Go Gem Hunting! 5 Jewelry & Gemstone Museums in Yamanashi

Did you know that Yamanashi Prefecture is one of the world’s leading jewelry-producing regions?

The secret lies in its rich natural environment, which has long supported every stage of jewelry-making: from sourcing raw materials and polishing gemstones, to crafting and distribution.

Thanks to this tradition, Yamanashi is home to many unique jewelry brands such as “Koo-fu” and “SIMPRICH”, showcasing brilliance and designs you won’t find anywhere else.

The prefecture also offers numerous jewelry and gemstone museums, where visitors can browse everything from affordable natural stones and accessories to authentic high-end jewelry.

Some museums even provide hands-on workshops, where you can create your own accessories—making them perfect for souvenirs or gifts.

Yamanashi Jewelry Museum

The Yamanashi Jewelry Museum is a hands-on facility where both children and adults can learn about and enjoy Yamanashi’s proud jewelry-making tradition.

Inside, you’ll find a wide variety of exhibitions showcasing gemstones and jewelry, while also exploring their origins, crafting techniques, and history.

On weekends and national holidays, the museum hosts live demonstrations and workshops led by skilled artisans—an invaluable experience for anyone interested in jewelry. Visitors can try making rings or pendants, or even learn how to identify different gemstones.

Best of all, admission is free, making it an accessible and enjoyable stop for all.

【Yamanashi Jewelry Museum】

Yamanashi Gem Museum

The Yamanashi Gem Museum is a specialized museum showcasing over 3,000 gemstones from around 500 varieties collected worldwide.

Inside the exhibition hall, showcases line the room with dazzling displays such as red, aqua-blue, and green tourmalines, or the striking cat’s eye gemstones that shine with a sharp, single band of light.

Major gemstones including diamonds and rubies are displayed in sets, showing their natural rough stones, loose cuts, and finished jewelry pieces side by side.

A true highlight is the colossal quartz crystal, standing at 1.8 meters tall—one of the largest in Japan. Its overwhelming brilliance leaves visitors with a sense of awe and energy.

With so many gemstones to explore, the museum is also an excellent place for those considering engagement rings or wedding bands.

【Yamanashi Gem Museum】

Narusawa Mt. Fuji (Fujisan) Museum

The Narusawa Mt. Fuji Museum, located next to Michi-no-Eki Narusawa, is a free-admission museum where visitors can explore the fascinating world of gemstones and minerals.

At the entrance, you’ll be greeted by a massive power stone, and inside, exhibits introduce the unique properties and characteristics of various gems and minerals.

One of the highlights is the chance to create your own original power stone bracelet by choosing from a wide range of stone types and sizes. It’s a fun activity for couples, families, or anyone looking to make a special memory of their trip.

👉 You can also check more about the Narusawa Mt. Fuji Museum in this article.

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【Narusawa Mt. Fuji (Fujisan) Museum】

Koshu Natural Stone Workshop – Saishoku no Kura

The Koshu Natural Stone Workshop – Saishoku no Kura is an interactive gemstone museum where visitors can experience the excitement of discovering real gemstones.

The most popular attraction is the “Gemstone Hunting” activity, which allows you to search for authentic stones. Among the different courses available, the highlight is the “Celebrity Course”, where you can uncover world-famous gems such as rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.

Even better, the gemstones you find can be turned into accessories or keepsakes, making it a fun and memorable experience for everyone—from children to couples.

【Koshu Natural Stone Workshop – Saishoku no Kura】

Crystal Museum

The Crystal Museum showcases a stunning collection of rare raw stones and crystal glass pieces, many of which are seldom seen even on a global scale.

Visitors can admire the natural beauty of uncut minerals as well as finished gemstone artworks up close. The museum also offers fun interactive experiences, such as creating your own original accessories with your birthstone or discovering your destined power stone through a free fortune-telling session.

In addition to gemstone exhibits, the museum also displays artworks crafted from stone, making it not only educational but also a romantic destination for couples.

【Crystal Museum】

Summary

In this article, we introduced five museums in Yamanashi dedicated to gemstones and natural stones.

Known as the “City of Gems,” Kofu and the surrounding areas of Yamanashi are home to some of Japan’s most renowned gemstone-producing regions.

Be sure to visit and take home a sparkling souvenir to remember your trip by!

On JAPANOPIA FUJI +, you’ll also find many more guides to museums, art galleries, and cultural attractions in Yamanashi. Check them out now for more inspiration!

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