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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Crystal and gemstone carvings
Carved quartz crystal and gemstone jewelry tied to Kofu's 19th-century gem-cutting industry, which still accounts for roughly a third of Japan's jewelry manufacturers. ¥1,000–100,000 ($6.30–628.50)
Where: Yamanashi Jewelry Museum shop; L&Co. Jewels Japan; Shosenkyo Crystal Craft Village
Koshu Inden lacquered deerskin goods
Bags, wallets, and accessories made using a more than 400-year-old technique of applying lacquer patterns to tanned deer leather. ¥3,000–60,000 ($18.90–377.10)
Where: Indenya, Funatsu (Kawaguchiko area)
Koshu and Muscat Bailey A wine
Wine from Yamanashi's native Koshu white grape and Muscat Bailey A red hybrid, sold directly at Katsunuma wineries, often in estate-exclusive bottlings. ¥1,200–15,000 ($7.60–94.30)
Where: Manns Wine, Château Mercian, and Chateau Katsunuma in Katsunuma-cho, Koshu City
Dried Yamanashi grapes and peaches
Dried and preserved fruit reflecting Yamanashi's status as Japan's leading grape and peach producer. ¥500–2,500 ($3.10–15.70)
Where: Kosshu Yume Koji; Ito-Yokado Kofu Showa; Ichibata-style food halls at Kofu Station
Hoto noodle gift sets
Dried thick, flat wheat noodles sold with miso and pumpkin-soup base for home preparation of Yamanashi's signature hoto dish. ¥800–2,000 ($5.00–12.60)
Where: Kosakuya near Kawaguchiko Station; supermarkets and souvenir shops throughout the prefecture
Handmade glass and pottery
Glassware and ceramics made or finished on-site at Kawaguchiko craft workshops, including pieces visitors can make themselves. ¥1,500–8,000 ($9.40–50.30)
Where: Kawaguchiko Craft Park
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Kosshu Yume Koji
Compact covered shopping alley near Kofu Station with dried-fruit shops, craft stalls, and a small jewelry-heritage museum.
Where: Near Kofu Station south exit
Hours: 10:00–19:00; individual shops vary, several close Wednesdays
Shosenkyo Crystal Craft Village
Cluster of crystal and gemstone shops at Shosenkyo Gorge's upper trailhead, reflecting Kofu's quartz-carving heritage.
Where: Upper Shosenkyo Gorge, near the ropeway base station
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (roughly matching gorge and ropeway hours); shorter in winter
Katsunuma Winery Row
Cluster of historic Katsunuma wineries, including Manns Wine and Château Mercian, selling Koshu and Muscat Bailey A wine directly.
Where: Katsunuma-cho, Koshu City
Hours: 9:30–16:30, varies slightly by winery and season
Kawaguchiko Craft Park
Hands-on craft complex near Kawaguchiko offering glass-blowing and pottery workshops alongside a retail souvenir shop.
Where: Kawaguchiko, Fujikawaguchiko Town
Hours: 9:00–17:00; some workshops require booking
Oshino Hakkai Souvenir Stalls
Village food and craft stalls around Oshino Hakkai's eight spring-fed ponds, known for grilled ayu and spring-water mochi.
Where: Oshino Village
Hours: 9:00–17:00 approximately, matching village foot traffic
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
L&Co. Jewels Japan (Lucky Co. Open Factory)
Working Kofu jewelry factory offering a retail showroom and English-guided hands-on jewelry-making sessions.
Hours: 10:00–18:00; closed Sundays; workshop sessions by reservation
Yamanashi Jewelry Museum Shop
Gift shop attached to the Yamanashi Jewelry Museum selling crystal-carved and gem-set jewelry.
Hours: 9:00–17:00; closed some Tuesdays and year-end holidays
Forest Mall Fuji Kawaguchiko
Modern indoor mall near Lake Kawaguchiko combining fashion brands, local souvenirs, and dining.
Hours: 10:00–20:00 daily
Ito-Yokado Kofu Showa
Large superstore outside Kofu with groceries, clothing, and household goods, useful for stocking up during a longer stay.
Hours: 10:00–21:00 daily
Indenya Koshu Inden
Retailer of Koshu Inden, Yamanashi's centuries-old lacquer-on-deerskin craft, near Lake Kawaguchiko.
Hours: 9:30–16:00; closed Wednesdays in winter