Exploring Yamanashi’s Kyonan Region

Looking for something new to discover while traveling in Yamanashi? Then I have some places that may interest you. The Kyonan region of Yamanashi has many things to offer, including Japanese temples and inns, traditional crafts, and even areas for anime enthusiasts. The places I will suggest are those I visited for the first time. Hopefully these notable locations will be part of your next trip to the area.

Kuon-ji Temple

Nestled within the temple city of Minobu and sitting near the base of Mt. Minobu, Kuon-ji Temple is a historic site worth a visit. Whether you’re an avid photographer, a temple lover, or hiker, this temple will have much for you to enjoy and see. If you come with a guide, there is a lot that you can learn about the area and the temple’s history. Especially if your guide is a local.

You can find a map of the area here: Area Map | The head temple of Nichiren Shu Minobusan Kuonji

Kuon-ji Temple is the head Buddhist temple of the Nichiren sect and is surrounded by a lot of beautiful scenery. Other than the thin, towering fir trees that line the path from the Sanmon Gate, one of the three largest gates in Japan, the temple also has a few weeping sakura trees on its grounds. 

During our visit we were shown many parts of the temple. Starting with the Sanmon Gate before climbing the Bodaitei's 287 steps, which is also known as the “stairway of enlightenment”. The stairs can be a little difficult to climb due to the steps being higher than normal stairs, but if one takes their time, climbing the Bodaitei can be very rewarding. For those that may not be able to or do not wish to climb the stairs, there are two other ways to ascend to the temple such as driving up to the nearby parking lot or walking the path next to the stairs.

 

▲Standing atop the stairway to enlightenment and looking back at the journey.

Including the five-story pagoda which is rarely opened, the main temple’s ceiling has a gold leaf and ink painting of a dragon whose eyes seem to follow you while there. The same painting can also be found in another temple in Kyoto. The temple also allows visitors the opportunity to join in reading sutras before the multiple statues within. Though as a word of caution, you will not be able to photograph while within the temple. There is also a ropeway located behind Kuon-ji Temple that takes visitors to Mt. Minobu which has a roughly two-hour hiking trail.

Kakurinbo

Roughly a fifteen-minute walk from Kuon-ji Temple you will find this lovely Japanese inn with much to offer. In addition to being a historic Buddhist temple that you can stay at with a reservation, there is also an area outside where one can enjoy drinks and the scenery with their pets. Kakurinbo also offers other experiences for visitors and guests to enjoy.

One of those is a bridal course. This is a course where men have the choice between three styles of wedding kimono and ladies have around fifteen with a wide variety of designs to wear. This is a great course if you want to take photos while wearing traditional Japanese wedding clothes.

The other course is a special Buddhist style lunch called the “Oteranchi”. This meal is made entirely of soy so it is a real treat for any vegetarian and has many dishes one would find in a typical vegan monk’s meal. The dessert, a handmade vanilla ice cream, is also delicious and comes with your choice of two toppings. 

▲Kakurinbo’s delicious “Oteranchi”. Time to dig in.

Former Shimobe Elementary and Junior High Schools

Are you an anime fan?

Have you heard of “Yuru Camp” (English title: Laid-Back Camp)? 

If so, then you will enjoy visiting Shimobe Elementary and Junior High Schools. These former schools were made famous from the popular camping themed anime Yuru Camp, and is a great place to visit if you enjoy visiting the real-life locations from anime.

Located about a ten-minute walk from Kai-Tokiwa station, the school sits atop the hill near a temple called Jyōkōin Temple. The priest of this temple is very kind and is one of the major figures working to bring more attention to the area. Many signs with scenes from the anime can be found around the area and finding all of them can be quite the scavenger hunt.

▲One found, and many more to go. Let the search begin.

It is highly recommended that you stop by the temple first since the school is normally locked. The priest can tell visitors many things about the area, the school, and the events that occur there. Also, he may know how to contact the site supervisor for the school and has a pamphlet/map created by those at the temple that shows the various sights of the area. 

Rokugo Seal Museum

Do you like making things with your hands? 

Maybe you would like your very own Japanese stamp?

The Rokugo Seal Museum is a great place to plan a visit. It is one of the best places to learn about the history of handmade seals. The building also has a room dedicated to materials, seals, and tools from as far back as the Meiji era (the late 1800s). 

▲Second largest stamp at Rokugo that I’ve seen.

Another thing that may be of interest is the workshop to make your own custom stamp with either your name or a kanji of your choice written in the old way. It is very affordable with prices ranging from 1,500 yen for elementary and junior high students to 2,000 yen for adults. While they prefer reservations for groups of 10 or more, you can still inquire about smaller group bookings.

During the workshop one of the master artisans teaches how to use the tools and even gives tips to carve the stamp into the soft stone supplied by the shop. The artisan will also give the stamp a final touch up before you take it home afterwards. The stamp makes for a great souvenir or keepsake of the experience since nothing is better than one made by your own hand.

More Info

Kuon-ji Temple（久遠寺）
Address: 3567 Minobu, Minamikoma District, Yamanashi 409-2593
Hours: 5:30 AM – 5 PM
Website (EN): https://kuonji.jp/english/

Kakurinbo（覚林坊）
Address: 〒409-2524 Yamanashi, Minamikoma District, Minobu 3510 
Website (EN): https://kakurinbo.jp/english/

About Yuru Camp (EN): https://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/foreign/english/special/laidbackcamp/index.html
Gojogaoka Regional Revitalization Promotion Council (JP): https://www.5jogaoka.com

Jyōkōin Temple（常幸院）
Address: 439 Tokiwa, Minobu, Minamikoma District, Yamanashi 409-2936

Former Shimobe Elementary and Junior High Schools
Address: 450 Tokiwa, Minobu, Minamikoma District, Yamanashi 409-2936

Rokugo Seal Museum（市川三郷町商工会六郷支所）
Address: 2160 Iwama, Ichikawamisato, Nishiyatsushiro District, Yamanashi 409-3244
Hours: Weekdays, 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Website (JP): https://www.rokugoinsho.com  
English Info: https://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/english/discover/rokugo-seal-museum.html