Japan celebrates each season with its own unique charm—cherry blossom viewing in spring, summer festivals and music events, autumn foliage, and winter illuminations.
Through these traditions, travelers can experience the rhythm of Japanese life, connect with local culture, and enjoy the beauty of nature year-round.
In this special feature, we’ve compiled all of the festival and event information across Yamanashi Prefecture previously introduced on JAPANOPIA +, organized by region.
From Mt. Fuji–view events and local gourmet festivals, to traditional crafts and photogenic seasonal celebrations, this guide is packed with authentic experiences unique to each area.
Whether you’re looking to dive deeper into Yamanashi’s culture or planning your next seasonal trip or weekend getaway, this comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect event to match your journey.
Fuji Area
The Fuji Area is made up of five picturesque regions—Fujikawaguchiko Town, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanakako Village, Oshino Village, and Narusawa Village—each offering its own unique way to experience the magnificent views of Mt. Fuji.
Fujikawaguchiko Town
As one of the Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Kawaguchiko is surrounded by scenic landscapes that change beautifully with each season.
Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy fireworks festivals, illuminations, and seasonal photo events, making it a paradise for photographers and nature lovers.
Fujiyoshida City
Known for its dynamic entertainment, Fujiyoshida hosts drone shows and fireworks displays at Fuji-Q Highland, one of Japan’s top amusement parks.
The city also celebrates its rich textile heritage, offering hands-on workshops and creative cultural experiences that connect the past with the present.
Yamanakako Village
Set along the tranquil shores of Lake Yamanakako, this area is famous for summer fireworks festivals and autumn foliage light-up events that showcase the harmony between nature and artistry.
Every visit promises breathtaking scenery and peaceful lakeside moments.
Narusawa Village
A quiet, forest-covered village where visitors can unwind in the midst of pristine nature.
In spring, vibrant azaleas paint the landscape in color, offering a refreshing escape from city life.
Oshino Village
Centered around the UNESCO World Heritage Site Oshino Hakkai, this village captures the nostalgic charm of a traditional Japanese summer festival.
Bon dances, local stage performances, and cultural events bring the community together in celebration beneath Mt. Fuji’s watchful gaze.
From seasonal flower festivals to cultural celebrations, the Fuji Area offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and heartfelt tradition.
Wherever you go, you’ll find photo-worthy scenery and experiences that stay in your heart long after you leave.
Northern Area
The Northern Area of Yamanashi includes Kōfu City, Hokuto City, Kai City, Nirasaki City, Minami-Alps City, Chūō City, and Shōwa Town—regions rich in seasonal beauty, traditional festivals, and deep historical charm.
Kōfu City
Home to the historic “Three Great Festivals of Kōfu”, this city bursts with energy and color every year. Surrounded by lush nature, it also offers scenic campgrounds and BBQ spots, perfect for unwinding and escaping the bustle of urban life.
Hokuto City
Known as the sunniest area in Japan, Hokuto dazzles with its summer sunflower fields, where 600,000 blooms stretch toward the sky. The vivid contrast between golden petals and bright blue skies creates a truly Instagram-worthy spectacle.
Kai City
Steeped in samurai heritage, Kai City is home to the Shingen Embankment, built by the legendary warlord Takeda Shingen. In spring, the embankment transforms into a stunning corridor of cherry blossoms, where history and nature harmonize beautifully.
Nirasaki City
Recognized as the birthplace of the Takeda clan, this city hosts events and fireworks that honor its feudal roots. Springtime also brings the majestic Wani-zuka Edohigan Cherry Tree, one of Japan’s Three Great Cherry Trees, in full bloom.
Minami-Alps City
In autumn, the Andō Family Residence, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, becomes the stage for a breathtaking illuminated maple display. The interplay of history, light, and silence creates an atmosphere of pure serenity.
Chūō City
Located at the very center of Japan, Chūō is affectionately called “the navel of the country.” Visitors can explore historical landmarks and stroll through seasonal landscapes while discovering the city’s quiet cultural rhythm.
Shōwa Town
The smallest town in Yamanashi by area, Shōwa exudes a warm, community spirit. Its popular Fureai Festival features local food stalls, character shows, and traditional entertainment—perfect for experiencing the heart of small-town Japan.
From cherry blossoms and fireworks to centuries-old traditions, the Northern Area offers countless ways to experience Yamanashi’s soul through its nature and history.
Each destination invites travelers to slow down, connect, and rediscover the authentic beauty of Japan’s changing seasons.
Eastern Area
The Eastern Area of Yamanashi encompasses Kōshū City, Yamanashi City, Fuefuki City, Ōtsuki City, Tsuru City, Uenohara City, Kosuge Village, Tabayama Village, Dōshi Village, and Nishikatsura Town.
Throughout the year, these regions host a rich variety of seasonal festivals and cultural events where visitors can experience majestic nature, long-held traditions, and local gourmet culture.
Kōshū City
Renowned as one of Japan’s leading wine-producing regions, Kōshū is celebrated internationally for its elegant Koshu wine, highly acclaimed even abroad.
Wine festivals and gourmet events held among tranquil vineyards create the perfect atmosphere for an adult getaway filled with sophistication and local flavor.
Fuefuki City
Known as the “Kingdom of Fruits,” Fuefuki boasts some of Japan’s highest yields of peaches and grapes.
Festivals celebrating the region’s agricultural bounty combine nature, history, and hospitality, offering a colorful glimpse into rural life.
Yamanashi City
Blessed with lush greenery and clear waters, this area offers panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and countless opportunities to enjoy outdoor events and scenic festivals.
It’s an ideal destination for travelers seeking relaxation surrounded by natural beauty.
Ōtsuki City
Atop its rolling hills lies Katsuragawa Wellness Park, a popular venue for photogenic seasonal events.
With the majestic silhouette of Mt. Fuji in the distance, it’s a favorite spot for those who love camera-friendly landscapes and open-air celebrations.
Tsuru City
Currently gaining attention as a future stop on the Linear Chuo Shinkansen, Tsuru offers a family-friendly mix of attractions—from the Yamanashi Linear Museum to local events at roadside stations, blending education and leisure in a welcoming atmosphere.
Uenohara City
A city rooted in tradition, Uenohara is known for its local community festivals that preserve old customs and foster deep connections among residents.
Visitors can experience the warmth of Japan’s countryside through authentic “hometown” celebrations.
Kosuge Village
Nestled deep in the mountains, this water-rich village is home to gourmet events where visitors can enjoy freshly grilled yamame trout and local delicacies prepared from natural ingredients.
It’s a rare chance to savor the pure taste of the mountains in a serene setting.
Tabayama Village
Famous for wild maitake mushrooms and locally sourced game meat, this rustic village celebrates the gifts of nature through seasonal food festivals.
Each event offers a taste of Japan’s satoyama (rural mountain life) and the region’s wholesome culinary heritage.
Dōshi Village
Surrounded by mountains, Dōshi is famous for its summer fireworks festival, where the echoes of explosions resonate across the valleys—an exhilarating countryside experience unlike anything found in big cities.
Nishikatsura Town
This small town hosts a community-style summer festival, where fireworks are launched right from a local schoolyard.
It’s an intimate, unforgettable evening that captures the heartwarming simplicity of rural Japan.
The Eastern Area offers countless ways to experience the authentic beauty of Japan’s countryside, from local harvest celebrations to elegant wine events.
Let yourself be immersed in Yamanashi’s seasonal culture, where nature, food, and community come together in perfect harmony.
Southern Area
The Southern Area of Yamanashi—comprising Fujikawa Town, Ichikawamisato Town, Nanbu Town, Hayakawa Town, and Minobu Town—offers a glimpse into a Japan where nature and tradition coexist in harmony.
Here, the pace of life slows down, and visitors can experience the warm hospitality and deep-rooted culture that define rural Yamanashi.
Fujikawa Town
Throughout the year, Fujikawa celebrates the close connection between nature and everyday life.
From the Sakura Festival in spring to the Yuzu-themed winter events, each season brings hands-on experiences that invite you to feel the rhythm of rural Japan.
It’s the perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful, slow-paced getaway surrounded by nature’s changing beauty.
Ichikawamisato Town
Known as “the town of seals (hanko)”, Ichikawamisato has long supported Japan’s traditional craft of stamp engraving.
The town hosts both seal-carving workshops—a fascinating cultural experience—and the spectacular Shinmei Fireworks Festival, where massive starmines light up the night sky in dazzling displays of color and sound.
Hayakawa Town
Famous for being Japan’s least populated town, Hayakawa offers a sense of seclusion and tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere.
During the Spring Wild Vegetable Festival, visitors can savor freshly harvested mountain produce such as bamboo shoots and fiddlehead ferns—simple, pure flavors that capture the essence of the region.
Minobu Town
A place where history and modern art meet, Minobu comes alive at night with the “Light Kirie” (paper-cut illumination art) and lantern festivals that fill the sky with gentle light.
The town’s blend of ancient temple streets and contemporary installations creates a romantic and unforgettable evening atmosphere.
Nanbu Town
A culinary haven for bamboo shoot lovers!
The Takenoko Festival celebrates Nanbu’s famous spring delicacy with a wide array of local dishes and direct-from-farm sales.
It’s a feast for the senses—and a perfect way to take home the flavor of Nanbu as a souvenir of your journey.
The Southern Area isn’t about spectacle—it’s about authentic warmth, timeless traditions, and genuine connection.
Through its seasonal festivals and heartfelt hospitality, this region invites you to experience the true essence of Japan with all five senses.
Summary
In this special roundup, we introduced some of Yamanashi’s most captivating festivals and events, celebrated across the region throughout the year.
From seasonal festivals held against the majestic backdrop of Mt. Fuji, to centuries-old traditional rituals and vibrant gourmet fairs filled with local flavor—each celebration reveals a different side of Yamanashi’s beauty.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full itinerary through Japan’s heartland, explore JAPANOPIA FUJI+ to discover festivals that will enrich your journey.
Here, you’re sure to find unforgettable moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.
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