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Enjoy Mt. Fuji and Japanese Wine! 3 Day Trip Itineraries in Yamanashi
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This article outlines three types of day trip itineraries in Yamanashi: one for enjoying local attractions, another for taking in views of Mt. Fuji, and a third for tasting Yamanashi wine and fine cuisine.
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This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
Day Trips to Enjoy Yamanashi
Yamanashi Prefecture, which borders Tokyo, offers many attractions, including historic sites, natural scenery such as Mount Fuji, and delicious food. The Koshu area in Yamanashi is particularly famous for wine production.
This article provides three itineraries to help you appreciate its highlights.
Yamanashi Itineraries
Itinerary 1: Cultural Assets
Morning: Toki no Kane and Maizuru Castle Park
Noon: Takeda Shrine
Afternoon: Yumura Onsen
Itinerary 2: The View of Mt. Fuji
Morning: JR Minobu Line
Noon: From Minobu Station to the Ropeway
Afternoon: Viewing Mt. Fuji
Itinerary 3: Yamanashi Wine and Fine Food
Morning: Sadoya Winery
Noon: Katsunuma Winery
Afternoon: Fuefukigawa Fruit Park
Itinerary 1: Cultural Assets
On the first route, the tour starts with a visit to a historic townscape and a cultural asset, ending at an onsen (hot spring).
Morning: Toki no Kane/Maizuru Castle Park
Koshu Yumekoji is located to the north of Kofu Station, just across the railroad track from Kofu Castle. It is a promenade along the track where historic buildings are preserved alongside modern architecture, including shopping facilities.
The highlight of the area is Toki no Kane. This tower was built as a recreation of a belfry that existed during the Edo Period, and visitors can ring the bell by pushing a button.
From Koshu Yumekoji, cross the tracks heading south to view the remaining stone walls of Kofu Castle.
The castle is believed to have been built in the 16th century and was also known as Maizuru Castle due to its citadel resembling a crane spreading its wings.
The site is now named Maizuru Castle Park. With views of Mt. Fuji and 160 cherry trees, it is a popular spot for residents of Kofu.
Noon: Takeda Shrine
After the park, the tour proceeds to the north side of Kofu Station, heading toward Takeda Shrine, the next stop.
For those planning to have lunch at an eatery near the station, trying hoto, a local dish, is highly recommended.
The Kofu Station branch of Koshu Hoto Kosaku offers plenty of seating, making it an ideal choice for both solo and group travelers.
From the station, it's a 30-minute walk along Takeda-dori to Takeda Shrine.
The shrine honors Takeda Shingen, a prominent daimyo from the Sengoku Period, and is said to bless visitors with good fortune.
From the shrine, it’s a 15-minute walk to Shingen's tomb, where the daimyo was buried secretly for three years after his death.
Afternoon: Yumura Onsen
Yumura Onsen is the final stop on the tour. This site produces 1 ton of hot water per minute, which flows directly from the source to most bathing facilities.
According to legend, the famous Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi discovered the hot spring 1,200 years ago. Due to its location, it is also known as Shingen's hidden onsen.
The onsen was also favored by notable literary figures such as Osamu Dazai and Masuji Ibuse.
It's a 10- to 15-minute bus ride from Kofu Station to Yumura Onsen, which offers numerous lodging facilities, some of which provide bathing services for day trippers.
Itinerary 2: Views of Mt. Fuji
The second route emphasizes views of Mt. Fuji.
The tour will visit Kuonji, where visitors can enjoy seasonal vistas of Mt. Fuji from Mt. Minobu, a location renowned for its spirituality.
Morning: JR Minobu Line
The tour begins with a train ride from Kofu to Minobu. The JR Minobu Line local train takes about 70 minutes, while the Fujikawa limited express takes approximately 50 minutes.
Along the route, passengers can enjoy views of the Fuji River, one of Japan's three major rapids, as well as scenic sights of Mt. Minobu.
Noon: From Minobu Station to the Ropeway
It is a 15-minute bus ride from JR Minobu Station to Mt. Minobu.
At the mountaintop, you’ll find Kuonji, the head temple of the Buddhist Nichiren sect.
Fans of Yuru Camp, an anime set in Yamanashi that sparked the camping boom, also visit this area. Please keep in mind that it may be crowded on holidays.
The bus from Minobu Station runs at 40-minute intervals, so be sure to check the timetable.
Afternoon: Viewing Mt. Fuji
Mt. Minobu rises to 1,153 meters above sea level, and it's a 7-minute ride on the ropeway to the summit.
There are three observatories facing east, south, and north, each providing magnificent panoramic views. The perspective from the eastern lookout has been selected as one of the 100 Views of Mt. Fuji in the Kanto Region.
At the summit, you'll find Minobuya, a souvenir shop featuring unique items, and Minobu-an, a restaurant that offers stunning views and serves yuba, a special product of Minobu Town.
Itinerary 3: Yamanashi Wine and Fine Food
The last route focuses on wine and dining in Yamanashi, the wine-making capital of Japan.
After the meals, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views or relax in an onsen.
Morning: Sadoya Winery
Sadoya is a winery located approximately a 5-minute walk from the north exit of JR Kofu Station, making it easily accessible.
The company began cultivating grapes in Kofu after importing seedlings from France in 1936. After much effort, they were able to release their original wine, Chateau Brillant, in 1946.
The winery and underground brewing facility can be toured with a reservation in advance, and staff will guide visitors through the historically significant facility while providing explanations.
Of course, you can also enjoy wine tasting. Since each session has a limited capacity, it is recommended to make early reservations through their website.
Lunch: Enjoy Wine and Bistro at Katsunuma Winery
In the afternoon, the tour proceeds to Katsunuma Town, where wine-making is the primary industry. The ride from Kofu to Katsunuma-budokyo on the Chuo Main Line takes about 23 minutes.
Visitors should aim to visit the winery managed by Mercian, one of the pioneers of wine-making in Japan.
Reservations are not required for their archives or gallery, where guests can sample products for a fee. However, a reservation is needed for a tour of the winery.
At the gallery, visitors can also enjoy a set of dishes that pair well with wine, prepared by a renowned bistro (reservation required).
Afternoon: Fuefukigawa Fruit Park
The last stop, Fuefukigawa Fruit Park, is a 10-minute ride on the local bus from Katsunuma.
The park features various facilities for children, including an adventure playground.
With views of Mt. Fuji and the Kofu Basin, it is an ideal location for a walk.
Visitors can also take a break at the café or enjoy bathing at Fruit Onsen Puku-puku.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Yamanashi?
While the scenery changes by the season, the best time would be spring or autumn, when the climate is moderate.
From mid-March to early April, the cherry trees at Maizuru Castle Park will be in full bloom, and visitors can enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji along with the cherry blossoms at Fuefukigawa Fruit Park.
In autumn, the Fruit Park or Mt. Minobu would be the place to visit.
What are the tourist attractions near Kofu Station?
That would be Maizuru Castle Park (Kofu Castle Ruins), where the castle gate and the inari tower is reconstructed. Visitors can also view Mt. Fuji from the keep.
Takeda Musuem, which displays material about Takeda Shingen, a daimyo in the Sengoku period, is located near Takeda Shrine.
What is the traditional food?
Hoto. As most of the land is mountainous with lava beds, Yamanashi is not fit for rice cultivation. So hoto, made with wheat flour, became the substitute of rice, which was precious, from old times.
Minobu yuba, made in the Kamakura Period by the disciples of Nichiren, is another famous product.
Enjoy a Day Trip to Yamanashi
Yamanashi offers a wealth of attractions, allowing visitors to create a variety of itineraries. The places mentioned above are just a few of its many charms. Use this article as a template to plan your ideal trip.
Read also
Main image courtesy of photoAC
Written by Cakutama Editorial Team
Written by
This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
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