【Yuru Camp△】 Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minobu District, Yamanashi Prefecture
What is “Yuru Camp△”? The Appeal of a Popular Anime Set in Yamanashi
“Yuru Camp△” is a manga work by Afro, serialized in “Manga Time Kirara Forward” since 2015. It is an outdoor-themed manga that depicts the everyday lives of high school girls enjoying camping and outdoor activities, set throughout Yamanashi Prefecture, centered on Minobe Town in Yamanashi Prefecture. The work has captivated many fans as a popular series.
The original author, Afro, has actually conducted research at various locations throughout Yamanashi Prefecture, carefully incorporating camping knowledge and real landscapes into the work. For this reason, many of the scenery and facilities featured in the anime are real, and have become topics of interest as pilgrimage destinations.
The anime series has aired SEASON 1 (2018), SEASON 2 (2021), and SEASON 3 (2024) to date, and a theatrical film has also been released, with its popularity continuing to expand. The charm of Yamanashi Prefecture—beautiful nature, stunning views of Mount Fuji, hot springs, gourmet food, and more—is being transmitted nationwide through the work, and the number of tourists actually visiting Yamanashi Prefecture is increasing.
SEASON 3 Highlights and New Sacred Pilgrimage Spots
In SEASON 3, which aired in 2024, many new areas and spots within Yamanashi Prefecture that were not depicted in previous series made their appearances. As the protagonists grow, their range of activities expands, and the diverse charms of Yamanashi are depicted more richly.
In SEASON 3, the northwestern Yamanashi areas such as Hokuto City and Nirasaki City, as well as the eastern areas such as Koshu City and Yamashi City, appear as new settings. In addition to the areas previously centered on Minobe Town and Fujikawaguchiko Town, all of Yamanashi Prefecture is now depicted in greater detail.
New camping sites, hot spring facilities, and gourmet spots have also increased, further expanding the ways to enjoy pilgrimage tourism. The official Yamanashi Prefecture tourism website has also published special pages corresponding to SEASON 3, with model location maps being updated regularly, and efforts by the prefecture as a whole are becoming more active.
How to Use the Yamanashi Prefecture-Wide Model Location Map
The official Yamanashi tourism website “Fuji no Kuni Yamanashi Tourism Net” publishes a model location map for the entire Yamanashi Prefecture for the “Yuru Camp△” series. This map classifies anime-featured spots by area and provides comprehensive information including details about each spot, access methods, and surrounding tourism information.
The map is divided into four main areas, each introducing spots with distinctive characteristics. Since it is viewable on smartphones, you can check it in real time while moving during actual pilgrimage tourism.
Additionally, each spot includes comparison photos with anime scenes and information about featured episodes, allowing you to enjoy the pilgrimage while reflecting on the work. The official page is updated regularly, with new spots featured in each SEASON being added periodically.
Area 1: Sacred Pilgrimage Spots in Hokuto City, Nirasaki City, Minami-Alps City, and Kai City
This area, located in the northwestern part of Yamanashi Prefecture, is a region surrounded by the magnificent nature of the Yatsugatake and Southern Japanese Alps. With many new spots featured in SEASON 3, it has become a noteworthy area.
Main Spots in Hokuto City
Hokuto City is a nature-rich area spreading out at the foot of Yatsugatake, with many camping sites and hot spring facilities. In the work, it appears as a camping site visited by the protagonists, with scenes of stargazing depicted impressively.
Around the Kiyosato Highland and Kobuchiazawa areas, facilities that served as models for camping sites featured in the work are scattered throughout, and you can enjoy the same scenery. Additionally, local gourmet spots and roadside stations are featured in the work, making it possible to enjoy pilgrimage tourism combined with meal breaks.
Spots in Nirasaki City and Minami-Alps City
Nirasaki City is an area with many scenic spots where both Mount Fuji and the Southern Japanese Alps can be viewed. In the work, views from observation decks and local shopping streets are depicted. In Minami-Alps City, hot spring facilities and fruit orchards appear, allowing you to enjoy scenery characteristic of Yamanashi.
Area 2: Sacred Pilgrimage Spots in Yamashi City, Koshu City, and Usui City
This area, located in the eastern part of Yamanashi Prefecture, is a region where fruit cultivation such as grapes and peaches is thriving, with beautiful scenery changing with the seasons.
Hot Springs and Scenic Sites in Yamashi City
In Yamashi City, there are spots that became models for hot spring facilities featured in the work. The scenery around famous hot spring facilities such as Hottarakashi Onsen appears in the work, and you can actually enjoy hot springs while viewing the same scenery.
The scenery along the Fuefuki River and driving scenes along the Fruit Line are depicted impressively, showing different faces with the seasons—peach blossoms in spring and grape vine foliage in autumn.
Wineries and Historical Spots in Koshu City
Koshu City is known as one of Japan’s leading wine-producing regions, and the work features scenery of wineries and grape fields. Historic streetscapes and historic sites related to Takeda Shingen are also depicted, allowing you to enjoy tourism combined with sightseeing.
Fruit Orchards and Hot Spring Areas in Usui City
Usui City is known as the “Peach and Grape Number One Region” and also has abundant hot spring areas such as Isawa Onsen. In the work, scenes of fruit harvesting experiences at orchards and scenery of hot spring towns appear, depicting the appeal of Yamanashi’s agricultural tourism.
Area 3: Sacred Pilgrimage Spots in Fujikawa Town, Minobe Town, and Nanbu Town
This area serves as the central stage for “Yuru Camp△,” set as the area where the protagonists attend high school and their homes are located. With the most spots featured, it can be said to be the core area of pilgrimage tourism.
Main Sacred Sites in Minobe Town
Minobe Town is the central setting of the work and is set as the town where the protagonist Rin Shima lives. Numerous model locations are scattered throughout Minobe Town, and you can efficiently visit spots featuring shopping streets, school areas, camping sites, hot spring facilities, and other locations that appear in the work.
Shopping streets around Minobe Station and Minobusan Kuonji Temple and other tourist spots also appear in the work. Additionally, lakes such as Shibirenreiko and Motosuko, which served as the settings for impressive camping scenes, are located in the areas around Minobe Town.
Spots in Fujikawa Town
In Fujikawa Town, roadside stations and observation points appear. The scenery along the Fuji River and parks in the town are depicted in the work, allowing you to enjoy peaceful rural scenery.
Natural Spots in Nanbu Town
Nanbu Town is a nature-rich area where camping sites and hot spring facilities are scattered. It appears in the work as a place where the protagonists enjoy camping, with the charm of its quiet mountain atmosphere.
Area 4: Sacred Pilgrimage Spots in Fujikawaguchiko Town
Fujikawaguchiko Town, where you can enjoy the stunning views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, is one of the representative sacred sites of “Yuru Camp△.” It appears as the setting for impressive scenes from the first episode onwards and has become a popular area visited by many fans.
Koan Camping Site and Lake Motosuko
The scenery of Lake Motosuko and Mount Fuji, which also became the key visual of the work, can be viewed from Koan Camping Site. It appears as a symbolic place where Rin Shima enjoys solo camping and has become one of the most important spots for pilgrimage tourism.
If you actually use the camping site, you can enjoy camping while viewing the same scenery as in the work. Especially during early morning hours in winter, you may be able to see Mount Fuji in its fantastical form as depicted in the work.
Spots Around Lake Kawaguchi
Lake Kawaguchi Bridge, areas around Lake Kawaguchi Station, and the lakeside promenade all have numerous model locations. The scenes where protagonists move around by bicycle and relax by the lakeside have become settings for impressive scenes.
Gourmet spots such as Hoto Fudou also appear in the work, and you can enjoy pilgrimage tourism while tasting Yamanashi’s famous hoto noodles.
Mount Tenjo Panorama Ropeway
The ropeway that climbs from the shores of Lake Kawaguchi to Mount Tenjo also appears in the work. A magnificent view spreads from the summit overlooking Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, and it is popular as an observation spot that characters in the work also visited.
Practical Advice for Successful Pilgrimage Tourism
How to Plan Efficient Routes
Yamanashi Prefecture is vast, and sacred sites are scattered throughout the prefecture, making advance route planning important. It is recommended to narrow down the areas and plan accordingly rather than attempting to visit all sites in one day.
Using the official model location map, create a list of spots you wish to visit, then group geographically close spots to organize an efficient route. Creating a custom map with Google Maps makes it easier to understand travel time and optimize routes.
Choosing Transportation Methods
For pilgrimage tourism of sacred sites within Yamanashi Prefecture, using a private car or rental car is most convenient. Public transportation is also available, but since the number of bus services is limited in some areas, prior confirmation of schedules is essential.
Bicycle touring for pilgrimage tourism is also attractive as it allows you to experience the atmosphere of the work, but since Yamanashi Prefecture has much elevation change, consider renting an electric-assisted bicycle. Motorcycle touring for pilgrimage tourism is also popular, and dedicated touring rally events are held.
Visiting Season and Best Times
“Yuru Camp△” focuses on winter camping, so winter scenery is depicted extensively in the work. However, actual pilgrimage tourism is recommended during spring through autumn, which is more comfortable.
Spring (late March to May) features beautiful peach and cherry blossoms with mild weather. Summer (June to August) is hot, but highland areas are cool and comfortable. Autumn (September to November) offers beautiful autumn foliage and grape harvesting experiences. Winter (December to February) allows you to experience the atmosphere of the work most fully, but cold-weather preparation and snow road readiness are necessary.
Choosing Accommodation
If conducting pilgrimage tourism over multiple days, the choice of accommodation is important. Staying at camping sites featured in the work offers the most immersive experience of the work’s world, though it may be challenging for beginners.
Minobe Town and Fujikawaguchiko Town have accommodation facilities and hotels collaborating with the anime, sometimes offering special benefits and merchandise. Staying at hot spring inns also allows you to enjoy the work’s atmosphere, as bathing scenes appear frequently in the work.
Enjoying Yamanashi Gourmet Alongside Pilgrimage Tourism
Gourmet Spots Featured in the Work
“Yuru Camp△” features numerous Yamanashi signature foods. Hoto, Yoshida udon, Koshu wine, and Shingan mochi—foods representing Yamanashi—are depicted appetizingly in the work.
Hoto Fudou (Lake Kawaguchi branch) is an actual establishment featured in the work, and many fans visit it when conducting pilgrimage tourism, making it a popular spot. Additionally, regional specialties such as yuuba from Minobe Town and Yoshida udon from Fujiyoshida are introduced in the work.
Recreating Campfire Cuisine
Various campfire cooking scenes appear in the work. From dumpling hot pot and curry udon to soup pasta—recipes ranging from simple to elaborate are introduced.
Recreating the same menu at actual sacred site camping sites allows you to experience the work’s world more deeply. Sourcing ingredients from roadside stations and local supermarkets lets you cook with fresh local ingredients.
Local Specialties and Souvenirs
Yamanashi Prefecture is famous as a fruit-growing region, abundant in fruits such as peaches, grapes, and cherries, and sweets made from them. There are many wineries, and Koshu wine is highly regarded nationally.
Items such as Shingan mochi, Tsuki no Shizuku (wine jelly), and Mount Fuji-related confections are abundant as Yamanashi souvenirs. Roadside stations offer local agricultural products and processed goods, so stopping by during pilgrimage tourism is recommended.
Related Events and Collaboration Information
Official Events and Stamp Rallies
Yamanashi Prefecture and related municipalities regularly hold various events collaborating with “Yuru Camp△.” Stamp rallies, puzzle-solving events, exhibitions, and other projects are implemented to make pilgrimage tourism more enjoyable.
Touring rally events are also popular, with motorcycle and bicycle pilgrimage tourism events around sacred sites with checkpoints. Participants who complete the course receive limited-edition merchandise, attracting many fans.
Collaboration Goods and Limited Products
Roadside stations and tourist facilities sell limited merchandise and products collaborating with “Yuru Camp△.” Original keychains, stickers, T-shirts, and other items serving as memorable souvenirs of pilgrimage tourism are abundant.
Local restaurants sometimes offer collaboration menus, allowing you to enjoy recreations of dishes featured in the work or original menus inspired by characters.
Methods for Obtaining Latest Information
The latest event information related to “Yuru Camp△” is regularly updated on the special page of the Yamanashi Prefecture official tourism website “Fuji no Kuni Yamanashi Tourism Net.” Information is also distributed through individual municipal tourism association websites and the official anime website.
On social media, you can confirm other fans’ pilgrimage tourism reports and latest information using hashtags such as “#YuruCampSacredSitePilgrimage” and “#YuruCampYamanashi.”
Manners and Precautions for Pilgrimage Tourism
Consideration for Local Residents
When conducting pilgrimage tourism, you visit areas where local residents live, so following good manners is important. Avoid loud voices in residential areas, refrain from trespassing on private property, and always take trash with you.
When photographing, be considerate not to obstruct passage, and it is desirable to obtain permission for photography at stores and facilities. Remember that pilgrimage tourism is possible through the understanding and cooperation of local people, and act with gratitude.
Precautions When Using Camping Sites
When visiting camping sites featured in the work, always make advance reservations and follow the site’s rules. Particularly popular spots such as Koan Camping Site may have difficult-to-obtain reservations on weekends and holidays.
For camping beginners, visiting without sufficient equipment or knowledge is dangerous. Those interested in camping after seeing the work are recommended to start with daytime visits or well-equipped camping sites.
Traffic Safety and Driving Manners
Roads within Yamanashi Prefecture, particularly in mountainous areas, have narrow sections and sharp curves. Especially in winter, there is possibility of road freezing, requiring careful driving.
Roadside parking for photography or sudden stopping near tourist sites can cause accidents. Always use parking facilities and practice safe driving. When conducting pilgrimage tourism by bicycle or motorcycle, follow traffic rules and take full safety precautions such as helmet wearing.
Deepening Your Enjoyment of “Yuru Camp△” Pilgrimage Tourism
Reviewing Anime and Manga Beforehand
To further enjoy pilgrimage tourism, reviewing anime and manga beforehand is recommended. Knowing which scenes feature which locations enhances the emotion of actually visiting those places.
Watching the entire series from SEASON 1 through SEASON 3 and the theatrical film allows you to enjoy character development and changes in the settings. Taking notes on location information for each episode proves helpful during pilgrimage tourism.
Photography Tips
One of the pleasures of pilgrimage tourism is photographing the same angles as work scenes. Preparing anime screenshots beforehand and matching the composition at the actual location makes comparison enjoyable.
Scenery changes with time of day and season, and photographing under the same conditions as work scenes produces higher-fidelity photos. Landscape at dusk and early morning is particularly beautiful and depicted impressively in the work.
Interaction with Local People
Exchanging with locals during pilgrimage tourism may lead to discovering local charm not featured in the work. Staff at roadside stations and tourist information centers are knowledgeable about regional information and can recommend spots.
Local people are pleased that “Yuru Camp△” has increased tourist visits to Yamanashi Prefecture. Sharing passion for the work while learning about regional charm makes for more fulfilling pilgrimage tourism.
Yamanashi’s Charm Throughout the Four Seasons
Spring’s Peach Blossoms and Cherry Blossoms
Spring in Yamanashi Prefecture showcases peach blossoms blooming en masse in the “Land of Peaches” landscape. Particularly in Usui City and Yamashi City, expanses of pink peach fields spread like paintings, offering breathtakingly beautiful scenery.
Famous cherry blossom spots are numerous, with the weeping cherry of Minobusan Kuonji Temple renowned as one of Japan’s three great cherry trees. Around Lake Kawaguchi, you can also enjoy cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji collaboration views, with many springtime scenic spots.
Summer Highlands and Resort Areas
Summer in Yamanashi Prefecture features cool, comfortable highland areas such as Yatsugatake and Kiyosato Highland. Higher-elevation areas experience cooler temperatures than urban areas, making them popular resort destinations.
The season is suitable for camping, with outdoor activities enjoyable in verdant forests. Additionally, fruit harvesting such as peaches and grapes peaks from summer through autumn, with fresh fruit tasting available.
Autumn Foliage and Harvest Season
Autumn in Yamanashi Prefecture brings beautiful foliage, particularly in mountainous areas of Hokuto City and Koshu City. It is also grape harvest season, with winery tours and fruit harvesting activities thriving.
Mount Fuji’s early snowfall often occurs in autumn, with the contrast between autumn foliage and snow-capped Mount Fuji offering spectacular views. The pleasant weather makes it one of the best seasons for pilgrimage tourism.
Winter Mount Fuji and Hot Springs
Winter in Yamanashi Prefecture allows you to experience the work’s setting atmosphere directly. Clear air provides vivid views of Mount Fuji, with beautiful scenery matching the work.
Camping is for advanced users, but hot spring touring peaks in winter. The experience of warming a chilled body in hot springs mirrors scenes enjoyed by work characters. However, snow road preparation and cold-weather measures are essential.
Conclusion: Rediscovering Yamanashi’s Charm Through “Yuru Camp△” Pilgrimage Tourism
Pilgrimage tourism for the “Yuru Camp△” series offers value beyond simply visiting anime locations. Through the work, you can discover diverse charms of Yamanashi Prefecture—abundant nature, hot springs, gourmet food, history, and culture—a wonderful experience.
Sacred sites spread throughout Yamanashi Prefecture each possess unique charm, with new discoveries possible with each visit. SEASON 3’s broadcast has added further spots, expanding pilgrimage tourism enjoyment methods.
Utilizing official model location maps and tourism information, plan your own pilgrimage route and fully enjoy the “Yuru Camp△” world and Yamanashi Prefecture’s charm. With love for the work and respect for the region, have a wonderful pilgrimage tourism journey.
Links and Reference Information
We introduce official sites and information sources useful when planning pilgrimage tourism.
Official Tourism Information
- Fuji no Kuni Yamanashi Tourism Net “Yuru Camp△” Special Page: Yamanashi Prefecture’s official sacred site information and model location map
- Minobe Town Tourism Association: Detailed tourism information for Minobe Town, the main setting
- Fujikawaguchiko Town Tourism Federation: Spot information and event announcements around Lake Kawaguchi
Transportation Access Information
- JR East: Chuo Main Line and Minobu Line schedules and tourism information
- Fuji Kyuko Railway: Access information for the Lake Kawaguchi area
- Yamanashi Transportation: Schedule information for prefectural bus routes
Accommodation and Camping Site Reservations
- Official sites of each camping site: Reservation information for major spots such as Koan Camping Site
- Yamanashi Prefecture Inn and Hotel Hygiene Cooperative Association: Accommodation facility information throughout the prefecture
Using these official information sources enables pilgrimage tourism based on the most current and accurate information.
