Yamanashi Prefecture

Region · Chubu Region, 🇯🇵 Japan

Population 803,963

Area 4,470 km²

Time zone Asia/Tokyo

Official website www.pref.yamanashi.jp

Yamanashi Prefecture – Planning a Trip?

Build your day-by-day itinerary in the Tripomatic app.

Start Planning

Featured Lists

Tobihino1977 / CC0

Yamanashi's Crown Jewels

Centered on the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mount Fuji, this collection encompasses the Fuji Five Lakes and the historic Sengen Shrines used by pilgrims for centuries. Key sites include the eight crystal-clear ponds of Oshino Hakkai, fed by decades of volcanic snowmelt, and the geological lava tubes of the Narusawa Ice Cave within Aokigahara Forest. The list also highlights regional culinary traditions like houtou noodles and the scenic Nishizawa Gorge, known for its granite cliffs and tiered waterfalls.

18 places

alpsdake / Public domain

Majestic Mountains and Alpine Huts

Yamanashi Prefecture hosts many of Japan's most significant elevations, including the iconic Mount Fuji and the Southern Alps' highest peak, Mount Kitadake. This collection features prominent summits like Mount Senjo and Mount Kumotori, alongside specific topographical points like Kengamine, the highest point in Japan. To support multi-day climbs, the list includes high-altitude alpine huts such as Chojo Fuji Kan and Yakushi-dake Goya, which provide essential shelter and supplies for hikers traversing these rugged volcanic and granite terrains.

20 places

江戸村のとくぞう / CC BY-SA 4.0

Sacred Sites of Japan

This collection features the spiritual landmarks of Yamanashi Prefecture, centered around the iconic Mount Fuji. It includes UNESCO-listed Sengen shrines, which historically served as the starting points for Fuji pilgrimages, and significant Buddhist temples like Kuon-ji, the head of the Nichiren sect. Many sites, such as Erin-ji and Sekisui-ji, share deep historical ties with the Takeda clan and the warlord Takeda Shingen, showcasing Zen architecture and traditional Japanese gardens.

20 places

Midori / CC BY 3.0

Fuji Five Lakes & Heritage

This region centers on Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its cultural and spiritual significance. The Fuji Five Lakes—Kawaguchi, Yamanaka, Saiko, Shōji, and Motosu—offer distinct views of the volcano and vary in depth and clarity. Historically, the area served as a major pilgrimage route, evidenced by the Sengen shrines like Kitaguchi-hongu, where climbers traditionally began their ascent. The list also includes Oshino Hakkai, a set of eight ponds supplied by snowmelt filtered through volcanic rock layers over several decades.

12 places

24/7 Traveler Stops

Navigating Yamanashi is made easier by this network of 24/7 establishments. The list includes major convenience store chains like Lawson and 7-Eleven, which provide essential services including international ATMs, multi-functional ticket machines, and high-quality ready-to-eat meals. Complementing these are round-the-clock eateries like Sukiya, Matsuya, and Yoshinoya, specializing in affordable beef bowls and Japanese breakfast sets. You will also find 24-hour discount retailers like Don Quijote and pharmacies for late-night supplies.

47 places