Uncovering Minobu, Yamanashi: A hidden cultural gem near Mount Fuji in Japan

Located at the summit of Mount Minobu at an elevation of 1,153 metres is Okunoin Shishinkaku. It was built as a memorial to the monk Nichiren, who spent nine years in ascetic practice on the mountain. Every day, Nichiren would climb the rugged, pathless trail from his hermitage for over three hours to reach the mountaintop. Today, visitors can enjoy a more accessible route via the Minobusan Ropeway, which offers a seamless seven-minute ascent with breathtaking panoramic views.

A significant discovery was made in October 2024 during routine maintenance, where a hidden Gohonson manuscript inscribed on a wooden slab was uncovered within the temple’s walls. While details of this historic scripture are still being investigated, it’s currently on display for visitors to view at the temple. The temple also offers a Gokaichōshiki Ceremony, which is available to all visitors, allowing them to witness monks engage in rhythmic chanting and prayer, further deepening the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred site.

Okunoin Shishinkaku
Address: 4223 Minobu, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi, 409-2524, Japan 

For those in pursuit of a truly immersive stay, Ebisuya Inn offers not just accommodation but a journey through time, culture and artistry. This 90-year-old mansion, once the home of a sake brewery owner, has been beautifully renovated while preserving its historical character and is now registered as a tangible cultural property. It accommodates just one group per night, ensuring guests have the utmost privacy and exclusivity.

The inn also doubles as an art gallery, showcasing works by local Yamanashi artists, including a stunning Arita pottery centrepiece that beautifully complements the restored interiors. Guests can rejuvenate in onsens that draw from nearby hot springs, soaking in natural warmth while enjoying the tranquil environment. The current owner has ambitious visions to expand the hot spring area, aiming to eventually transform the town into a wellness destination.

Ebisuya Inn
Address: 3955 Minobu, Minamikoma District, Yamanashi, 409-2524, Japan

Adjacent to Ebisuya Inn is Farm Café Zencho, a hidden gem that focuses on farm-to-table cuisine. The café is known for its unique take on pasta, using chewy hoto udon noodles prepared with Yamanashi’s local wheat flour instead of traditional spaghetti. Guests can select from a range of house-made sauces, including carbonara, tomato and meat sauce, with options available for vegan and vegetarian diets. Diners can enjoy their meals in the outdoor seating area, which provides a stunning view of the surrounding gardens and mountains.

Farm Cafe Zencho
Address: Minobu 3955, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi, 409-2524 , Japan

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Minobu boasts a rich history of handmade Japanese paper, or washi, with origins tracing back to the Heian period. The town is home to several paper mills where visitors can create their own washi paper, learning about the intricate techniques of pulping and shaping. They can explore the art of crafting various washi products, including envelopes and bookmarks. The process begins with cooking and bleaching plant bark to break down the fibres, followed by mixing the resulting pulp with water and a binding agent. Sheets are then formed using a screen, pressed to remove excess water, dried in the sun, and stretched over a hot iron plate for a smooth finish.

At the Rokugo Seal Museum, participants will discover that the craftsmanship of each hanko (personal seal) is a unique reflection of the artist’s touch. Traditional seals are hand-carved, allowing for individual expression through the lettering technique known as fubun (the process of adding characters). This means that even when the same character (such as a name or surname) is crafted in the same style, variations arise due to differences in letter formation and placement techniques.

In contrast to machine-carved seals that use pre-registered characters, each koga seal is meticulously crafted by hand, ensuring that no two impressions are alike. In the carving workshop, participants can create their own unique hanko by requesting a specific kanji character in advance, allowing the instructor to design a personalised stamp that reflects their individual style and vision.

Rokugo Seal Museum
Address: 2160 Iwama, Ichikawamisato-cho, Nishiyatsushiro-gun, Yamanashi, 409-3244, Japan

In Minobu, Akebono soybeans offer a taste experience that evolves throughout the year, capturing the unique climate and careful cultivation of the Akebono district. For just a two-week period in October, these soybeans are harvested as edamame, celebrated for their tender texture and nutty-sweet flavour. As the beans dry in the winter air, they transform into daizu, versatile dried soybeans that lend their richness to traditional Minobu delicacies such as tofu, natto (fermented soybeans) and miso paste.

Locals savour Akebono daizu in various dishes that highlight its distinctive umami, making it a prized ingredient all year round. With Japan’s Geographical Indication (GI) status, these soybeans can only be called “Akebono” when cultivated in Minobu’s unique environment—misty mornings, a significant temperature fluctuation between day and night, and optimal mountain air provide the conditions for these exceptional beans to flourish.

At the historic Kakurinbo lodge, guests can immerse themselves in local culture through activities and meals that celebrate Minobu’s rich heritage. Both dinner and breakfast showcase Akebono soybeans, featuring delights such as tomato and soy milk hot pot, crispy fried yuba (bean curd skin) paired with Akebono natto, and sashimi-style yuba complemented by house-made soy sauce koji. Guests can also participate in a workshop to create bento boxes filled with onigiri and inarizushi (vinegared rice in sweet and savoury tofu pockets) or partake in a traditional omatsuri festival, complete with a dynamic performance of matoi flag-waving.

Kakurinbo
Address: 3510 Minobu, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi, 409-2524, Japan

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