15 Best Things to Do in Yamanashi (山梨県 Yamanashi‑ken)
Glassy lakes beneath Mt. Fuji, fruit‑laden hills, artisan noodles, and Japan’s wine country—Yamanashi is an easy escape with blockbuster scenery.
This guide features 5 sights, 5 local foods, and 5 hands‑on experiences. Each card includes Highlights, From Kyoto (rough route & time), local Access, and a handy Pro tip.
🗻 Fuji panoramas
🍇 Koshu wine
🍑 Peaches & grapes
From Kyoto Station → Yamanashi Gateways (rough times)
| Gateway | Typical Route | Time* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawaguchiko | Shinkansen → Mishima → highway bus to Kawaguchiko or Shinkansen → Tokyo → JR Chuo → Otsuki → Fujikyu Railway | ~3h45–4h30 | Base for Fuji Five Lakes, Oishi Park, Fuji‑Q |
| Otsuki | Shinkansen → Tokyo/Shinagawa → JR Chuo Rapid/Ltd. Exp to Otsuki | ~3h20–3h50 | Transfer hub to Fujikyu Line |
| Kofu | Shinkansen → Tokyo → JR Chuo Ltd. Exp (Azusa/Kaiji) → Kofu | ~3h30–4h00 | Base for Shosenkyo, wineries via Katsunuma‑Budokyo |
| Isawa‑Onsen | Shinkansen → Tokyo → JR Chuo Ltd. Exp → Isawa‑Onsen | ~3h25–3h55 | Onsen town; fruit farms nearby |
| Katsunuma‑Budokyo | Shinkansen → Tokyo → JR Chuo Ltd. Exp → Katsunuma‑Budokyo | ~3h35–4h05 | Walkable winery clusters |
*Times are approximate and vary by train type/connection. Always check the latest timetable.
1) Lake Kawaguchi (河口湖 Kawaguchiko)
Highlights. Lakeside promenades, Momiji Corridor (紅葉回廊 Kōyō Kairō), café views.
From Kyoto. Shinkansen → Mishima (~2h) → highway bus to Kawaguchiko (~1h45) or Shinkansen → Tokyo (~2h20) → JR to Otsuki (~1h) → Fujikyu to Kawaguchiko (~55 min).
Access (local). Buses loop the lake; rental cycles & e‑bikes are perfect on fair days.
Pro tip. Morning calm > evening breeze for glassy reflections; bring layers even in summer.
2) Chureito Pagoda (忠霊塔 Chūreitō) / Arakura Sengen Shrine (新倉山浅間神社 Arakura Sengen Jinja)
Highlights. View platform, 398 steps, seasonal festivals, shrine grounds.
From Kyoto. As for Kawaguchiko; from Shimo‑Yoshida Sta. it’s ~10–15 min walk + stairs.
Access (local). Fujikyu Railway → Shimo‑Yoshida; signage to Arakura Sengen Park (公園 kōen).
Pro tip. Golden hour or post‑rain skies deliver dramatic layers; weekdays are much quieter.
3) Shosenkyo Gorge (昇仙峡 Shōsenkyō)
Highlights. Sengataki Falls (仙娥滝 Sengataki), Kakuenbō rock, ropeway to Yasaburōdake, cafés.
From Kyoto. Shinkansen → Tokyo (~2h20) → JR Chuo Ltd. Exp to Kofu (~1h30) → bus to Shosenkyo (~30–40 min).
Access (local). Frequent buses from Kofu; signed riverside trail; ropeway at upper valley.
Pro tip. Best colors late Oct–Nov; go upstream (lower → upper) for easier photo pacing.
4) Oishi Park (大石公園 Ōishi Kōen)
Highlights. Boardwalks, gelato/coffee stands, photo frames; Hana Terrace shops.
From Kyoto. As for Kawaguchiko; Red‑Line sightseeing bus (~25 min) from station.
Access (local). Flat paths; stroller friendly; sunset excellent from lakeside berm.
Pro tip. Early summer lavender and late‑Oct kochia are peak Instagrammables; sunrise > crowds.
5) Nishizawa Gorge (西沢渓谷 Nishizawa Keikoku)
Highlights. Nanatsudaki (七ツ釜五段の滝 Nanatsudaki) series, suspension bridges, cool summer shade.
From Kyoto. Shinkansen → Tokyo (~2h20) → JR Chuo to Enzan/Katsunuma‑Budokyo (~1.5h) → bus/taxi to trailhead (~40–60 min).
Access (local). Well‑marked trail; moderate difficulty; check seasonal bus schedules.
Pro tip. Start early; bring proper shoes and water—slopes can be slick after rain.
6) Houtou Noodles (ほうとう Hōtō)
Highlights. Cast‑iron pots, hearty portions; vegetarian‑friendly variants common.
From Kyoto. As per Kawaguchiko/Kofu gateways.
Access (local). Famous shops around Lake Kawaguchi and Kofu city.
7) Yoshida no Udon (吉田のうどん Yoshida no Udon)
Highlights. Old‑school lunch vibes; self‑serve chili paste (激辛 gekikara).
From Kyoto. As per Kawaguchiko/Otsuki.
Access (local). Mom‑and‑pop udon shops across Fujiyoshida.
8) Koshu Wine (甲州ワイン Kōshū Wain)
Highlights. Winery tastings, cellar tours, pairing sets; scenic vineyards in Katsunuma.
From Kyoto. Shinkansen → Tokyo → JR Chuo to Katsunuma‑Budokyo (~3.5–4h total).
Access (local). Walkable winery clusters; taxis available—don’t drink & drive.
9) Shingen Mochi (信玄餅 Shingen Mochi)
Highlights. Factory tours (select dates), seasonal parfaits, gift boxes for the train ride.
From Kyoto. Via Kofu/Isawa‑Onsen gateways.
Access (local). Shops around Kofu & Isawa; look for flagship stores of famous brands.
10) Peaches & Grapes (桃 Momo & 葡萄 Budō)
Highlights. Farm stands, all‑you‑can‑eat tastings, scenic fruit lines above Fuefuki.
From Kyoto. Shinkansen → Tokyo → JR Chuo to Isawa‑Onsen/Katsunuma‑Budokyo.
Access (local). Many orchards walkable or short taxi from stations; reservations common in peak.
11) Winery Tours (ワイナリーツアー Wainarī Tsuaa)
Highlights. Flight tastings, terrace views, pairing plates; some wineries offer English tours.
From Kyoto. As per Katsunuma‑Budokyo gateway.
Access (local). Compact clusters; consider taxis or guided tours to keep it safe.
12) Fuji‑Q Highland (富士急ハイランド Fujikyū Hairando)
Highlights. Record‑setting rides, kids zones, seasonal events; combo tickets with nearby attractions.
From Kyoto. As per Kawaguchiko; alight at Fujikyu‑Highland Sta. or bus stop.
Access (local). Station at the gate; lockers & re‑entry available; winter weekdays = shortest lines.
13) Onsen with Fuji Views (温泉 Onsen)
Highlights. Day‑use rotenburo, hotel spas, footbaths; some with direct Fuji front‑row seats.
From Kyoto. Kawaguchiko or Isawa‑Onsen gateways.
Access (local). Kawaguchiko has multiple day spas; Isawa‑Onsen is a full onsen town with many ryokan.
14) Fruit Picking (果物狩り Kudamono‑gari)
Highlights. All‑you‑can‑eat time slots, mountain views, family‑friendly orchards.
From Kyoto. As per Isawa‑Onsen/Katsunuma gateways.
Access (local). Many farms require bookings; cash/IC often accepted—confirm ahead.
15) Mt. Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station (富士山五合目 Fujisan Gogōme)
Highlights. Komitake Shrine (小御嶽神社 Komitake Jinja), panorama decks, alpine air.
From Kyoto. Via Kawaguchiko; buses run to Fujisan 5th Station in season (typically spring–autumn).
Access (local). Weather changes fast—layers essential; check last bus down times.
Pro tip. Even in summer it can feel like winter; watch altitude effects and hydrate.
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FAQ
When are Mt. Fuji views most reliable?
Winter mornings (Dec–Feb) have the clearest air. Year‑round, aim early or after weather fronts pass; avoid midday haze.
Do I need reservations for wineries or fruit picking?
Often yes—weekends and harvest seasons book out. Many wineries accept walk‑ins for tastings; tours usually require bookings.
Are tattoos okay at onsen?
Policies vary. Many day‑use baths accept small tattoos if covered; check ryokan rules in advance.
Is Fuji‑Q good for small kids?
Yes—there are family rides and playgrounds. Height limits apply on major coasters; weekday mornings are least crowded.
Is the 5th Station open all year?
Road access is seasonal and weather‑dependent; bus services typically run spring–autumn with reduced winter operations. Always confirm current schedules.