Table of Contents

Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossoms ( City) ...... 1

Oshino Omiya Bridge Cherry Blossoms (Oshino Village) ...... 2

Mt. Iwadono Cherry Blossoms (Otsuki City) ...... 2

Wanizuka Cherry Blossom Tree (Nirasaki City) ...... 4

Yamataka Jindai Cherry Blossom Tree (Hokuto City) ...... 5

Kanazakura Shrine Ukonzakura Cherry Blossoms (Kofu City) ...... 6

Maizuru Castle Park Cherry Blossoms (Kōfu City) ...... 7

Kose Sports Park Cherry Blossoms (Kōfu City) ...... 8

Mt. Minobu Kuonji Temple Shidarezakura Cherry Blossoms(Minobu Town) .... 9

Oboshi Park Cherry Blossoms (Fujikawa Town) ...... 10

Hongō Thousand Years Cherry Blossom Tree (Nanbu Town) ...... 11

Harama Itozakura Cherry Blossom (Nanbu Town) ...... 12

Tōunji Temple Shidarezakura Cherry Blossom (Yamanashi City) ...... 13

Mt. Kōjin Cherry Blossom (Yamanashi City) ...... 14

Katsunuma Budōkyō Station Jinrokuzakura Cherry Blossom (Koshu City) ... 15

Jiunji Temple Itozakura Cherry Blossom (Koshu City) ...... 16

Fuekuki City (view from Old Ichinomiya Town) ...... 17

Yamanashi City (view from Fuefukigawa Fruits Park) ...... 18

I

Koshu City (view from Enzan Ōfuji) ...... 19

Nirasaki City (view from Shinpu Castle ruins) ...... 20

Minami Alps City (view from Fruit Line) ...... 21

Mt. Fuji foothill Fujishibazakura ( Town) ...... 22

Mt. Ogi Azaleas (Otsuki City) ...... 23

Hōkyōji Yamabuki Kusa (Tsuru City) ...... 24

Nishizawa Gorge Shakunage (Yamanashi City) ...... 25

Kosuge Mitsuba Azalea ( Village) ...... 26

Kabuki Culture Park Peonies (Ichikasa Misato Town) ...... 27

Michi no Eki Narusawa Area Mitsuba Azaleas (Narusawa Village) ...... 28

Iwamori Oriental Poppy and Cosmos Field (Kai City) ...... 29

Takizawagawa Park Irises (Minami Alps City) ...... 30

Ashigawa Clumps of Lilies of the Valley ( City) ...... 31

Nishikatsura Town Kumagaisō ( Town) ...... 32

Akeno Sunflowers (Hokuto City) ...... 33

Mikubo Kōgen Mitsuba Azalea, Mountain Azalea (Koshu City) ...... 34

Otome Kōgen Renge Azalea (Yamanashi City) ...... 35

Mt. Amari Renge Azalea (Nirasaki City) ...... 36

Myōhōji Temple Hydrangeas (Fujikawa Town) ...... 37

Utsubuna Park Hydrangeas (Nanbu Town) ...... 38 II

Lake Asumi Lotuses (Fujiyoshida City) ...... 39

Lake Yamanaka Mt. Takasasu Irises ( Village) ...... 40

Oishi Park and Yagizaki Park Lavenders (Fujikawaguchiko Town) ...... 41

Keirinji Temple Water Lilies (Tsuru City) ...... 42

Tozawa Forest Nagomi no Sato Hydrangea Road (Tsuru City) ...... 43

Chōkeiji Baikamo Flowers (Tsuru City) ...... 44

Saruhashi Kinrin Park Hydrangeas (Otsuki City) ...... 45

Oishi Park Kokia (Fujikawaguchiko Town) ...... 46

Akasawajuku Fukujusō (Hayakawa Town) ...... 47

Akasawajuku Fukujusō (Hayakawa Town) ...... 48

Lake Yagiha Area Ume no Sato Plum Trees (Kai City) ...... 49

Furouen Park Plum Trees (Kofu City) ...... 50

III

SPRING Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossoms (Fujiyoshida City)

A place where you can see ’s most iconic scenery: Mt. Fuji with the five storied pagoda.

■Address: 2-4-1, Asama, Fujiyoshida City ■Access by train: about 10 minutes by foot from Shimoyoshida Station (Fujikyukō Line) ■Access by car: about 15 minutes from Kawaguchiko IC. ■Best time to see the flowers: mid-April CONTACT Fujiyoshida Tourism Promotion Service: ０５５５（２１）１０００

Fujiyoshida City Roads & Parks 1 Division: ０５５５（２２）１１１１

SPRING Oshino Omiya Bridge Cherry Blossoms (Oshino Village)

100 Yoshino Cherry Trees along the Shinashogawa River, providing the Oshino Fuji area with seasonal color and charm.

■Address: Shibokusa, Oshino Village ■Access by train: about 20 minutes by bus from Fujiyoshida Station (Fujikyukō Line) ■Access by car: about 10 minutes from Yamanakako IC ■Best time to see the flowers: mid to late April

CONTACT Oshino Village Tourism and Industry Division: ０５５５（８４）３１１１

2

SPRING Mt. Iwadono Cherry Blossoms (Otsuki City)

The setting of several historical events, Mt. Iwadono is one of twelve mountains in Otsuki from which it is possible to have a stunning view of Mt. Fuji. It becomes colored by beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring.

■Address: Nigioka-machi Kowaze, Otsuki City ■Access by train: about 30 minutes by foot from Otsuki Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 15 minutes by car from Otsuki IC to the parking lot ■Best time to see the flowers: early April

CONTACT

Otsuki City Industry and

Tourism Division: ０５５４（２０）１８２９ 3

SPRING Wanizuka Cherry Blossom Tree

(Nirasaki City)

One of the most outstanding cherry trees in the city, this beautiful Edohigansakura tree is around 320 year old. From the top of the mound it is possible to see Mt. Fuji and Yatsugatake. It also served as the filming location for many movies and TV shows.

■Address: 624 Kitamiyaji, Kamiyamamachi, Nirasaki City ■Access by train: about 10 minutes by bus from Nirasaki Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 20 minutes from Nirasaki IC ■Best time to see the flowers: early to mid-April

CONTACT Nirasaki City Tourism Association: ０５５１（２２）１９９１ 4

SPRING Yamataka Jindai Cherry Blossom Tree (Hokuto City)

Elected as one of the three great cherry blossom trees in Japan, it is also part of the new “100 Most Important Trees in Japan.” About 2,000 years old, this tree is 10.3 meters high and has a circumference of 11.8 meters. Considered sacred, it is said that this stunning cherry tree was planted by the emperor Yamato Takeru-no-mikoto in ancient times.

■Address: 2763 Yamataka, Mukawa-chō, Hokuto City ■Access by train: about 15 minutes by taxi from Hinoharu Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 15 minutes from Sutama IC ■Best time to see the flowers: early April

CONTACT Hokuto City Tourism, Commerce, and Industry Division: ０５５１（４２）１３５１

5

SPRING Kanazakura Shrine Ukonzakura Cherry Blossoms (Kōfu City)

According to popular belief, visiting this shrine when the golden flowers of the Ukonzakura cherry tree are in bloom brings one luck in obtaining money.

■Address: 2347 Mitake-chō, Kōfu City ■Access by train: about 60 minutes by bus from Kōfu Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 25 minutes from Futaba Service Area Smart IC ■Best time to see the flowers: late April to early May

CONTACT Kanazakura Shrine: ０５５（２８７）２０１１

6

SPRING Maizuru Castle Park Cherry Blossoms (Kōfu City)

Known for its refined shape, similar to that of a crane spreading its wings, the Kōfu Castle ruins are one of the most famous places in Kōfu for appreciating cherry blossoms. In spring, beautiful flowers cover the castle's stone walls with their delicate petals.

■Address: 1 Marunouchi, Kōfu City ■Access by train: about 3 minutes by foot from Kōfu Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 15 minutes from Kōfu Showa IC ■Best time to see the flowers: late March to early April

CONTACT Maizuru Castle Park Administrative Office: ０５５（２２７）６１７９

7

SPRING Kose Sports Park Cherry Blossoms (Kōfu City)

Around 550 cherry blossom trees are in this 113 hectare park, including Yoshino Cherry, Yaezakura, and Fujizakura varieties. In the main street, trees form a beautiful tunnel of flowers. A Sakura Festival is held every year.

■Address: 840 Kose-machi, Kōfu City ■Access by train: about 30 minutes by bus from Kōfu Station ■Access by car: about 10 minutes from Kōfu Minami IC ■Best time to see the flowers: late March to early April

CONTACT Yamanashi Sports Association: ０５５（２４３）３１１１

8

SPRING Mt. Minobu Kuonji Temple Shidarezakura Cherry Blossoms (Minobu Town)

By the foot of Mt. Minobu on its eastern side are beautiful cherry trees and, a little ways up the mountain at Kuonji Temple, you can find two Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossom) trees about 400 years old. In terms of the scale and beauty, this is one of the most outstanding places in the entire prefecture to see these trees.

■Address: 3567 Minobu, Minobu-chō ■Access by train: about 15 minutes by bus from Minobu Station (JR) + 15 min on foot ■Access by car: about 30 minutes from Rokugo IC ■Best time to see the flowers: late March to early April

CONTACT Minobusan Tourism Association: ０５５６（６２）０５０２ 9

SPRING Oboshi Park Cherry Blossoms (Fujikawa Town)

One of the 100 best places to see cherry blossom flowers in all Japan, Mt. Oboshi turns light pink in spring. From there, it is possible to see Mt. Fuji and Yatsugatake at the same time. A light up event is held at night.

■Address: 2175 Kajikazawa, Fujikawa-chō ■ Access by train: about 15 minutes by taxi, or 30 minutes by foot from Kajikazawaguchi Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 10 minutes from Masuho IC ■Best time to see the flowers: late March to early April

CONTACT

Fujikawa Town Industrial Development Division: ０５５６（２２）７２０２

10

SPRING Hongō Thousand Years Cherry Blossom Tree (Nanbu Town)

Yamanashi Prefecture’s Natural Treasure: this tree is over 600 years old. Its roots stretch along the tree trunk, creating a mysterious atmosphere when these lightly colored flowers bloom.

■Address: 3230 Hongō, Nanbu Town ■Access by train: about 10 minutes by taxi from Utsubuna Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 70 minutes from Kōfu Minami IC or 35 minutes from Shin Shimizu IC ■Best time to see the flowers: late March to early April

CONTACT Nanbu Town Industrial Development Division: ０５５６（６４）３１１１

11

SPRING Harama Itozakura Cherry Blossom (Nanbu Town)

Within the precincts of the Kyuhogen Temple, there are a myriad of cherry blossoms, the branches of these trees long enough to reach the ground. It is a sight to behold.

■Address: 1547 Hongō, Nanbu-chō ■Access by train: about 10 minutes by taxi from Utsubuna Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 70 minutes from Kōfu Minami IC or 35 minutes from Shin Shimizu IC ■Best time to see the flowers: late March to early April

CONTACT Nanbu Town Industrial Development Division: ０５５６（６４）３１１１ 12

SPRING Tōunji Temple Shidarezakura Cherry Blossom (Yamanashi City)

(Photography：Yamanashi City Tourism Association)

Four outstanding cherry blossom trees stand in the temple located in this mountain village. Around here you can also find Yatsubusa plum flowers.

■Address: 1117 Kitahara, Makioka-chō, Yamanashi City ■Access by train: about 50 minutes by bus + 5 minutes on foot from Yamanashi City Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 30 minutes from Katsunuma IC ■Best time to see the flowers: mid to late April

CONTACT

Tounji Temple: ０５５３（３５）３９７８ 13

SPRING Mt. Kōjin Cherry Blossom (Yamanashi City)

(Photography：Yamanashi City Tourism Association)

About 500 hundred cherry blossom trees cover this small hill, from where it is possible to see Tōgenkyō and Mt. Fuji. It is beautifully lit up during the nights.

■Address: near 2807-25 Higashi, Yamanashi City ■Access by train: about 40 minutes by bus + 5 minutes on foot from Yamanashi City Station (JR) ■Access by car: Katsunuma IC / about 20 minutes from Ichinomiya Misaka IC ■Best time to see the flowers: late March to early April

CONTACT Yamanashi City Tourism Association: ０５５３（２２）１１１１ 14

SPRING Katsunuma Budōkyō Station Jinrokuzakura Cherry Blossom (Koshu City)

600 cherry blossom trees along the train tracks is the most traditional image of springtime at Japan's most famous vineyards.

■Address: around 3052 Hishiyama, Katsunuma-chō, Koshu City ■Access by train: Katsunuma Budōkyō Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 8 minutes from Katsunuma IC ■Best time to see the flowers: mid-April

CONTACT Koshu City Tourism and Exchange Division: ０５５３（３２）２１１１

15

SPRING Jiunji Temple Itozakura Cherry Blossom (Koshu City)

Yamanashi Prefecture’s natural monument, this cherry tree is about 300 years old. Light pink flowers bloom on its willowy branches.

■Address: 352 Nakahagihara, Enzan, Koshu City ■Access by train: about 10 minutes by taxi from Enzan Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 20 minutes from Katsunuma IC ■Best time to see the flowers: early April

CONTACT Koshu City Tourism and Exchange Division: ０５５３（３２）２１１１

16

SPRING Fuefuki City (view from Old Ichinomiya Town)

In Fuefuki City, you can admire peach flowers earlier than anywhere else in Japan. At the beginning of April, in the middle of the pink carpet made by these peach flowers, Fuefuki City holds its Tōgenkyō Spring Festival.

■Access by train: about 15 minutes by taxi from Isawa Onsen Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 10 minutes from Ichinomiya Misaka ■Best time to see the flowers: early to late April (from February 14th to early March in House Momoen)

CONTACT Fuefuki City Tourism, Commerce, and Industry Division: ０５５（２６２）４１１１

17

SPRING Yamanashi City (view from Fuefukigawa Fruits Park)

(Photography：Yamanashi City Tourism Association)

At Fuefukigawa Fruits Park, you can appreciate a magnificent view with beautiful flowers from the land of fruits.

■Access by train: Yamanashishi Station (JR) ■Best time to see the flowers: early to late April

CONTACT Yamanashi City Tourism Division: ０５５３（２２）１１１１

18

SPRING Koshu City (view from Enzan, Ōfuji)

The slope of the mountain gets covered by flowers in full bloom. Considered the “Kamakura” (ancient samurai capital) in Yamanashi, strolling around the streets of Enzan is also highly recommended.

■Access by train: about 10 minutes by taxi from Enzan Station (JR) ■Best time to see the flowers: early to late April

CONTACT Koshu City Tourism and Exchange Division ０５５３（３２）２１１１

19

SPRING Nirasaki City

(view from Shinpu Castle ruins)

With peach and canola flowers blooming side by side, you can also see Mt. Fuji, Mt. Kaikoma and Mt. Hōō from the windows of the trains.

■Access by train: about 15 minutes by foot from Shinpu Station (JR) ■Best time to see the flowers: mid to late April

CONTACT Nirasaki City Tourism Association ０５５１（２２）１９９１

20

SPRING Minami Alps City (view from Fruit Line)

Fields full of peach trees spread from the foothills of the snow-covered Minami Alps, creating a pink carpet along with the plum flowers. The view from Loop Bridge is particularly beautiful.

■Address: Minami Alps City ■Access by train: about 30 minutes from Kōfu Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 15 minutes from Shirane IC ■Best time to see the flowers: early to mid-April

CONTACT Minami Alps City Tourism, Commerce, and Industry Division: ０５５（２８２）６２９４

21

SPRING Mt. Fuji Foothill Fujishibazakura (Fujikawaguchiko Town)

More than 700 thousand shibazakura (a thick-growing and moss-like flower) cover a 2.4 hectare area on one side of Lake Motosuko, creating a stunning red, white, and pink carpet of flowers.

■Address: 212 Motosuko, Fujikawaguchiko Town ■ Access by train: about 30 minutes by shuttle bus from (Fujikyukō Line) ■Access by car: about 25 minutes from Kawaguchiko IC ■Best time to see the flowers: mid-April to late May

CONTACT Fuji Shibazakura Festival Office: ０５５５（８９）３０３１ 22

SPRING Mt. Ogi Azaleas (Otsuki City)

A popular spot for hiking and listed as one of the 100 Best Japanese Low Mountains, Mt. Ogi provides a great view of Mt. Fuji. Along the trail, azaleas in vivid colors make the hike more pleasant.

■Address: Torizawa, Tomihama-machi, Otsuki City ■Access by train: about 10 minutes by taxi + 60 min on foot from Torisawa Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 30 minutes from Otsuki IC ■Best time to see the flowers: early to late May

CONTACT Otsuki City Industry and Tourism Division: ０５５４（２０）１８２９

23

SPRING Hōkyōji Yamabuki Kusa (Tsuru City)

A bright yellow carpet made by yamabuki kusa (Japanese kerria) flowers spreads on the back slopes of this famous temple. It was designated as a Yamanashi Prefecture natural monument.

■Address: 1047 Katsura-machi, Tsuru City ■Access by train: about 10 minutes by foot from Higashi Katsura Station (Fujikyukō Line) ■Access by car: about 15 minutes from Tsuru IC ■Best time to see the flowers: late April to early May (contact for more information)

CONTACT Tsuru City Tourism Association ０５５４（４３）１１１１

24

SPRING Nishizawa Gorge Shakunage (Yamanashi City)

(Photography：Yamanashi City Tourism Association） In one of the most beautiful gorges in the country, you can enjoy several waterfalls and shakunage flowers (a type of alpine flower) from the tracking course.

■Address: Mitomi Kawaura, Yamanashi City ■ Access by train: from Yamanashi City Station (JR), take the bus heading to Nishizawa Keikoku Entrance ■Access by car: about 50 minutes from Katsunuma IC ■Best time to see the flowers: early to late May CONTACT Yamanashi City Tourism Division: ０５５３（２２）１１１１ 25

SPRING Kosuge Mitsuba Azalea (Kosuge Village)

The mitsuba azaleas color the hills and fields of Kosuge. People in the village feel that spring starts only once this flower has bloomed.

■Address: throughout Kosuge Village ■Access by train: about 50 minutes by bus from Okutama Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 40 minutes from Otsuki IC ■Best time to see the flowers: early to mid-April

CONTACT Kosuge Village Natural Resource Promotion Division: ０４２８（８７）０１１１

26

SPRING Kabuki Culture Park Peonies (Ichikasa Misato Town)

In the place where the lineage of Ichikawa Danjūrō originated, peony flowers, associated with the family crest bloom in their full glory.

■Address: 3158 Ueno, Ichikawa Misato Town ■Access by train: about 10 minutes by foot from Kai Ueno Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 15 minutes from Kōfu Minami IC or 15 minutes from Masuho IC ■Best time to see the flowers: late April to early May

CONTACT Kabuki Culture Park Administrative Office: ０５５（２７２）５５００

27

SPRING Michi no Eki Narusawa Area Mitsuba Azaleas (Narusawa Village)

In the forest of red pines around the Michi no Eki Narusawa, about 2,000 azalea shrubs, the flower that symbolizes spring in the northern foothills of Mt. Fuji, blooms graciously.

■Address: 8532-63 Narusawa Village ■Access by train: about 25 minutes by bus from Kawaguchiko Station (Fujikyukō Line) ■Access by car: about 15 minutes from Kawaguchiko IC ■Best time to see the flowers: late April to early May

CONTACT Narusawa Roadside Station Office: ０５５５（８５）３９００

28

SPRING Iwamori Oriental Poppy and Cosmos Field (Kai City)

Multicolored oriental poppies run along the roads in the expansive farming areas here. In autumn, this area becomes known as the “cosmos fields.”

■Address: 1853-1 Iwamori, Kai City ■Access by train: about 20 minutes by foot from Shiozaki Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 10 minutes from Futaba Service Area Smart IC ■Best time to see the flowers: early May to early June, October

CONTACT Kai City Commerce and Tourism Division: ０５５（２７８）１７０８

29

SPRING Takizawagawa Park Irises (Minami Alps City)

70 thousand flowers, grown with great care, bloom on both sides of this park. The Iris Fair is held in the same place.

■Address: Takizawagawa Park, Ogasawara, Minami Alps City ■Access by train: about 35 minutes by bus from Kōfu Station ■Access by car: about 10 minutes from Minami Alps IC ■Best time to see the flowers: late April to early May

CONTACT Minami Alps Tourism Association: ０５５（２８２）６２９４

30

SPRING Ashigawa Clumps of Lilies of the Valley (Fuefuki City)

About 2 million lilies of the valley grow wildly in a 2.6 hectare area nearby the Ashigawa headwaters, filling the region with a rich fragrance.

■Address: Kamiashigawa, Ashigawa-chō, Fuefuki City ■Access by train: about 50 minutes by taxi from Isawa Onsen Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 40 minutes from Ishinomiya Misaka IC ■Best time to see the flowers: mid-May to early June

CONTACT Fuefuki City Tourism, Commerce, and Industry Division ０５５（２６２）４１１１

31

SPRING Nishikatsura Town Kumagaisō (Nishikatsura Town)

A perennial plant from the Orchidaceae family, the kumagaisō (Japanese orchid) has white and almost transparent petals on which you can see red and purple veins. Due to its harsh growing conditions, it is called the “Phantom Flower.”

■Address: Nishikatsura Townspeople Ground, West Side ■Access by train: about 30 minutes by foot from Mitsutōgei Station (Fujikyukō Line) ■Access by car: about 20 minutes from Tsuru IC ■Best time to see the flowers: early to mid-May

CONTACT Nishi-Katsura Town Office Industrial Promotion Division ０５５５（２５）２１２１ 32

SUMMER Akeno Sunflowers (Hokuto City)

An almost endless field of sunflowers, used many times as a filming location for movies. Every year, the Akeno Sunflower Festival is held in the area.

■Address: 5664 Asao, Akeno-chō, Hokuto City ■Access by train: about 20 minutes by bus from Nirasaki Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 15 minutes from Nirasaki IC ■Best time to see the flowers: late July to late August

CONTACT Hokuto City Tourism, Commerce, and Industry Division: ０５５１（４２）１４２３

33

SUMMER Mikubo Kōgen Mitsuba Azalea, Mountain Azalea (Koshu City)

The plateau at the entrance of Chichibu Tama Kai National Park gets colored by mitsuba azaleas and mountain azaleas.

■Address: Kamihagihara, Enzan, Koshu City ■Access by train: about 50 minutes by taxi from Enzan Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 60 minutes from Katsunuma IC ■Best time to see the flowers: early to late June

CONTACT Koshu City Tourism and Exchange Division ０５５３（３２）２１１１

34

SUMMER Otome Kōgen Renge Azalea (Yamanashi City)

(Photography：Yamanashi City Tourism Association) From Yakiyama Tōge to the Green Lodge, red renge azaleas (Japanese azaleas) spread through the 1700 meter height plateau.

■Address: Makioka, Yamanashi City ■Access by train: about 45 minutes by taxi from Yamanashishi Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 60 minutes from Katsunuma IC ■Best time to see the flowers: early June

CONTACT Yamanashi City Tourism Division ０５５３（２２）１１１１

35

SUMMER Mt. Amari Renge Azalea (Nirasaki City)

Located in the Minami Alps UNESCO Eco Park, a large cluster of deep red azaleas color the summit of Mt. Amari. From there it is possible to see Mt. Fuji, Yatsugatake, and Mt. Hōō in a stunning 360 degree panoramic view.

■Address: Asahi-machi, Nirasaki City ■Access by train: about 40 minutes by taxi from Nirasaki Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 50 minutes from Nirasaki IC ■Best time to see the flowers: early to mid-June

CONTACT Nirasaki City Tourism Association: ０５５１（２２）１９９１

36

SUMMER Myōhōji Temple Hydrangeas (Fujikawa Town)

Also called “Hydrangea Temple,” this temple is located in the middle of the mountain, surround by trees, and has about 20,000 beautiful hydrangeas. It holds the Hydrangea Festival every year.

■Address: 3063 Komuro, Fujikawa Town ■Access by train: about 20 minutes by taxi from Kajikazawaguchi Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 15 minutes from Masuho IC ■Best time to see the flowers: late June to early July

CONTACT Fujikawa Town Regional Development Division: ０５５６（２２）７２０２

37

SUMMER Utsubuna Park Hydrangeas (Nanbu Town)

About 30,000 colorful hydrangeas of 90 different varities cover this high ground area, from where the view is amazing.

■Address: 3695-4 Utsubuna, Nanbu-cho ■Access by train: about 5 minutes by taxi Utsubuna Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 70 minutes from Kōfu Minami IC or 30 min from Shinshimizu IC ■Best time to see the flowers: mid to late June

CONTACT Nanbu Town Industrial Development Division: ０５５６（６４）３１１１

38

SUMMER Lake Asumi Lotuses (Fujiyoshida City)

As part of the old Fuji Eight Lakes, Lake Asumi is also known as Hasu Ike, or the Pond of the Lotus. Early in the morning, beautiful lotus flowers can be seen in the garden.

■Address: 5-4-15 Koasumi, Fujiyoshida City ■Access by train: about 20 minutes by bus + 5 minutes on foot from Fujisan Station (Fujikyukō Line) ■Access by car: about 20 minutes from Kawaguchiko IC ■Best time to see the flowers: late July to mid-August

CONTACT Fujiyoshida City Environmental Administration Division ０５５５（２２）１１１１

39

SUMMER Mt. Takasasu Irises (Yamanakako Village)

A perennial plant from the Iridaceae family, Iris flowers can be seen growing naturally along the hiking course at Mt. Takasasu and Mt. Myōjin, covering the ground with its orange color.

■Address: 479-2 Hirano, Yamanakako Village (Yamanakako Communication Plaza Kirara) ■Access by train: about 35 minutes by Fuji-ko-go Tour Bus from Fujisan Station (Fujikyukō Line) ■Access by car: about 10 minutes from Yamanakako IC ■Best time to see the flowers: early to mid-August

CONTACT NPO Mt. Fuji Nature School ０５５５（２０）３１１１

40

SUMMER Oishi Park and Yagizaki Park Lavenders (Fujikawaguchiko Town)

From Oishi Park it is possible to see Mt. Fuji from foot to top, which makes it a great photography spot (picture of the lavender field in Oishi Park). Yagizaki Park has one of the largest lavender fields in the Kanto area, and its pleasant fragrance welcomes all visitors.

■Address: Fujikawaguchiko Village ■Access by train: about 30 minutes by bus from Kawaguchiko Station (Fujikyukō Line) for Oishi Park, about 10 minutes by bus from Kawaguchiko Station (Fujikyukō Line) for Yagizaki Park ■Access by car: about 15 minutes from Kawaguchiko IC ■Best time to see the flowers: late June to mid-July

CONTACT Fujikawaguchiko Town Tourism Division: ０５５５（７２）３１６８

41

SUMMER Keirinji Temple Water Lilies (Tsuru City)

In the pond behind the main hall, it is possible to see clusters of gracious water lilies. Water lilies bloom before noon and close once again in the evening.

■Address: 391 Kanai, Tsuru City ■Access by train: about 5 minutes by taxi from Tsurushi Station (Fujikyukō Line) ■Access by car: about 3 minutes from Tsuru IC ■Best time to see the flowers: late May to late June

CONTACT Tsuru City Industrial Tourism Division: ０５５４（４３）１１１１ 42

SUMMER Tozawa Forest Nagomi no Sato Hydrangea Road (Tsuru City)

A blue carpet covers the slope during the rainy season. You can take a walk through the hydrangea flowers and enjoy the early summer here.

■Address: Tozawa no Mori Nagomi no Sato, Tsuru City ■Access by train: about 10 minutes by taxi from Tsurushi Station (Fujikyukō Line) ■Access by car: about 10 minutes from Tsuru IC ■Best time to see the flowers: mid-June to early July

CONTACT Tsuru City Tourism Association: ０５５４（４３）１１１１

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SUMMER Chōkeiji Baikamo Flowers (Tsuru City)

Elected as one of the 100 Most Famous Waters from Heisei Period, Tōkai Ichiba and Natugaiyuseigun springs, where the subterranean water from Mt. Fuji gushes forth, are home of many Baikamo (water crowfoot), beautiful little white flowers that only bloom in clear waters.

■Address: 240 Natsugari, Tsuru City ■Access by train: about 15 minutes by foot from Higashi Katsura Station (Fujikyukō Line) ■Access by car: about 10 minutes from Tsuru IC ■Best time to see the flowers: late May to late September

CONTACT Tsuru City Tourism Association: ０５５４（４３）１１１１

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SUMMER Saruhashi Kinrin Park Hydrangeas (Otsuki City)

Colorful hydrangeas bloom along the promenade from one of the three most strange bridges in Japan, Saruhashi, to Katsura River. You can enjoy the beauty of the green, fresh valley while strolling past the hydrangeas.

■Address: Saruhashi-machi, Otsuki City ■Access by train: about 15 minutes by foot from Saruhashi Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 20 minutes from Otsuki IC ■Best time to see the flowers: latez June

CONTACT Otsuki City Industrial Tourism Division: ０５５４（２０）１８２９

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AUTUMN・WINTER Oishi Park Kokia (Fujikawaguchiko Town)

In the famous lakeside park from Kawaguchiko, the scenery of kokia (also called houkigusa, or burning bushes), which cover the west side of the walkway with their red leaves together with Mt. Fuji covered by white snow, is a must see.

■Address: 2585 Oishi, Kawaguchiko Town ■Access by train: about 30 minutes by bus from Kawaguchiko Station (Fujikyukō Line) ■Access by car: about 15 minutes from Kawaguchiko IC ■Best time to see the flowers: mid-September to mid-October

CONTACT Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center: ０５５５（７６）８２３０

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WINTER・SPRING Akasawajuku Fukujusō (Hayakawa Town)

Within a not often explored area nearby Mt. Shichimen, it is possible to spot many fukujusō (pheasant's eyes) growing in several places in the village during early spring.

■Address: Akasawa, Hayakawa Town (Akasawa Inn) ■Access by train: about 30 minutes by bus + 30 minutes on foot from Shimobe Onsen Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 50 minutes from Rokugo IC ■Best time to see the flowers: early February onwards

CONTACT Hayakawa Town Promotion Division: ０５５６（４５）２５１６

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WINTER・SPRING Tamamiya Skunk Cabbage (Koshu City)

Magnificent Japanese skunk cabbages grow naturally at a park in Tamamiya area, from Enzan Hirasawa, Koshu City. It is a must-see in the region.

■Address: 253 Enzan Hirasawa, Koshu City ■Access by train: about 25 minutes by taxi from Enzan Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 30 minutes from Katsunuma IC ■Best time to see the flowers: mid-February to late March

CONTACT Koshu City Tourism and Exchange Division: ０５５（３２）２１１１

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WINTER・SPRING Lake Yagihako Area Ume no Sato Plum Trees (Kai City)

More than a thousand plum trees of different species cover the slopes of Shikishima Sogo Park and Lake Yagihako.

■Address: 2814 Ushiku, Kai City ■Access by train: about 10 minutes by taxi from Ryuo Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 20 minutes from Nirasaki IC or 10 min from Futaba Service Area Smart IC ■Best time to see the flowers: mid-February to mid-March

CONTACT

Kai City Commerce, Industry, and Tourism Division ０５５（２７８）１７０８

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WINTER・SPRING Furouen Park Plum Trees (Kofu City)

During his trips around the country, a kimono trader from Kofu City collected approximately 3,200 plum trees of 20 different species and planted them in this 5 hectare area. Going down the hill from the west side, you can see the Chōseikaku building and Shōyō Pond surrounded by plum trees.

■Address: 3-4-3 Sakaori, Kōfu City ■Access by train: about 7 minutes by foot from Sakaori Station (JR) ■Access by car: about 20 minutes from Kōfu Minami IC ■Best time to see the flowers: mid-February to mid-March

CONTACT Furouen ０５５（２３２）３５５０

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Yamanashi Prefecture Public Relations Division Phone：055-223-1337