There’s no need to dig deep to uncover the true beauty of Japan in Yamanashi: the iconic views of cherry blossoms with the snow-covered Mt. Fuji in the background or the autumn foliage sparkling in countless shades of red and yellow on the mountainsides are right there.

Yamanashi is also known as Japan’s “fruit kingdom,” producing more grapes, peaches, and plums than any other part of the country, plus a remarkable variety of other delicacies. The best way to enjoy seasonal fruit is to pick it yourself and dig in on the spot.

Discoveries abound in Yamanashi, which except for the surroundings of Mt. Fuji is still very much under the mass-tourism radar. Some of the area’s true gems are notably secluded, making them ideal destinations for private getaways.

Around 80 percent of Yamanashi Prefecture is verdant woodland and rugged mountain ranges. That considered, it is fitting that the prefecture’s principal museum tells Yamanashi’s fascinating story through the lens of the relationship between nature and humankind.

There’s no need to dig deep to uncover the true beauty of Japan in Yamanashi: the iconic views of cherry blossoms with the snow-covered Mt. Fuji in the background or the autumn foliage sparkling in countless shades of red and yellow on the mountainsides are right there.

The Yatsugatake Mountains mark the border between Yamanashi Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture. Boasting clear highland air, majestic views, and rich history, this is an area worth spending several days in, no matter what season you’re visiting in.

Lake Yamanakako is the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes and has the third-highest elevation of any lake in Japan. It is also the closest of the five to Mount Fuji and offers spectacular views of the iconic peak.

The Teahouse in the Sky has long been a favorite local spot for spectacular views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. It is noted for having hosted many Japanese literati, most notably twentieth-century authors Masuji Ibuse and Osamu Dazai.

Yamanashi Tourism Organization OBI Building 3rd floor,1-8-11 Marunouchi, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, JAPAN Zip-code: 400-0031 E-mail: kankou@yamakan-sk.jp

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 …