Centered around Mt. Fuji and surrounded by magnificent natural scenery, Yamanashi Prefecture is a true treasure trove of outdoor activities.
In spring, you can admire cherry blossoms with snow-capped Mt. Fuji in the background. Summer brings blue skies and sparkling lakes. Autumn paints the landscape in vibrant colors, while winter offers crisp air and serene snowy scenery. The true charm of activities in Yamanashi lies in experiencing the beauty of each season with all your senses.
Many experiences are beginner-friendly, making them perfect for family trips, couples, or groups of friends—no matter your travel style.
From peaceful moments spent by the lake to dynamic adventures at the foot of Mt. Fuji, the ways to enjoy your trip are virtually endless.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide variety of activities you can enjoy in Yamanashi!
Skiing & Snowboarding – Fujiten Snow Resort
If you’re visiting the Mt. Fuji area in winter, one place you’ll definitely want to consider is Fujiten Snow Resort.
With convenient access—about 90 minutes by car from central Tokyo and approximately 25 minutes by bus from Kawaguchiko Station—its biggest appeal is the rare opportunity to ski while gazing at Mt. Fuji.
Simply lift your face while gliding down the slopes, and Mt. Fuji is right there before your eyes. Such a luxurious view is hard to find anywhere else in Japan.
Another highlight of Fujiten is its well-designed courses that cater to everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. The resort is also equipped with various features such as boxes and rails, making it popular among snowboarders as well.
For families, there’s the “Chibikko Ai Land,” a snow play area where children can have fun even if they’re not skiing. It’s reassuring for parents and allows everyone to enjoy the day at their own pace.
And Fujiten’s charm goes beyond just skiing. Even non-skiers can ride the “Mt. Fuji Viewing Lift,” which takes you to an observation deck at approximately 1,485 meters above sea level. From there, you can take in spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and the Lake Kawaguchi area.
With snow-covered Mt. Fuji spreading out before you, it’s an ideal spot for capturing unforgettable photos. Fujiten truly stands out as “a ski resort you can enjoy even without skiing.”
Additionally, if you book a collaboration plan with Glamping Village Fuji Kawaguchiko, you’ll receive shuttle transportation plus free rentals of ski wear, gloves, goggles, and more.
Even if you don’t have your own equipment, you can join empty-handed—perfect for travelers who prefer not to carry extra luggage.
Smelt Fishing – Lake Kawaguchiko
Smelt fishing is an activity especially recommended for beginners who think, “I’ve never tried fishing before,” or “I don’t have any equipment or knowledge.”
All the necessary gear is provided, so you can come empty-handed. Rods, tackle, and bait are fully prepared, and instructors carefully explain how to use everything.
When people think of winter fishing, they often imagine battling the cold—but smelt fishing at Natura Base is the complete opposite.
You’ll fish aboard a dome-shaped boat equipped with heaters, keeping you warm and comfortable even when temperatures drop outside. It’s perfect for those who are sensitive to the cold, as well as families with children.
One of the most exciting aspects of smelt fishing is how often you get bites. Unlike fishing for large trophy fish where you may wait for hours, smelt travel in schools, and when the timing is right, you can catch several at once.
It’s not uncommon to lift your line and see multiple smelt lined up on the hooks—an exciting moment that often brings out spontaneous cheers.
Another major highlight of smelt fishing on Lake Kawaguchi is that you can enjoy your freshly caught fish as tempura on the spot.
Light and crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, the tempura pairs perfectly with beer or soft drinks.
Being able to experience both the joy of catching and the pleasure of eating makes smelt fishing truly special.
Kayaking – Lake Kawaguchiko
Lake Kawaguchi is a popular destination bustling with visitors throughout the year. Cafés and restaurants line the lakeshore, and seasonal events and fireworks festivals bring lively energy to the area.
However, once you paddle out onto the lake in a kayak, the atmosphere changes completely.
The lively shoreline suddenly feels far away, replaced by the quiet expanse of Mt. Fuji, the open sky, and the endless surface of the water stretching before you. Time seems to slow down, as if you’ve stepped into another world.
One unique feature of Lake Kawaguchi is the Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge that spans the lake. Paddling beneath the bridge while looking up at Mt. Fuji is an experience you can only enjoy here.
Before the tour begins, you’ll receive a thorough lesson, so even beginners can participate with confidence. Life jackets are also provided, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Another charm of Lake Kawaguchi is how distinctly the scenery changes with each season:
Spring: Enjoy a slightly special kind of cherry blossom viewing from the water, gazing at rows of sakura trees along the shore.
Summer: Lavender blooms paint the lakeside purple, creating photogenic views from your kayak.
Autumn: Mountains turn red and yellow, deepening the beautiful color contrast with Mt. Fuji.
Winter: If you’re lucky, you may even paddle through thin layers of ice on the lake’s surface—a rare winter-only experience.
Even if you’ve visited Lake Kawaguchi many times before, kayaking reveals an entirely different perspective.
The greatest appeal of kayaking is discovering a new side of the lake—one that sightseeing alone cannot offer.
Paragliding – Asagiri Plateau
Asagiri Plateau is a vast highland area stretching across the western side of Mt. Fuji at an elevation of approximately 700 to 1,000 meters.
Known for its wide-open pastures and expansive scenery, it offers the rare opportunity to “fly through the sky with Mt. Fuji by your side.”
While Mt. Fuji is certainly impressive when viewed from the ground, the sight from above is on a completely different scale. In addition to Mt. Fuji, you may also see the surrounding mountains, and on clear days, even the distant Izu Peninsula and Suruga Bay. The breathtaking panorama is truly awe-inspiring.
Hearing the words “flying in the sky” may make some people feel uneasy, but the paragliding programs at Asagiri Plateau are carefully designed with safety in mind, making them accessible even for beginners.
For first-timers, a tandem flight with an instructor is especially recommended. At takeoff, you simply run a few steps in sync with the instructor’s cue, and then gently lift off into the sky while seated comfortably.
The instructor handles all the controls, so you can relax and focus entirely on the spectacular views without worrying about altitude or direction.
For those thinking, “I’d like to try something more active,” there is also a short flight course where you can control the paraglider yourself.
You’ll launch from a small hill, and the moment you catch the wind and feel yourself gently lift into the air brings an indescribable thrill. Successfully riding the wind delivers an incredible sense of accomplishment.
Remarkably, the oldest participant to complete a flight was 90 years old.
Wakesurfing & Wakeboarding – Lake Yamanakako
Unlike the ocean, activities on the lake are barely affected by waves or tides, making this a popular and beginner-friendly experience.
The typical style involves chartering a luxury cruiser, such as a Malibu, which creates artificial waves. Contrary to the common impression that “surfing looks difficult,” many participants find themselves standing up much sooner than expected.
Of course, beginners receive thorough instruction from experienced instructors, so you can feel confident even on your first try.
Above all, the most captivating part of the experience is riding the waves with Mt. Fuji as your backdrop.
As you begin to find your balance behind the boat, Mt. Fuji naturally comes into view, creating a dynamic scene unique to Lake Yamanaka.
It’s incredibly photogenic, and many people capture the moment on their smartphones. A common reaction is, “I’ll never forget the thrill of standing up for the first time!”
The location is something you can only experience at Lake Yamanakako.
ATV & SxS Buggy – Fujinomiya City
ATV and SxS buggy experiences at the foot of Mt. Fuji are perfect for those who think, “Since I’m here, I want to enjoy something active!”
An ATV (four-wheel buggy) is a vehicle you drive yourself, while an SxS (side-by-side) is driven by an instructor, with participants riding along. Both feature powerful engines built for rugged terrain.
You’ll race along unpaved forest roads, paths covered with exposed lava rock, and off-road courses with exciting ups and downs—offering wild scenery you wouldn’t normally encounter.
The thrill of driving an ATV yourself is a major highlight. Before the experience begins, participants receive thorough instruction, ensuring that even first-timers can join with confidence.
No driver’s license is required, so even those who don’t usually drive or feel unsure behind the wheel can participate comfortably.
On the other hand, with the SxS buggy, the instructor handles the driving while guests sit side by side or in the rear seats, enjoying the tour together.
It’s ideal for families or groups of friends who want to ride in the same vehicle and share the excitement. Since even babies and elderly participants can join, it’s suitable for a wide range of ages.
Feel the exhilaration of speeding through nature and take in breathtaking scenery that can only be seen here.
Horseback Riding Experience – Narusawa Village
Horseback riding experiences around Mt. Fuji are especially popular among those who love animals and want to spend peaceful time in nature.
Because horses are large animals, first-timers may feel a little nervous at first. However, the horses are known for their gentle temperaments.
Staff members provide constant support, so even those who have never touched a horse before can participate with confidence.
At spots where Mt. Fuji is visible, you can even take photos while riding, making it a perfect way to create a special and memorable experience.
Although horseback riding may appear to be a slow-paced activity, it is actually a full-body workout that engages your core and lower body.
Simply maintaining your posture in rhythm with the horse’s movement naturally activates your abdominal, back, and inner thigh muscles. Many participants find themselves pleasantly tired afterward.
It’s a refreshing experience that also offers light exercise—an unexpected benefit, especially for those who spend long hours at a desk.
Spending time immersed in nature at the foot of Mt. Fuji, while feeling the warmth and breathing of the horse, offers a unique kind of healing unlike any other activity.
Summary
In this article, we introduced a variety of activities you can enjoy in Yamanashi.
With many beginner-friendly plans available, these experiences are perfect for travelers who want to try something new during their trip.
If you’d like to make your journey even more memorable, be sure to consider joining one of the activities introduced here.
