Classic driving courses in Yamanashi! Travel around the great nature and must-visit sightseeing spots!

Drive around classic sightseeing spots in Yamanashi Prefecture with easy access from the center of Tokyo!
In this article, we will introduce 2 driving courses, one to enjoy classic sightseeing spots as well as local dishes and the other to enjoy beautiful scenery and crafting experience”.
We will tour around Yamanashi-ken, a place full of charm from mysterious nature, history, culture and gourmet.

Article published by： Jalan Rent-a-Car

Basic information and highlights of Yamanashi area

Yamanashi Prefecture is surrounded by high mountains such as Mt. Fuji, Yatsugatake Volcanic Group, and the Minami Alps mountains.
It is also blessed with scenic spots such as Lake Yamanaka and Lake Kawaguchi, making it a popular sightseeing spot where you can enjoy the beautiful nature.
Yamanashi produces so much fruits that it is called “Fruits Kingdom”. Wine making is also thriving here. There are also many onsens (hot springs) and resort facilities, attracting a large number of tourists throughout the year.
Formerly called “Kainokuni”, it is also famous as the stronghold of Shingen Takeda, a Warlord in the Sengoku period.
There are numerous historic landmarks and events related to Shingen Takeda in this area, such as the Takeda Shrine and Shingen-ko Festival.
Yamanashi Prefecture can be devided into 2 areas: the East/ Fuji Five Lakes area and the Central/ West area.
In the East/ Fuji Five Lakes area there is the Fuji Five Lakes.
There are many mysterious nature spots that were made by the lava from Mt.Fuji, such as the Oshino Hakkai and the lava caves. Around the Fuji Five Lakes area, there is an “Onsengai” (onsen town), as well as sightseeing spots like amusement parks and museums.
If you are going around the “Central/ West area”, we recommend starting from Kofu, where the prefectural capital is located.
It is full of attractions distinctive of Yamanashi, such as Katsunuma, where you can enjoy fruits picking and winery visits, and Hakushu, known for it’s famous water.
#Driving Routes

Recommended driving course no. 1: Sightseeing spots & gourmet

A driving course to popular sightseeing spots to enjoy beautiful sceneries and delicious fruits.

This driving course will cover popular sightseeing spots such as Arakurayama Sengen Park, attracting tourists in and out of Japan, Maizurujo Park, a place to think over the history of Yamanashi, and Fuefukigawa Fruit Park, where you can fully enjoy the delicious fruits of Yamanashi Fruits Kingdom.

• JR Kobuchizawa Station
  ↓（Local roads、8.6km、18 minutes）
• Road Station Hakushu
  ↓（toll road、38.1km、67 minutes）
• Shosenkyo
  ↓（Local roads、13.8km、28 minutes）
• Koshu Yume Kouji
  ↓（Local roads、661m、2 minutes）
• Maizurujo Park
  ↓（Local roads、15.2km、31 minutes）
• Fuefukigawa Fruit Park
  ↓（Local roads、36.2km、73 minutes）
• Arakurayama Sengen Park
  ↓（Local roads、4.1km、9 minutes）
• Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Village

■Travelling distance：116.7km
■Travelling time：３ hours 45 minutes
■Fees for using toll roads：350 yen（ETC:250 yen）

【Start】JR Kobuchizawa Station

【1】Road Station Hakushu

Road Station Hakushu is located in Hokuto City in Yamanashi Prefecture, alongside Japan National Route 20.
Its location is perfect, overlooking Moutain Kaikoma.
Here you can buy seasonal fresh vegetables, fruits, rice and local specialties that are harvested in the neighborhood as well as enjoy dishes made from seasonal ingredients.
You can purchase the delicious specialties of Yamanashi (such as grapes and peaches) with a reasonable price, and that is why the station is always crowded. In summer, they also offer shaved ice made from natural water. The shaved ice tastes so good that some visitors come here just to try it.
There is a small river flowing inside the grounds of this facility, and you can play with your children there.
One of the most popular specialties is the natural water.
Hakushu is well known as a location of an excellent water source. That is why they have a whiskey distillery here. You can take water from this famous stream and take home for free! Many people visiting the station from far away bring water tanks with them and seek for this stream.
After the famous stream of Hakushu as a souvenir, let’s head the next stop.

【2】Shosenkyo

Mitake Shosenkyo is a valley located at the north part of Kofu City.
It is a popular sightseeing spot which has been designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty.
Take a walk in the promenade organized alongside the valley, you can enjoy the beautiful valley scenery that changes with the season right in front of your eyes.
The promenade has won 1st prize in the valley division in the selection of 100 fine sightseeing spots in Japan called “Zenkoku Kankouchi Hyakusen – Keikoku no Bu”. Here you can see many strangely shaped rocks and stones with unique names. The rocks have been named after their shapes, such as ” Seal Rock”, “Cat Rock”, “Clam Rock”, and are interesting to see.
Why strolling around, it is interesting to imagine what each rock look like.
Senga Falls is at the most inner part of Shosenkyo.
It is at the foot of Moutain Kakuenbo, the symbol of Shosenkyo. It is a waterfall that was created by the fault of crustal movements. The fall is about 30m, and your breath will be taken away by the magnificent scenery.
Not only during the season of lush green and the autumn leaves, many tourists visit here all the year round. The scenery of fallen snow is elegant and fascinating.

【3】Koshu Yume Kouji

Koshu Yume Kouji is a sightseeing spot located just 3 minutes on foot from JR Kofu Station north exit.
Here you can find stores which sell traditional crafts of Yamanashi, restaurants offering dishes made from local ingredients and art museums, etc.
The street of castle town Kofu during the Meiji,Taisho, and early Showa period has been reproduced by replacing old Japanese houses and adopting old-fashioned architectural styles, such as “Kura” (Japanese style storehouses), warehouses and stone pavements.
There are many photogenic spots in the alleys with the retro atmosphere.
Shops and cafes line up the street, all of which built inside the replaced old Japanese houses with the unique “Kabutozukuri-style” roofs, making a fun place to stroll around.
Here you can discover the charms of Yamanashi, a place with many local industries such as wine, jewelry process, and silk goods.
The brown tower that can be seen from far away is the “Tokinokane (Bell of Time)”. It is said that it was used to inform the time to the local citizens for over 200 years, from Edo to early Meiji period. The present one was built in 2013, but has been faithfully reproduced by information from the old photos and bird’s-eye-views.
There is a button that you can push to ring the bell. Try hearing the sound of it and imagining how the castle town was before!

【4】Maizurujo Park

During the Sengoku period, Kofu was the political center of the Kai Province (today’s Yamanashi Prefecture), and the Takeda castle town had been established back then.
After the downfall of the Takeda clan, it became the domain of Nobunaga Oda, and after “Honnoji no Hen” (Honnoji Incident), Ieyasu Tokugawa ruled the land.
Later, after Hideyoshi Toyotomi unified the country, Kofu Castle was built by his order.
Kofu Castle was completed by Nagamasa and Yoshinaga Asano (father and son), who were in alliance with Hideyoshi. After “Sekigahara no Tatakai (Battle of Sekigahara)”, Tokugawa ruled the land again until the end of Edo period.
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When Yoshiho Yanagisawa became the lord of the castle in 1704, Kofu Castle was renovated and vastly developed along with the castle town.”
The prosper of this land was famous as the “Blooming of Kofu”.
However, the center building of the castle and the “Domon (Copper Gate)” was destroyed in the “Great Fire of Kyoho”, and gradually, its palatial look disappeared.
Due to the “Ordinance for Disposal of Castles” in 1873, Kofu Castle was urbanized. Only the inner castle was left as it was. The prefectural office and Kofu Station was built. In 1904, it was opened to the citizens as Maizurujo Park and became what it is today.
It is said that Kofu Castle used to have 20ha in extent (4 times the size of Tokyo Dome). How about taking a walk while thinking about the history of Kofu? The stone walls left in castle grounds are made by a method called “Nozurazumi”. Among the stone wall castles left in Japan, it has a particulary long history and is a must-see spot.

【5】Fuefukigawa Fruit Park

When it comes to Yamanashi, fruit is the first thing that comes to mind.
Fuefukigawa Fruit Park is a facility where you can taste Yamanshi’s fruits, and also enjoy various flowers and plants.
At the “Kudamono Hiroba (Fruits Square)” with its impressive hemispherical glass domes, there is a café that sells fruit gelato and fruit juice.
We recommend walking around the park while eating the gelato made by natural ingredients.
At the “Kajyuen (Fruit Garden)”, you can observe the fruit trees up close, mainly peaches and grapes cultivated as a specialty of Yamanashi.
From spring plums and peach blossoms to late autumn ginkgo and yuzu berries, this is a place where you can enjoy the seasonal atmosphere throughout the year.
There are also other activities, such as “Aqua Athletic”, where you can enjoy playing with water in many ways.
It is a park where families with small childeren can also enjoy.
At the “Fruit Center” located at the highest spot, you can view Kofu Basin and Mount Fuji while enjoying a footbath.Chosen as one of “New Top 3 Night Views in Japan”, many tourists come here to see the night view of Kofu Basin.

【6】Arakurayama Sengen Park

Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi Prefecture is is the northern entrance to Mount Fuji, and is located at the foot of Mount Fuji, located at an altitude of about 650 to 850 meters at the foot of the mountain. The sacred mountain rises so close that it can be seen from anywhere in the city.
Arakurayama Sengen Park is a particulary popular spot in Fujiyoshida-shi, because of the especially beautiful view of Mount Fuji.
It has been chosen as one of “100 Best Views of Mount Fuji in Kanto”. The view of the five-storied “Chureito Pagoda” located in the park and the view of Mount Fuji is famous both in and out of Japan.
The photos of Mount Fuji taken here has been introduced in overseas textbooks as a “symbol of Japan”. Due to this, the number of foreign tourists has grown rapidly. It has become a spot that attracts increasing attention.
Especially in spring, there are always a number of tourists visiting with cameras, because here it is possible to capture all the symbols of Japan, ie. the sakura, Mount Fuji, and Chureito Pagoda, in one photograph.
Lush green in summer, colored leaves in autumn, Mount Fuji covered snow in the winter and the vermillion Chureito Pagoda, all make a bright contrast with thevermillion of .
It is not only a good view during daytime, but also wonderful at night when Chureito Pagoda is illuminated.

【7】Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Village

Sum up your trip at an Onsen!
All Fujikawagaguchiko Town lies at high altitude, and Kawaguchiko Station, the center station is located at the altitude of about 857 meters.
It is known as the town where 4 out of the “Five Lakes of Mount Fuji” (Lake Kawaguch, Saiko Lake, Lake Shoji, Lake Motosu) is located. Today, let’s refresh ourselves at the onsen called “Fujikawagauchiko Onsen Village” located at the lakeside of Lake Kawaguchi.
The history of this Onsen village is relatively new. In 1992, an Onsen was dicovered at the north lakeside of Lake Kawaguchi, and it was developed since then.
Originally, Mt.Fuji and surrounding areas were sightseeing spots, so hot spring resorts were quickly formed in the Kawaguchi, Funatsu, and Asakawa districts, and are now popular hot spring resorts with a total of over 50 hot-spring hotels.
There are 4 onsen sources, each named “Reiho no Yu”, “Tensui no Yu”,”Fuyo noYu”, “Shurei no Yu”. Each of the sources has a different temperature and different onsen water quality, so it is also recommended to try changing the Onsen source every time you visit.
There are many famous hotels, and many of them are located with the concept of viewing Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji.
Let’s enjoy onsen with the beautiful view of the magnificent Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.

Recommended driving course no. 2: Exploring Yamanashi

Observe, make and be surprised! A course to explore Yamanashi

Superb views from Onsen and Yamanaka Lake! Make memories by making crafts! Surprise yourself with the wonders of nature that Mount Fuji has created! A driving course to explore Yamanashi with all of your five senses.

• JR Otsuki Station
  ↓（Local roads、 3.9km、8 minutes）
• Saru Bridge
  ↓（toll road、 36.3km、44 minutes）
• Oshino Hakkai
  ↓（Local roads、6.4km、13 minutes）
• Lake Yamanaka
  ↓（Local roads、 4.1km、9 minutes）
• 小作 Lake Yamanaka店
  ↓（Local roads、 4.4km、9 minutes）
• Dallas Village
  ↓（toll road、 28.0km、45 minutes）
• Narusawa Ice Cave
  ↓（toll road、 49.5km、86 minutes）
• Hottarakashi Onsen

■Travelling distance：132.6km
■Travelling time：3 hours 33 minutes
■Fees for using toll roads：1,730 yen（ETC: 1,210 yen）

【Start】JR Otsuki Station

【1】Saru Bridge

One of “Japan’s 3 Fantastic Bridges”, along with “Kintai Bridge of Iwakuni” and “Kake Bridge of Kiso”.
The figure of this bridge is drawn in Utagawa Hiroshige’s artwork “Koyo Saruhashi no Yuzu”, and it is also known as a bridge that appears in “Kuniyuki Nakano Joshinosho” of 19 Tokasha.
What a strange structure.
It is a wooden bridge, with the length of 31 m, and the width of 3.3 m, but the valley is too deep (31 m) to make bridge poer stands, so the bridge is supported by four layers of sprout that overhang both sides.
The time that Saru Bridge was constructed is unknown, but there are legends surrounding the bridge construction in the local area.
Legend has it that in ancient times, around the year of 610, Emperor Suiko (in the Nara Era, according to another theory), a landscaper, Shirako, who was a visitor to Baekje, saw monkeys supporting each other’s bodies and building a bridge. The name “Saru Bridge” (Saru means monkey) is said to be derived from this legend.
There are a promenade where about 3,000 hydrangeas are planted in the neighborhood, a park near Sarubashi, and a local museum, which you can enjoy with the beauty of the valley.
The harmony of the bridge and the surrounding nature is beautiful, which helps it to be designated as Japan’s National Scenic Beauty in 1932.

【2】Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Village is in Yamanashi Prefecture, with a view of Mount Fuji.
There are eight spring ponds designated as national monuments here.
These are named “Deguchi Pond”,”Okama Pond”, “Sokonashi Pond”, “Choshi Pond”,”Waku Pond”,”Nigori Pond”, “Kagami Pond”, and “Shobu Pond”, altogether making the “Oshino Hakkai”. All are spring ponds with underground water from Mt. Fuji.
This area used to be at the bottom of the lake. But in 800, a great eruption of Mount Fuji occurred and divided the lake. Untill now, only the natural springs were left.
Many tourists visit Oshino Hakkai throughout the year. What attracts them is the beauty of the lake.
The water is so clear that you can see the bottom, and it is shining in an emerald-blue color, creating a dignified, mysterious beauty.
You can’t directly drink the water from the lakes but you can buy the water at stores and ryokans.
Oshino Hakkai has been designated as a Natural Monument in 1934, based on categories such as shape, water quality, water quantity, conservation status, landscape and Buddhist spirit (Fuji religion). In 1985, it was selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Lakes.
Come to feel the beauty of nature that attracts so many people.

【3】Lake Yamanaka

Lake Yamanaka is one of the Five Lakes of Mount Fuji (Fuji-Goko), located at the bottom of Mount Fuji. It is a bright lake surrounded by gently sloping mountains.
The area of the lake surface is about 6.57 square kilometers, the largest among the Fuji Five Lakes.
In addition, the altitude is about 980.5 meters, which is also the highest among the Fuji Five Lakes and the third highest place in Japan.
On the other hand, the depth of the lake is shallow, about 13.3 meters. You can see that the bottom of Lake Yamanaka is higher than the water surface of Motosu Lake, West Lake, and Shoji Lake, the altitude of which is about 900 meters.
Because it is shallow, you can sometimes see Lake Yamanaka totally frozen in severely cold season.
Yamanakako Village has Lake Yamanaka in its center, and it consists of 4 areas, namely Yamanaka, Hirano, Nagaike, and Asahigaoka.
Most of the village is a gently rolling plateau at an altitude of about 1000 meters, with Mt. Fuji towering southwest.
Yamanaka Lake is known for having numerous beautiful scenery spots, such as the “Diamond Fuji”, when Mount Fuji’s top and the sun overlaps, and the “Sakasa (upside-down) Fuji” when Mount Fuji is reflected in the lakeside.
Many tourists come here, especially from summer to autumn. The number of visitors is about 4,000,000/year.

【4】Kosaku Yamanakako Store

For lunch, let’s visit this restaurant, where you can taste Yamanashi local groumet
If you come here, you must try eating “Koshu Hoto”, Yamanashi’s specialty.
Koshu Hoto is large-size noodles with simmered together with various ingredients such as pumpkins, potatoes, taros, chinese cabbages, green onions, burdocks, carrots and shiitake mushrooms, etc.
It is said that he origin of the name “Hoto” is a change in the sound of “Hakutaku,” which comes from China during the Nara era (a process in which flour is kneaded and elongated by hand, cut into reasonable lengths, and then boiled).
In the Age of the Warring States, It is said that Shingen Takeda was handed down by a high priest who entered and left Koshu, and was encouraged as a junchu meal.
It is also called “Takeda soup”, and from there it is said that hot pots have taken root widely in the Koshu region.
The “Hoto ” you can taste here uses a chewy type of noodle, which is originally made at the place. No additives or preservatives added, each is cooked in a iron pan, so you can enjoy a freshly made “Hoto”.
There are fans of this store that say, “Every time I come to Yamanakako, I stop by this store to eat “Hoto”!”
After you stomach is full, let’s go make a memorable trip to Yamanashi!

【5】Dallas Village

How about a craft experience to create memories of Yamanashi?
Here at Dallas Village, you can try 12 kinds of craft activities.
You can choose what you want to make from the 12 below: glassblowing, pottery (electric potter’s wheel, hand-rolling, rakuyaki), dragonfly ball, fusing, silver work, wire craft, pottery painting, kaleidoscope, tile craft, art soap.
In the spring, there is a seasonal experience menu such as “Making strawberry paper weight with a blown glass experience”, so it is recommended that you check the website and make reservations in advance.
Don’t worry even if you are a beginner, the staff will give you kind advices.
Everyone can have fun, from children to adults. Dogs are welcome in all stores.
There is a BBQ restaurant attached to it, so you can take a meal here after you finish your activity.
After enjoying making memories, let’s go to the next sightseeing spot!

【6】Narusawa Ice Cave

Narusawa Ice Cave is a pit-dwelling type of cave, located on the east entrance of Aokigahara Forest.
The dynamic and mysterious cave created by nature has become a popular tourist attraction throughout the year.
Over 1150 years ago, in Jogan 6 (year 864), when Mount Nagaoyama, a lateral volcano of Mount Fuji, erupted, burning hot lava flow came through old parastic volcanos (Aokigahara Maruo). That is how this cave was formed.
Its total length is about 153 meters. The width is about 1.5-11 meters, the height is about 1-3.6 meters. Because it is annular, you can go around the inside.
The temperature inside is 3 degrees on average and cool even in summer. As you walk inside, you’ll be caught by the mysterious space created by the lava flow. In particular, icicles formed by freezing water droplets seeping from the ceiling are lit up for a fantastic view.
In 1929, it was designated by the Ministry of Education as a Natural Monument widely introduced to the world. It became well-known as a geologically invaluable asset.

【7】Hottarakashi Onsen

One of the most popular one-day onsen in Yamanashi.
Located on a mountain at an altitude of about 700 meters, it is popular because you can enjoy hot water while enjoying the simple atmosphere and superb views.
There are two onsens, “Atchi-no-yu” and “Kotchi-no-yu”, which come from different sources. Although they look different, they both offer a beautiful view of the mountains including Mountain Fuji and Kofu basin.
The view of the Kofu Basin, which spreads under your eyes, and Mountain Fuji, can be seen over the mountains of Kai. You can enjoy a sense of openness that blends with nature. On January 1, as usual, it is open one hour before sunrise as usual, so there are many bathers waiting for the sunlight.
If you take a bath at night, you can observe the night view of Kofu Basin. As the sun goes down, you can see the city lights up from the onsen which will be a precious experience.
The snack shop “Momotaro” is also popular. Not only refreshing soft ice cream and grape vinegar juice, but also the specialty “Ontama-age” has a slightly salty taste and is a nice taste after bathing.

＊ The information posted in this article is current as of March, 2018.
＊ The information and photos in this article may not be the latest version. Please confirm before you come.