Showa(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Shōwa-machi, the top choice for Mount Fuji views is Fujisan View Lodge, a modern ryokan nestled on a hillside overlooking the Kōfu Basin. Its floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic vistas of the snow-capped peak, especially stunning at sunrise. The property offers private onsen baths and seasonal kaiseki meals featuring local ingredients like Yamanashi grapes and wild mountain vegetables. Guests can also join guided hikes to nearby Oshino Hachimangu Shrine trails, making it ideal for nature lovers seeking serenity and sublime scenery.

For a tranquil countryside experience, stay in the eastern foothills of the Southern Alps, near the Ōkawa River. This region hosts quiet, family-run guesthouses like Mori no Sato Cottage, surrounded by rice paddies and apple orchards. The area is perfect for morning walks, birdwatching, and stargazing due to minimal light pollution. It’s just a 15-minute drive from Kōfu Station, offering easy access while preserving the charm of rural life. Ideal for digital detox and reconnecting with nature.

Visitors to Shōwa-machi can participate in the annual Yamanashi Traditional Sake Festival, held at the Sake Kura Hall. You’ll get hands-on experience in fermenting rice for sake, learn about aging techniques, and taste freshly brewed Koshu wine and rice sake. Another highlight is the Shōwa Pottery Workshop, where you craft your own ceramic piece using locally sourced clay. These immersive activities offer deep insight into the region’s heritage of craftsmanship and respect for natural resources.

Yes, Fujikogen Onsen Ryokan is a must-visit hot spring hotel in Shōwa-machi. With origins dating back over 100 years, it features private outdoor baths fed by natural mineral-rich springs from 300 meters underground. The water contains sulfur, known for its therapeutic benefits. Each room includes tatami flooring and traditional Japanese design. Enjoy a full kaiseki dinner made with ingredients from local farms. Sunset soaking with a view of Mount Fuji is an unforgettable experience.

Shōwa Town Family Nature Village is perfect for families. This eco-lodge features separate wooden cabins, each with a kitchenette and private garden. Kids can explore the children’s farm, feed goats, and plant vegetables. The site offers daily programs like nighttime stargazing, paper lantern making, and forest scavenger hunts. Located just minutes from Lake Kawaguchi, it provides easy access to outdoor adventures. A true haven for intergenerational bonding and nature discovery.

The prime spot for cherry blossoms in Shōwa-machi is Senbonzakura Ravine, where hundreds of Yoshino cherry trees bloom along the riverbank, creating a dreamy pink tunnel. Stay at Sakimimi Mountain Villa, a boutique retreat with a private balcony overlooking the ravine. The hotel offers cherry blossom tea ceremonies and photography tours at dawn when the light is soft. Early spring visits ensure fewer crowds and magical moments as petals drift across the stream under the morning sun.

In winter, Shōwa-machi transforms into a snowy paradise. Stay at Fujigata Snow Lodge, a cozy cabin with heated floors and a central fireplace. Activities include snowshoe hiking, ice fishing, and evening bonfire gatherings with warm azuki bean soup and roasted sweet potatoes. The lodge also features a crystal ice greenhouse housing rare cold-resistant plants. From your room, gaze upon the Southern Alps blanketed in fresh snow—a serene, magical setting perfect for solitude and reflection.

Yes, Yama Art & Nature House stands out as a fusion of art and environment. Housed in a restored elementary school, it displays mountain-themed installations by local artists. Rooms feature large glass walls facing the forest, blurring indoor and outdoor spaces. Monthly events include sound meditation sessions and starlight painting workshops. Guests can create art inspired by the surrounding landscape, turning their stay into a creative journey. A sanctuary for artists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Tourists must try Kōfu-style trout sashimi and charcoal-grilled river fish at Fujigawa Fishery Restaurant, located beside the Ōkawa River. Fresh catches are served with Yamanashi plum vinegar and homemade miso. Visit the Shōwa Town Market every Saturday to sample grape jam, wasabi honey, and dried mountain mushrooms. For a deeper culinary experience, join a family cooking class to make buckwheat noodles and sweet rice dumplings using regional recipes passed down for generations.

Shōwa-machi is easily reachable from Tokyo via JR Chūō Limited Express from Shinjuku Station, taking about 1 hour 30 minutes to Kōfu Station. From there, a 20-minute bus ride brings you directly to the town center. The Shōwa Tourist Shuttle Bus runs regularly between key attractions and accommodations. Alternatively, drive via the Chūō Expressway—scenic route with rest stops offering views of the Alps. Most hotels provide complimentary shuttle services, ensuring hassle-free travel even for first-time visitors.