Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県)
Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県) is located in the Chubu region of Japan, with its prefectural capital at Kofu and primary transport gateway at Kofu Station & Otsuki Station (JR Chuo Line / Fujikyuko Line). Spanning 27 cities, towns, and villages, Yamanashi is renowned for Northern slopes of Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes (Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako), Chureito Pagoda (Fujiyoshida), Koshu wine-country vineyards, and Shosenkyo Gorge.
| Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県) Quick Facts | 2026/2027 Travel Reference |
|---|---|
| Region & Capital | Chubu · Capital: Kofu |
| Primary Rail / Transit Hub | Kofu Station & Otsuki Station (JR Chuo Line / Fujikyuko Line) |
| Municipalities Covered | 27 cities, towns, wards & villages |
| Top Sightseeing Bases | Kōfu (甲府市), Kai (甲斐市), Minami-Alps (南アルプス市), Fuefuki (笛吹市), Fujiyoshida (富士吉田市) |
| Best Season to Visit | Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Oct–Nov) |
| Signature Regional Food | Hoto (flat wheat noodles simmered in miso pumpkin broth), Koshu white wine & Kofu tori-motsuni (鳥もつ煮, glazed chicken offal), Yoshida udon (firm noodles near Mt. Fuji), Shine Muscat grapes & peaches |
Top Cities, Towns & Sightseeing Bases in Yamanashi Prefecture
Whether you are basing in the prefectural capital of Kofu or planning regional day trips from Kofu Station & Otsuki Station (JR Chuo Line / Fujikyuko Line), these top municipalities in Yamanashi Prefecture offer the richest concentration of cultural landmarks, rail links, and dining:
- Kōfu (甲府市) — Core city (pop. 199,374, 212.41 km²) served by Kōfu Station (甲府駅) (0.6 km); key local sights include Shirayama Shrine (4.4 km), Ōbatake Mountain (15.1 km), Shakaga Peak (16.4 km).
- Kai (甲斐市) — City (pop. 74,077, 71.94 km²) served by Ryūō Station (竜王駅) (0.9 km); key local sights include Shirayama Shrine (7.7 km), Ōbatake Mountain (14.2 km), Gosho Mountain (15.2 km).
- Minami-Alps (南アルプス市) — City (pop. 72,295, 264.06 km²) served by Koikawa Station (小井川駅) (5.8 km); key local sights include Ōbatake Mountain (9.6 km), Maru Mountain (11.7 km), Jikan Ji (14.8 km).
- Fuefuki (笛吹市) — City (pop. 71,184, 201.92 km²) served by Isawa Onsen Station (石和温泉駅) (1.2 km); key local sights include Yamanashi Prefectural Museum, Shirayama Shrine (7.4 km), Eboshi Mountain (14.7 km).
- Fujiyoshida (富士吉田市) — City (pop. 51,879, 121.83 km²) served by Gekkōji Station (月江寺駅) (1.1 km); key local sights include Chureito Pagoda & Arakurayama Sengen Park (新倉山浅間公園・忠霊塔), Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine (北口本宮冨士浅間神社), Fuji-Q Highland.
- Hokuto (北杜市) — City (pop. 47,754, 602.89 km²) served by Anayama Station (穴山駅) (3.0 km); key local sights include Gikosan Yanodo Temple, Kitashōji Falls, one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, Kiyosato Plateau.
How to get to Yamanashi Prefecture
1h 30m from Tokyo Shinjuku Station to Kofu on the JR Limited Express Azusa/Kaiji, or 1h 55m to Kawaguchiko via the Fuji Excursion train or highway bus. Once at Kofu Station & Otsuki Station (JR Chuo Line / Fujikyuko Line), JR regional lines, private commuter railways, and local highway buses connect travelers across all 27 municipalities in Yamanashi. Use our Shinkansen Fare & Route Calculator and JR Pass Value Helper to compare rail tickets and regional passes.
Signature local food in Yamanashi
When visiting cities across Yamanashi, look out for these regional specialties at station restaurants, markets, and local izakaya:
- Hoto (flat wheat noodles simmered in miso pumpkin broth) — regional culinary specialty across Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県).
- Koshu white wine & Kofu tori-motsuni (鳥もつ煮, glazed chicken offal) — regional culinary specialty across Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県).
- Yoshida udon (firm noodles near Mt. Fuji) — regional culinary specialty across Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県).
- Shine Muscat grapes & peaches — regional culinary specialty across Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県).
Best time to visit Yamanashi
Mid-April for Chureito Pagoda cherry blossoms with Mt. Fuji; July–September for grape/peach orchards; November for Lake Kawaguchiko Maple Corridor & crisp clear Fuji views.
All 27 cities & municipalities in Yamanashi Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, local landmarks, nearest rail station, food specialties, and 5 closest neighboring stops:
| City (Kanji) | Type / Status | Population | Area | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kōfu 甲府市 | Core city | 199,374 | 212.41 km² | City guide → |
| Fujiyoshida 富士吉田市 | City | 51,879 | 121.83 km² | City guide → · Flagship guide |
| Tsuru 都留市 | City | 34,439 | 161.58 km² | City guide → |
| Ōtsuki 大月市 | City | 29,869 | 280.30 km² | City guide → |
| Nirasaki 韮崎市 | City | 33,539 | 143.73 km² | City guide → |
| Minami-Alps 南アルプス市 | City | 72,295 | 264.06 km² | City guide → |
| Kai 甲斐市 | City | 74,077 | 71.94 km² | City guide → |
| Fuefuki 笛吹市 | City | 71,184 | 201.92 km² | City guide → |
| Hokuto 北杜市 | City | 47,754 | 602.89 km² | City guide → |
| Uenohara 上野原市 | City | 28,295 | 170.65 km² | City guide → |
| Yamanashi 山梨市 | City | 38,202 | 289.87 km² | City guide → |
| Kōshū 甲州市 | City | 35,072 | 264.01 km² | City guide → |
| Chūō 中央市 | City | 31,875 | 31.81 km² | City guide → |
| Fujikawaguchiko 富士河口湖町 | Resort town | 26,082 | 158.40 km² | City guide → · Flagship guide |
| Yamanakako 山中湖村 | Village (村) | 5,902 | 52.81 km² | City guide → |
| Oshino 忍野村 | Village (村) | 9,239 | 25.05 km² | City guide → |
| Minobu 身延町 | Town (町) | 13,992 | 302 km² | City guide → |
| Kosuge 小菅村 | Village (村) | 739 | 52.65 km² | City guide → |
| Hayakawa 早川町 | Town (町) | 1,188 | 369.86 km² | City guide → |
| Fujikawa 富士川町 | Town (町) | 16,272 | 111.98 km² | City guide → |
| Ichikawamisato 市川三郷町 | Town (町) | 17,194 | 75.18 km² | City guide → |
| Nanbu 南部町 | Town (町) | 8,720 | 200.63 km² | City guide → |
| Dōshi 道志村 | Village (村) | 1,883 | 79.57 km² | City guide → |
| Narusawa 鳴沢村 | Village (村) | 3,185 | 89.58 km² | City guide → |
| Tabayama 丹波山村 | Village (村) | 625 | 101.3 km² | City guide → |
| Shōwa 昭和町 | Town (町) | 18,884 | 9.08 km² | City guide → |
| Nishikatsura 西桂町 | Town (町) | 4,648 | 15.22 km² | City guide → |
Frequently asked questions
What are the best places and cities to visit in Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県)?
Top highlights across Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県) in Japan's Chubu region include Northern slopes of Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes (Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako), Chureito Pagoda (Fujiyoshida), Koshu wine-country vineyards, and Shosenkyo Gorge. Major cities and sightseeing bases in Yamanashi include Kōfu (甲府市), Kai (甲斐市), Minami-Alps (南アルプス市), Fuefuki (笛吹市), Fujiyoshida (富士吉田市).
How do I get to Yamanashi Prefecture and get around by train?
The primary rail and transit hub for Yamanashi Prefecture is Kofu Station & Otsuki Station (JR Chuo Line / Fujikyuko Line) (prefectural capital: Kofu). 1h 30m from Tokyo Shinjuku Station to Kofu on the JR Limited Express Azusa/Kaiji, or 1h 55m to Kawaguchiko via the Fuji Excursion train or highway bus. Compare bullet-train fares with our Shinkansen Fare Calculator and JR Pass Calculator.
What local food and regional dishes is Yamanashi Prefecture famous for?
Signature regional specialties across Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県) include Hoto (flat wheat noodles simmered in miso pumpkin broth), Koshu white wine & Kofu tori-motsuni (鳥もつ煮, glazed chicken offal), Yoshida udon (firm noodles near Mt. Fuji), Shine Muscat grapes & peaches—served at station restaurants around Kofu Station & Otsuki Station (JR Chuo Line / Fujikyuko Line), local morning markets, and izakaya in Kofu and Kai.
When is the best time of year to visit Yamanashi Prefecture?
Mid-April for Chureito Pagoda cherry blossoms with Mt. Fuji; July–September for grape/peach orchards; November for Lake Kawaguchiko Maple Corridor & crisp clear Fuji views. Check month-by-month weather, cherry blossom windows, and autumn foliage dates in our Japan Seasonal Calendar.