Yamanashi is located near the center of Honshu and seventy-eight percent of the prefecture is covered with forests. It features four national and quasi-national parks, including Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Mountain climbing and hot springs are among the most popular forms of recreation in Yamanashi Prefecture.

  • Around the northern foot of Mt. Fuji there lies five lakes: Yamanaka-ko, Kawaguchi-ko, Sai-ko, Shoji-ko, and Motosu-ko.

    • This mountain is one of the best hiking coursed in the Fuji Five Lakes area. The view of Mt. Fuji from Koyodai is great and it is also a take off point for paragliders. Ascending by car is also available.

    • Each of these mountains has numerous hiking trails. The Mt. Ishiwariyama and Mt. Mikuniyama routes are suited for family hikers who seek a panoramic view of Lake Yamanakako and Mt. Fuji. The route to Mt. Shakushiyama starts from Fujiyoshida City. There are hot springs and beautiful scenery in the valley. On the summit, you get a grand view of Mt. Fuji.

  • Mt. Fuji may be the most recognizable symbol of Japan. Not only is it the highest mountain in Japan, it is also the most climbed mountain in the world. At 12,385 feet, this dormant volcano is known throughout the world for its symmetry as it majestically rises out from the valley. Located between Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, Fuji-san is the main attraction of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. More Details: Mt Fuji National Parks

    • This traditional climb begins at Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinga and takes you through Nakanochaya, Umagaeshai, the 6th stage and finally to the summit. With the construction of the Fuji Subaru Line, and the pollution and garbage produced, the popularity of this route has declined recently. Regardless, four kilometers up the trail from the shrine brings you to Nakanochaya, the first resting point. The area is surrounded by Fujizakura (Fuji cherry trees), and in the beginning of May are in bloom. When you reach the summit of Mt. Fuji you will see there are eight peaks around the edge of the crater. Of the eight peaks, Kengamine is the highest point at 3776 meters. There is also a meteorological station. A walk around the crater takes about an hour.

    • This mountain was famous as a pilgrimage destination. Recently, however, it is better known as a rock climbing area. The hiking course is very popular, it takes about four hours from Mitsutoge Station to the summit. The view of Mt. Fuji from the top is fantastic.

    • This area, next to the Fuji Subaru Line, is spread around the edge of Mt. Fuji’s forest area between 2150 and 2300 meters. There is some beautiful scenery in the area, including Japanese larch beaten by the wind, giving it a look of a bonsai garden.

  • The Minami Alps National Park, established in 1964, extends across Yamanashi, Nagano, and Shizuoka Prefectures. With numerous peaks near or over 10,000 feet, these mountains attract many alpine enthusiasts. Kitadake, at 10,370 feet, is the second highest mountain next to Fuji-san. The magnetism of its dense forests, size and beauty make it irresistible to climbers and hikers. The Southern Alps are reputed to be the most rugged and less hospitable of the three mountain ranges. More Deails: Minami Alps National Park

    • Address: Kiyosato, Takanecho, Kita-koma-gun Contact: (0551) 48-2311 Open: March – September Fee: Y1000 per person Rental: Bungalow Y4100 per person, lodge Y5500 (w/out meals), Y7800 (with 2 meals) Facilities: Restaurant, bath, water, toilets and cooking area Activities: Kiyosato Heights; cycling, hiking, tennis

      Getting There: 10 minutes by bus from Kiyosato Station, Koumi Line to Takaneso-iriguchi Bus Stop.

    • Address: 1030, Saiko, Ashiwada-mura, Minamitsuru-gun Contact: (0555) 82-2323 Open: All year round Fee: Y500 per person Rental: Trailer Y3000 per person Facilities: Shop, showers, water, toilets and cooking area Activities: Lake Saiko; boating, cycling, hiking, fishing, tennis

      Getting There: 30 minutes by bus from Kawaguchiko Station, Fujikyu Line to Kuwarubiso-mae Bus Stop.

    • Address: 2578 Oishi, Kawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun Contact: (0555) 76-8188 Open: All year round Fee: Y1000 per tent plus Y500 per person Rental: Cottage Y4500~ Facilities: Restaurant, shop, showers, bath, water, toilets and cooking area Activities: Lake Kawaguchi, (nice view of Fuji-san); hiking, boating, museums

      Getting There: 15 minutes by bus from Kawaguchiko Station, Fuji Kyuko Line to Shimazuyashiki-mae Bus Stop.

    • Address: 2926 Nakanokura, Shimobe-cho, Nishiyahiro-gun, Yamanashi-ken Contact: (0556) 38-0117 Open: All year (In 8am Out 10am, gate closes at 8pm) Fee: Entrance fee Y500 (adult) Y300 (child) tent site Y1000, log cabin Y18, 900, lodge Y8000 (with 2 meals) Activities: Great view of Mt. Fuji, fishing, canoeing, windsurfing, diving, cycling (rental available), tennis, 25-minute drive to a wakeboarding area and 20-minute drive to a paragliding site

      Getting there: Take the Chuo Expressway to the Kawaguchi-ko I.C. then follow Route 139 for 25 minutes.

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