Yamanashi is the prefecture that gives you the best views of Mt. Fuji. Nestled in a mountain basin surrounded by the Southern Alps, it’s a land of volcanic lakes, fruit orchards, wine vineyards, and dramatic mountain scenery just 90 minutes from Tokyo.
Top Attractions
1. Fuji Five Lakes
The five lakes at the northern base of Mt. Fuji — Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako, Saiko, Shojiko, and Motosuko — offer some of the world’s most iconic views. The classic postcard image of Fuji reflected in Kawaguchiko is one of Japan’s most photographed spots.
2. Chureito Pagoda
This five-storey pagoda on the hillside above Fujiyoshida City, framed by cherry blossoms with Mt. Fuji rising behind it, is perhaps the single most photographed scene in all of Japan.
3. Shosenkyo Gorge
A dramatic 4km gorge of towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, and bizarre rock formations. In autumn, the canyon fills with brilliant fall colors — one of Japan’s finest koyo (autumn foliage) destinations.
Food & Drink
Yamanashi is Japan’s wine country — the Kofu Basin produces excellent Koshu white wine, made from Japan’s indigenous grape variety. Also famous: Hoto (thick flat noodles in miso and vegetable broth), sweet Shine Muscat grapes, and Yamanashi peaches.
Getting There
From Tokyo Shinjuku, the Azusa limited express reaches Kofu in about 90 minutes.
