Yuru Camp’s Sacred Ground: Complete Guide to Yamanashi Prefecture | Thorough Introduction to Model Locations and Pilgrimage Spots Across All Areas
What is “Yuru Camp”?
“Yuru Camp” is a manga work by Afro that has been serialized in “Manga Time Kirara Forward” since 2015. It is a popular outdoor manga that depicts the relaxed camping and daily lives of high school girls living in Yamanashi Prefecture, and is supported by a wide range of fans.
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, actually conducted interviews within Yamanashi Prefecture and faithfully incorporated real locations into the work. As a result, the landscapes and campgrounds that appear in the story can actually be visited, and many fans have come to Yamanashi Prefecture as a pilgrimage destination.
When the first season of the TV anime aired in 2018, its popularity exploded, and the second season aired in 2021, with SEASON 3 airing in 2024. Through the anime adaptation, it became a trigger for the camping boom and has made a significant contribution to the tourism promotion of Yamanashi Prefecture.
The work features distinctive characters centered around Shima Rin, who loves solo camping, and Kamado Nadeshiko, who belongs to the outdoor activity club (Yaekuru). The campsites and tourist spots they visit are actual famous places in Yamanashi Prefecture, and many locations offer spectacular views of Mount Fuji.
Highlights of SEASON 3
In “Yuru Camp △ SEASON 3,” which aired from April 2024, the main characters become high school seniors, and many new camping destinations and attractive spots in Yamanashi Prefecture appeared. In SEASON 3, model locations throughout Yamanashi Prefecture are depicted more than ever before, with broader areas such as Hokuto City, Nirasaki City, and Koshu City serving as the setting.
The characteristics of SEASON 3 are the growth of the characters and the depiction of 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 through the four seasons.
Particularly noteworthy are the many spectacular spots with views of Mount Fuji. Not only the areas around the Fuji Five Lakes such as Lake Motosuko, Lake Shoji, and Lake Kawaguchi, but also diverse natural environments in areas like the Southern Japanese Alps and Yatsugatake are carefully depicted. Local cuisine and hot spring facilities also appear, proposing ways to enjoy a combination of camping and tourism.
In SEASON 3, the characters’ future paths and goals 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 that appear in the “Yuru Camp” series span the entire prefecture. The official Yamanashi Prefecture tourism website “Fuji no Kuni Yamanashi Kanko Net” has opened a special webpage that provides detailed introductions to 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 Japanese Alps, and the Yatsugatake Mountains. The area is characterized by large differences in elevation, allowing visitors to enjoy different landscapes depending on the region. In the work, these diverse natural environments of Yamanashi Prefecture are leveraged, with each campground depicted with different attractions.
The model locations are classified into four major 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 visit each area in turn.
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 high elevation and cool climate. In the work, many campsites and tourist spots visited by Yaekuru members appear. In particular, the Kiyosato Plateau and Kobuchiuzawa areas are well-equipped with tourist facilities such as ranches and art museums, allowing visitors to enjoy a combination of camping and sightseeing.
Nirasaki City is a naturally rich area surrounded by the Southern Japanese Alps and Yatsugatake Mountains. In “Yuru Camp,” roadside stations and tourist facilities within Nirasaki City appear, introducing local specialties and cuisine. The Nirasaki City Tourism Association distributes the “Yuru Camp Yamanashi Prefecture Model Location Map” to support pilgrimage visitors.
Minami-Alps City is a region spreading at the foot of the Southern Japanese Alps, as its name suggests, and fruit cultivation is active. In the work, fruit picking and agricultural product direct sales shops appear, depicting the richness of Yamanashi Prefecture’s agriculture. Spring brings peach blossoms, and autumn offers grapes and persimmons, each season having its own appeal.
Kai City is located in the northwest of the Kofu Basin and is an area with beautiful views of Mount Fuji. The city has hot spring facilities and parks, appearing in the work as a spot to visit before or after camping. In particular, viewpoints overlooking Mount Fuji are ideal for photography.
Area 2 (Yamanashi City, Koshu City, Fuefuki City)
Yamanashi City is located in the upper reaches of the Fuefuki River and is known as a hot spring resort. In the work, hot spring facilities and fruit orchards appear and are depicted as relaxation spots after camping. In particular, Hottarakashi Onsen is a spectacular hot spring with a view of Mount Fuji and the Kofu Basin.
Koshu City is famous as a grape and wine producing region, with wineries scattered throughout the Katsunuma area. In “Yuru Camp,” shops handling local cuisine and specialty products appear, introducing the food culture of Yamanashi Prefecture. In addition, nearby climbing spots such as Mount Daibosatsu make it an ideal base for outdoor activities.
Fuefuki City boasts Japan’s highest production volume of peaches and grapes, making it a fruit kingdom. In the work, fruit parks and direct sales shops appear, with scenes of enjoying seasonal fruits. Spring peach blossom viewing is particularly beautiful, with the landscape painted pink being spectacular.
This area is located in the center of the Kofu Basin with good transportation access. Access is convenient from the Katsunuma IC and Ichinomiya-Misaka IC on the Chuo Expressway, and day trips from the Tokyo metropolitan area are possible.
Area 3 (Fujikawa Town, Minobu Town, Nanbu Town)
Minobu Town is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in “Yuru Camp.” The “Kouan Campground” on the shore of Lake Motosuko is the place where Rin and Nadeshiko first meet in the first episode of the work, making it a must-visit spot for fans. Mount Fuji as viewed from Lake Motosuko is known as the “Thousand Yen Note Mount Fuji,” where visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the inverted Mount Fuji.
The “Motosuko Central Lodge,” the management office of Kouan Campground, appears in the work and also offers rental of camping equipment and sales of food materials. Camping by the lake is perfect for solo camping, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature in a quiet environment.
Minobu Town also has Lake Shio no Ren. While not counted among the Fuji Five Lakes, it is counted as one of the Fuji Eight Lakes, a small mountain lake with an altitude of 850 meters. In the work, it appears as the place where Nadeshiko and Rin enjoyed a yakiniku camping trip, featuring a quiet and mysterious atmosphere. There is a mountain lodge on the lakeshore where accommodation and camping are possible.
Fujikawa Town is an area spreading along the Fuji River valley, with well-equipped roadside stations and hot spring facilities. In the work, it appears as a rest stop during travel, with scenes of enjoying local specialty products and light meals.
Nanbu Town is located in the uppermost reaches of the Fuji River and is a naturally rich mountainous area. It is also known as a production area for Nanbu tea, and local cuisine is introduced in the work. This area is close to the Shizuoka Prefecture border and is also convenient as a base for traveling toward Shizuoka.
Area 4 (Fujikawaguchiko Town)
Fujikawaguchiko Town is the area in the Fuji Five Lakes region with the most tourism development. It has four lakes—Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Saiko, Lake Shoji, and Lake Motosuko—offering many spots to enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji. In “Yuru Camp,” campsites and tourist facilities around various lakeshores frequently appear.
Lake Kawaguchi is the lowest elevation among the Fuji Five Lakes, with well-equipped tourist facilities including museums, sightseeing boats, and ropeway around it. In the work, Lake Kawaguchi Bridge and lakeside parks appear, depicting beautiful scenery with Mount Fuji as the backdrop. In particular, the lakeside early in the morning where the inverted Mount Fuji can be seen is a popular photography spot.
Lake Saiko is the quietest of the Fuji Five Lakes with the most remaining nature. In the work, a campsite on the shore of Lake Saiko appears, depicting camping in a quiet environment. Around Lake Saiko, there are also natural spots such as Aokigahara Jukai forest, ice caves, and wind caves, allowing visitors to experience an exploratory mood.
Lake Shoji is the smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes but is known for beautiful views of Mount Fuji. In the work, the view of Mount Fuji from the shore of Lake Shoji appears, emphasizing its beauty. There is a small campground on the lakeshore, making it ideal for those wanting to camp quietly.
Fujikawaguchiko Town is well-equipped with day-use hot spring facilities such as “Fuji Chobou Onsen Yurari.” Hot spring facilities appear in the work and are introduced as spots to relieve fatigue after camping. Bathing while gazing at Mount Fuji is an extraordinary experience. There are 16 types of baths, and a dining establishment using local Yamanashi Prefecture ingredients is also on the premises.
Yamanashi Prefecture-wide Model Location Map
The official Yamanashi Prefecture tourism website “Fuji no Kuni Yamanashi Kanko Net” has released a “Yuru Camp” Yamanashi Prefecture-wide model location map. This map compiles model locations and spots from all series from SEASON 1 to SEASON 3, making it an essential tool for pilgrimage tours.
The map is color-coded by area, allowing visitors to understand the positional relationships of each spot at a glance. Additionally, each spot includes information about its appearance scenes and episode numbers in the work, full of information that fans will appreciate.
The digital version of the map can be viewed on smartphones and tablets, and GPS functionality allows users to confirm distance and direction from their current location. Links to detailed information about each spot are also provided, allowing users to access practical information such as business hours and access methods.
Paper versions of the map are distributed for free at tourism information centers, roadside stations, and some campsites throughout Yamanashi Prefecture. The map is distributed by the Nirasaki City Tourism Association and tourist associations in each municipality, and copies can be obtained at various locations when visiting multiple areas.
In addition to model locations, the map includes nearby tourist attractions and dining information. Hot spring facilities near campsites, direct sales shops handling local specialty products, and recommended restaurants are introduced, helping with travel planning that combines pilgrimage with sightseeing.
The map also includes recommended spots by season. Information on spring peach blossoms, summer verdure, autumn foliage, and winter snowy landscapes is included, full of information to enjoy the attractions of Yamanashi Prefecture through the four seasons.
Points and Access Information for Pilgrimage Tours
When planning a “Yuru Camp” pilgrimage tour, keeping several points in mind will make for a more fulfilling trip.
First, the choice of transportation is important. The model locations in Yamanashi Prefecture are scattered across a wide area, making automobile travel the most convenient option. With a rental car, visitors can freely visit each spot. Using the Chuo Expressway allows access from Tokyo in about two hours.
When using public transportation, utilize JR Chuo Main Line and buses. However, some spots such as campsites are difficult to access by public transportation, so it is important to confirm transportation methods in advance. The Fuji Kyuko Line is convenient for accessing the Fuji Five Lakes area.
For accommodation, staying at campsites is recommended, but beginners and those visiting in winter may prefer to use hotels or inns. Yamanashi Prefecture has plenty of hot spring inns and business hotels, allowing visitors to choose according to budget and purpose.
When using campsites, advance reservations are required. In particular, popular spots like Kouan Campground fill up quickly on weekends and holidays. Additionally, some facilities offer camping equipment rental services, making it easy for beginners to enjoy camping.
Photography etiquette is important. Many model locations are actual operating facilities or private property. When photographing, be considerate of other visitors’ inconvenience and follow facility rules. In particular, at campsites, it is important to respect other campers’ privacy.
Seasonal selection is also an important point. The work features many winter camping scenes, but spring and fall are recommended for beginners. Summer is cool and comfortable in high-altitude areas, but the Fuji Five Lakes area is crowded with tourists. Winter requires cold-weather precautions, but the air is clear and Mount Fuji appears more beautiful.
Related Events
Yamanashi Prefecture regularly holds events related to “Yuru Camp.” These events bring together fans of the work and are full of plans to make pilgrimage tours more enjoyable.
Stamp rallies are sometimes held in line with anime broadcast periods. When visitors collect stamps by visiting major model locations throughout the prefecture, they receive special goods and other perks. Stamp rallies increase motivation for pilgrimage tours and serve as an opportunity to systematically visit each location.
Additionally, at local tourist facilities and shopping streets, “Yuru Camp” collaboration products and limited-edition menus are sometimes sold. Character-designed souvenirs and menus recreating dishes that appeared in the work are among the appealing offerings for fans.
At campsites, event camps themed around “Yuru Camp” are sometimes held. Opportunities exist to recreate camping scenes from the work or for fans to interact with each other, allowing for deeper experience of the work’s world.
Yamanashi Prefecture and each municipality’s tourism associations actively promote tourism using “Yuru Camp.” Latest event information is announced on official websites and social media, so it is recommended to check before visiting.
In particular, a special webpage was reopened in line with SEASON 3’s broadcast. Information about newly featured model locations and details about surrounding tourist attractions have been added, making more fulfilling pilgrimage tours possible.
Cuisine and Souvenirs of Yamanashi Prefecture
One of the appeals of “Yuru Camp” is the delicious-looking dishes that appear in the work. Yamanashi Prefecture has many local cuisines and specialty products featured in the series.
Houtou is a representative local dish of Yamanashi Prefecture. This dish features thick, flat noodles cooked in a miso-based broth with vegetables, and scenes of characters eating it appear in the work. It is 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 work, local udon shops appear with their hearty volume and deliciousness depicted. Cabbage and horse meat toppings are the traditional style.
Fruit is a representative specialty product of Yamanashi Prefecture. Peaches, grapes, and cherries can be enjoyed seasonally. The work includes scenes of fruit picking and purchasing at direct sales shops, introducing the richness of Yamanashi Prefecture’s fruit cultivation.
Wine is also a specialty product of Yamanashi Prefecture, with Koshu Wine internationally recognized. The work includes scenes of adult characters enjoying wine, depicting Yamanashi Prefecture’s wine culture.
As souvenirs, Shinbaru mochi is famous. A Japanese confectionery eaten with kinako powder and black molasses, it is a representative sweet of Yamanashi Prefecture. Additionally, dried houtou noodles, local wine, and products made with fruit such as jams and juices are also popular.
“Yuru Camp” related merchandise is also popular as souvenirs. Many items such as character goods and local products collaborating with the work are sold, serving as memorable keepsakes for fans.
See Other Features
The official Yamanashi Prefecture tourism website “Fuji no Kuni Yamanashi Kanko Net” has prepared various special feature pages in addition to “Yuru Camp.” Spectacular spots of Mount Fuji, hot spring features, gourmet features, and seasonal event information introduce the attractions of Yamanashi Prefecture from multiple angles.
Tourism information around Mount Fuji is particularly extensive, with detailed introductions to climbing information, view spots, and nearby tourist facilities. Mount Fuji, a symbol of Yamanashi Prefecture, is depicted as an important backdrop in “Yuru Camp.”
Hot spring features introduce day-use hot spring facilities and hot spring inns throughout the prefecture. The information is useful when planning travel that combines camping and hot springs.
Gourmet features introduce a wide range of dining establishments, from local dishes like houtou and Yoshida udon to Western cuisine such as French and Italian. Many restaurants using local ingredients are featured.
Seasonal event information introduces events throughout the year such as peach blossom festivals, grape festivals, and autumn foliage festivals. It is also recommended to participate in seasonal events while on a pilgrimage tour.
Additionally, Yamanashi Prefecture has served as the setting for various other anime and films. Those interested in anime tourism may also want to visit pilgrimage sites for other works.
Links
Here is a collection of links useful for “Yuru Camp” pilgrimage tours and Yamanashi Prefecture tourism.
Official Information
- Fuji no Kuni Yamanashi Kanko Net (Yamanashi Prefecture Official Tourism Site): The special “Yuru Camp” page features model location maps and detailed information from all series.
- Nirasaki City Tourism Association: Information on distribution of Yamanashi Prefecture-wide model location maps and tourism information for the Hokuto and Nirasaki areas is available.
- Fujikawaguchiko Town Tourism Association: Tourism information and campground information for the Fuji Five Lakes area are abundant.
- Minobu Town Tourism Association: Information on important pilgrimage sites such as Kouan Campground and Lake Shio no Ren is posted.
Campground Information
- Kouan Campground (Motosuko Central Lodge): A sacred site among sacred sites appearing in the first episode of the work. Reservation methods and pricing information can be confirmed.
- Fuji Chobou Onsen Yurari: A day-use hot spring facility ideal for use after camping. Business hours and pricing information are posted.
Transportation Information
- JR East: Timetables and fare information for the Chuo Main Line can be confirmed.
- Fuji Kyuko Line: Information about this private railroad convenient for accessing the Fuji Five Lakes area is available.
- Yamanashi Kotsu: Prefectural bus route information is provided.
Use these links to plan a fulfilling pilgrimage tour.
Conclusion
Yamanashi Prefecture, the setting for “Yuru Camp,” is a region with the appeal of spectacular views of Mount Fuji, abundant nature, delicious cuisine, and warm-hearted people. By learning about Yamanashi Prefecture’s attractions through the work and actually visiting, not only can one experience the anime’s world but also discover the true charm of Yamanashi Prefecture.
Pilgrimage touring is not merely visiting the settings of a work but rather enjoying a journey that encounters the culture, nature, and people of a place. Like the characters in “Yuru Camp,” embracing nature and camping in a relaxed yet sincere manner will enrich your journey through Yamanashi Prefecture.
Through all series up to SEASON 3, various attractions of Yamanashi Prefecture are depicted. From the Yatsugatake area in the north to the Fuji Five Lakes area in the south, each offers different landscapes and experiences. While visiting all locations in a single trip may be difficult, Yamanashi Prefecture has attractions that make one want to return repeatedly.
For those new to camping, why not try outdoor experiences inspired by “Yuru Camp”? Many campsites in Yamanashi Prefecture are equipped with facilities for beginners, allowing visitors to enjoy camping with confidence. Use the camping knowledge depicted in the work as a reference while discovering your own camping style.
Yamanashi Prefecture is a precious place where one can experience abundant nature and tranquility despite being within day-trip distance from Tokyo. Through “Yuru Camp” pilgrimage tours, spend special time apart from daily life and refresh both body and mind.
Yamanashi Prefecture, with its seasonal beauty—spring peach blossoms, summer verdure, autumn foliage, winter snow-covered landscape, and Mount Fuji—reveals new discoveries each visit. By visiting multiple times across seasons, one’s appreciation for the work deepens and affection for Yamanashi Prefecture grows.
The leisurely pace of time and calm daily life amid nature depicted in “Yuru Camp” provides peace of mind to those living busily in modern society. Visiting Yamanashi Prefecture’s sacred sites and immersing yourself in the work’s world while reflecting on yourself will become a priceless experience.
Now, let’s set out on a relaxed journey to “Yuru Camp’s” sacred ground, Yamanashi Prefecture.
