Yamanashi is a picturesque valley that can be straight out of any wanderlust’s bucket list. Majestic mountains on all the sides envelop this captivating valley. Every season drape this valley with unique splendor that is better witnessing than just hearing of. You will be loaded with a plethora of fun stuff to experience once you set your foot in Yamanashi. Apart from what nature has to offer to its tourists, manmade marvels do not lag behind much to flabbergast your love for travel. Let us delve deeper into the best things to do at Yamanashi that will match your travel itinerary.
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FOREST AND CAVE EXPLORATION
This is the greatest thrill for all the adventure seekers to satisfy their adrenaline rush.
Nestled between mountains, Yamanshi is home to ample caves and forests that are still unfamiliar. Take a day out in your itinerary and explore the hidden caves and wild forests with JAPANican.com.
Pack your bags and experience the best views of Mt. Fuji to walk into the Aokigahari Forest and Ice cave during the exploration in Yamanshi.
Hours – Usually the exploration takes 12 hours
Website – https://www.japanican.com/en/tour/detail/BUS1JF40S1MKS/
Price – 18000 Yen
Trekking at Mt. Fuji
This royal active volcano proudly stands tall with 3776 meters high. Adorned with snowcaps, this mountain has managed to earn its spot among other world heritage sites. Many locals believe the mountain to be sacred and assume it their saviour. Apart from just getting a view of this majestic piece of nature, you can be adventurous by trekking on one of the 4 routes to reach the summit in the heart of Mt. Fuji. Most Japanese people who trek here believe the “goraiko” to be holy, which literally means the “arrival of light.” Therefore, they start trekking at night to reach the summit at dawn to experience goraiko.
MASUTOMI HOT SPRINGS
Japan is blessed with abundant hot springs where you can bathe leisurely and enjoy the countryside.
These famous hot springs originate naturally when rainwater and melted snow of the mountains seep in the ground and are naturally heated by many volcanic zones. Profuse in minerals, these hot springs are the best ways to spend your evenings.
Visit one of the famous Masutomi Hot springs in Yamanshi which is said to be discovered by Lord Shingen when he was unearthing a gold mine. Also indulge in fresh countryside food and air that will relax you away from the city-chaos.
Website – https://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/foreign/english/english022.html
Fuji-Q Highland for Entertainment
Experience this manmade wonder situated in the lap of Mother Nature overlooking the beautiful Mt. Fuji if you are in Yamanashi. This themed amusement park is a proud owner of some roller-coaster tracks that promise to get an adrenaline rush you have never experienced before. If you have some audacity and call yourself a true adventurer then you must try out Fujiyama, Dododonpa, Eejanaika, Takabisha rides in Fuji-Q Highland in Yamanashi. Super Scary Labyrinth of Fear is another attraction at this park that will make you scream at the top of your voice.
https://www.fujiq.jp/en/area/highland/
Cooking Class in Yamanashi
When you are in Yamanashi, do you want to understand the culture of Japan in detail? To start with, you can join a cooking class in Yamanashi depicting the authentic colors of Japan. Learning others’ culture is a great way to appreciate a community, and their ways of leading a life. Cooking classes in Yamanashi will also help you to bring in some diverse food habit to your own kitchen. When two cultures mingle, it results in something special and lets you grow more as a person.
Chureito Pagoda
The five-storeyed Chureito Pagoda is a part belonging to the Arakura Sengen Shrine. The pagoda is a symbol of peace memorial that is 400 steps (you have to climb!) away from the main shrine. During April, the pagoda will offer you a charismatic view of Mt. Fuji combined with the utterly divine cherry blossom.
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6917.html
Bathing Experience in Onsen
Traditionally, Onsen referred to the bathing conveniences in the Japanese culture. However, today, it is restricted to natural hot springs that are used for bathing purpose. The concept of shared baths may not seem appealing to foreigners. But onsen is one of the favorite ways to relax and spend time among Japanese people. The water of onsen is believed to have healing competence and the blissful natural ambiance is add-on. Thus, it is popular all over Japan.
HOUTOU NODDLE MAKING EXPERIENCE
The very first experience that you must indulge in Yamanshi is to learn how to make Houtou noodle.
Traditionally made with wheat flour, these thick noodles looks a lot like udon but are much better and chewier. Learn the secret tips and tricks of kneading and creating this traditional Yamanshi dish from Air Kitchen’s Houtou noodle expert chefs.
Believe us, the traditional recipe of Yamanshi’s famous Houtou noodle will be the best souvenir that you can take back home.
Don’t forget to add this in your itinerary. IT IS A MUST!
Access – Nearby Shimoyoshida Station
Price – 3240 yen per person
Now that you know about the things to do in Yamanashi, pack your bags to experience a journey of a lifetime. Other than the above-mentioned five activities to do, add some more thrilling activities but carefully to make your visit-worthy. Experience the culture that prevails in Yamanashi and brings back the positive that will help you grow as you travel more.