History along the Kamanashi River, ancient pilgrimage routes and striking rocky landscapes offer different perspectives on Kai City and the surrounding travel area. The Mitake-ShÅsenkyÅ Gorge lies in Kai City and KÅfu and is designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. The Shingen Dam is also part of the region’s history: it is said to have been completed in 1560 by Takeda Shingen after 17 years of construction, to control flooding on the Kamanashi River. Here, landscapes and their use throughout history exist side by side.
Landscapes and Trails in Kai City
The Mitake-ShÅsenkyÅ Gorge stretches for about 4.1 kilometers from Tenjinmori to Sengataki. Named rock formations stand on both sides of the valley. Those interested in the connection between nature and activity can explore a different focus on the Kai City Furusato Nature Observation Trail (甲æ–市ãµã‚‹é‡Œè‡ªç„¶è¦³å¯Ÿè·¯). The route passes through varied natural scenery, with fresh greenery in spring and autumn foliage in fall. It starts at Shishidaira on Prefectural Route 101, the Shikishima-RyÅ«Å Line, continues via the Panorama-dai viewpoint in the Mitake-ShÅsenkyÅ Gorge and the Shimofukusawa-ÅŒkawa Forest Road, and returns to Shishidaira via the Shikishima-RyÅ«Å Prefectural Route.
The Mitake-Kodo, or Kamezawa Route, also connects a scenic route with a history of pilgrimage. It is one of the historic Mitake pilgrimage routes, and stone monuments can be seen along the roadside today. In the past, pilgrims used these routes to travel to Kinpu-san GojÅ-iwa and Kinzakura Shrine. In 2020, the Mitake-Kodo was recognized as part of the Mitake-ShÅsenkyÅ region’s Japan Heritage designation. Today, hikers and trail runners use the route. Its history can be viewed both through its former pilgrimage destinations and its use today.
Culture and Seasonal Events
The Daiji Gakumon Festival takes place every year on the autumnal equinox around Yamagata Shrine. The program includes a costume parade, a mikoshi procession, Shingen Taiko performances and the Miyuki Sokodai dance. “Omiyuki-san†takes place on a different date and for a different occasion: the festival is held on April 15 at the Shingen Dam and is one of the three major KÅshÅ« mikoshi festivals. The procession is accompanied by rituals for flood prevention. If you want to plan your trip around either festival, check the dates in advance.
The seasons also offer different ways to plan a visit. Fresh spring greenery and autumn foliage are highlights along the Nature Observation Trail. Cherry trees bloom in spring at Shingen Tsutsumi Park; in fall, the zelkova leaves change color, and the park is illuminated at night. A spring visit can therefore be planned differently from a trip to see the autumn foliage or attend the Daiji Gakumon Festival.
Regional Products and Other Experiences
The Iina TÅbu RyÅ«Å direct-sales shop offers the regional branded variety “Yahataimo†along with a wide selection of seasonal local vegetables. This provides a tangible connection to the agricultural products of the travel area, making it possible to plan a visit with a focus on regional produce. Suntory Tomi no Oka Winery is set on a hill of about 150 hectares and adds a striking sense of scale to the region’s landscapes.
For a relaxing bathing break, Hyakurakusen Spa offers seven different types of baths, views of the Southern Alps, Yatsugatake and Mount Fuji, and a mist sauna popular with women. If you plan a visit, check current operating conditions beforehand. A viewpoint offers yet another perspective: Akasakadai General Park, also known as Dragon Park, has a 33-meter-high observation tower with a viewing platform at a height of 22 meters. From there, you can see Mount Fuji and the KÅfu Basin; the view of Mount Fuji is included among the “100 Views of Mount Fuji in the KantÅ Region.â€
Discover more destinations: Hokuto, Tsuru, ÅŒtsuki, Nanbu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minami-Alps, Hayakawa, Yamanakako.
For the full travel guide: Yamanashi Prefecture.
