• Walk through Akasawa Shuku, a historic post town with preserved Edo-period streets.
• Experience the thrill of Amehata Lake’s suspension bridge over emerald waters.
• Enjoy making your own Shinishi Amahata inkstone and experience calligraphy.
• Climb Mount Shichimen with a mountain guide, visiting the sacred Keishin-in temple.
• Admire the framed view of Mount Fuji from Zuishin Gate on the pilgrimage route.
• Stay 1 night at Villa Amehata, where you will have comfort and hot spring relaxation.

On this 2-day tour, you will start by meeting at Minobu Station and heading to the South Alps Plaza for a farm-style lunch. Explore historic Akasawa Shuku, stroll along its stone-paved streets, and enjoy a relaxing drink at Shimizuya. Next, experience the thrill of the suspension bridge over emerald Amehata Lake and try your hand at traditional inkstone carving and calligraphy. Spend the night at Villa Amehata, where you can also enjoy the hot springs.

On the second day, embark on a guided pilgrimage climb of Mount Shichimen toward Keishin-in Temple, including lunch and a chanting experience.

After descending, you will be transferred back to the South Alps Plaza, completing your spiritual and cultural journey through Deep Yamanashi.

Akasawa-Shuku

Akasawa has been known since medieval times as a post town on the pilgrimage route connecting the sacred Minobu Mountain and the spiritual site of Mount Shichimen. In the early Edo period, thanks to the contributions of Omama, a concubine of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the ban on women visiting Mount Shichimen was lifted.

As pilgrimages such as the Minobu-kō became popular, the number of visitors to Mount Shichimen rapidly increased. Travelers often used Akasawa’s inns, porters, and palanquin bearers, making the town a lively hub.

From the Taisho to Showa periods, the opening of the Minobu Line further boosted pilgrim numbers, bringing Akasawa Shuku to its peak. Although usage declined from the 1950s due to improved roads and transport, the traditional rows of houses and stone-paved streets still preserve the town’s historic charm.

In 1993, it was officially designated a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings.

Amehata Lake (Suspension Bridge)

The suspension bridge, about 120 meters long, allows only five people at a time, giving visitors a thrilling experience. From the bridge, you can enjoy the breathtaking emerald green waters of Amehata Lake and possibly observe local mountain birds unique to the area.

KENSHOAN (Inkstone Workshop)

In the Amehata River valley, raw stones awakened from a long slumber reveal a deep black shine, shaped beautifully by nature. For over 700 years, skilled artisans have carved these inkstones, which have been treasured by many calligraphy enthusiasts. KENSHOAN was established to help more people appreciate the cultural value of inkstones and to promote new cultural creativity. Visitors can watch inkstone-making demonstrations and admire these traditional works of art.

Zuishin Gate (Framed View of Mount Fuji)

This gate stands in front of the Gokō Yōhaisho (Pilgrimage Hall) on 49th Street of Omotesando. This gate was rebuilt in 1921 (Taisho 10) with a grand double-roof design. Statues of the Right and Left Ministers are enshrined within. On clear days, Mount Fuji is perfectly framed when viewed from inside the gate, creating a stunning “picture frame” effect.

Departure Dates As the itinerary includes approximately 7.5 hours of trekking, participants under junior high school age (under 13 years old) cannot join.

• September: 19 (Fri), 26 (Fri)
• October: 10 (Fri), 18 (Sat), 24 (Fri), 31 (Fri)
• November: 7 (Fri), 14 (Fri)
• December: 5 (Fri), 12 (Fri)

Meeting Point & Time

• In front of Minobu Station Rotary (Meeting time: 11:45) Transportation to and from the meeting/disbanding point is not included.