Izu hot springs

Izuwa Onsen is located almost in the center of the Kofu Basin. It has a rich hot water volume of about 2,000 liters per minute, and the quality of the hot spring is a simple alkaline spring. Its transparency and gentle feel on the skin are its characteristics. It is effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, and more. Each hot spring inn has unique baths such as a bath with the scent of wood and a large open-air bath made of rocks. About a 15-minute walk from Izuwa Onsen Station is the "Izuwa Onsen Footbath Square," where you can enjoy three footbaths and a hand bath in a plaza. If you stay at a facility affiliated with the Izuwa Onsen Ryokan Cooperative Association, you can use it for free (usually 200 yen).

Yamanashi Prefecture, known as the "Fruit Kingdom," has ideal conditions for growing high-sugar and delicious fruits, such as large temperature differences between day and night, long hours of sunlight, and low precipitation. There are many fruit-picking spots around Isawa Onsen. Grapes, which boast the highest production in Japan, are available from around July to November, while peaches are available from around July to August. Other fruits, such as strawberries from January to May, cherries from May to June, and apples from September to November, can be experienced throughout the year. There are also many cafes that offer parfaits and sweets made with freshly picked fruits.

Yamanashi Prefecture is known as one of Japan's leading fruit-producing regions. In particular, the Isawa Onsen-Katsunuma area is also known as the holy land of Japanese wine, with wineries concentrated in the area. At the tourist information center directly connected to Isawa Onsen Station, you can compare and enjoy local wines. Ten wineries in the city of Fuefuki produce a total of 16 types of red, white, and rosé wines, which you can taste for 200 to 400 yen per glass. You can pour and enjoy the wine yourself from the wine server.

Just a 10-minute drive from Isawa Onsen Station is the "Kikyou Shingen Mochi Factory Theme Park". Here, you can see the entire process of making the famous Yamanashi prefecture confectionery, Kikyou Shingen Mochi, at the factory of the sweets manufacturer. You'll be amazed by the staff's skill in wrapping the mochi in a small vinyl cloth in just 5-6 seconds! The "all-you-can-pack sweets" at the outlet shop located within the facility is also very popular. You can pack various sweets, including Kikyou Shingen Mochi, for only 220 yen! It's recommended to visit in the morning due to its popularity. This is a family-friendly spot that can be enjoyed even on rainy days.

The Ishiwara Onsen area is connected to the Takeda family of Kai. It is said that by visiting the seven historic temples and shrines, you can receive blessings from the Seven Lucky Gods. The seven temples and shrines are Jotoku-ji (Ebisu), Jozo-ji (Hotei), Rencho-ji (Benzaiten), Eho-ji (Bishamon), Enmyo-ji (Daikokuten), Butsuji-zenji (Fukurokuju), and Daizokyo-ji (Jurojin). There is no set order to visit them, so plan your trip accordingly and visit them as you please.

Located about 15 minutes by car from Isawa Onsen Station, "Yamanashi Prefecture Fuefuki River Fruit Park" is surrounded by stunning views of mountains including Mt. Fuji. The park has orchards where you can see the cultivation up close, as well as playground equipment and water-flowing athletics, making it a popular spot for family trips. It's recommended to check the schedule before heading out, as there are plenty of events such as fruit picking experiences and taste comparisons that require reservations.

Located about a 20-minute drive from Ishiwa Onsen Station, past the "Yamanashi Prefecture Fuefuki River Fruit Park" and further along the Fruit Line, is "Hottarakashi Onsen". The view from the open-air bath, which overlooks the Kofu Basin and Mt. Fuji, is truly breathtaking! It's a popular day-trip hot spring with a rustic atmosphere that shows a variety of expressions depending on the time of day, such as sunrise, night view, and a sky full of stars. There are two separate baths for men and women: "Kocchi no Yu" with a direct view of Mt. Fuji, and "Acchi no Yu" with beautiful views of the morning sun and night view of the Kofu Basin. After soaking in the hot springs, be sure to try the local specialty "Onsen Tamago Age", which is a crispy and fluffy egg dish.