Countryside Stay JapanCountryside Stay Japan
Encounter Friendly Local Culture at a 750-year-old Mountain Temple and Lodgings

Minobu Town, Yamanashi

Local stories

Spend four days and three nights on Mt. Minobu, one of the three most sacred mountains in Japanese Buddhism, and immerse yourself in Buddhist culture while exploring the values that underpin the spiritual culture of Japan. Visit places where traditional local crafts like Nishijima washi paper, hand-carved Rokugo seals, and Amehata inkstones are made and gain insights into the spiritual value of the area’s dedication to craftsmanship.

For your meals, make shojin ryori (traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) with the monks at a temple lodging considered to be one of the birthplaces of this culinary tradition. Try dishes featuring “imperfect” fruits from one of Japan’s Flagship Export Regions, which help produce Japanese products for people worldwide, and experience Japan’s “mottainai spirit” of making the most of everything. Or explore the production sites of heirloom crops that form the background of the local food scene and experience agricultural traditions that have been practiced continuously since antiquity, such as the cultivation of Akebono soybeans, a GI-certified crop.

The real joys of this tour lie in discovering daily life here, encompassing farming, industries, and mealtimes, through these invaluable activities. Experiencing the different cultural traditions born and nurtured in Minobu will leave you with a harmonious mindset and a sense of peace from the land itself.

Local culinary delights

On the first day, you’ll have pasta featuring hoto noodles, a traditional Yamanashi delicacy, for lunch. For dinner, enjoy a meal featuring yuba bean curd sheets and GI-certified Akebono soybean natto. Both are traditional dishes counted among the 100-Year Foods designated by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Savor their rich flavors while listening to what the local farmers have to say. You can also enjoy various dishes made with plenty of local ingredients, including Japanese-style French cuisine and vegan tempura rice bowls.

Recommended model course

Enjoy a countryside stay on Mt. Minobu, one of the three most sacred mountains in Japanese Buddhism, that highlights the timeless nature of Buddhist culture, traditional crafts, and the land’s bounty from the past into the future

Example itinerary

Enjoy a temporary stay in a traveler-friendly community associated with the head temple of the Nichiren school of Japanese Buddhism that was founded roughly 750 years ago on Mt. Minobu and immerse yourself in Buddhist culture and values. Spend your nights at a temple lodging that once served the Tokugawa family and go on a traditional, reverent hike up Mt. Minobu accompanied by Buddhist monks. Plus, tour production sites of heirloom crops, centered around GI-certified Akebono soybeans, and immerse yourself in the local agriculture and cuisine for some engaging gastronomy tourism.

Schedule

Day One

Noon | Meet at Farm Café Zencho and have hoto pasta and a salad made from locally grown, seasonal vegetables for lunch1:00 p.m. | Tour Ebisuya

Once a villa for the family of the famous merchant Mochizuki Zencho roughly a century ago, Ebisuya was abandoned and later renovated into an exclusive holiday getaway while retaining its traditional look, opening in 2019. Learn about the preservation of architectural traditions through the restoration of traditional folk houses as well as the creation of hubs for people to explore and enjoy the area. The adjoining female servants’ quarters were also renovated, reopening as Farm Café Zencho. The café serves dishes featuring local ingredients.

2:00 p.m. | Walk around and tour the Mt. Minobu area with monks while enjoying the natural environment as well as historical and cultural explanations of the area3:30 p.m. | Arrive at the Kakurinbo Temple Lodging

Nitcho Shonin (1422–1500), the head priest behind Mt. Minobu’s revival, founded this temple, with its lodgings boasting over 550 years of history. In recognition of his achievements, he came to be revered by many, including the Tokugawa family, as a deity of eyesight and scholarship. Besides traditional temple lodging activities, a wealth of other valuable experiences are available, encompassing Buddhist culture, age-old customs, cooking, and more. Another highlight is the garden designed by Buddhist monk and famed garden designer Muso Kokushi (1275–1351), which is also a Cultural Property of Minobu.

4:00 p.m. | Experience making a straw paintbrush with a local calligrapher6:00 p.m. | Have GI-certified Akebono soybean natto and a meal featuring yuba bean curd sheets and other local ingredients for dinner while listening to local farmers7:30 p.m. | Join local farmers and experience driving away and exterminating bugs from the fields with a lantern and torch, then visit the Minobusan Gobyosho mausoleum at night8:30 p.m. | Bathe and sleep

Day Two

4:45 a.m. | Meet at the entrance of your accommodations5:00 a.m. | Observe the ringing of Minobusan Kuonji’s temple bell and participate in a morning Buddhist service

Okunoin Shishinkaku Hall is the inner mountaintop temple of Minobusan Kuonji, the head temple of the Nichiren school of Japanese Buddhism, which was founded roughly 750 years ago. You can enjoy special exhibitions and experience Buddhist traditions as well as a traditional, reverent pilgrimage hike. Don a pilgrimage costume complete with a hat and walking stick, then hike up Mt. Minobu with reverence while chanting Nichiren verses with monks. Once you reach the top, you can experience how Buddhism has been traditionally practiced in the community through a special prayer service at Okunoin Shishinkaku Hall.

7:30 a.m. | Eat breakfast8:30 a.m. | Experience making a bento featuring onigiri rice balls and fried tofu packed with sushi rice10:00 a.m. | Don a pilgrimage costume complete with a hat and walking stick, then go on a traditional, reverent hike up Mt. Minobu while chanting Nichiren verses with monks12:30 p.m. | Take part in a special prayer service at the mountaintop Okunoin Shishinkaku Hall1:30 p.m. | Have a bento for lunch at a Mt. Fuji viewing spot2:20 p.m. | Descend the mountain via ropeway3:00 p.m. | Make Nishijima washi, a kind of Japanese paper, at Yamaju Seishi

Learn a traditional method of making Japanese paper that has been passed down since the Sengoku period (1467–1568) at a papermaking workshop. For dinner, have Japanese-style French dishes packed with lots of local ingredients at Restaurant New Port. You can also try farming activities such as those offered by local Akebono soybean farmers, Creation Farm’s rice farmer-owner, and Maruwa Chaen’s tea farmers.

5:30 p.m. | Experience making udon noodles with locally sourced flour and eat dinner7:30 p.m. | Experience the highlights of the local Oeshiki festival8:30 p.m. | Arrive at your accommodations, bathe, and sleep

Day Three

7:30 a.m. | Eat breakfast at the temple lodging9:00 a.m. | Depart from your accommodations and experience farming (details may vary depending on the season)1:00 p.m. | Eat lunch (including home cooking with the local farmwives and a cooking class)2:30 p.m. | Experience Japanese calligraphy using the washi paper and straw paintbrush you made, then turn your work into a hanging scroll6:00 p.m. | Have Japanese-style French dishes showcasing locally sourced vegetables for dinner at a local restaurant

Day Four

7:30 a.m. | Do yoga in the temple lodging’s main hall8:30 a.m. | Depart from your accommodations after breakfast10:00 a.m. | Experience kintsugi, the art of repairing pottery, by mending a broken matcha tea bowlNoon | Have a vegan tempura rice bowl for lunch, then experience making matcha in the tea bowl you repaired1:30 p.m. | Part ways on-site

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

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.

  • Address :

    3510 Minobu, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi

  • Telephone Number :

    +81 (0)556-62-0014

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese, English

  • Access :

    15-minute drive from JR Minobu Station

  • Check-in :

    3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

  • Check-out :

    11:00 a.m.

  • 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)

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB

  • Bedroom :

    No key (only a sliding door separates the room from the adjoining room)

  • Bathroom :

    Large public bath, small public bath, no key, interchanging between men and women, available upon request

  • Toilet :

    Western style

  • Meals :

    Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch (11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., reservation required)

  • Wi-Fi :

    Available

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.

  • Address :

    3955 Minobu, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture

  • Telephone Number :

    +81 (0)556-62-0014 (Shukubo Gyogakuin Kakurinbo)

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese, English

  • Access :

    7-minute drive from JR Minobu Station

  • Check-in :

    3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

  • Check-out :

    11:00 a.m.

  • 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)

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB

  • Bedroom :

    No key, Western beds

  • Bathroom :

    No key, bathtub available from check-in until check-out

  • Toilet :

    Western style

  • Meals :

    Dinner ¥8,000, Breakfast ¥2,000

  • Wi-Fi :

    Available

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.

  • Address :

    3955 Minobu, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture

  • Telephone Number :

    +81 (0)556-64-8081

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese

  • Access :

    7-minute drive from JR Minobu Station

  • Opening Hours :

    10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

  • Closed :

    No holidays

  • Cuisine :

    Western cuisine

  • Foreign Language Menu :

    Not available

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB

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.

  • Address :

    Minobu, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture

  • Telephone Number :

    +81 (0)556-62-3226

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese

  • 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.

  • Opening Hours :

    11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

  • Closed :

    Monday – Friday (open during national holidays)

  • Cuisine :

    Soba, Rice bowls

  • Foreign Language Menu :

    Not available

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB

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.

  • Meeting place :

    3510 Minobu, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture (Gyogakuin Kakurinbo)

  • Telephone Number :

    +81 (0)556-62-0014 (Shukubo Gyogakuin Kakurinbo)

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese

  • Access :

    15-minute drive from JR Minobu Station

  • Duration :

    3 hours

  • Fee :

    ¥16,000 (includes return taxi service from Gyogakuin Kakurinbo)

  • Languages Supported :

    Japanese

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB

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.

  • Meeting place :

    3510 Minobu, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture (Gyogakuin Kakurinbo)

  • Telephone Number :

    +81 (0)556-62-0014 (Shukubo Gyogakuin Kakurinbo)

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese

  • Access :

    15-minute drive from JR Minobu Station

  • Duration :

    1 hour

  • Fee :

    ¥9,000 (includes return taxi service from Shukubo Gyogakuin Kakurinbo)

  • Languages supported :

    Japanese

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB

View other Regions

Hokkaido

Tohoku

Hokuriku/
Shinshu

Kanto

Tokai

Kansai

Chugoku

Shikoku

Kyushu

Okinawa

Countryside Stay Japan
Top