Encounter Friendly Local Culture at a 750-year-old Mountain Temple and Lodgings
Minobu Town, Yamanashi
Area Highlights
Nestled in the southern part of Yamanashi Prefecture, Minobu Town is a sacred haven in the mountains, rich with spiritual significance and natural beauty. At its heart lies Minobu-san Kuon-ji Temple, the head temple of the Nichiren sect of Buddhism, a revered site that draws pilgrims and visitors alike. The town is also home to numerous picturesque temples that lie dotted across the hillside. There are about 30 temple lodgings in the area, providing travelers with an array of exquisite services, including participating in traditional festivals, donning kimonos, and savoring Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. These temple lodgings are more than just a place to stay—they offer a gateway to experiencing the quintessential Japanese mountain lifestyle. Visitors to the town can immerse themselves in local traditions by cooking with fresh and local vegetables and learning time-honored crafts from skilled artisans.
Access
From Tokyo Station to Atami Station by JR Tokaido Shinkansen, then transfer to the JR Tokaido Main Line to Fuji Station, then transfer to the JR Minobu Line to Minobu Station (3 hours)
From Shinjuku Station to Kofu Station on the JR Chuo Line (limited express Azusa/Kaiji), then transfer to the JR Minobu Line to Minobu Station (2.5–3 hours)
From the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku) at Shinjuku Station, take Keio Bus or Yamanashi Kotsu Highway Bus from Shinjuku to Minami-Alps City on the Minobu Line (4 hours)
From Haneda Airport to Minobu Station by car (3 hours)
Contact
Minobu Farm Stay Regional Association
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Telephone Number :
+81 (0)556-62-0014
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Telephone Languages :
Japanese, English
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URL :
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Email :
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Email Languages :
Japanese, English
Recommended Accommodation
Shukubo Gyogakuin Kakurinbo
Immerse yourself in the rich history of this temple with a legacy spanning 550 years. This venerable sanctuary offers 20 traditional guest rooms, where sliding doors create an authentic and serene atmosphere. Guests can engage in a variety of experiences and activities, such as joining local festivals, trying on a kimono, and yoga. Each evening, enjoy a ‘Yuba Gozen’ dinner, featuring a variety of dishes prepared with dried tofu skin, a regional specialty. With an advance reservation, guests can also enjoy a leisurely lunch while taking in the tranquil view of the temple garden.
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Address :
3510 Minobu, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi
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Telephone Number :
+81 (0)556-62-0014
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Telephone Languages :
Japanese, English
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Access :
15-minute drive from JR Minobu Station
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Check-in :
3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
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Check-out :
11:00 a.m.
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Rates :
From ¥15,000 for 2 days and 1 night with 2 meals. Festival experience ¥1,000, yuba making experience ¥2,000, trying on a kimono ¥500, morning yoga ¥2,000 (reservations required for each experience)
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Accepted Credit Cards :
VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB
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Bedroom :
No key (only a sliding door separates the room from the adjoining room)
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Bathroom :
Large public bath, small public bath, no key, interchanging between men and women, available upon request
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Toilet :
Western style
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Meals :
Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch (11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., reservation required)
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Wi-Fi :
Available
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Website URL :
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Reservation Website URL :
Recommended Accommodation
Vacation Rental ‘Ebisuya’
Stay in a beautifully renovated 90-year-old traditional Japanese house that has been converted into a charming private rental villa. This unique property features Japanese-style rooms with garden views and rooms that retain the original ambience of the era when the house was built. The house is well-equipped for a comfortable and memorable stay, offering a kitchen for self-catering, an outdoor bath, and a wooden deck, making it perfect for long-term group stays. For meals, guests can order in creative dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients, ensuring an authentic dining experience.
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Address :
3955 Minobu, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
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Telephone Number :
+81 (0)556-62-0014 (Shukubo Gyogakuin Kakurinbo)
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Telephone Languages :
Japanese, English
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Access :
7-minute drive from JR Minobu Station
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Check-in :
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
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Check-out :
11:00 a.m.
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Rates :
From ¥50,000 per house per night with no meals (available for 1-6 persons). Festival experience ¥1,000, yuba making class ¥2,000 yen, trying on a kimono ¥500, morning yoga ¥2,000 yen (reservations required for each experience)
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Accepted Credit Cards :
VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB
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Bedroom :
No key, Western beds
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Bathroom :
No key, bathtub available from check-in until check-out
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Toilet :
Western style
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Meals :
Dinner ¥8,000, Breakfast ¥2,000
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Wi-Fi :
Available
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Website URL :
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Reservation Website URL :
Recommended Restaurant
Farm Cafe Zencho
Nestled in the garden of the vacation rental ‘Ebisuya,’ this charming cafe occupies a renovated building that once served as a rest stop for staff. The café offers a delightful menu featuring pasta made with Yamanashi’s specialty houtou flat wheat noodles and spicy curry bursting with local vegetables. To complement your meal, enjoy a refreshing ‘Sumo Cider’ made from whole plums grown in Minami-Alps City.
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Address :
3955 Minobu, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
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Telephone Number :
+81 (0)556-64-8081
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Telephone Languages :
Japanese
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Access :
7-minute drive from JR Minobu Station
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Opening Hours :
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
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Closed :
No holidays
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Cuisine :
Western cuisine
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Foreign Language Menu :
Not available
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Accepted Credit Cards :
VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB
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Website URL :
Recommended Restaurant
Mountaintop Observation Restaurant ‘Minobuan’
Located at Okunoin Station on the Mount Minobu Ropeway, this restaurant offers breathtaking views alongside delicious meals. The ropeway connects Kuonji Station at the base of the mountain with Okunoin Station at the summit. From window seats, enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Mount Minobu. The menu features rice bowls, soba noodles, ramen, and other specialties made with Minobu’s renowned yuba dried tofu skin. Don’t miss the Minobu ropeway's specialty ‘Minobu Dango,’ available at the store. Whether you're seeking a hearty meal or a quick snack, this restaurant offers a perfect blend of culinary delights and scenic beauty.
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Address :
Minobu, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
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Telephone Number :
+81 (0)556-62-3226
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Telephone Languages :
Japanese
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Access :
15-minute drive from JR Minobu Station to Kuonji Station, 7 minutes by ropeway from Kuonji Station to Okunoin Station, then a short walk from Okunoin Station.
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Opening Hours :
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
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Closed :
Monday – Friday (open during national holidays)
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Cuisine :
Soba, Rice bowls
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Foreign Language Menu :
Not available
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Accepted Credit Cards :
VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB
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Website URL :
Recommended Experience
Amehatasuzuri Inkstone Carving
Amehatasuzuri inkstone carving, a traditional craft that has been handed down for over 330 years, is registered as an Intangible Cultural Asset of Yamanashi Prefecture. This intricate art form involves carving black slate ‘Amehata’ stones, mined in the upper reaches of the Amehata River, into ornate inkstones used in traditional calligraphy to produce ink. Visitors can witness the exquisite work of master craftsman, Amemiya Minekishi, who will guide you through the carving process.
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Meeting place :
3510 Minobu, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture (Gyogakuin Kakurinbo)
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Telephone Number :
+81 (0)556-62-0014 (Shukubo Gyogakuin Kakurinbo)
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Telephone Languages :
Japanese
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Access :
15-minute drive from JR Minobu Station
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Duration :
3 hours
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Fee :
¥16,000 (includes return taxi service from Gyogakuin Kakurinbo)
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Languages Supported :
Japanese
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Accepted Credit Cards :
VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB
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Website URL (Japanese Only) :
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Reservations :
Reservations required, call Gyogakuin Kakurinbo or email minobu@kakurinshoja.com
Recommended Experience
Traditional Washi Paper Making Experience
Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Yamanashi’s Nishijima Washi paper with this engaging one-hour program. The experience begins with an introduction to the 500-year history of Nishijima Washi, followed by a tour of the factory where this exquisite paper is made. Next, participants will learn the art of making and drying paper under the guidance of a skilled craftsman. Best of all, you can take home your handcrafted, dried paper on the same day.
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Meeting place :
3510 Minobu, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture (Gyogakuin Kakurinbo)
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Telephone Number :
+81 (0)556-62-0014 (Shukubo Gyogakuin Kakurinbo)
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Telephone Languages :
Japanese
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Access :
15-minute drive from JR Minobu Station
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Duration :
1 hour
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Fee :
¥9,000 (includes return taxi service from Shukubo Gyogakuin Kakurinbo)
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Languages supported :
Japanese
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Accepted Credit Cards :
VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB
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Website URL (Japanese Only) :
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Reservations :
Reservations required, call Gyogakuin Kakurinbo or email minobu@kakurinshoja.com
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