Check out the various stories of Foreign English Teachers trying to survive the great prefecture of Yamanashi, Japan. All the while enjoying the beauty that is Mt Fuji
Episode 12 of the Yamanashi Podcast is here and we talk to a foreigner from Egypt who moved his whole life to Japan to start a new. We talk what made him decide to move to Japan and start over. The challenges of starting a new life and career here in Japan. A truly very inspiring story that is titled Favor fortunes the Bold. Are you ready to be inspired? Click on the new link below!
This is a list created by Yamanashi Foreign Residents on things to do in Yamanashi during your summer break.
****Disclaimer****
This is not a ranked from great to greatest activities. Depending on your personality and interests this could vary. These things are posted on random so please let's not argue on which activity is the best from 1-10. This is also not an endorsement of any kind. We did not get paid to list these activities.
****Disclaimer****
10.
Paragliding/Hanggliding
While the Kawaguchiko area in Yamanashi is filled with worthwhile activities and events to do during the summer time.......it is hard not to be tempted over the thought of gliding through the sky with epic views of the wonderful lakes and mountains that surround Yamanashi.
Oshino Sky Sports is just that. This is definitely not a cheap endeavor. The reservation goes by very fast so make sure to reserve a spot as fast as you can. To participate in this will generally cost you no less than 20,000 Japanese yen. Still if you got the cash....and is looking to make use of that GoPro Hero device....
Why spend over 1500 US dollars on a drone that can probably get you a similar view but not necessarily the awesome experience?
9:00 to an hour before sunset. business hours 9: 00 ~ sunset
Fee
Adult 14,700 yen, 11,550 yen children separately, facility usage fee 630 yen Iriyama fee 1,050 yen
9.
Water Sports
Sky sports not your thing? That's ok. The Kawaguchiko area is filled with various companies that allow you to explore the surrounding area using boats, jet skis, and various water flotation devices.
Here are just a few of the companies. Make sure to visit them for a more up to date information regarding their fees, schedules and their hours of operation.
Wakeboarding, Banana boat and sometimes Paragliding.
There are various more independent companies that offer various water based activities in the Yamanashi area. If these links above is not in your interest or price range.....well....Google is your friend.
8.
Bat Cave! Nanananananana Bat Cave!!
What!?!?! You knew that was coming right?
Anyways, Water and Sky Activities not your thing? Looking for more down to earth activity?
Head on over to Lake Saiko and visit the Bat Cave. You are sure to have fun crawling around the cave and marveling in it's wonderful structure. The cave itself is an actual safe haven from the Yamanashi heat. The temperature inside the cave is significantly lower than it is from the outside. It is cold enough that it makes you want to hang out (haha get it?) in the cave and have a few drinks (BYOD)
The office of the Batcave itself is very interesting and has various posters and such of the old Adam West Batman show in Japanese.
The actual activity itself is only 300 yen! That is less than 2 US Dollars (depending on current exchange rate!) There also busses that take you tot he location from Kawaguchiko station!
Make sure to visit the website for an up to date information regarding the location and it's business hours.
Climb, Tumble, Plank Walk and Zip Line across the trees and forest of Yamanashi.
They have activities from Adults to Kids. Kids have to be accompanied by adults during some activities. They have 3 types of courses ranging from
Adventure Course
(Expert like level Zip Lining)
Discovery Course
(Amateur type)
and lastly
The Canopy Course
(Beginner/Kids Course)
So you are sure to have fun during your visit.
6.
Oshino Ninja Village
Go Ninja! Go Ninja Go! GO! Go! Go! Go!
To Oshino Ninja Village in Yamanashi
A fairly new attraction in the Minamitsuru District of Yamanashi. The Oshino Ninja Village offers a great place for you to learn about the history of Ninja, practice your shuriken throwing skills, have a chance at a Japanese style feast and cool down your body by visiting their foot bath to soothe away your summer blisters and cool down.
Visit the website for access and travel information
http://www.oshinoninja.com/
Here is also a YouTube Video that offers a much more in depth information on what to expect from this Ninja village.
5.
Ichikawa Daimon Fireworks Festival
Japan just has a very wonderful love affair with summer fireworks. Each year they top the previous years fireworks galor. There are fireworks festival all to be had in Yamanashi during the summer season. One could even say that you can see one everyday if you look hard enough. Ichikawa Daimon is the largest and longest fireworks display in Yamanashi during the fireworks season. It is big, loud, oh...and very crowded. People often take the day before the festival to set up and reserve their space in this festival. Be prepared for big crowds, heavy foot traffic and even a more difficult way on arriving and departing from the location. However, if you have a friend or two who knows the lay of the land and is willing to help you with parking, and shortcuts then you are sure to enjoy the wonderful fireworks display of the event. It is very much worth it, despite the dilemma of arriving and departing there.
4.
Visit a Fuji Onsen
There is something to be said relaxing in a Japanese Spa while getting an epic view of Yamanashi and Mt. Fuji. Various types of Kawaguchiko Onsens offer outside onsen that offers incredible soothing views of Yamanashi Nature and Mt. Fuji. Relax and sooth all your worries away by making sure to visit one during your visit here in Japan.
Japan Guide compiled a list of their pick of Best Onsens in the Kawaguchiko Area
link is here http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6902.html
Some picks by the local foreigners can be found are
Amagisou
http://www.amagisou.jp/
Benifuji Onsen
Address: 〒401-0501 Yamanashi Prefecture, Minamitsuru District 山中湖村山中865−776
The amusement part that is like none other. Ride roller coasters that offers the most naturalistic views of Mt. Fuji. Make sure to prepare all your activities first hand as this is a very much popular destination in Japan and not just Yamanashi. People from outside of Yamanashi visit Fuji Q to visit the various rides and get in the epic views that Yamanashi has to offer.
Visit the website below for up to date rides , business hours and local events in the area
https://www.fujiq.jp/en/attraction/
Fuji Q image by Japan Guide
2.
Go Camping
Yamanashi is surrounded by many mountains, lakes and YES camping grounds.
Here is a list available thanks to google map search
Yamanashi is a great prefecture that gives you the opportunity to fall in love with nature again and get away from all the hustle and bustle of a big city. Various location offers rentable huts that you can use if you are planning a big party or event and is looking for some privacy. This can be appealing to some if you are looking for a private event that can either loud or rambunctious
1.
Climb. Mt. Fuji
It is by no means, an easy task. It is not a question of strength but a question of mental fortitude and endurance. However many beginner hikers and tourist do visit the 5th Station just to get a closer look at Mt. Fuji and all of it's glory. Very packed during the day and during late afternoons when hikers begin their ascent to the climb the beast itself. Climbing this mountain can take upwards to 8-9 hours depending on experience and endurance. So be prepared. However, no matter where you are during your ascent of Mt. Fuji....you will not be disappointed by its wonderful views it offers when climbing. When you finally reach the summit and see the sun rise, all the pain (for the moment) will disappear once you accomplish that goal and conquer the beat that is Fuji-san.
Photo found at http://www.halfwayanywhere.com/asia/japan/climbing-pooping-mount-fuji-part-ii/
Photo link here http://nchscourant.com/gap-year-grows-in-fairfield-county/sunrise-on-mt-fuji/
Well......that is it! The Yamanashi Podcast picks of the Top 10 things to do in Yamanashi during the summer time! Have an activity or event that you think deserves mention? Leave a comment down below!
As it is such, in every story we must have a villain. Someone to make the hero look good. This episode does not have that! This episode we talk to the always omnipotent Mr. Tu. Don't let the Bond villain name fool you, he is as every bit of a sweetheart and tough guy as his name suggests.
This episode titled ''The Villain'' ; we talk about what it is like being Asian in Japan. The expectations vs the reality of it. The baggage that comes along with not fitting the profile of ''gaijin''.
We also get in depth on what it is like living in Japan while being in love with all things Japanese Anime, Games, Music and Toys. Or as simply put......being an Otaku.
Please make sure to comment down below and let us know your opinions and thoughts!
This podcast features a relatively new English teacher to Yamanashi who hasn't even hit the half year mark. Take a listen and find out about this Nebraskan's first experiences and impressions of Japan so far... but not everything, since a girl's got to keep some secrets.
Be sure to click those LIKE and SHARE buttons! Thanks and Happy listening!
We flip the script here in Yamanashi Podcast and we talk to Ms. Yoko on what it's like learning English and Spanish. We learn about her journey towards becoming a teacher.
Take a listen and learn about more fantastic stories and conversations in this Podcast.
