A Stargazing and Water Excursion Trip to Yamanakako

Discovering Yamanakako

Yamanakako is a small village located in Yamanashi Prefecture, right at the eastern base of Mount Fuji. It’s a peaceful little town by the serene Yamanakako Lake, one of the Fuji Five Lakes. While it’s known for water activities and its proximity to Mount Fuji, what really drew us there was its reputation as an ideal spot for stargazing—especially during the Perseids Meteor Shower. It sits beside Lake Yamanaka, the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes, making it a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, go hiking, or simply relax by the lake. What I love about Yamanakako is that it still feels undiscovered, far less touristy compared to other spots in the region.

We were drawn to Yamanakako not just because it’s close to Mount Fuji, but because of its reputation as a fantastic place for stargazing. August is when the Perseids Meteor Shower takes place, and with little light pollution in Yamanakako, the conditions for stargazing are perfect.

How We Got There

Getting to Yamanakako from Tokyo is straightforward. We decided to take the bus from Shinjuku, and booking our tickets online was easy. However, our two-hour journey turned into four hours due to traffic. If you’re traveling during peak times, especially around Obon (Japan’s mid-August holiday), it’s best to expect some delays.

Our accommodation was a cozy, traditional Japanese guesthouse. Although it wasn’t quite a ryokan (since it didn’t offer meals or onsen baths), we slept on futons laid out on tatami mats, which gave us a taste of authentic Japanese living. At first, we were a bit concerned because there was no air conditioning, but the cool mountain air in the evenings made it surprisingly comfortable. It felt refreshing compared to the sticky summer heat back in Tokyo.

Why Go to Yamanakako?

I’ve always been fascinated by the Perseids Meteor Shower. It’s an annual event that I used to watch back home, and seeing it in Japan was something I had been looking forward to for ages. My husband, knowing how much I love stargazing, surprised me with a trip to Yamanakako during Obon week so we could watch the meteor shower together. It was the perfect place to disconnect from the city and reconnect with nature.

The first night, after we arrived, we discovered a lively event by the lake. Food trucks were serving everything from grilled yakitori to freshly caught fish, and locals were out enjoying the warm summer evening. The atmosphere was relaxed and festive, and we took our time sampling the local dishes before heading down to the lake for the main event: stargazing.

The weather had been unpredictable, and just as we set up by the shore, it began to drizzle. Despite the rain, we weren’t about to give up. Others were there for probably the same purpose, with groups of people gathered along the shoreline, some with telescopes, camping tents, and blankets. Meanwhile, we hadn’t brought much—no telescope, no blanket—just ourselves because we unfortunately forgot to pack them as we were making a list of what to bring. But lying on the cool rocky ground, looking up at the sky, we were able to catch around 35 shooting stars in total and went back to our accommodation at around 1AM. Each one was more thrilling than the last, and I found myself transported back to my childhood, lying on the beach with my friends and relatives and watching the same meteor shower so many years ago.

Exploring Yamanakako

The next morning, we decided to explore the town by renting bicycles. Yamanakako is a great place to cycle, with paths that take you around the lake and through scenic countryside. As we rode, we stumbled upon several pet-friendly cafes and restaurants, which was quite surprising for me to be honest. Nearly every establishment welcomed dogs, and it was clear that Yamanakako is a popular spot for pet owners. It’s not often that you see so many places accommodating pets, which made it feel even more welcoming. This particular restaurant called Dallas Village that we dined in had several pets accompanying their owners inside the premises. This is only a few of the many places that allow dogs and other pets inside the vicinity.

We wanted to try some water activities, and there are plenty to choose from—sailing, jet skiing, even banana boating. Unfortunately, some of these activities require a Japanese boating license, which we both didn’t have. But that didn’t stop us from hopping on the swan-shaped cruise boat which was around 2,200 Yen for a relaxing tour of the lake. The gentle ride gave us a chance to appreciate the stunning surroundings and see the lake from a different perspective that would otherwise be impossible if we had stayed by the shore.

After the cruise, we were looking for something more thrilling. That’s when we spotted the water sofa ride—an inflatable sofa pulled behind a speedboat. I wasn’t sure about it at first since I tend to get seasick, but it ended up being so much fun. For about 3,000 Yen, we spent 20 to 30 minutes getting splashed and tossed around by the waves. We laughed the whole time, especially as we nearly fell off the sofa at least three times. It was a definite highlight of the trip and something I’d recommend to anyone visiting Yamanakako.

A Stroll Through History

One of the unexpected delights of Yamanakako was stumbling upon a small antique shop not far from the water excursion areas. The shop was filled with fascinating treasures, including vintage items from Japan and abroad. The shopkeeper, an older man who spoke fluent English, explained that he had been running the shop for about 30 years. He had even owned a second store in Tokyo, but the pandemic had forced him to close it.

As we browsed, I was drawn to a beautiful, unique-styled globe, while my husband found a piece of uranium glass that he had been searching for years. Although we had only packed light for the trip with two backpacks, we couldn’t resist picking up these souvenirs. It’s funny how even the smallest, most unexpected places can leave a lasting impression, enough for us to actually bring them with us back to Tokyo on top of our backpacks.

A Foodie’s Paradise

That evening, we decided to splurge a little and visit a local restaurant that specialized in charcoal-grilled dishes. The restaurant had a warm, rustic feel, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. We ordered several plates of grilled meat, and each dish was even more delicious than the last. The smoky flavor from the charcoal grill added something special to the meal, and we couldn’t help but order seconds (and thirds). Although there was a small table charge, as is common in Japan, the food was so good that we didn’t mind at all. For food lovers, this place definitely offers some real culinary gems that are worth exploring.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

On our final morning in Yamanakako, we packed our bags and said our goodbyes to the guesthouse owner who seemed to be running the place by himself. The other guests, all Japanese, were quiet but polite as we made our way out. The return trip to Tokyo was much smoother, taking only two hours this time. As we sat on the bus, I reflected on the trip and how much I had enjoyed our time in Yamanakako. From the shooting stars to the thrilling water rides, it had been the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation for us and we made the right choice of choosing it as our Obon destination.

Yamanakako is a place that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to experience the thrill of outdoor activities, immerse yourself in nature, or simply find a quiet spot to watch the stars, this town has it all. If you’re ever in Yamanashi Prefecture, make sure to add Yamanakako to your travel list. It’s the kind of place that leaves you with memories you’ll cherish for years to come.