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

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.

1. Kiyosato Plateau

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

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.

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

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

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

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.