The Twelve Elegant Views of Mt. Fuji Museum
The beautiful view of Mount Fuji from Otsuki City.
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28th "Twelve Elegant Views of Mt. Fuji" Photo Contest
Grand Prize Winner
"Snow-Covered Morning"
Sakae Takehana -
29th "Twelve Elegant Views of Mt. Fuji" Photo Contest
Grand Prize Winner
"The Gemstone Town"
Hitoshi Omata -
29th "Twelve Elegant Views of Mt. Fuji" Photo Contest
Special Award
"Snowy Moonlit Night"
Sakae Takehana -
29th "Twelve Elegant Views of Mt. Fuji" Photo Contest
Special Award
"Strong Winds"
Hidetoshi Takatsu -
29th "Twelve Elegant Views of Mt. Fuji" Photo Contest
Award Winner
"Dyed in Momentary Light"
Hitoshi Omata -
29th "Twelve Elegant Views of Mt. Fuji" Photo Contest
Award Winner
"Bathed in Slanting Light"
Tadashi Kobayashi -
29th "Twelve Elegant Views of Mt. Fuji" Photo Contest
Award Winner
"Late Autumn"
Hideo Saigusa
About 1 hour from Tokyo
A day trip to Otsuki
By train to Otsuki
From JR Shinjuku Station:
About 1 hour on the Chuo Line Limited Express "Kaiji" or "Azusa"
About 1.5 hours on the Chuo Line local train
From JR Kofu Station:
About 30 minutes on the Chuo Line Limited Express "Kaiji" or "Azusa"
About 1 hour on the Chuo Line local train
For those traveling by car:
From the Tokyo area:
About 1 hour via the Chuo Expressway
Use the Otsuki IC
Google Map
Touring Otsuki City
Enjoy nature that feels far from the city, just an hour away.
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See
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Eat
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Learn
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Saruhashi Bridge (One of Japan's Three Unusual Bridges)
This bridge features a rare structure supported by four tiers of cantilevered beams extending from both banks without the use of bridge girders. Its stunning scenery, beautifully harmonized with the surrounding nature, was depicted in Utagawa (Ando) Hiroshige's View of Saruhashi Bridge in Kai Province and is designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. The surrounding area boasts well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the vibrant four seasons of the Katsura River Gorge.
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Magi Oise Mountain
Magi Oise Mountain is home to around 3,000 cherry trees, and in spring the entire mountainside turns a vibrant pink with views of Mount Fuji framed through the blossoms. The area also offers the “Five Blessings Pilgrimage,” a walking route that connects five local shrines. The full course can be completed in about one hour, making it an easy and enjoyable stroll.
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Yatate no Sugi
The Yatate no Sugi, a cedar tree over 1,000 years old, is said to have received its name from warriors who shot arrows into the tree to pray for victory before heading into battle during the Warring States period. It is mentioned in classical writings such as Kai Kokushi and Kai Soki, and has been depicted in famous artworks by renowned ukiyo-e artists like Katsushika Hokusai and the second-generation Utagawa Hiroshige during the late Edo period.
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Mount Iwadono
Mount Iwadono, rising 634 meters above sea level and just northeast of Otsuki Station, is cherished as a symbol of Otsuki City. During the Sengoku period, spanning the late 15th to late 16th century, Lord Nobushige Oyamada, one of the Twenty-Four Generals of Takeda, built Iwadono Castle on this strategic site. Counted among the three great strongholds of the Kanto region in eastern Japan, the castle’s legacy continues today in the Iwadono Mountain Fureai Hall, a medieval-style building located in Maruyama Park on the mountain’s mid-slope. From the summit of Mount Iwadono, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Mount Fuji, selected as one of Otsuki City’s celebrated Twelve Views of Mt. Fuji. The mountain attracts day-hikers and photographers throughout the year. Mount Iwadono is also one of the city’s premier cherry-blossom viewing spots. In spring, visitors can see Mount Fuji beautifully framed by blooming sakura. The walk from Otsuki Station to the Fureai Hall on the mid-slope takes about 30 minutes on foot one way.
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Yatsuzawa Power Plant Facility No. 1 Water Channel Bridge
The Yatsuzawa Power Plant of Tokyo Electric Power Company began power transmission in 1912. The No. 1 water channel bridge, spanning the Katsura River Gorge, is a 42.7-meter-long reinforced concrete single-arch bridge, which was the largest in Japan at the time of its construction. Its intricate design, created with an emphasis on blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, is also a must-see. (Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property)
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Otsuki Sake
Traditional sake brewing, recognized as a piece of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, is carried on in Otsuki using natural spring water drawn from a private well. Premium sake rice varieties such as Yamada Nishiki and Yume Sansui, grown locally under contract, are used generously, and the sake is crafted carefully by hand. The Shuyukan facility allows visitors to browse Japanese sake and local specialty products, and also offers the opportunity to enjoy sake tasting.
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Momokara
Inspired by the "Otsuki Momotaro Legend," a new Otsuki specialty called "Momokara" has been created. Its key features include the use of chicken thigh meat and onion salt koji made in Otsuki. Developed by the local restaurant group "Shokusai no Kai," it represents a fresh culinary specialty from Otsuki.
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Oiwake Ningyo puppet theater
At the base of Sasago Pass, known as a difficult section of the historic Koshu Kaido (Koshu Highway), is the village of Sasago. In this small village, a traditional puppet theater has been performed for over 300 years, passed down through the generations of this charcoal-making community.
When the villagers take breaks from their work in the mountains, they practice the plays with great passion. From their rough, hardworking hands, the puppets tell sad and beautiful stories. On snowy nights, the sound of Gidayu-bushi, a traditional song style sung with shamisen, echoes from the farmers' homes near the pass.
Sasago Oiwake Ningyo (puppet) are a type of puppet theater performed with Gidayu-bushi music. This style was brought to the area in the 18th century by puppeteers from Awaji (now Hyogo Prefecture) and has become an important part of local culture. Each puppet is controlled by three people: one moves the feet, one moves the left hand, and one moves the right hand and head. They work together in perfect harmony to bring the puppet to life.
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Otsuki Momotaro Legend
Did you know that the legendary hero Momotaro from Japanese folktales actually had his adventures in Otsuki? Long ago, a red oni (demon) lived on Mount Iwadono. This red oni had previously lived with nine blue oni on Mount Kuki, but he was expelled for being too violent. Afterward, he began tormenting the villagers.
To the east of Mount Iwadono lies Mount Momokura (Peach Storehouse), named for the many peach trees that once grew there. One day, an exceptionally large peach fell from a heavily laden tree into the river. It was picked up downstream by an old couple living in Tsurushima (in Uenohara City). Later, on his journey to confront the oni, Momotaro recruited a dog in Inume (Uenohara City), a bird in Torisawa, and a monkey in Saruhashi to join him as retainers. With courage, he launched his attack.
It is said that when the oni threw a long staff with his right hand, it landed in Sasago. When he threw a short staff with his left hand, it struck the ground, causing an earthquake. As a result, the area where rocks fell came to be known as Ishido (in Nigioka, Otsuki City).
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Tourist Information Center
The Tourist Information Center, situated just outside the ticket gates of Otsuki Station, provides visitor information focused on attractions within Otsuki City and guidance on how to reach local sightseeing spots. The center also offers a selection of local specialties and souvenirs.
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Experiences in Otsuki
Otsuki City offers a wide range of opportunities to experience nature and local culture, making use of the many natural spaces and cultural areas around the city, and is known as the gateway to Mount Fuji.
Mt. Fuji and Otsuki
Otsuki City is the northern gateway to Mount Fuji
Otsuki City is located in the eastern part of Yamanashi Prefecture. It is a town where visitors can immerse themselves in abundant nature and history, with countless spots offering spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and seasonal scenery.
Along the river terraces of the Katsura River and the Sasago River, communities have long thrived. Over time, these areas developed into a post town on the Koshu Kaido (Koshu Highway) and became well-known for their sericulture and silk weaving industry.
Long known as “the town with the most beautiful view of Mt. Fuji in Japan,” Otsuki City established the “Twelve Elegant Views of Mt. Fuji” in 1992 to showcase the stunning sight of Mt. Fuji from the city’s mountain peaks. Many hikers visit to enjoy these views.
During the Edo period, Otsuki also played a central role in the “Fuji-ko” (Mt. Fuji pilgrimage group) as a gateway and post town for pilgrims traveling from Edo (Tokyo) to Mt. Fuji. Over time.
While transportation shifted from foot travel to trains and automobiles, Otsuki City has continued to serve as a “key transportation hub” and a “gateway city,” located where the railway and expressway from the Greater Tokyo area toward Yamanashi and Nagano branch off toward Mt. Fuji.
In particular, Otsuki Station remains famous as a transfer point for many tourists visiting Mt. Fuji.
Someday, why not travel to Mt. Fuji via Otsuki City?
And while you’re at it, why not stop by and explore Otsuki itself?
Related Links
Here is the latest information on tourism in Otsuki City.
