Update-date: Jun 05 2024
Categories:
Japanese Cuisine
Yamanashi
If you feel like you have already seen enough of what Tokyo has to offer, it would probably be a great idea to go to the neighboring areas and explore their sights. How about Yamanashi Prefecture? Famous for its views of Mt. Fuji, Yamanashi is about a two-hour drive from Tokyo, making it perfect for a short trip! In this article, we will feature the charms of Yamanashi in summer, which you can enjoy while cruising around the prefecture.
What Sort of Place Is Yamanashi Prefecture?
Yamanashi Prefecture is located almost smack dab in the center of Japan. It is characterized by having a pleasant climate as it is spared from the humid winds coming from the ocean thanks to the numerous high mountains that surround it, such as Mt. Fuji, the Yatsugatake Mountains, and the Southern Alps. On top of that, it gets little rain and snow, so people there enjoy many clear and sunny days throughout the year.
If there's one thing that symbolizes Yamanashi, though, it would have to be Mt. Fuji! There are five famous lakes (Lake Yamanakako, Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, and Lake Motosuko) on the north side of Mt. Fuji that are collectively called the Fuji Five Lakes, which draw in throngs of visitors from Japan and overseas. You can marvel at the mesmerizing Mt. Fuji from any of these lakes, so when you look up from whatever spot, you are guaranteed a spectacular view.
If there's one thing that symbolizes Yamanashi, though, it would have to be Mt. Fuji! There are five famous lakes (Lake Yamanakako, Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, and Lake Motosuko) on the north side of Mt. Fuji that are collectively called the Fuji Five Lakes, which draw in throngs of visitors from Japan and overseas. You can marvel at the mesmerizing Mt. Fuji from any of these lakes, so when you look up from whatever spot, you are guaranteed a spectacular view.
Yamanashi is also known as one of the leading producers of fruit and wine in Japan. This land of fruit produces a wide array of fruits including peaches, plums, cherries, and persimmons, and its grape production is actually the largest in the country. You can also try fruit picking and sample freshly picked fruits right on the farm or vineyard where they are harvested.
Another thing Yamanashi is famous for is being the birthplace of Japanese wine, which has been attracting worldwide attention. With more than 90 wineries, the prefecture accounts for about 30% of Japan's total wine production. Koshu wine, which is one of the prefecture's most famous wines, is a white wine that is usually dry and characterized by its fresh taste and aroma of Japanese citrus fruits. But Koshu wine is not the only wine in Yamanashi, as there are many other wines produced in the prefecture. It probably need not be said that you cannot drink wine if you are driving, but you still have to buy a bottle or two as they are great souvenirs!
Another thing Yamanashi is famous for is being the birthplace of Japanese wine, which has been attracting worldwide attention. With more than 90 wineries, the prefecture accounts for about 30% of Japan's total wine production. Koshu wine, which is one of the prefecture's most famous wines, is a white wine that is usually dry and characterized by its fresh taste and aroma of Japanese citrus fruits. But Koshu wine is not the only wine in Yamanashi, as there are many other wines produced in the prefecture. It probably need not be said that you cannot drink wine if you are driving, but you still have to buy a bottle or two as they are great souvenirs!
Why Yamanashi Is a Great Summer Destination
People love going to Yamanashi throughout the year, but if you're planning to enjoy driving through the prefecture, then it would be best to go in the summer. It is easy to reach as it is about a two-hour drive from Tokyo, and driving to this prefecture would be a lovely idea as you can see many picturesque views on the way, especially when you're going around the Fuji Five Lakes.
One of the charms of Yamanashi in the summer is the many different activities you can experience in and around the Fuji Five Lakes, including canoeing or riding a pedal boat atop the water, getting on an amphibious bus or sightseeing boat to better enjoy the superb view, pond smelt fishing, bike riding, and stargazing.
Behold Stunning Scenery as Far as the Eye Can See! Best Spots for Flower Viewing in the Summer
The spectacular views of flowers in full bloom in the summer set against the backdrop of the magnificent Mt. Fuji are so much easier to see during a road trip. Here are some recommended scenic driving spots in Yamanashi.
[California Poppies at Lake Yamanakako Hana no Miyako Park]
Hana no Miyako Park is a sprawling 300,000 m² park on the banks of Lake Yamanakako, the lake closest to Mt. Fuji. Located on a plateau at an elevation of 1,000 meters, this park promises visitors a view of vast flower fields that change color from season to season, with the magnificent Mt. Fuji in the background.
Here, summer is the peak season for California poppies, and there are also zinnias and sunflowers in full bloom. The flowers in this park paint the landscape in yellow, orange, and red hues that are guaranteed to brighten your day. You can even rent unique two or four-seater bicycles to explore the park. Take in the view at a leisurely pace while enjoying the fresh breeze on your face.
[California Poppies at Lake Yamanakako Hana no Miyako Park]
Hana no Miyako Park is a sprawling 300,000 m² park on the banks of Lake Yamanakako, the lake closest to Mt. Fuji. Located on a plateau at an elevation of 1,000 meters, this park promises visitors a view of vast flower fields that change color from season to season, with the magnificent Mt. Fuji in the background.
Here, summer is the peak season for California poppies, and there are also zinnias and sunflowers in full bloom. The flowers in this park paint the landscape in yellow, orange, and red hues that are guaranteed to brighten your day. You can even rent unique two or four-seater bicycles to explore the park. Take in the view at a leisurely pace while enjoying the fresh breeze on your face.
[Lavender at Oishi Park]
At Lake Kawaguchiko, lavender is synonymous with summer. If you feel like gazing at lavender flowers, then you must visit Oishi Park, as it is famous as a spot where you can admire the stunning view of lavender, Lake Kawaguchiko, and Mt. Fuji in a single frame. Here, you can enjoy the scenery as you breathe in the refreshing scent of lavender while strolling along the Flower Street promenade. The scent of lavender is said to be relaxing, so you are sure to feel a sense of peace while exploring the park.
Don't forget to check out the store in the park, where you can find homemade jams and soft-serve ice cream made from the region's very own blueberries. It also offers blueberry jam-making lessons, so give that a try, too!
At Lake Kawaguchiko, lavender is synonymous with summer. If you feel like gazing at lavender flowers, then you must visit Oishi Park, as it is famous as a spot where you can admire the stunning view of lavender, Lake Kawaguchiko, and Mt. Fuji in a single frame. Here, you can enjoy the scenery as you breathe in the refreshing scent of lavender while strolling along the Flower Street promenade. The scent of lavender is said to be relaxing, so you are sure to feel a sense of peace while exploring the park.
Don't forget to check out the store in the park, where you can find homemade jams and soft-serve ice cream made from the region's very own blueberries. It also offers blueberry jam-making lessons, so give that a try, too!
Enjoy the Gorgeous Location by Going to an Event!
[Sunflowers at Akeno and the Sunflower Festival]
The sight of 400,000 sunflowers covering a 4.3-hectare field will surely take your break away. On this field, the Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival is held every year for about a month from late July. During the festival, you can freely stroll through the sunflower fields, stop by the food vendors and stalls, and enjoy various festivities.
Gaze at the beautiful sunflowers that come in many varieties and marvel at the 360-degree panorama of the beautiful flower fields with Mt. Fuji to the south, the Yatsugatake Mountains to the north, Mt. Kayagatake to the east, and the Southern Alps mountain range to the west. It's probably safe to say that this spot is the only location in Japan where you can see such a luxurious view.
The sight of 400,000 sunflowers covering a 4.3-hectare field will surely take your break away. On this field, the Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival is held every year for about a month from late July. During the festival, you can freely stroll through the sunflower fields, stop by the food vendors and stalls, and enjoy various festivities.
Gaze at the beautiful sunflowers that come in many varieties and marvel at the 360-degree panorama of the beautiful flower fields with Mt. Fuji to the south, the Yatsugatake Mountains to the north, Mt. Kayagatake to the east, and the Southern Alps mountain range to the west. It's probably safe to say that this spot is the only location in Japan where you can see such a luxurious view.
Restaurants to Soothe Your Tired Body From All the Driving and Walking!
After a long day of driving and strolling, treat your tired body to some delicious food! Check out these two different types of restaurants that offer dishes made with local seasonal ingredients.
Asuen-kataraidokoro Irori (Shimoyoshida / Izakaya)
Found in a renovated traditional Japanese house with an eye-catching exterior, Asuen-kataraidokoro Irori is a restaurant where you can enjoy creative Japanese and Chinese dishes. Here, you can taste dishes with a seasonal flair using fresh seafood and various other ingredients in season from all over Japan. Your taste buds will surely thank you! A must-try at this restaurant is the [Straw-grilled Bonito] (1,280 JPY), a dish of fresh bonito carefully grilled over straw. The surface emits a savory aroma while the umami of the bonito is locked inside. Its robust flavor will undoubtedly put a smile on your face. Pair this dish with any Japanese sake from the wide selection handpicked by the restaurant's owner.
This restaurant is in a renovated merchant house from the 1920s, so it is overflowing with retro vibes! The interior is filled with the warmth of wood and Japanese decor, creating a calming ambiance. There are private rooms available as well, so it's recommended for families too.
Asuen-kataraidokoro Irori
Open: [Monday, Wednesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 6:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: 10-minute walk from Gekkoji Station or Shimoyoshida Station / 588m from Gekkoji Statiuon
Address: 2-13-1, Shimoyoshida, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: 10-minute walk from Gekkoji Station or Shimoyoshida Station / 588m from Gekkoji Statiuon
Address: 2-13-1, Shimoyoshida, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi Map
More Details Reservation
Cueillet (Nirasaki / French)
Cueillet is a secluded hideaway only true connoisseurs know of, as it is located in a house surrounded by vineyards, so you feel like you have been transported to the French countryside. Here, you can try authentic French cuisine unique to Yamanashi, with dishes that are made using vegetables from local contracted farms, Koshu beef from local livestock farms, wine beef, wine pork, seafood direct from the fishing port, and other specially chosen premium ingredients.
The signature dish of its chef, who was trained in France, is the [Roasted stuffed quail from Brittany]. In addition, this restaurant is located in an area that is known as the Fruit Town, so guests can also get to savor course meals that incorporate seasonal fruits such as strawberries, peaches, blueberries, apples, and grapes. Now, when it comes to wines, which are considered essential to French cuisine, the restaurant offers French wines as well as Koshu wines that are the pride of Yamanashi Prefecture.
The signature dish of its chef, who was trained in France, is the [Roasted stuffed quail from Brittany]. In addition, this restaurant is located in an area that is known as the Fruit Town, so guests can also get to savor course meals that incorporate seasonal fruits such as strawberries, peaches, blueberries, apples, and grapes. Now, when it comes to wines, which are considered essential to French cuisine, the restaurant offers French wines as well as Koshu wines that are the pride of Yamanashi Prefecture.
This restaurant's catchphrase is "a small restaurant in a vineyard." Since it stands in the middle of its own vineyard, it boasts a panoramic view of nature with the Yatsugatake Mountains to the north, the Southern Alps to the west, and Mt. Fuji in front of the restaurant. The beautiful scenery is also one of the treats you can look forward to when you visit.
Cueillet
Open: [Monday, Wednesday - Sunday, Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 6:00 pm - (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: From Nirasaki Interchange, head toward Shosenkyo Gorge, turn right at the Nirasaki Interchange Kita, and the restaurant will be 600 meters ahead on the right.
Address: 1129 Hosakamachi Mitsusawa, Nirasaki, Yamanashi Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: From Nirasaki Interchange, head toward Shosenkyo Gorge, turn right at the Nirasaki Interchange Kita, and the restaurant will be 600 meters ahead on the right.
Address: 1129 Hosakamachi Mitsusawa, Nirasaki, Yamanashi Map
More Details Reservation
Are you already convinced about the charms of Yamanashi in the summer? This summer, try driving to Yamanashi for the type of experiences that you can only enjoy if you have a car!
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
