Yamanashi Prefecture, site of two previous TRAVEL destinations (Mt. Fuji and Fujigaoka), deserve proper treatment, so this installment is being devoted to a discussion of this particularly scenic and interesting area of Japan.  The prefecture’s official travel literature—prepared by its tourism division—informs us that Yamanashi is auspiciously located near the center of Honshu, the main island of Japan. With an area of 1,721 square miles, it is the bustling home to a population of 890,000 who have the distinct fortune and pleasure of being surrounded by the bounty of 6,560-9,840 foot high mountains. A staggering 78% of Yamanashi is covered by forests, among them three national parks and one quasi-national park; the most famous one being Fuji Hakone Izu National Park!

CAPITAL CITY & LOCAL RESOURCES

Easily accessible from the national capital of Tokyo by virtue of the recently completed Chuo Expressway, this prefecture is well known as an inland center for both traditional and technological industries. Furthermore, Yamanashi’s own Capital City, Kofu, is likewise favorably situated, since it also occupies the geographically important area that connects the industrial zones of the Pacific Ocean to the Japan Sea Coasts. As such, Kofu continues to develop as a viable political, economic and cultural center.

Although Yamanashi is noted for a variety of products, it is most famous for the succulent fruits grown here. The area’s harvest of grapes, peaches, and plums rank as the best and most plentiful throughout the entire country.  Wine made from the local koshu grape is world-renowned. Moreover, there is a wealth of traditional crafts and products, some of the most popular being kaiki (the time-honored weaving of silk textiles), washi (the production of Japanese paper), as well as the homegrown crystal craft. Yamanashi enjoys the reputation of refining techniques for cutting precious stones; it is among the most advanced in the world.

RELAXING ACTIVITIES

It is no surprise that mountain climbing and hot spring activities make up the most highly rated forms of recreation for this area. Its numerous hot springs count as one of Yamanashi’s “hottest” resources, offering abundant opportunities for relaxation and for the health conscious. The location of the largest natural hot spring in the prefecture is found in Izawa, only an hour and half from Tokyo.

Needless to say, the breathtaking scenery of Mt. Fuji and its Five Lakes is a top draw not only for tourists and sightseers, but also for mountain climbers, the Southern Alps offering more incentives to serious climbers. Hikers, on the other hand, will be enticed by the beautiful ravines of the Chichibu-Tama area, while the pastoral attractions of Yatsugake Highland will not be lost on travelers with more sedate tastes. Small wonder that the city-dweller in nearby Tokyo finds respite from the city’s din, escaping the hustle and bustle, and taking comfort and solace in Yamanashi’s many other recreational opportunities, such as tennis, field athletics, and—yes! —even fishing.  While you’re at it, take advantage of the region’s cuisine, which offers a myriad of delicious, local specialties. Highly recommended is the hoto, a dish of thick noodles and homegrown vegetables in fish miso soup that is guaranteed to warm you up on even the coldest of winter days.

Understandably, ocean coastlines are not available due to the inland location. This very feature is credited for building a certain resilience in the people of Yamanashi, who have had to live in the extreme inland conditions for a very long time, and have learned to overcome. It is therefore said of the local people that they “have built a character of patience and endurance,” so that Yamanashi folk are often described as “warm-hearted, caring and conscientious.”