Hidden Yamanashi

Nature, Local Food & Ancient Pilgrimages

Ah Yamanashi — known internationally for its wildly popular Mt. Fuji climb and…well, not much else. This is a real shame. You see, this landlocked prefecture is host to breathtaking natural wonders as well as a rich historical pedigree. In addition to being the former domain of the legendary Warring States period (1467–1603) warlord Takeda Shingen, Yamanashi is surrounded by some of Japan’s tallest mountain peaks. As such, the prefecture boasts a collection of unforgettable views from its basin floor. Whether you’re a nature lover or a history connoisseur, Yamanashi delivers on a medley of interests for all

In keeping with typical central Japan fashion and despite having a wealth of attractions, access to many of Yamanashi’s more remote sites remains limited. Furthermore, the existing options can easily seem intimidating and confusing for the average traveler who doesn’t speak the language. While this is unlikely to change anytime soon, the local prefectural government is aware of the problem and is considering alternative means for bolstering the poor infrastructure. They’ve put together a collection of tours that address many of the pain points inherent in visiting some of Yamanashi’s amazing destinations.

As longtime readers may have noticed by now, this is a blog about getting off the beaten path. With that said, I tend to shy away from places that require travelers to rent a car. Simply put, the paperwork can seem unnecessarily daunting and not everyone is able to drive in a foreign country. As such, I’d normally be weary of introducing the following destinations if it were not for the new tours that Yamanashi Prefecture has put together. These excursions and travel options clear the logistical hurdles by solving the transportation dilemma.

How to Get There

Before diving into the two tours I will be introducing, let’s pause quickly to talk about how to get to Yamanashi. I’m going to assume that the reader is traveling from Tokyo. Should you find yourself venturing out from another location, just head on over to Jorudan to figure out the best…