When visiting Yamanashi Pref. to see Mt. Fuji or to have a fruit picking experience, you should also stop by a hot spring to relax. The following are the 6 best hot springs to visit.
Hottarakashi Hot Springs is especially famous for its view of Mt. Fuji From the bath if the weather is clear, and for its night view of the city as it lies high in the hills above the city. The view at sunset is also beautiful.
Yumura Hot Springs
Yumura Onsen was founded by the priest Kobo Daishi about 1200 years ago and was known to be a secret hot springs for the famous military commander, Shingen Takeda. It was also depicted in a “ukiyoe” picture by Hokusai Katsushika. It is easy to access as it is only 10 minutes away from Kofu station by taxi.
Address | Yumura, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi |
Access | By bus (10 min) from JR Kofu Station on the JR Chuo Main line |
Website | http://www.yumura.com/ (Japanese) |
Isawa Hot Springs
In 1961, this hot springs was discovered in the middle of a grape vineyard. It then overflowed into the nearby river, so it was called “blue sky Onsen” then. When you soak in the hot springs, your skin becomes smooth, your fatigue is relieved, and you will feel refreshed.
Address | Isawamachi-shibu, Fuefuki-shi, Yamanashi |
Access | JR Isawa Onsen Station (JR Chuo Main line) |
Website | http://www.isawaonsen.or.jp/ (Japanese) |
Fuji Kawaguchiko Hot Springs
This is the closest hot springs to the famous Mount Fuji. Soak in the bath while kicking back and seeing the beautiful panoramic view of Mount Fuji. The hot springs is calcium and sodium rich and it is known to help with nerve and muscle pain, cold sensitivity, fatigue, and other ailments.
Address | Kawaguchi, Fuji Kawaguchiko-machi, Minami Tsuru-gun, Yamanashi |
Access | A 10 min. walk from Kawaguchiko Station (Fujikyu Line) |
Website | http://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/foreign/english/english025.html |
Shimobe Hot Springs
Shimobe Hot Springs is located in southern part of Yamanashi Prefecture, along the Fuji River. The source spring is of high quality and provides plenty of water. You can enjoy twelve types of baths at Shimobe Hotel, and you can also eat the delicious local cuisine.
Address | Uenotaira, Minobu-cho, Minakami-gun, Yamanashi |
Access | JR Shimobe Onsen Station (JR Minobe line) |
Website | http://www.shimobe.co.jp/en/ |
Masutomi Hot Springs
This is a rare radium hot springs located in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park at the foot of Mount Mizugaki. At the altitude of over 1000m, it is cool in the shade even in mid-summer. Many people come to enjoy trekking, climbing, fishing, and just seeing the seasonal beauty of the area. It was also one of the two nationally designated therapeutic onsen spas in Yamanashi prefecture.
Address | Hishi, Sutama-cho, Hokuto-shi, Yamanashi |
Access | 1 hour by bus (Masutomi Onsen Bus line) from JR Nirasaki Station on the JR Chuo Main line. |
Website | https://www.japantimeline.jp/en/0000001463 |