If you are planning to stay at our Airbnb in central Yamanashi, You’ll be within a 2-hour drive of Haneda Airport (Tokyo) and a huge number of attractions in Yamanashi, Nagano and Shizuoka.
Mount Fuji!
Your first destination will probably be the iconic Lake Kawaguchiko/Mount Fuji area, which is 40 minutes away by car from our Airbnb. Ask me about reserving an inexpensive rental car for about US$ 100 per week ($350 per month). I often help my guests get a great deal at a local car rental agency, but it isn’t always possible to get a car, so it is better to reserve a vehicle well in advance. To rent a car, you will need an international driver’s license, a passport, a credit card, and, for the lowest possible prices, proof of your traveller’s health insurance.
My recommendations in the Mount Fuji area are the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum with its dazzling collection of priceless kimono, Chureito Pagoda with its instagram-friendly view of Mount Fuji (be forewarned that there will be hundreds of people at the Pagoda), and Oshino Hakkai with its crystal-clear springs and traditional Japanese architecture. Of course there is so much more to do around Mount Fuji, but these are my never-fail recommendations.
If you are more adventurous, you may want to try the extremely popular Fuji-Q Highland amusement park. Better yet, you can climb the venerated Mount Fuji from July to September! I recommend climbing via the Yoshida Trail from Umagaeshi. It may take you longer, but I just cannot imagine coming all the way to Japan and only climbing half of Fuji-san!
Finally, if you are interested in shopping at the Gotemba Premium Outlets , you could easily include this in your day trip to the Mount Fuji area! Furthermore, if you still have energy, you can head farther south to the Numazu Fish Market for your seafood fix! While in Numazu, you must also check out the World’s only Deep Sea Aquarium.
Imbibe Yamanashi!
Next, you may want to consider the historic winery area of Koshu (walking tour 1) (walking tour 2) which is just 30 minutes away by car. If you are interested in wine, then you’ll want to learn about Muscat Bailey A (red) and Koshu (white) wines. For those of you who enjoy sake, I recommend Shichiken (Yamanashi-Meijo), Tanizakura-Shuzo and Shunnouten sake breweries. There are many more sake breweries, but these are my favourites right now. Finally, you’ll want to try Suntory Hakushu Whisky Distillery, but make sure you reserve your tour well in advance!
Matsumoto!
My next recommendation, Matsumoto, is 90 minutes by car from our Airbnb. Matsumoto is a charming provincial capital with just the right mix of interesting diversions for tourists. In fact, I take all my friends there for a full day when they visit from overseas. I recommend you visit the breathtakingly-beautiful Matsumoto (Crow) Castle. In addition, a trip to Matsumoto would not be complete without a visit to the Matsumoto City Museum of Art with its permanent exhibit of Yayoi Kusama’s world-famous polkadot artwork! Better yet, If you are already in Nagano, drive a little farther north to visit Daio Wasabi Farm with its magnificent waterwheels made famous by the Akira Kurosawa film, Dreams (1990).
The Pacific Ocean Side of Mount Fuji!
Lovely Sushi!
Mixed Tempura
Red Snapper
Green Tea Ice Cream!
An appetizer at the Shimizu Fish Market!
About 90 minutes in the exact opposite direction, heading south, I recommend visiting Obuchi Sasaba to see lush, green tea plantations with the iconic Mount Fuji as a backdrop. If you love dramatic photos of Mount Fuji, this is one of the best places to take them! Furthermore, if it’s seafood you’re craving, might I recommend stopping in at the Shimizu Fish Market (70 minutes away from our guesthouse)? I suggest you arrive by 11:00 am to get a seat for lunch!
Hot Springs!
I have 2 main recommendations for a delightful soak in a Japanese hot spring (Onsen). Although there are at least a couple dozen excellent hot springs to choose from in Yamanashi, my preference is to either visit Mitama Onsen (20 minutes by car), or Hottarakashi Onsen (40 minutes by car). Be forewarned that tattoos are prohibited at most hot springs in Japan, however, Hottarakashi Onsen seems to be tattoo-friendly!
Everything Else!
Finally, within an easy drive, 30-45 minutes, you’ll find grand temples steeped in deep history, ancient shrines hidden in forested mountains, hikes of varying levels of difficulty, a 750-year-old temple pilgrimage and a beautiful lake filled with hundreds of colourful koi! Yamanashi has most of what you are looking for in Japan. Let me know exactly what you want to do and I will probably have an answer for you!
Begin your adventures off the beaten path by booking a night in my Airbnb property.
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Close to Mount Fuji 