【Yuru Camp△】 Minobe Town, Minamikoma District, Yamanashi Prefecture
What is “Yuru Camp△”?
“Yuru Camp△” is a manga work by Afro, serialized in “Manga Time Kira Forward” since 2015, and is an outdoor-themed manga. It depicts the laid-back camping and daily lives of high school girls living in Yamanashi Prefecture, and is supported by a wide fan base as a popular work.
The greatest appeal of the work is the careful depiction of the main characters’ camping knowledge and the beautiful nature of Yamanashi Prefecture. The original author, Afro, has actually conducted research throughout Yamanashi Prefecture, faithfully incorporating real locations into the work. As a result, the landscapes and camping grounds featured in the story can actually be visited, and many fans have come to visit Yamanashi Prefecture as a pilgrimage destination.
When the TV anime Season 1 aired in 2018, its popularity exploded, and Season 2 aired in 2021, followed by SEASON 3 in 2024. Through the anime adaptation, it has become a catalyst for the camping boom and has greatly contributed to tourism promotion in Yamanashi Prefecture.
The work features various unique characters centered around Shima Rin, who loves solo camping, and Kagami Nadeishko, a member of the Outdoor Activities Club (Noku). The camping grounds and tourist spots they visit are actual famous locations in Yamanashi Prefecture, and many sites where you can enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji are featured.
Highlights of SEASON 3
In “Yuru Camp△ SEASON 3,” which aired from April 2024, the main characters became third-year high school students, and many new camping locations and attractive spots in Yamanashi Prefecture appeared. In SEASON 3, model locations throughout Yamanashi Prefecture are depicted more than ever before, with a wider range of areas serving as the stage, including Hokuto City, Nirasaki City, and Koshu City.
The characteristic of SEASON 3 is the portrayal of character growth and more authentic outdoor experiences. In addition to winter camping scenes, camping scenes from spring through summer also appear, expressing the beauty of Yamanashi Prefecture’s nature in all four seasons.
Particularly notable are the numerous spectacular spots with views of Mount Fuji. Not only the areas around the Fuji Five Lakes such as Lake Motosu, Lake Shoji, and Lake Kawaguchi, but also diverse natural environments of Yamanashi Prefecture such as the Southern Alps and Yatsugatake areas are carefully depicted. Additionally, local gourmet food and hot spring facilities are featured, proposing ways to enjoy camping and tourism combined.
In SEASON 3, the characters’ futures and aspirations are also touched upon, adding depth to the story. The way the characters grow through camping resonates with many viewers and further increases the popularity of the work.
Introduction to Model Locations in Yamanashi Prefecture
The model locations in Yamanashi Prefecture featured in the “Yuru Camp△” series are spread throughout the prefecture. The official Yamanashi Prefecture tourism website “Fuji no Kuni Yamanashi Kanko Net” has opened a dedicated webpage that provides detailed information about model locations from all series.
Yamanashi Prefecture is located on the north side of Mount Fuji and is blessed with abundant nature including the Fuji Five Lakes, the Southern Alps, and Yatsugatake. The large elevation differences allow visitors to enjoy different landscapes depending on the area. In the work, Yamanashi Prefecture’s diverse natural environment is utilized, with each camping ground depicted with its own unique charm.
The model locations are broadly classified into four areas: the northern Hokuto and Nirasaki area, the central Kofu Basin area, the southwestern Minobe and Fuji River area, and the southeastern Fuji Five Lakes area. Each area has its own characteristics, and when planning a pilgrimage, it is efficient to tour by area.
Area 1 (Hokuto City, Nirasaki City, Minami-Alps City, Kai City)
Hokuto City is located at the southern foot of Yatsugatake and is characterized by its high elevation and cool climate. In the story, numerous camping grounds and tourist spots visited by Noku members appear. In particular, the Kiyosato Highland and Kobuchisawa areas have well-equipped tourist facilities such as ranches and art museums, allowing visitors to enjoy camping combined with tourism.
Nirasaki City is a nature-rich area surrounded by the Southern Alps and Yatsugatake. In “Yuru Camp△,” roadside stations and tourist facilities within Nirasaki City appear, introducing local specialty products and cuisine. The Nirasaki City Tourism Association distributes the “Yuru Camp△ Yamanashi Prefecture Model Location Map,” supporting pilgrimage tourism.
Minami-Alps City is an area at the foot of the Southern Alps, as its name suggests, with fruit cultivation thriving. In the story, fruit picking and agricultural direct sales shops appear, depicting the richness of Yamanashi Prefecture’s agriculture. There is charm in each season, with peach blossoms in spring and grapes, persimmons, and more in autumn.
Kai City is located in the northwest part of the Kofu Basin, an area with beautiful views of Mount Fuji. The city has hot spring facilities and parks, appearing in the story as a stop-off point before and after camping. In particular, viewpoints overlooking Mount Fuji are ideal for photography.
Area 2 (Yamashi City, Koshu City, Usui City)
Yamanashi City is located in the upper reaches of the Fuefuki River and is known as a hot spring resort. In the story, hot spring facilities and fruit orchards appear, depicted as relaxation spots after camping. In particular, Hottarakashi Onsen is a popular scenic hot spring that offers panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the Kofu Basin.
Koshu City is famous as a grape and wine producing area, with wineries scattered throughout the Katsunuma area. In “Yuru Camp△,” shops dealing in local cuisine and specialty products appear, introducing Yamanashi Prefecture’s food culture. Additionally, nearby hiking spots such as Mount Daibosatsu make it an ideal base for outdoor activities.
Usui City boasts the number one production of peaches and grapes in Japan and is known as a fruit kingdom. In the story, fruit parks and direct sales shops appear, depicting scenes of enjoying seasonal fruits. The spring cherry blossom viewing with peach flowers is particularly beautiful, and the scenery dyed in pink is spectacular.
This area is located in the central part of the Kofu Basin with good transportation access. Access from the Katsunuma IC and Ichinomiya Misaka IC on the Chuo Expressway is convenient, making day trips from the greater Tokyo area possible.
Area 3 (Fujikawa Town, Minobe Town, Nanbu Town)
Minobe Town is one of the most important locations as a sacred site for “Yuru Camp△.” The “Kouan Campground” on the shores of Lake Motosu is where Rin and Nadeishko first meet in Episode 1 of the work, making it a must-visit spot for fans. Mount Fuji as seen from Lake Motosu is known as the “Mount Fuji on the Thousand Yen Bill” and offers spectacular views of an inverted Mount Fuji.
The “Motosu Lake Central Lodge,” the management office of Kouan Campground, appears in the story and provides rental of camping equipment and sales of food materials. Camping on the lakeside allows you to immerse yourself in nature in a quiet environment, making it ideal for solo camping.
Minobe Town also has Lake Shiorenren. It is not part of the Fuji Five Lakes but is counted as one of the Fuji Eight Seas, a small lake positioned at an elevation of 850 meters, a mountain lake. In the story, it appears as a place where Nadeishko and Rin enjoyed yakiniku camping, with a quiet and mysterious atmosphere being its charm. There are mountain lodges on the lakeside where accommodation and camping are possible.
Fujikawa Town is an area in the Fuji River basin with well-equipped roadside stations and hot spring facilities. In the story, it appears as a rest spot during travel, depicting scenes of enjoying local specialty products and light meals.
Nanbu Town is located in the uppermost reaches of the Fuji River, in a nature-rich mountainous area. It is also known as a producing area for Nanbu tea, with local cuisine introduced in the story. This area is near the border with Shizuoka Prefecture and is also convenient as a base for travel to the Shizuoka direction.
Area 4 (Fujikawaguchiko Town)
Fujikawaguchiko Town is the area of the Fuji Five Lakes with the most tourism development. It has four lakes: Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Saiko, Lake Shoji, and Lake Motosu, with numerous spots to enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji. In “Yuru Camp△,” camping grounds and tourist facilities around each lake frequently appear.
Lake Kawaguchi is the lowest elevation of the Fuji Five Lakes, with the surrounding area having well-equipped tourist facilities including museums, sightseeing boats, and ropeway. In the story, the Kawaguchi Lake Bridge and lakeside parks appear, depicting beautiful scenery with Mount Fuji as a backdrop. In particular, the lakeside in the early morning where an inverted Mount Fuji can be seen is a famous photography spot.
Lake Saiko is the quietest and most natural-rich of the Fuji Five Lakes. In the story, a camping ground on the shores of Lake Saiko appears, depicting camping in a quiet environment. The Lake Saiko area also has natural spots such as the Aokigahara Sea of Trees, ice caves, and wind caves, allowing visitors to experience an sense of exploration.
Lake Shoji is the smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes, but is known for its beautiful views of Mount Fuji. In the story, the view of Mount Fuji from the shores of Lake Shoji appears, with its beauty emphasized. There are small camping grounds on the lakeside, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy camping quietly.
Fujikawaguchiko Town has well-equipped day-use hot spring facilities such as “Fuji Chobou no Yu Yurari.” Hot spring facilities also appear in the story, introduced as spots to relieve fatigue after camping. Bathing while viewing Mount Fuji is an extraordinary experience. There are 16 types of baths, and a restaurant using local Yamanashi Prefecture ingredients is also available.
Yamanashi Prefecture Wide-Area Model Location Map
The official Yamanashi Prefecture tourism website “Fuji no Kuni Yamanashi Kanko Net” publishes a Yamanashi Prefecture wide-area model location map for the “Yuru Camp△” series. This map is a compilation of model locations and spots that appeared in all series from SEASON 1 to SEASON 3, making it an essential tool for pilgrimage tourism.
The map is color-coded by area, making the positional relationships between each spot clear at a glance. Additionally, each spot has information about its appearance in the story and episode number, a treasure trove of information for fans.
The digital version of the map can be viewed on smartphones and tablets, and GPS features allow users to check distance and direction from their current location. Detailed information links for each spot are also provided, allowing access to practical information such as business hours and access methods.
Printed versions of the map are distributed free at tourism information centers throughout Yamanashi Prefecture, roadside stations, and some camping grounds. The Nirasaki City Tourism Association and tourism associations of each municipality also distribute them, making them available at various locations when touring multiple areas.
The map includes not only model locations but also surrounding tourist spots and gourmet information. It introduces nearby hot spring facilities, direct sales shops handling local specialty products, and recommended restaurants, proving useful in planning trips combining pilgrimage tourism and sightseeing.
Additionally, the map includes recommended spots for each season. Information is packed with ways to enjoy Yamanashi Prefecture’s charm throughout the four seasons, from spring peach blossoms to summer greenery, autumn foliage, and winter snowy landscapes.
Pilgrimage Tourism Tips and Access Information
When planning a pilgrimage for “Yuru Camp△,” keeping several points in mind will make for a more fulfilling trip.
First, the choice of transportation is important. Since model locations in Yamanashi Prefecture are scattered over a wide area, traveling by automobile is most convenient. Renting a car allows you to freely visit each spot. Using the Chuo Expressway, you can access the prefecture in about 2 hours from Tokyo.
When using public transportation, utilize JR Chuo Main Line and buses. However, some spots like camping grounds are difficult to reach by public transportation, so it’s important to confirm transportation options in advance. The Fujikyu Railway Line is convenient for accessing the Fuji Five Lakes area.
For accommodation, staying at a camping ground is recommended, but beginners and those visiting in winter may prefer hotels or traditional inns. Yamanashi Prefecture has plenty of hot spring inns and business hotels to choose from based on budget and purpose.
When using camping grounds, advance reservation is essential. In particular, popular spots like Kouan Campground fill up quickly on weekends and holidays. Additionally, many facilities offer rental services for camping equipment, making it easy for beginners to enjoy camping.
Photography etiquette is also important. Many model locations are actual operating facilities or private land. When photographing, be considerate of other visitors and follow facility rules. In particular, at camping grounds, respecting other campers’ privacy is essential.
Seasonal selection is another important consideration. The work features many winter camping scenes, but spring and autumn are recommended for beginners. Summer offers cool and comfortable conditions in high-elevation areas, but the Fuji Five Lakes region becomes crowded with tourists. Winter requires proper cold-weather preparation, but the crisp air makes Mount Fuji appear more beautiful.
Related Events
Yamanashi Prefecture regularly hosts events related to “Yuru Camp△.” These events bring together fans of the work with projects designed to enhance enjoyment of pilgrimage tourism.
Stamp rallies are sometimes held in coordination with anime broadcasting seasons. Collecting stamps while touring major model locations throughout the prefecture offers benefits such as limited merchandise. Stamp rallies increase motivation for pilgrimage tourism and serve as an opportunity to systematically plan visits to various spots.
Additionally, local tourism facilities and shopping areas sometimes sell “Yuru Camp△” collaboration products and limited-time menu items. Character-designed souvenirs and menus recreating dishes featured in the story offer welcome projects for fans.
Camping grounds sometimes host event camps themed around “Yuru Camp△.” These include opportunities to recreate camping scenes from the story or interact with fellow fans, allowing visitors to more deeply experience the work’s world.
Yamanashi Prefecture and each municipality’s tourism associations actively engage in tourism promotion utilizing “Yuru Camp△.” Latest event information is distributed through official websites and SNS, so it’s recommended to check before visiting.
In particular, with the broadcast of SEASON 3, the dedicated webpage was redesigned and reopened. Information about newly featured model locations and details about nearby tourist spots have been added, making more fulfilling pilgrimage tourism possible.
Gourmet Food and Souvenirs from Yamanashi Prefecture
One of the charms of “Yuru Camp△” is the delicious-looking cuisine featured in the story. Yamanashi Prefecture has numerous gourmet foods and specialty products that appeared in the work.
Houtou is a representative local dish of Yamanashi Prefecture. Thick, flat noodles are simmered with vegetables in a miso-based soup, and scenes of characters eating this appear in the story. It’s especially delicious in cold seasons and warms the body.
Yoshida udon is a specialty of Fujiyoshida City, characterized by thick noodles with strong chewiness. In the story, a local udon restaurant appears, depicting its volume and deliciousness. The traditional style is topped with cabbage and horse meat.
Fruits are representative specialty products of Yamanashi Prefecture. Various fruits including peaches, grapes, and cherries can be enjoyed by season. In the story, fruit picking and scenes of purchasing fruit at direct sales shops appear, introducing the richness of Yamanashi Prefecture’s fruit cultivation.
Wine is also a specialty product of Yamanashi Prefecture, with Koshu Wine being internationally recognized. The story includes scenes of adult characters enjoying wine, depicting Yamanashi Prefecture’s wine culture.
Shingyoku mochi is a famous souvenir. This traditional Japanese sweet is eaten with soybean powder and black molasses and is a representative confectionery of Yamanashi Prefecture. Dried houtou noodles, local wine, and products made from fruits such as jam and juice are also popular.
“Yuru Camp△” related merchandise is also popular as souvenirs. Numerous items including character goods and locally collaboration products with the work are sold, making memorable keepsakes for fans.
See Other Specials
The official Yamanashi Prefecture tourism website “Fuji no Kuni Yamanashi Kanko Net” has various other special feature pages besides “Yuru Camp△.” These include spectacular spots around Mount Fuji, hot spring specials, gourmet specials, seasonal event information, and more, introducing Yamanashi Prefecture’s charm from multiple angles.
Tourism information around Mount Fuji is particularly extensive, with detailed introductions of climbing information, view spots, and nearby tourist facilities. Mount Fuji is a symbol of Yamanashi Prefecture and is depicted as important background in “Yuru Camp△.”
The hot spring special introduces day-use hot spring facilities and hot spring inns throughout the prefecture. This information is useful when planning trips combining camping and hot springs.
The gourmet special features a wide range of dining establishments, from local dishes such as houtou and Yoshida udon to Western cuisine like French and Italian. Numerous restaurants utilizing local ingredients are listed.
Seasonal event information introduces events throughout the four seasons including peach blossom festivals, grape festivals, and autumn foliage festivals. It’s recommended to participate in seasonal events while combining them with pilgrimage tourism.
Additionally, Yamanashi Prefecture has various other locations that served as settings for anime and films. Those interested in anime tourism may wish to visit sacred sites from other works as well.
Link Collection
Compiled below are helpful links for “Yuru Camp△” pilgrimage tourism and Yamanashi Prefecture sightseeing.
Official Information
- Fuji no Kuni Yamanashi Kanko Net (Yamanashi Prefecture Official Tourism Website): The special “Yuru Camp△” page features complete series model location maps and detailed information.
- Nirasaki City Tourism Association: Information about Yamanashi Prefecture model location map distribution and tourism information for the Hokuto and Nirasaki area.
- Fujikawaguchiko Town Tourism Federation: Rich information about tourism and camping grounds in the Fuji Five Lakes area.
- Minobe Town Tourism Association: Information about important sacred sites such as Kouan Campground and Lake Shiorenren.
Camping Ground Information
- Kouan Campground (Motosu Lake Central Lodge): The sacred site that appeared in Episode 1 of the work. Information about reservation methods and fees can be confirmed.
- Fuji Chobou no Yu Yurari: A day-use hot spring facility ideal for use after camping. Operating hours and fee information are listed.
Transportation Information
- JR East: Check Chuo Main Line schedules and fare information.
- Fujikyu Railway: Information about this private railway convenient for accessing the Fuji Five Lakes area.
- Yamanashi Kotsu: Route bus information throughout the prefecture.
Utilize these links to plan an fulfilling pilgrimage journey.
Summary
Yamanashi Prefecture, the setting for “Yuru Camp△,” is a region full of charm with spectacular views of Mount Fuji, abundant nature, delicious cuisine, and warm-hearted people. By learning about Yamanashi Prefecture’s charm through the work and actually visiting, you can not only experience the world of anime but also discover the true goodness of Yamanashi Prefecture.
Pilgrimage tourism is not merely visiting the settings of a work but rather a journey to enjoy the culture, nature, and encounters with people of a place. Like the characters in “Yuru Camp△,” the laid-back but sincere approach to nature and camping enriches a Yamanashi Prefecture trip.
Through all series up to SEASON 3, various charms of Yamanashi Prefecture are depicted. From the Yatsugatake area in the north to the Fuji Five Lakes area in the south, different scenery and experiences await. While it may be difficult to visit all locations in one trip, Yamanashi Prefecture has charm that makes you want to visit repeatedly.
Why not try the outdoor experience that “Yuru Camp△” prompted, even if you’re a camping beginner? Many camping grounds in Yamanashi Prefecture have well-equipped facilities for beginners and allow safe enjoyment of camping. Using the camping knowledge depicted in the work as a reference, find your own camping style.
Yamanashi Prefecture is a precious place where you can enjoy abundant nature and tranquility despite being reachable by day trip from Tokyo. Through “Yuru Camp△” pilgrimage tourism, spend special time away from daily life and refresh both body and mind.
With beauty in every season, Yamanashi Prefecture offers new discoveries whenever visited. Spring peach blossoms, summer greenery, autumn foliage, and winter snowy landscapes with Mount Fuji. By visiting multiple times through seasons, understanding of the work deepens and affection for Yamanashi Prefecture grows.
The leisurely time and calm daily life in nature that “Yuru Camp△” depicts provide peace of mind to those of us leading busy lives in modern society. The experience of visiting Yamanashi Prefecture’s sacred sites, immersing in the world of the work, and spending time facing yourself will surely become invaluable.
Now, let’s embark on a laid-back journey to Yamanashi Prefecture, the sacred site of “Yuru Camp△.”
