Yamanashi Prefecture is a landlocked prefecture in the Chubu region of central Honshu, cradled in the Kofu Basin and ringed by mountains, most famously the northern slopes of Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes. Home to the Yoshida Trail, the most-used of Mount Fuji's four climbing routes, and to Japan's oldest and largest wine region around Katsunuma, Yamanashi pairs alpine and lakeside scenery with a proud viticulture and fruit-growing tradition, plus the jewelry and crystal-carving craftsmanship of its capital, Kofu City.
Yamanashi is among Japan's safest prefectures for international travellers. Violent crime is virtually nonexistent and even petty theft is rare. The main hazards are terrain- and mountain-related — Mount Fuji climbing carries altitude and sudden-weather risk in the official July–September season, Aokigahara forest poses navigation hazards off the marked trails, and typhoons or heavy rain in August–September can affect the Fuji Five Lakes area and mountain roads.
Current safety advisory
Very Safe
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) in separate locations.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides.
Trust your instincts — if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself from it.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
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- Hospitals
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- University of Yamanashi Hospital: 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi 409-3898, tel 055-273-1111 — the prefecture's main teaching hospital with emergency services. Fuji Yoshida Municipal Medical Center serves the Fuji Five Lakes area for urgent care. English capability varies by department; carrying written notes describing symptoms helps.
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- Pharmacies
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- Chain pharmacies (Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sugi Drug) near Kofu Station and Kawaguchiko Station are typically open 9:00–20:00. Prescription medication requires a Japanese prescription — bring an adequate personal supply from home.
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- Tap water
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- Safe to drink throughout Yamanashi, including Kofu, Kawaguchiko, and other Fuji Five Lakes towns. Treated municipal water meets WHO standards.
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- Altitude and Mount Fuji climbing
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- The Yoshida Trail summit sits at 3,776m. Altitude sickness (headache, nausea, dizziness) is common above the 8th station; ascend gradually, hydrate, and consider acclimatizing at a mountain hut rather than a single overnight push. Weather above the 5th station changes rapidly even in the official July–September season — temperatures near the summit can be near freezing even in August.
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- Heat and humidity (Kofu Basin)
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- July–August bring some of Japan's highest recorded temperatures, often 35°C/95°F or higher in the Kofu Basin. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and avoid strenuous activity during midday heat; the Fuji Five Lakes highland area is noticeably cooler.
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- Winter conditions
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- Roads around the Fuji Five Lakes and mountain passes can ice over December–February. Rental cars in winter should have snow tires fitted; confirm before driving in the highland areas.
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- Travel insurance
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- Japan does not provide free medical care to foreign visitors. Comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency medical evacuation is strongly recommended, particularly for Mount Fuji climbers, given the cost of mountain rescue and hut-based medical care.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
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