Yamanashi: Travel That Changes You
26 July 2022 ● 1 min read ● 2 images
Travel guide (printed book and online) to Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture, for client Yamanashi Prefectural Government. A collaborative project with Original Inc. (publisher of Time Out Tokyo) and Yamanashi-based media group Sannichi-YBS.
Together with two co-writers, I introduce 140 locations from a ‘transformative travel’ standpoint; revealing how the discoveries and inspiration found at each spot carry potential for enriching a visitor’s life over the long term.
Under-the-tourist-radar locations, tagged as spots to ‘Discover’, include a suburban rail station that is also an emblematic example of Tadao Ando’s architectural vision; and a thousand-year-old Shinto shrine, hidden on a woody hillside, that incorporates a giant toboggan-style slide!
More familiar destinations meanwhile – such the lakes foregrounding Mount Fuji – are given an ‘Uncover’ treatment that enables a deeper understanding of their significance than that offered by the typical travel guide.
Finally, locations tagged ‘Recover’ – including outdoor hot spring baths boasting views of mountain ranges; and woodland noted for forest bathing – are highlighted for their ability to bring about a reset of mind and body.
Tokyo-based writer, editor and consultant with an eye on travel, lifestyle, sustainability, culture, design and Japanese consumer trends.
This is fantastic! I'd love to get my hands on a hard copy of this, Darren! I have a cabin on the edge of the forest in Narusawa so I know quite a lot about the Fuji five lakes side of Yamanashi, but I'm sure there are still loads of spots I'm unaware of! It's also nice to have some spots on the north side to go check out too.
Random side note - Last year I hiked to the top of that smaller mountain in front of Fuji on the front cover, Mt Omuro. Always wondered what the trail to get up there was like... turns out a little hard to follow! Will be in the area this weekend actually, might take the kayak out on Motosuko and take a dip!
Mark Mcfarlane Cheers Mark - I think the prefectural office in Kofu has print copies currently available, along with a few other spots in that city.
That cabin of yours sounds pretty idyllic!
Thanks Darren Gore! Will try to head over the prefectural office when I'm next over that side to grab a copy!
Yeah the cabin is pretty nice. I spent the last couple of days working from there, with nothing but the sound of birds (and a few annoying insects) to distract me. It does require a fair bit of upkeep though! It's due a bit of renovation soon.
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