Yamanashi Prefecture is a landlocked prefecture in the Chubu region of central Honshu, cradled in the Kofu Basin and ringed by mountains, most famously the northern slopes of Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes. Home to the Yoshida Trail, the most-used of Mount Fuji's four climbing routes, and to Japan's oldest and largest wine region around Katsunuma, Yamanashi pairs alpine and lakeside scenery with a proud viticulture and fruit-growing tradition, plus the jewelry and crystal-carving craftsmanship of its capital, Kofu City.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Shosenkyo Gorge
Highlights: 4-kilometer granite gorge walk along the Arakawa River · Kakuenbo, a 30-meter natural granite pillar · Sengataki Waterfall, 30 meters high · Cable car to the Mt. Kurataki panorama of the Yatsugatake and Southern Alps · Crystal-carving and quartz souvenir shops reflecting Kofu's jewelry heritage
Nishizawa Gorge
Highlights: Nanatsugama Godan-no-taki, a chain of turquoise waterfalls and pools · Suspension bridges and log crossings along the gorge loop trail · Peak autumn foliage mid-October–early November · 10-kilometer full loop trail through cedar forest and granite gorge · Roadside Station Mitomi Kitagawa for parking and local produce
Katsunuma Wine Country
Highlights: Dozens of independent wineries producing Koshu white wine within walking distance of the station · 1,000-year grape-growing history and the Katsunuma Budo Matsuri (Grape Festival) in autumn · Free or low-cost tastings and cellar tours at most wineries · Roadside fruit stands and pick-your-own grape and peach orchards in season · Winery restaurants pairing local produce with estate wine flights
Chureito Pagoda & Fujiyoshida
Highlights: Chureito Pagoda framed against Mount Fuji, one of Japan's most photographed views · Cherry blossoms around the pagoda in early-to-mid April · Autumn foliage in late October–November · Fuji Sengen Shrine and the historic Kanadorii-dori approach street in Fujiyoshida · Yoshida no udon, the town's signature chewy noodle dish
Oshino Hakkai
Highlights: Eight crystal-clear spring-fed ponds filtered through Mount Fuji's volcanic rock · Wakuike, the largest and most photographed pond, beside a preserved thatched-roof hamlet · Unobstructed Mount Fuji views from several ponds on clear days · Preserved farming hamlet with craft shops and soba restaurants · Easy, flat 1-hour walking loop connecting all eight ponds
Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station
Highlights: Panoramic view over the Fuji Five Lakes and Kofu Basin at 2,305 meters · Starting point of the Yoshida Trail, Mount Fuji's most-used climbing route · Rest houses selling Fuji-themed souvenirs, amazake, and hoto noodle sets · Short subalpine forest walking trail near the station · Optional short walk toward the Sixth Station for a taste of the climbing trail terrain
Minobusan Kuonji Temple
Highlights: Kuonji Temple, the 1281-founded head temple of Nichiren Buddhism · 287-step Bodai-tei stone staircase leading to the main precinct · Ropeway to Okuno-in Shishinkaku on the summit of Mount Minobu · Distant Mount Fuji views from the summit on clear days · Shukubo temple lodging town and traditional sweet shops at the temple approach
Kiyosato Highlands
Highlights: Kiyosato Terrace ropeway viewpoint over highland pastures toward the Southern Alps and distant Mount Fuji · Local dairy farms, cheese producers, and soft-serve ice cream shops · Cool-climate relief from the Kofu Basin's summer heat · Walkable main street with cafes and craft galleries · Gentle walking trails through birch and larch forest in the Yatsugatake foothills
Lake Motosuko
Highlights: The Koanso viewpoint, matching the reverse of the older 1,000 yen banknote · Nakanokura Pass observation deck above the northwestern shore · Japan's deepest and clearest of the Fuji Five Lakes · Quiet lakeside walks and photography with minimal development · Small swimming and paddling areas near the campgrounds in summer
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.
Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.
Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.