Fuefukigawa Fruit Park, Yamanashi

A hillside park in fruit-growing Yamanashi: Mount Fuji beyond the Kofu Basin by day, and one of Japan's "new three great night views" after dark.

Lawns and autumn trees on the slopes of Fuefukigawa Fruit Park with mountains behind — Photo: funk bass, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A persimmon tree heavy with fruit in Fuefukigawa Fruit Park, with a glass dome behind — Photo: っ, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A park themed on "flowers, fruit and wine"

Fuefukigawa Fruit Park is a prefectural park in Yamanashi City, Yamanashi Prefecture, opened in 1995. It covers about 32 hectares on a slope overlooking the Kofu Basin (a flat plain surrounded by mountains), and on clear days you can see Mount Fuji beyond the basin.

Yamanashi is known for its grapes and peaches, and the park's theme is "flowers, fruit and wine". Fruit trees are planted throughout, and you can see up close the Koshu Hacchinka (eight kinds of fruit long regarded as Yamanashi specialities) among others.

The Fruit Museum and Wanpaku Dome

The park's Fruit Museum has exhibits on fruit and wine, and its theatre shows films about fruit growing in Yamanashi and the history of Koshu grapes.

For children there is Wanpaku Dome, an indoor play facility you can use whatever the weather, and an Aqua Athletic water play area. There are also lawns, flower beds, a dog run, restaurants and shops, and within the park you will find a day-use natural hot spring bath and a hotel (Fruit Park Fujiya Hotel).

A view ranked among Japan's three great new night views

In 2003 the park was chosen as one of the "New Three Great Night Views of Japan", together with Mount Sarakura in Kitakyushu City and Mount Wakakusa in Nara City. It is also certified as a "Japan Night View Heritage" site.

After sunset, city lights spread across the whole Kofu Basin, with the silhouette of Mount Fuji rising behind them. The park's outdoor areas are open at night, so late afternoon into evening is the time to go.

It also appeared in the popular anime "Laid-Back Camp" (Yuru Camp), so anime fans know it too.

Getting there

From Yamanashishi Station on the JR Chuo Main Line it is about 7 minutes by taxi or city bus. From Shinjuku to Yamanashishi Station takes about 90 minutes on the Chuo Main Line. By car it is about 30 minutes from Katsunuma IC or other interchanges on the Chuo Expressway.

Opening hours of the indoor facilities vary by season. Check the official website for prices and hours.

Tips

Mount Fuji is visible on clear days. When clouds come in, Fuji disappears behind the far side of the basin, so check the forecast before you set out.
The park is spread over a slope, so expect plenty of ups and downs. Wear comfortable shoes.
There is a footbath in the park where you can rest your feet while enjoying the view.