Hotoほうとう
Thick, flat noodles stewed with pumpkin and vegetables in miso broth, served in an iron pot.
Chubu
Yamanashi Travel Guide
Local tips, regional food and places off the tourist trail
The north side of Mt Fuji, with the Fuji Five Lakes around Kawaguchiko, plus the Kofu basin’s vineyards and orchards. An easy escape from Tokyo.
Open Yamanashi on the map40 places on the map · 4 local favourites
Local tips
- TipDirect highway buses from Shinjuku reach Kawaguchiko; by train, change at Otsuki to the Fujikyu line.
- Heads upFuji’s official climbing season is only in summer; check current trail rules and registration before going.
- TipFuji hides in haze most summer afternoons; early mornings and winter days give the clearest views.
- DoGo fruit picking in the Kofu basin — peaches in summer, grapes in late summer and autumn.
- TipLakes Motosu and Shoji are much quieter than Kawaguchiko and still have fine Fuji views.
What to eat
Yoshida udon吉田のうどん
Very firm, chewy udon from Fujiyoshida, often topped with cabbage and seasoned horse meat.
Local favourites
Places mostly visited by people who live here — quieter, and often the highlight of a trip.
Yamanashi Jewelry Museum
山梨ジュエリーミュージアム Sights & HistorySmall museum in Kofu on the region's long crystal-cutting and jewellery tradition. A quick stop in central Kofu near the castle park.
● Mostly localsShimobe Onsen
下部温泉 Hot SpringsOld medicinal hot spring in a valley, known for cool spring water and deep history.
● Mostly localsDaizenji (Grape Temple)
大善寺 Temples & GoshuinchoTemple in Katsunuma where the Buddha holds a bunch of grapes, and a very old National Treasure main hall.
● Mostly localsMenkyo Kaiden (Yoshida Udon)
麺許皆伝 Local FoodPopular spot for Yoshida udon, the thick, very chewy noodles of Fujiyoshida, topped with cabbage and horse meat.
● Mostly localsThe famous sights
The places most visitors come for. Worth it — just go early.
Chureito Pagoda
新倉山浅間公園 Sights & HistoryThe five-storey pagoda with Mount Fuji behind it, the most photographed view of Japan. Climb nearly 400 steps to the viewing deck.
Oshino Hakkai
忍野八海 Nature & SceneryEight spring-fed ponds of very clear water in a village near Mount Fuji. Stroll along the ponds and eat grilled mochi.
Fujiyoshida Honcho Street
富士吉田 本町通り Sights & HistoryRetro shopping street with Mount Fuji rising at the end. Famous in photos; please respect traffic and residents.
Lake Kawaguchi
河口湖 Nature & SceneryThe most popular of the Fuji Five Lakes, with views of Mount Fuji. Walk the north shore for the best views.
Fuji-Q Highland
富士急ハイランド ExperiencesAmusement park at the foot of Mount Fuji with extreme roller coasters.
Hoto Fudo Higashi Koiji
ほうとう不動 東恋路店 Local FoodHoto, Yamanashi's thick flat noodles stewed in miso with pumpkin, served in iron pots. This branch's cloud-shaped building by Lake Kawaguchi is memorable.
Mt Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
河口湖〜富士山パノラマロープウェイ ExperiencesShort ropeway up Mt Tenjo above Lake Kawaguchi with Fuji views.
Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine
北口本宮冨士浅間神社 Temples & GoshuinchoTraditional start of the Mount Fuji climb, in a cedar forest in Fujiyoshida with a huge wooden torii.