Yamanashi Prefecture

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Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県 Yamanashi-ken)
Map of Japan with Yamanashi highlighted
Capital Kofu
Region Chūbu
Island Honshū
Governor Takahiko Yamamoto
Area 4,465.37 km² (32nd)
 - % water 1.3%
Population  (October 1, 2005)
 - Population 884,531 (41st)
 - Density 198 /km²
Districts 5
Municipalities 28
ISO 3166-2 JP-19
Website Official Website
(English)

www.pref.yamanashi.jp/
(Japanese)
Prefectural Symbols
 - Flower Fujizakura (Sakura)
 - Tree Kaede (Japanese maple)
 - Bird Uguisu (Bush warbler)
Symbol of Yamanashi Prefecture
Symbol of Yamanashi Prefecture

Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県 Yamanashi-ken?) is located in the Chūbu region on Honshū island, Japan. The capital is the city of Kofu.

Contents

[edit] History

Yamanashi Prefecture corresponds to the pre-Meiji Restoration Kai Province. During the Sengoku period it was the domain of Takeda Shingen.

[edit] Geography

Map of Yamanshi Prefecture.
Enlarge
Map of Yamanshi Prefecture.

Yamanashi Prefecture is bordered by Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Shizuoka, and Nagano. The prefecture is landlocked, and surrounded by mountains with a narrow central valley. Mount Fuji forms part of the southern boundary.

[edit] Cities

[edit] Towns and villages

Towns and villages in each district:

Kosuge
Tabayama
Hayakawa
Kajikazawa
Masuho
Minobu
Nambu
Doushi
Fujikawaguchiko
Narusawa
Nishikatsura
Oshino
Yamanakako
Showa
Ichikawamisato

[edit] Mergers

  • April 1, 2003-the municipalities of Shirane, Wakakusa, Kushigata, Kouzai, Hatta and Ashiyasu (all from Nakakoma District) merged to form the new city of Minami-arupusu.

[edit] Economy

Yamanashi has a sizable industrial base in and around Kofu city. The surrounding area is host to a number of farms and vineyards. Yamanashi is one of the major fruit producing regions in Japan. The prefecture is famous for the size and quality of its grapes and peaches.

[edit] Demographics

Yamanashi Prefecture has a sizable minority of Brazilians, approximately 15,000 people. The prefecture also contains a number of Nigerians and Indians.

[edit] Culture

[edit] Sports

The sports teams listed below are based in Yamanashi.

Football (soccer)


[edit] Tourism

Mount Fuji from Lake Shōji in Yamanashi Prefecture
Enlarge
Mount Fuji from Lake Shōji in Yamanashi Prefecture

Yamanashi is a popular destination for tourism. Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes region, the city of Kofu, the nearby wineries, the fine temple Erin-ji, and the popular Kuonji temple are a few of the most popular places to visit. Also, amusement park called Fuji-Q Highland with their newest roller coaster Eejanaika (roller coaster).

Eco-Tourism is very popular here. The natural topography of the region makes Yamanashi a hikers paradise. The tallest, Mt. Fuji, and second tallest mountains in Japan are both located within this prefecture. Although not as tall, Mount Minobu offers stunning views if one joins the Buddhist pilgrims up to the summit of the mountain.

Given the areas volcanic activity, natural hot springs Onsens are found in abundance. Some of the more famous are Isawa Onsen and Yamanami Onsen.

[edit] Prefectural symbols

[edit] Trivia

A considerable portion of Haruki Murakami's 2002 novel Kafka on the Shore occurs in the Yamanshi Prefecture.

[edit] External links


Shadow picture of Yamanashi Prefecture Yamanashi Prefecture
Cities
Chuo | Fuefuki | Fujiyoshida | Hokuto | Kofu (capital) | Kai | Koshu | Minami-arupusu | Nirasaki | Otsuki | Tsuru | Uenohara | Yamanashi
Districts
Kitatsuru | Minamikoma | Minamitsuru | Nakakoma | Nishiyatsushiro
  See also: Towns and villages by district edit

Coordinates: 35°37′N 138°37′E