the clouds had completely covered Mount Fuji (if you saw my Instagram story, you'd know). We were a bit disappointed, but fortunately, before sunset, we caught a glimpse of Mount Fuji and managed to do a quick photoshoot. The next day, before we checked out, we never saw Mount Fuji again. So please be aware that you might not see Mount Fuji all the time.
Details
Location : 3561-3 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301, Japan.
Check-in time : 3.00pm - 11.00pm ; Check-out time : 5.00pm - 11.00am
Cost : around RM1,500++ per night
Well, that's it for my lengthy Yamanashi travel guide post. Apologies for the length, but I wanted to cover as much as possible about our trip. If you have any questions about the trip and I've forgotten something, you can always refer to this post. I will do my best to finish writing the other posts about our one-month stay in Japan as soon as possible. Don't forget to watch the video below. XOXO.
Travel Vlog
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#ShiniInYamanashi
For more photos, search the hashtag #ShiniInYamanashi on Instagram. There, you can also find additional details about my personal experiences during the trip.
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