Area Attractions

There are lots of fun and interesting things to see and do in the Yamanakako area. We recommend contacting the local tourist bureau for detailed information. Here are a few suggestions of local attractions that you may want to investigate:

Lake Yamanaka

The lake offers many different marine sports, fishing options, shops, and restaurants to enjoy. There is great hiking close by and great lookout points for those looking to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji on a clear day.

Kaba (Hippo) Bus

This Amphibious bus takes you on a tour of Yamanaka and then drives right on into the water for a different experience altogether.

Fuji-Q Highland:

Amusement park with attractions that have appeared in past editions of the Guinness Book of World Records! “Thomas Land” is very popular with children.

Swan boat (Swan Lake)

This swan-shaped cruise boat takes tourists on a tour of the lake where you can get a great view of Mt. Fuji on a clear day. The entire round-trip takes approximately 35 minutes.

Yamanakako Flower Park (Hana no Miyako Kouen)

Stunning flower gardens that offer fields of seasonally blooming flowers as well as wonderful views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day. Seasonal favorites include the tulips, cosmos, and sunflower displays.

Sakana Park Aquarium (Sakana Park)

An aquarium specializing in freshwater fish. The facilities include a variety of fish tanks as well as a walking trail, playground, and a pond.

Oshino’s Springwater Ponds (Oshino Hakkai)

Oshino Hakkai is a touristy set of eight ponds in the quaint town of Oshino nearby Yamanakako. These eight ponds are spring-fed, full of fish and plant life, and are well worth the trip. The water is said to have filtered through the slopes of nearby Mount Fuji through porous layers of lava for over 80 years. There are also many small shops and restaurants where you can try the local delicacies and soak in some Oshino culture.

Fuji-san Farm

A working farm, and you can work too! Milk the cows, feed the animals, ride horses, or enjoy a snack on their terrace or in one of their hammocks. Don’t forget the bug spray!

Onshirin Garden

Onshirin Garden is surrounded by beautiful red pines and Japanese larches. At Onshirin you can enjoy a beautiful western style garden, a lawn area that is perfect for a picnic or group games, rentable BBQ facilities, a large playground for children, and a herb garden.

Area Facilities

Torchbearers Yamanakako is conveniently located in beautiful Yamanaka Village. Here is a list of some amenities that may be of use to you while you are in the area:

Bus Terminal

The Yamanakako Bus Terminal (also known as Asahigaoka) is located approximately 1km from the center. Buses departing from Shinjuku arrive at this station regularly. Please Google Highwaybus.com and choose the Japanese or English Link for more information.

If you are coming to the area by bus from the Gotemba area, the closest bus stop to our center is called ‘Fujikyu Bessouchi Kanri Jimusho Mae’ and is located in front of the laundromat that is approximately 50 meters in front of our property. Please go to http://bus.fujikyu.co.jp for more information (note: Japanese language only).

Grocery Store

Located approximately 5 km from the center, the newly-opened Ogino Supermarket is a convenient place to shop with lots of variety.  Address: 865-5 Yamanaka
               Yamanakako-Mura, Minami Tsuru Gun
               Yamanashi, 401-0501
Phone:       0555-73-8711
Website:   http://www.ogino.co.jp/
Hours:     10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Convenience Store

There is a 7-11 located approximately 1km from the Center down by the lake.

Onsen / Hot Spring Spas

Benifuji no Yu

Address:   865-776 Yamanaka
Yamanakako-Mura, Minami Tsuru Gun
Yamanashi, 401-0501
Phone:       0555-20-2700
Website:   http://www.benifuji.co.jp
Hours:     10:00am – 8:00pm
Closed:   Tuesday (Except July, August and Holidays)

Ishiwari no Yu

Address:   1450 Hirano
Yamanakako-Mura, Minami Tsuru Gun
Yamanashi, 401-0502
Phone:       0555-20-3355
Website:   http://www.ishiwarinoyu.jp/
Hours:     10:00am – 9:00pm
Closed:   Thursday (Except July, August and Holidays)

Kirara Sports Facility/Park

Tourists and locals gather at this community plaza for a variety of events and activities. Kirara is equipped with a large children’s playground, a soccer field made of artificial turf, night-lit baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and natural grass open spaces. Around the fields, there is a cycling path that circles Lake Yamanaka.

Bicycle Rental

There are several establishments around the lake where you can rent bicycles. Lake Yamanaka has a great biking bath that encircles most of the lake. Torchbearers Yamanakako also has a limited number of mountain bikes available for rent. Please inquire with the office if this interests you.

Library

The Yamanakako public library is a lovely place to catch up on the news or read a good book. They have a small selection of English books and newspapers. Also, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi.

The library also has two seminar rooms that are available for rent by your group. A reservation is required and eating is permitted in these rooms. This is a great place to stop of lunch prior to check-in if you plan to arrive early in Yamanaka.

Address:   506-296 Yamanaka
Yamanakako-Mura, Minami Tsuru Gun
Yamanashi, 401-0501
Phone:       0555-20-2727
Website:   http://www.lib-yamanakako.jp
Hours:     9:30am – 9:00pm (April – November)
               9:30am – 7:00pm (December – March)