Yamanashi Prefecture

Best of Yamanashi Prefecture

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.

Yamanashi's Crown Jewels — Map

Tobihino1977 / CC0

A

Mount Fuji

One of Japan's Three Holy Mountains, this is also the country's highest mountain.

Quercus acuta / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, located on the island of Honshū, is the highest mountain in Japan, with a summit elevation of 3,776.24 m.

Midori / CC BY 3.0

C

Lake Kawaguchi

The second largest lake of the five lakes in the Mount Fuji region. It is popular for its natural beauty and splendid scenery - an…

Snap55 / Cc-by-3.0

D

Oshino Hakkai

A set of eight spring-fed ponds supplied by Mount Fuji's underground snowmelt. These crystal-clear waters are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a designated National Natural Monument.

江戸村のとくぞう / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Kitaguchi-hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine

This historic Shinto complex serves as the traditional trailhead for the Yoshida climbing route. It features 1,000-year-old cedar trees and one of Japan's largest wooden torii gates.

Saigen Jiro / CC0

F

Kawaguchi Asama Shrine

Established in 865 to appease the volcanic deity after a major eruption, this UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its seven ancient cedar trees, designated as natural monuments.

User:Masanori88 / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine

Considered the oldest shrine on Mount Fuji, this UNESCO World Heritage site consists of a main hall originally built at the mountain's second station in 699 and a lakeside annex.

H

Fujisan Hongu Sengentaisha Okunomiya

Located at the summit of Mount Fuji, this inner shrine marks the peak’s spiritual center. It serves as the high-altitude counterpart to the main Sengen Taisha shrine at the mountain's base.

Kounoichi / CC BY-SA 4.0

I

Narusawa ice cave

The Narusawa Ice Cave is a lava tube located in the Aokigahara forest, in the part that belongs to Narusawa Village, Yamanashi Prefecture,…

Alpsdake / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Aokigahara

Aokigahara, also known as the Sea of Trees, is a forest on the northwestern flank of Mount Fuji on the island of Honshu in Japan, thriving…

Pete Stewart / CC BY-SA 2.0

K

Arakura sengen (Chureito pagoda)

Those 400 steps you have to climb are definitely worth the effort as you will be rewarded with breathtaking views.

Alpsdake / CC BY-SA 3.0

L

Lake Saiko

Western Lake, sometimes Saiko, is one of the Fuji Five Lakes and located in the town of Fujikawaguchiko in southern Yamanashi Prefecture…

Alpsdake / CC BY-SA 4.0

M

Lake Shōji

Lake Shōji is one of the Fuji Five Lakes and located in the town of Fujikawaguchiko in southern Yamanashi Prefecture near Mount Fuji, Japan.

Captain76 / CC BY-SA 3.0

N

Lake Motosu

Lake Motosu is the westernmost of the Fuji Five Lakes and located on the border of the towns of Fujikawaguchiko and Minobu in southern…

Alpsdake / Public domain

O

Lake Yamanaka

Lake Yamanaka is located in the village of Yamanakako in Yamanashi Prefecture near Mount Fuji, Japan.

Yamaguchi Yoshiaki / CC BY-SA 2.0

P

Kawaguchiko Music Forest

Though small in size, this amusement park is one of its kind. Focused on musical instruments, music will encompass you the second you enter.

shinohal / CC BY-SA 3.0

Q

Nishizawa gorge walk

A scenic hiking trail through a granite gorge in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, featuring the five-tiered Nanatsugama-Godan-no-Taki waterfall and numerous emerald-green pools.

R

Houtou Fudo

A specialized restaurant serving Yamanashi’s traditional houtou—thick wheat noodles stewed in a rich miso broth with pumpkin and seasonal mountain vegetables.

Other Lists

Majestic Mountains and Alpine Huts Sacred Sites of Japan Fuji Five Lakes & Heritage 24/7 Traveler Stops