Chubu / 中部

Yamanashi

山梨県

Nowhere frames Mt. Fuji more perfectly than Kawaguchiko — where the volcano’s mirror reflection shimmers at dawn and the Fuji Five Lakes come alive with every season.

🌸 Best Season: March–May (Fuji/cherry), Oct–Nov (foliage/harvest)
✈️ Access: JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Otsuki, then Fujikyuko Line (2 hr total) or Highway bus (1.5 hr)
🗣️ Language: Japanese / 日本語
💴 Currency: ¥ JPY

Yamanashi Prefecture wraps around Mt. Fuji’s northern and western flanks, offering arguably the finest views of Japan’s sacred mountain across the Fuji Five Lakes. Beyond Fuji, the Kofu Basin is Japan’s premier wine region — Koshu grapes have been cultivated here for 1,300 years. Yamanashi is also Japan’s top producer of peaches (momo) and one of the finest for sweet grapes, making autumn harvest season a culinary pilgrimage.

富士五湖からの富士山ビュー・甲州ワイン・山梨の桃・ほうとう鍋。山梨は富士山を身近に感じながら食と自然を楽しめる、東京からの最高の逃げ場です。

Recommended Omiyage

おすすめおみやげ 5選

Hoto Noodle Kit

Hoto Noodle Kit

ほうとうセット

Flat, thick wheat noodles and miso broth — Yamanashi’s hearty winter nabe staple

Noodles ¥800–1,500 Hot Pot
Koshu White Peach

Koshu White Peach

甲州白桃

Japan’s finest white peaches — grown in the mineral-rich Kofu Basin alluvial soils

Fresh Fruit ¥2,000–5,000 Peach
Koshu Wine

Koshu Wine

甲州ワイン

Japan’s premier white wine made from 1,300-year-old Koshu grape varieties

Wine ¥1,500–3,500 Winery
Shingen Mochi

Shingen Mochi

信玄餅

Soft mochi dusted with kinako flour and drizzled with black-sugar syrup — Yamanashi’s #1 souvenir

Mochi ¥700–1,200 Iconic
Fuji-Q Strawberry Chocolate

Fuji-Q Strawberry Chocolate

富士山ストロベリーチョコ

Mt. Fuji-shaped chocolate with local freeze-dried strawberry pieces — photogenic and delicious

Chocolate ¥800–1,200 Fuji

Must-Visit Spots

おすすめスポット 5選

Lake Kawaguchiko

Lake Kawaguchiko

河口湖

The most accessible and photogenic of the Fuji Five Lakes, with brilliant Fuji reflections

Scenic Always Free
Fuji-Q Highland
Theme Park

Fuji-Q Highland

富士急ハイランド

Adrenaline theme park at Fuji’s base with world-record roller coasters and Fuji panoramas

Amusement 9–17 ¥6,000+ pass
Chateau Mercian

Chateau Mercian

シャトーメルシャン

Yamanashi’s most prestigious wine estate, open for tours and cellar tastings

Winery 9:30–17 ¥500 tasting
Narusawa Ice Cave

Narusawa Ice Cave

鳴沢氷穴

Ancient lava-tube ice cave at Fuji’s base — cool respite in summer, icicles in winter

Nature 9–17 ¥360
Fujiyama Onsen
Hotspring

Fujiyama Onsen

富士山溶岩の湯泉

Natural hot spring drawn from deep lava rock at Fuji’s base — with outdoor Fuji views

Onsen 10–22 ¥1,200

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best lake for Fuji views?

Lake Kawaguchiko (河口湖) is most accessible and popular. Lake Motosu (本栖湖) — pictured on the ¥1,000 note — offers the most iconic reflection shot but requires a longer journey.

最も手軽なのは河口湖。千円札に描かれた本栖湖の逆さ富士は最高の絶景ですが、少し遠い。

When can I see cherry blossoms with Fuji?

Late March to mid-April at Chureito Pagoda (Fujiyoshida) for the iconic five-story pagoda + Fuji + sakura photo. Arrive early to avoid crowds.

富士吉田の忠霊塔(新倉山浅間公園)で3月下旬〜4月中旬に桜と富士の絶景が撮れます。早朝が狙い目。

Can I climb Mt. Fuji?

The official climbing season is July–early September. The Yoshida Trail starts in Yamanashi (Fuji Subaru Line). New in 2024: a ¥2,000 fee and gate closure at 4 pm are in effect at Yoshida.

登山シーズンは7月〜9月上旬。富士吉田の吉田ルートは2024年から入山料2,000円と午後4時のゲート閉鎖が導入されました。

Travel Tip

The ‘Fuji Excursion’ limited express from Shinjuku (¥4,690 one-way, reservation required) runs directly to Kawaguchiko in about 2 hours — no transfers needed. Buy tickets via JR Ticket or convenience stores.

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