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 spas
Curated picks for treatments and day spas.
Isawa Onsenkyo Ryokan Kisen
A traditional ryokan in Isawa Onsen offering alkaline hot-spring bathing prized for its skin-softening minerals, with both indoor and garden-facing outdoor baths.
Signature treatment: Alkaline 'bijin-no-yu' spring water noted for its skin-smoothing mineral content
Hanayagi no Sho Keizan
A higher-end ryokan in Isawa Onsen offering private open-air baths and refined kaiseki dining, positioned among the top-rated stays in the hot spring district.
Signature treatment: Room categories with attached private open-air onsen baths
Meiseki no Yado Kagetsu
A well-established Isawa Onsen ryokan roughly five minutes from JR Isawa Onsen Station, with expansive indoor and outdoor bathing facilities.
Signature treatment: Kaiseki dinners highlighting seasonal Yamanashi grapes and peaches
Shimobe Hotel
A ryokan in the quiet, less-visited Shimobe Onsen village, listed among Japan's 100 Famous Hot Springs and known historically for a gentle spring said to favor wound recovery.
Signature treatment: Low-mineral, historically gentle spring water associated with skin and wound recovery
Hottarakashi Onsen
A hillside day-use onsen above the Kofu Basin, famous for open-air baths with a panoramic view stretching to Mount Fuji, best visited at sunrise or sunset.
Signature treatment: Panoramic open-air bathing overlooking the Kofu Basin and Mount Fuji
Fujiyama Onsen
A striking day-use onsen in Fujiyoshida designed by architect Kengo Kuma, with a soaring wooden facade and outdoor baths framing a direct view of Mount Fuji.
Signature treatment: Outdoor baths architecturally framed to face Mount Fuji directly
Kozantei Ubuya
A luxury lakefront ryokan on the shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, where the open-air onsen bath looks directly out toward Mount Fuji across the water.
Signature treatment: Open-air bath positioned for a direct Mount Fuji view across Lake Kawaguchiko
Wellness retreats
Multi-day immersive experiences.
Hoshinoya Fuji
An upscale glamping resort on a forested hillside above Lake Kawaguchiko, blending outdoor immersion with elevated Mount Fuji views and guided nature programming.
Where: Fujikawaguchiko Town, forested hillside above Lake Kawaguchiko
Wellness travel tips
Get the most from your wellness experience.
Book treatments in advance — popular slots fill up quickly during peak season.
Hydrate well before and after treatments, especially massages and saunas.
Communicate any allergies or skin sensitivities before treatments begin.