What could be more exhilarating than rollercoaster? Why, a rollercoaster with a breaktaking view of Mt. Fuji, of course!

A timeless symbol of Japan, Mt. Fuji is a majestic sight to behold, near or far, at any time of the year.

Formed by one of Mt. Fuji’s eruptions long ago, Narusawa is an enigmatic exploration into the bowels of Mt. Fuji.

With mysterious origins but generally believed to be from China, Hoto is a Yamanashi speciality dish with a long history tied to the area.

Built on the orders of Takeda Shingen himself, Kai Zenkoji Temple is home to the largest wooden structure in East Japan.

The Minami Alps National park is a dense cluster of some of Japan’s highest peaks, including Japan’s 2nd, 4th and 7th highest mountains (Kita-dake, Aino-dake and Akaishi-dake respectively).

This wide park that spans both Yamanashi and Nagano prefectures boasts lakes, white birch trees and alpine plants, all encompassing the Yatsugatake peaks at its center.

If you have ever seen the iconic image of Mt. Fuji reflected in the calm waters of a lake, it is almost certainly Lake Kawaguchiko.

Known as the “Spring of the Gods” since ancient times, Oshino Hakkai Springs is a cluster of eight hot springs (“Hakkai” literally means “Eight Seas”).

The biggest of the Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Yamanakako offers some of Japan’s best views of Mt. Fuji, with nothing but nature in view as you look up at Japan’s loftiest peak.

The last of the annual summer festivals of the Fuji Five Lakes area, this ritual, which is said to purify and wash away all evil.

Held through mid-June to mid-July, the Fujikawaguchiko Herb Festival is a surprisingly big event – even for those who never considered themselves herb enthusiasts!

Koshu wine, a product of Yamanashi Prefecture, dominates the Japanese wine scene, accounting for half of all wine made in Japan.

Nowadays most visitors to Mt. Fuji head straight to the 5th station halfway up the mountain, but a visit to Fuji Sengen Shrine, Mt. Fuji’s true gateway, should not be overlooked.

The family temple of Lord Shingen, Erinji is a sprawling yet calm temple complex on the edge of Koshu City.

Budo-no-Oka is a sanctuary of grapes and wine, and the heart of Koshu Wine country.

Kofu’s premier shrine, Takeda Shrine is dedicated to the master strategist of the Feudal Era, Shingen Takeda.

Located right at the foot of Fuji and surrounded by verdant woodland, the Fujisan World Heritage Center is an excellent port of call for anyone wanting a more in-depth understanding of Mt. Fuji and how intertwined is this mountain with the country’s history and culture.

Located just 15 minutes by bus from Kofu Station, the wine-colored complex of the Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Art is home to over 10,000 works.