“Yuru Camp △” Series Yamanashi Prefecture Sacred Site Pilgrimage Complete Guide | Comprehensive Version Covering All Areas and All Spots
What is “Yuru Camp △”? The Charm 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 a popular outdoor manga depicting the daily lives of high school girls enjoying camping and outdoor experiences, centered in Minobu Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, and throughout the Yamanashi region. It has captivated many fans.
The original creator, Afro, has actually conducted fieldwork at various locations throughout Yamanashi Prefecture, carefully incorporating camping know-how and real landscapes into the work. For this reason, many of the landscapes and facilities that appear in the anime are real, and have become topics of discussion 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. Through the work, Yamanashi’s beautiful nature, stunning views of Mount Fuji, hot springs, gourmet cuisine, and other attractions of Yamanashi Prefecture are being disseminated throughout the country, and the number of tourists actually visiting Yamanashi Prefecture is increasing.
Highlights of SEASON 3 and New Sacred Site 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. Along with the growth of the main characters, their range of action has expanded, and the diverse charms of Yamanashi are depicted in more detail.
In SEASON 3, in particular, the northwest areas of Hokuto City and Nirasaki City, and the eastern areas of Koshu City and Yamanashi City newly appear as stages. In addition to the previously central areas of Minobu Town and Fujikawaguchiko Town, the entire Yamanashi Prefecture is now depicted in greater detail.
Newly featured camping grounds, hot spring facilities, and gourmet spots have also increased, further expanding the ways to enjoy sacred site pilgrimages. The official Yamanashi Prefecture tourism website has also released a special page corresponding to SEASON 3, with model location maps being updated periodically, and prefectural-level initiatives have become more active.
How to Use the Yamanashi Prefecture-Wide Model Location Map
The Yamanashi Prefecture official tourism website “Fuji no Kuni Yamanashi Kanko Net” has released a comprehensive model location map of “Yuru Camp △” series throughout Yamanashi Prefecture. This map classifies spots that appeared in the anime by area and provides detailed information on each spot, including access methods and surrounding tourism information.
The map is divided into four main areas, with distinctive spots introduced for each area. Because it is viewable on smartphones, you can check it in real-time while moving during an actual pilgrimage.
Additionally, each spot includes comparison photos with scenes from the anime and episode information in which they appeared, allowing you to enjoy the pilgrimage while looking back on the work. The official page is updated periodically, and spots appearing in new SEASONS are added as needed.
Area 1: Sacred Sites in Hokuto City, Nirasaki City, Minami-Alps City, and Kai City
Located in the northwest of Yamanashi Prefecture, this area is a region surrounded by the magnificent nature of the Yatsugatake and Southern Alps. With many new spots appearing in SEASON 3, it has become a focal area of attention.
Main Spots in Hokuto City
Hokuto City is a nature-rich area spreading at the foot of Yatsugatake, with many camping grounds and hot spring facilities. In the work, it appears as a camping ground where the main characters visit, with impressive scenes of star observation.
Throughout the Kiyosato Highland and Kobuchiuzawa areas, there are scattered facilities that served as models for camping grounds that appeared in the work, where you can enjoy the same scenery. Local gourmet spots and roadside stations also appear in the work, making it possible to enjoy a pilgrimage combined with meal breaks.
Spots in Nirasaki City and Minami-Alps City
Nirasaki City is an area with many scenic overlooks that allow views of both Mount Fuji and the Southern Alps. In the work, the scenery from observation decks and local shopping streets are depicted. In Minami-Alps City, hot spring facilities and fruit orchards appear, allowing you to enjoy Yamanashi-like scenery.
Area 2: Sacred Sites in Yamanashi City, Koshu City, and Usui City
Located in the eastern part of Yamanashi Prefecture, this area is a region where fruit cultivation such as grapes and peaches is flourishing, with beautiful scenery changing through the four seasons.
Hot Springs and Scenic Spots in Yamanashi City
Yamanashi City has spots that have served as models for hot spring facilities appearing 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 enjoying the same scenery.
The scenery along the Fuefukigawa River and driving scenes along the Fruit Line are also depicted impressively, showing different faces with each season—peach blossoms in spring and autumn colors of grape fields in autumn.
Wineries and Historic Spots in Koshu City
Koshu City is known as one of Japan’s premier wine-producing regions, and winery and grape field scenery appear in the work as well. Historic townscapes and historic sites associated with Takeda Shingen are also depicted, making it an area that can be enjoyed in combination with sightseeing.
Fruit Orchards and Hot Spring Areas in Usui City
Usui City is known as the “homeland of Japan’s best peaches and grapes,” and also boasts abundant hot spring areas such as Isawa Hot Spring Resort. The work features fruit harvesting experience scenes and hot spring town scenery, depicting the charm of Yamanashi’s agricultural tourism.
Area 3: Sacred Sites in Fujikawa Town, Minobu Town, and Nanbu Town
The central stage of “Yuru Camp △,” this is an area where the setting includes the high school attended by the main characters and their homes. With the most spots appearing, it is the core area of sacred site pilgrimages.
Main Sacred Sites in Minobu Town
Minobu Town is the central stage of the work and is set as the town where the main character Shima Rin lives. Numerous model locations are scattered throughout Minobu Town, and you can efficiently visit spots appearing in the work such as shopping streets, areas around schools, camping grounds, and hot spring facilities.
Shopping streets around Minobu Station and Minobuyama Kuonji Temple and other tourist spots also appear in the work. Additionally, Shioin Lake and Lake Motosuko, which served as stages for impressive camping scenes, are also located near Minobu Town.
Spots in Fujikawa Town
In Fujikawa Town, roadside stations and observation spots appear. The scenery along the Fuji River and parks within the town are depicted in the work, allowing you to enjoy peaceful rural landscapes.
Natural Spots in Nanbu Town
Nanbu Town is a nature-rich area with scattered camping grounds and hot spring facilities. In the work, it appears as a place where the main characters enjoy camping, with the appeal of a quiet mountain atmosphere.
Area 4: Sacred Sites in Fujikawaguchiko Town
Fujikawaguchiko Town, where you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, is one of the representative sacred sites of “Yuru Camp △.” It has appeared as the stage for impressive scenes since the first episode and has become a popular area visited by many fans.
Kohan Campground and Lake Motosuko
The scenery of Lake Motosuko and Mount Fuji, which also became the key visual of the work, can be viewed from Kohan Campground. Appearing as an emblematic place where Shima Rin enjoys solo camping, it has become one of the most important spots for sacred site pilgrimages.
If you actually use the campground, you can enjoy camping while viewing the same scenery as in the work. Particularly in winter early mornings, there is a possibility of seeing the mystical appearance of Mount Fuji 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. They have been stages for impressive scenes such as the main characters moving by bicycle and relaxing by the lake.
Gourmet spots like Houtou Fudo also appear in the work, allowing you to enjoy sacred site pilgrimages while tasting Yamanashi’s signature houtou noodles.
Fuji Mountain Panorama Ropeway
The ropeway that ascends from the Lake Kawaguchi shore to Tenjogan also appears in the work. From the mountaintop, a spectacular panoramic view of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi unfolds, making it a popular observation spot visited by the characters in the work.
Practical Advice for Successful Sacred Site Pilgrimages
How to Plan Routes Efficiently
Since Yamanashi Prefecture is vast and sacred sites are scattered throughout the prefecture, advance route planning is important. Since it is difficult to visit all sites in a single day, it is recommended to narrow down areas and plan accordingly.
Using the official model location map, list the spots you want to visit, then group geographically nearby spots to build an efficient route. Creating a custom map with Google Maps makes it easier to grasp travel times and optimize routes.
Choosing Transportation Methods
For sacred site pilgrimages within Yamanashi Prefecture, using a personal vehicle or rental car is most convenient. Public transportation is also available, but some areas have limited bus service, so advance confirmation of timetables is essential.
Cycling pilgrimages are also attractive for experiencing the atmosphere of the work, but since Yamanashi Prefecture has much uneven terrain, considering rental of electric-assist bicycles is recommended. Motorcycle touring for sacred site pilgrimages is also popular, with dedicated touring rally events being held.
Visiting Seasons and Best Times
Since “Yuru Camp △” focuses on winter camping, many winter landscapes are depicted in the work. However, actual sacred site pilgrimages are recommended during spring through autumn for comfort.
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 leaves and grape harvests and fruit picking. Winter (December to February) allows you to experience the work’s atmosphere most authentically, but cold-weather precautions and preparation for snowy roads are necessary.
Choosing Accommodations
When conducting sacred site pilgrimages over multiple days, the choice of accommodation is also important. Staying at camping grounds appearing in the work is the best way to experience the work’s worldview, but it may be challenging for beginners.
Minobu Town and Fujikawaguchiko Town have accommodation facilities and hotels that collaborate with the anime, with special benefits and merchandise sometimes offered. Staying at hot spring inns is also appealing, as hot spring scenes appear frequently in the work, allowing you to enjoy the work’s atmosphere.
Yamanashi Gourmet to Enjoy Along with Sacred Site Pilgrimages
Gourmet Spots Featured in the Work
“Yuru Camp △” features numerous Yamanashi specialty dishes. Houtou, Yoshida udon, Koshu wine, Shingan mochi, and other foods representative of Yamanashi are depicted deliciously in the work.
Houtou Fudo (Lake Kawaguchi Branch) is an actual shop that also appears in the work, and is a popular spot where many fans stop during sacred site pilgrimages. Additionally, regional specialties such as yubaaki from Minobu Town and Yoshida udon from Fujiyoshida are introduced in the work.
Recreating Camping Meals
The work features scenes where characters prepare various camping meals. From simple dishes like gyoza hot pot, curry udon, and soup pasta to more elaborate cuisine, diverse recipes are introduced.
By actually recreating the same menu at pilgrimage camping grounds, you can experience the work’s world more deeply. Sourcing ingredients at roadside stations and local supermarkets allows you to enjoy cooking with fresh local ingredients.
Local Specialties and Souvenirs
Yamanashi Prefecture is famous as a fruit-producing region, with abundant peaches, grapes, cherries, and sweets made from these fruits. With many wineries, Koshu wine is a specialty with high evaluation nationwide.
Shingan mochi, Tsuki no Shizuku (wine jelly), and Mount Fuji-related confections are abundant Yamanashi-style souvenirs. Roadside stations carry local agricultural products and processed goods, so stopping by during sacred site pilgrimages 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, mystery-solving events, exhibitions, and other projects enhance sacred site pilgrimage enjoyment.
Touring rally events are popular, with motorcycle and cycling events where participants visit sacred sites while checking off checkpoints. Limited merchandise is often given to those who complete the course, attracting many fans to participate.
Collaboration Goods and Limited Products
Roadside stations and tourist facilities sell “Yuru Camp △” collaboration limited goods and products. Original keychains, stickers, T-shirts, and other items that serve as mementos of sacred site pilgrimages are abundant.
Local restaurants sometimes offer collaboration menus, with recreated dishes from the work and original menus inspired by characters, allowing you to enjoy unique culinary experiences.
How to Obtain Latest Information
The latest “Yuru Camp △” related event information is continuously updated on the special page of Yamanashi Prefecture’s official tourism website “Fuji no Kuni Yamanashi Kanko Net.” Information is also posted on each municipality’s tourism association websites and the anime official site.
On SNS, you can check other fans’ pilgrimage reports and latest information using hashtags such as “#YuruCamp△SacredSitePilgrimage” or “#YuruCamp△Yamanashi.”
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Manners and Precautions
Consideration for Local Residents
During sacred site pilgrimages, you will be visiting areas where residents live, so following manners is important. In residential areas, avoid loud voices, do not trespass on private property, and always take trash with you.
When photographing, be mindful not to obstruct traffic, and it is preferable to obtain permission before photographing at shops and facilities. Remember that sacred site pilgrimages are possible through the understanding and cooperation of local people, and act with gratitude.
Precautions When Using Camping Grounds
When visiting camping grounds appearing in the work, always make advance reservations and follow the ground’s rules. Particularly popular spots like Kohan Campground may be difficult to book on weekends or during holidays.
For camping beginners, visiting without sufficient equipment or knowledge is dangerous. For those interested in camping after seeing the work, it is recommended to start with day visits or well-equipped campgrounds.
Traffic Safety and Driving Manners
Roads within Yamanashi Prefecture have narrow passages and sharp curves in mountainous areas. Especially in winter, road icing is a possibility, so careful driving is necessary.
Parking on roadsides for photography or sudden stopping can cause accidents. Always use parking lots and drive safely. When cycling or motorcycling for pilgrimages, follow traffic rules and ensure full safety measures such as helmet wearing.
Enjoying “Yuru Camp △” Sacred Site Pilgrimages More Deeply
Previewing Anime and Manga
It is recommended to review anime and manga beforehand to enjoy sacred site pilgrimages more. Knowing which scenes appear at which locations enhances the emotional impact when actually visiting.
Viewing the entire series from SEASON 1 through SEASON 3 and the theatrical version allows you to enjoy character growth and how the setting locations have changed. Taking notes on location information for each episode is helpful during pilgrimages.
Photography Tips
One of the joys of sacred site pilgrimages is photographing scenes at the same angles as in the work. Preparing anime screenshots in advance and taking photos to match the same composition at the location allows for comparison enjoyment.
Scenery changes with time of day and season, so photographing under the same conditions as depicted in the work results in higher-fidelity photos. Particularly, dusk and early morning landscapes are beautiful and impressively depicted in the work.
Interaction with Local People
Interacting with locals during sacred site pilgrimages can lead to discovering regional charm not featured in the work. Staff at roadside stations and tourist information centers are knowledgeable about local information and can suggest recommended spots.
Local people also rejoice in the increased number of tourists visiting Yamanashi Prefecture due to “Yuru Camp △’s” influence. Sharing your love of the work while learning about regional charm will make your sacred site pilgrimage more fulfilling.
Yamanashi’s Charm Through the Four Seasons
Spring’s Peach Blossoms and Cherry Blossoms
Spring in Yamanashi Prefecture features the spectacular scenery of “Peach Blossom Land” with peach blossoms blooming all at once. Particularly in Usui City and Yamanashi City, pink peach fields stretch out in a picture-like beautiful landscape.
With many famous cherry blossom spots, Minobuyama Kuonji Temple’s weeping cherry blossom is one of Japan’s three most famous cherry trees. Around Lake Kawaguchi, you can also enjoy cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji collaboration, with numerous scenic spots unique to spring.
Summer’s Highlands and Summer Retreats
Summer in Yamanashi Prefecture finds highland areas like Yatsugatake and Kiyosato Highland cool and comfortable. Higher elevation areas have lower temperatures than urban areas and are popular as summer retreats.
The season is also suitable for camping, allowing outdoor experiences in green, lush forests. Additionally, fruit picking for peaches and grapes is in season from summer through autumn, allowing you to taste fresh fruits.
Autumn’s Autumn Leaves and Harvest Season
Autumn in Yamanashi Prefecture features beautiful autumn foliage, particularly in mountainous areas of Hokuto City and Koshu City where vivid colors are enjoyed. It is also the grape harvest season, with popular winery tours and fruit picking.
Mount Fuji’s first snow often appears in autumn, making the contrast between autumn leaves and snow-capped Mount Fuji spectacular. With mild weather, it is one of the best seasons for sacred site pilgrimages.
Winter’s Mount Fuji and Hot Springs
Winter in Yamanashi Prefecture is a season where you can experience the very atmosphere of the work’s setting. With clear air, Mount Fuji appears distinctly, with beautiful scenery spreading as depicted in the work.
While camping is for advanced enthusiasts, hot spring tours are best in winter. Warming your chilled body in a hot spring overlaps with scenes the characters in the work enjoyed. However, snowy road countermeasures and cold-weather precautions are essential.
Conclusion: Rediscovering Yamanashi’s Charm Through “Yuru Camp △” Sacred Site Pilgrimages
Sacred site pilgrimages for “Yuru Camp △” series hold value beyond simply visiting anime filming locations. Through the work, you can discover diverse charms of Yamanashi Prefecture including rich nature, hot springs, gourmet cuisine, history, and culture—a wonderful experience.
Sacred sites scattered throughout Yamanashi Prefecture each possess unique charm, with new discoveries possible no matter how many times you visit. With the broadcast of SEASON 3, additional new spots have been added, further expanding ways to enjoy sacred site pilgrimages.
Using official model location maps and tourism information, plan your own pilgrimage route and fully enjoy both the world of “Yuru Camp △” and Yamanashi Prefecture’s charms. With love for the work and respect for the region, enjoy a wonderful sacred site pilgrimage journey.
Link Collection and Reference Information
Reference sources useful when planning sacred site pilgrimages are introduced below.
Official Tourism Information
- Fuji no Kuni Yamanashi Kanko Net “Yuru Camp △” Special Page: Yamanashi Prefecture’s official sacred site information and model location maps
- Minobu Town Tourism Association: Detailed tourism information for Minobu Town, the main stage
- Fujikawaguchiko Town Tourism Federation: Spot information and event announcements for the Lake Kawaguchi area
Transportation Access Information
- JR East: Timetables for the Chuo Main Line and Minobu Line with tourism information
- Fujikyu Railways: Access information for the Lake Kawaguchi area
- Yamanashi Kotsu: Timetables for prefectural bus routes
Accommodation and Campground Reservations
- Official sites for each campground: Reservation information for major spots like Kohan Campground
- Yamanashi Prefecture Ryokan and Hotel Life Hygiene Cooperative Association: Information on prefectural accommodations
Using these official information sources enables sacred site pilgrimages based on the latest and most accurate information.
