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. Key sights and travel highlights across the prefecture include Northern slopes of Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes (Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako), Chureito Pagoda (Fujiyoshida), Koshu wine-country vineyards, and Shosenkyo Gorge.
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. 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)
- Koshu white wine & Kofu鸟もつ煮 (glazed chicken offal)
- Yoshida udon (firm noodles near Mt. Fuji)
- Shine Muscat grapes & peaches
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 14 cities & municipalities in Yamanashi Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, demographics, rail access, food specialties, and nearby 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 |