Landlocked Yamanashi Prefecture is in the central Chubu region of the main island of Honshu. Just a couple of hours from Tokyo by bus, train, or car, Yamanashi is good for a day trip from the big city and allows travelers to experience the Inaka "rural" Japan.
Yamanashi's major city, Kofu, lies at the center of this bowl-shaped prefecture, with some of Japan's most famous mountains rising along the horizon. On a clear day, a visitor can see Mt. Fuji to the south, Japan's second highest peak Kitadake and the majestic Minami Alps to the west, and the eight fractured peaks of Yatsugatake to the north. Yamanashi offers a wealth of cultural experiences and outdoor excursions to those searching for the offbeat side of Japan. Most foreign visitors overlook Yamanashi, but this small prefecture might be the ideal destination for a traveler tired of Tokyo's crowds. |
Yamanashi Prefecture |
Nearby Attractions |