Yamanashi
Prefecture Yamanashi
Yamanashi 山梨県

Mt. Fuji vistas, shrine treasures, and Takeda-era relics shape Yamanashi. Explore cultural properties with scenic lake routes.

5 National Treasures
6 Important Cultural Properties
0 World Heritage
6 Other Heritage
— Designation —

Important Cultural Properties

View all →

About Yamanashi

山梨県
Yamanashi Prefecture, inland prefecture in central Honshu, is known for housing Mount Fuji World Natural Heritage site and rich nature. Many component assets of "Fujisan, Sacred Place and Source of Artistic Inspiration" (registered 2013) are located within Yamanashi Prefecture, globally recognized as Japan's symbolic mountain.

Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak at 3,776 meters, has been worshipped for its beautiful conical form since ancient times, depicted in numerous artworks. Views from Fuji Five Lakes (Kawaguchi, Yamanaka, Sai, Motosu, Shoji) are particularly beautiful, attracting tourists year-round. Mount Fuji's climbing season runs July through September, with approximately 300,000 annual climbers targeting the summit.

Lake Kawaguchi in Fujikawaguchiko town, largest of Fuji Five Lakes, features hot springs and resort hotels along shores, developed as international tourist destination. Spring brings lakeside cherry blossoms creating beautiful scenes with Mount Fuji. Cultural events like Kawaguchi Lake Music Festival also occur, harmonizing nature and culture.

Shosenkyo Gorge, valley north of Kofu City, is known as nationally designated special scenic spot. Beautiful valley formed by granite erosion over long periods particularly attracts crowds during autumn colors. Famous sites including Kakuenthō peak and Senga Falls offer Japan's premier valley beauty.

Many historic sites relate to Takeda Shingen, with Takeda Shrine in Kofu City beloved for enshrining Shingen. Tsutsujigasaki Hall site, Shingen's residence ruins, is designated national historic site for learning Sengoku period history. Erinji Temple, known as Takeda family temple, houses Shingen's grave.

Yamanashi Prefecture is nationally famous for grape and wine production, leading Japan in grape production volume. Koshu grapes represent Yamanashi's indigenous variety, with Koshu wine gaining international recognition. Numerous wineries around Katsunuma town enable thriving wine tourism. Facilities like Budōno-oka and Katsunuma Budōno-oka offer wine tasting and purchases.

Hōtō represents Yamanashi's signature local cuisine, thick flat noodles simmered with vegetables in miso-based broth. Legends suggest Takeda Shingen devised this as camp food during Sengoku period, continuing beloved by residents today. Nutritious dishes packed with vegetables including pumpkin, carrots, and taro are particularly popular during cold seasons.

Peach production also ranks nationally high, with white peaches particularly known for strong sweetness and nationwide fans. Also known for crystal mining, Kofu developed traditional crystal processing industries. Koshu inden, traditional crafts featuring deer leather with lacquer patterns, continues beloved by many today.