RESERVE
RESERVE
In 1961, a hot spring suddenly gushed out of a vineyard in Ishiwa. The hot spring that flowed into the surrounding river became famous as "Aozora Onsen," and since then, Ishiwa has developed as a hot spring tourist destination. Ishiwa Onsen-kyo, where the rich natural environment produces specialty grapes and peaches, and traditional culture such as cormorant fishing along the Fuefukigawa River and taiko drumming at Hachiman Shrine add color to the four seasons, is lined with more than 40 unique inns and hotels, both large and small, ranging from simple inns to large hotels.
Isawa Onsen is located only 1.5 hours from central Tokyo by limited express train, making it the perfect location for a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. It takes only 30 minutes by car to Kofu, where Takeda Shrine and the Prefectural Museum of Art are located, less than 50 minutes to Kiyosato, Yatsugatake, and the Nishizawa Valley Prefectural Flower Center, and about 1.5 hours to the fifth station of Mt. Fuji is within a 1.5 hour drive via Lake Kawaguchi. The town is also within a 20 minute drive to the fruit farms of neighboring cities, towns, and villages, making it an ideal location for lodging during excursions.
Takeda Shrine, located about 2 km north of Kofu Station, was built in 1919 and is dedicated to Takeda Shingen, a famous general in Kai Province (present-day Yamanashi Prefecture). The shrine is said to be blessed with luck in victory, prosperity, and money, and is a popular spot in Kofu City visited by many worshippers.
Shosenkyo is one of the most beautiful valleys in Japan, with its sheer cliffs lined with strange, unusual, and famous rocks, and is designated as a "Japanese Heritage Site. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the valley while admiring the fresh greenery in spring and summer and the autumn leaves in fall, and the beauty of nature in each of the four seasons will fill visitors' hearts.
Fuefuki Fruit Park is a theme park where visitors can enjoy the products and climate of Yamanashi with all five senses. Fuji and the Kofu Basin from the park is famous as one of the three best night views in Japan. The park is a year-round facility for children and adults alike, with a variety of playground equipment, athletic facilities, a cafe, and a market.
The Kikyo Shingen Rice Cake Factory Theme Park is located about 8 minutes by car from Ishiwa Onsen. Admission is free, and visitors can observe the production process of "Kikyo Shingen Cake". The "all-you-can-stuff" sweets event held inside the museum is so popular that numbered tickets are distributed, so early in the morning is recommended.
FUJIYAMA Twin Terrace is located in the Ashiikawa district of Fuefuki-shi and offers a panoramic view of Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, and the World Heritage listed Mt. It is a famous scenic spot among mountain climbers and photographers, and was used for the opening of a Shochiku movie.
Located a five-minute walk from Kofu Station, Sadoya Winery is known as the first winery in Japan to engage in full-scale winemaking using French grape varieties. Visitors can enjoy tours of the underground cellar, brewery, and barrel cellar by the staff, as well as wine tastings.
Peach Farmer Cafe La Pesca, located a 10-15 minute drive from Ishiwa Onsen, is a cafe that opens in time for the peach and grape harvest. It offers original sweets made with an abundance of ripe peaches and grapes unique to this famous production area.