8 Attractions in Yamanashi worth your time
Japan Gems
Yamanashi prefecture has attractions for every visitor, from the thrill rides of Eejanaika and Do-Dodonpa to the relaxing Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen. This area offers a diverse range of experiences for your trip.
Yamanashi has 8 attractions on Japan Gems. Below are the 8 we can tell you the most about — each one written up in English from Japanese sources, with what to see and how to get there. See all attractions in Yamanashi.
01
Shoji-no-Osugi
YAMANASHI · ATTRACTION 精進の大スギ
See a 1,200-year-old cedar, a National Natural Monument, within a shrine.
What it is
- A giant cedar tree, 1,200 years old.
- Also known as "Sennen Sugi" (Thousand-Year Cedar).
- Designated a National Natural Monument in 1928.
- Located within the grounds of Suwa Shrine.
What to see
- A cedar tree approximately 40 meters tall.
- Trunk circumference at base is 12.6 meters.
- Branch spread is 7.5 to 11.3 meters.
- Second largest cedar in Yamanashi Prefecture.
Getting there
- Accessible by bus from Kawaguchiko Station.
- Accessible by car from Kawaguchiko Interchange.
02
Takabisha
YAMANASHI · ATTRACTION 高飛車
Takabisha is a record-breaking roller coaster at Fuji-Q Highland, known for its steep drop.
What it is
- A roller coaster at Fuji-Q Highland amusement park.
- Opened on July 16, 2011.
- One of the park's four major roller coasters.
- Designed and manufactured by Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GmbH.
What to see
- A linear launch system for acceleration.
- A 121-degree drop, certified by Guinness World Records.
- A 1004-meter long course.
- Seven different twists and rotations.
- A vertical lift to 43 meters.
- Ride vehicles with 4 seats per row.
03
Do-Dodonpa
YAMANASHI · ATTRACTION ド・ドドンパ
Do-Dodonpa was a record-breaking roller coaster, now closed, known for its extreme speed and acceleration.
What it is
- A roller coaster at Fuji-Q Highland in Yamanashi Prefecture.
- Opened on July 15, 2017, and closed on March 13, 2024.
- Previously named "Dodonpa" from 2001 to 2016.
- One of the park's four major roller coasters.
What to see
- Achieved a top speed of 180 km/h.
- Featured a large loop with a 39.7-meter diameter.
- Used an air launch system for acceleration.
- Acceleration reached 3.75G at the start.
04
Dodonpa
YAMANASHI · ATTRACTION ドドンパ
Dodonpa was a record-breaking roller coaster known for its extreme speed and vertical loop.
What it is
- A roller coaster at Fuji-Q Highland amusement park.
- Opened on July 15, 2017, ceased operations March 13, 2024.
- One of the park's four major coasters.
- The park's first linear acceleration coaster.
What to see
- Reached a top speed of 172 km/h in 1.8 seconds.
- Used an air launch system with compressed air.
- Featured Japan's first vertical tower.
- Had a large vertical loop with a 39.7m diameter.
05
Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen
YAMANASHI · ATTRACTION 富士河口湖温泉郷
Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen offers relaxing hot springs with Mount Fuji views, a perfect hour-long escape.
What it is
- A hot spring resort in Yamanashi Prefecture.
- Located on the shore of Lake Kawaguchiko.
- Opened in 1992 with five hot spring sources.
- Over 50 hot spring inns are in the area.
Getting there
- Nearest train station is Kawaguchiko Station.
- Funatsu and Asakawa areas are 10-15 minutes walk.
- Kawaguchi area is accessible by retro bus.
- 10-15 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko IC.
06
Fujiyama
YAMANASHI · ATTRACTION キング・オブ・コースターFUJIYAMA
Fujiyama is a record-breaking roller coaster at Fuji-Q Highland, offering thrills and views of Mount Fuji.
What it is
- A large roller coaster in Fujiyoshida City.
- Opened on July 17, 1996.
- Named after Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain.
- One of Fuji-Q Highland's four major roller coasters.
What to see
- First drop is 70 meters from 79 meters high.
- Maximum speed is 130 km/h.
- Longest lift hill chain in Japan.
- FUJIYAMA Tower is an observation tower.
07
Eejanaika
YAMANASHI · ATTRACTION ええじゃないか
Eejanaika is a record-holding 4th Dimension Coaster at Fuji-Q Highland, offering a unique and intense ride.
What it is
- A roller coaster at Fuji-Q Highland.
- Opened on July 19, 2006.
- Japan's first 4th Dimension Coaster.
- One of the park's four major roller coasters.
What to see
- A 76-meter tall roller coaster.
- Ride themed as a Japanese shrine.
- Guinness World Record for 14 rotations.
08
Moonsault Scramble
YAMANASHI · ATTRACTION ムーンサルトスクランブル
Moonsault Scramble was a record-breaking roller coaster, notable for its unique pretzel loop and high G-force.
What it is
- A large roller coaster at Fuji-Q Highland.
- Developed by Meisho Special Industry.
- Began operation on July 24, 1983.
- Ceased operation in April 2000.
What to see
- A pretzel-shaped loop 26.5 meters in diameter.
- Part of its former site is now occupied by other rides.