Hot Springs (Onsens) in Yamanashi

Yamanashi Prefecture is home to a wide variety of natural hot springs (onsens) with gorgeous views of Mt. Fuji and other breathtaking nature spots.

In fact, the area is filled with old onsen towns, known as "onsenkyo." Wherever you go in Yamanashi, there will be an onsen nearby you can enjoy.

Visitors can choose from a variety of different kinds, including highland onsens, onsens by lakes or river gorges, and even open-air, outdoor onsens. The experience of bathing outside while gazing at Mt. Fuji is an experience that attracts many tourists to Yamanashi.

Fuji Five Lakes Area

Fujikawaguchiko is a town in Yamanashi, and is home to the closest hot spring resort to Mt. Fuji. The calcium and sodium-rich waters here are renowned for their curative effects for nerve and muscle pain, cold sensitivity, fatigue, and other ailments.

▲Fuji Chobo-no-Yu Yurari Onsen (Narusawa Village)

This day-trip onsen offers views of Mt. Fuji from its outdoor baths, with 16 different types of baths to choose from, including a cave bath. Learn more
Website: 
https://www.fuji-yurari.jp/english.html

▲Benifuji-no-Yu Onsen (Yamanakako Village)

Enjoy impressive views of Mt. Fuji from this day-trip onsen, complete with outdoor baths and a beautiful Japanese garden.
Website:
http://www.benifuji.co.jp/

For more onsen options in the Fuji Five Lakes area, visit this website:
https://fujikawaguchiko.net/index.html

Isawa Area

The first natural hot spring flowed forth from a vineyard suddenly in 1961, and became known as the "Hot Spring of the Vineyard." Isawa is the largest onsenkyo (onsen town) in Yamanashi, with numerous accommodations ranging from hotels to traditional Japanese inns, most within walking distance from the station (Isawa Onsen Station).

▲Isawa Onsen Sakura Dori (Fuefuki City)

Website:
https://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/foreign/english/english020.html

Kofu and Shosenkyo Gorge Area

There is another onsen hub at the foot of Mt. Yumura, known as the "hidden waters of Takeda Shingen," the pre-eminent feudal lord of Kai Province (present day Yamanashi).

Said to have been established by Kobo Daishi, a famous Buddhist priest 1,200 years ago, and known as the hidden hot spring of Lord Shingen. In the late Edo period, it was depicted by the ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) artist Katsushika Hokusai in "Shokeikiran Koshu Yumura." Additionally, famous writers such as Osamu Dazai, Masuji Ibuse and Seicho Matsumoto are known for composing various works while staying here in the Showa period.

▲Yumura Onsen, Tokiwa Hotel (Kofu City)

Famed as one of the most beautiful Japanese hotel gardens, the Tokiwa Hotel boasts royal guests such as the Emperor and many other prestigious figures. It is also popular for its detached guest rooms with outdoor baths.

Website: 
https://tokiwa-hotel.co.jp/e_index.html

Southern Alps Area

One of the hidden hot springs said to have been used by Lord Shingen himself, Nishiyama Hot Spring Resort is located at the foot of the Southern Alps, near the origin of the Hayakawa River. Legend has it that it was also visited by Ieyasu Tokugawa, a famous Shogun of the 17th Century.

▲Nishiyama Onsen, Keiunkan (Hayakawa Town)

Keiunkan is certified as "the world's oldest hotel" in the Guinness Book of World Records. With 1,300 years of history, it stands as the world’s oldest hotel.

705 A.D., just a few years before Japan’s first coins were minted, Keiunkan opened their doors to the public in exchange for popular bartering items, such as rice and arrow heads. Over the past 1,300 years, its doors have remained open, gaining the hotel a Guinness World Record as the longest-running hotel in the world. Learn more
 

Website: 
https://keiunkan.co.jp/en/

Minobu Area

Shimobe Onsen was where Shingen went after his shoulder was injured in battle. The water of this hot spring has a healing effect on fractures and bruises, and many people visit it for its healing effects. 

▲Shimobe Onsen (Minobu Town)

Hot springs were discovered in this area some 1,200 years ago. The area is home to numerous traditional lodges. It is also famous for its fireflies.

Website:
https://shimobeonsen.jp/