Top Things to do in Koshinetsu
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What to do and see in Koshinetsu, Chubu: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
Discover the best top things to do in Koshinetsu, Japan including Matsumoto Castle, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple, Fuji-Q Highland, Takato Castle Remains Park, Hakuba, Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Kawaguchiko, Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, Lake Yamanaka.
Restaurants in Koshinetsu
1. Matsumoto Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,584 reviews
Reviewed By phale12017
When l was told we were visiting a a castle, grey blocks of stone came to mind( l clearly wasn’t thinking logically) I was amazed to see this massive, towering wooden structure before me! Yes Japanese castles are made from wood. They have moats and tiny narrow windows for firing weapons out of and other familiar features but l have to say they are quite different from the English versions. They have a hidden extra floor that you cannot see from outside, this is just one unfamiliar feature! We were put into groups of 5 or less and shown round by retirees who were practicing their English, what a wonderful idea! Our guide was very amusing!! A word of warning, there are lots of steps inside, some of them steep! But make the effort, it’s well worth it!!
2. Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,691 reviews
Reviewed By MichelleSCapeTownSA - Cape Town Central, South Africa
An incredible place, Snow Monkey Park must be one of the world’s most unique attractions and is one of my favourite memories of Japan. The park is small and there is a 30/40-minute easy walk to reach it - the walk is wonderful and through a forest. I visited in April and was able to see a lot of baby monkeys, even on a hot day. They are wild but used to people, so they get close and walk around quite freely. You can see them all around, they play on the rocks and in the water too. When things get heated between the young ones the adults’ step in. Things either calm down fast or the youngsters ensure they move a good distance away and continue being cheeky - super cute. We walked back from the park all the way down to Yudanaka station via the beautiful Shibu Onsen village. This lovely scenic walk starts in the forest, then makes its way through the cobblestoned lanes surrounded by traditional wooden ryokan (Japanese inns) of Shibu Onsen along the Yokoyugawa River. It takes around one to two hours and is worth doing if you have the time – a lot of history, quaint sights and beauty to take in.
3. Zenko-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,931 reviews
Reviewed By hfot2 - Vermont, United States
We have visited Zenko-ji on three different sakura trips and each time the blossoms did not disappoint. The weeping tree on the side of the main hall is spectacular when in full bloom - not to be missed. Bridal shoots occur throughout the temple compound in this season, but especially at this tree. The grounds are lovely throughout. Don’t miss the trees behind the main hall and the many stone lanterns there and elsewhere. There are several small gardens with more flowering trees. If you stand near the photogenic bell tower long enough, you will be there when the ringer arrives, bows to the bell and using the beam suspended on ropes strikes the bell which resonates for a very long time. Statues abound, especially the seven Jizo Bodhisattva at the Sanmon Gate. Many side buildings are more peaceful and less crowded than the main hall area and they too contain statues, bells and lanterns. If you walk behind the main hall and up a bit you arrive at the pagoda which contains the Zenkoji History Museum. It can take several hours to walk around, view, and photograph all that is here. Take your time to enjoy the whole temple compound. There is a city bus that runs to the temple from the station, or you can walk up the hill to the temple from the station - it takes about 30 minutes. The road immediately in front of the gate is full of shops selling souvenirs, religious items, and food. Good soft ice cream can be had here. The streets running parallel to this one are very interesting and worth a stroll. Even if the cherry trees are not a peak, and even if it is not sakura season at all, Zenko-ji is definitely worth a visit.
4. Fuji-Q Highland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,283 reviews
Do you like more scream? Free entry to Fuji-Q Highland from July 14 ! If you come to travel near by Mt. Fuji, without any money that you can get inside the park and enjoy the fantastic view. Fuji-Q is best known for its thrilling, record-breaking roller coasters and elaborate, anime- themed rides and attractions. There are numerous “Guiness-level” attractions, including “EEJANAIKA,” the roller coasting boasting the highest total number of spins in the world, “FUJIYAMA” “DODODONPA”, and famous of “ Super Scary Labyrinth of Fear” and “Ultimate Fort3” that can challenge your courage and intelligence. There are also popular character theme-parks such as “Thomas Land” and “Lisa and Gaspard Town”. Fuji-Q Highland is bound to amuse all ranges of visitors, from youths to families. 5-6-1 Shin-nishihara, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Website (http://www.fujiq.jp/en)
Reviewed By boobee123 - Jakarta, Indonesia
First of all it was really nice to travel during winter because the park is empty and the Q was fast (5-10 mins per ride), the extreme rides was marvelous and super fun! And at some high points on the coaster rides, I could see clearly the beautiful Mt Fuji, the snow at the park made my trip to Fuji Q highland park more memorable <3
5. Takato Castle Remains Park
6. Hakuba
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 300 reviews
Reviewed By PurdueBen500 - Sydney, Australia
Lots of great places to ski/board & very helpful staff many of which speak some English. Spectacular views across the mountains.
7. Fuji Five Lakes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Formed As Streams And Dams Were Clogged By Volcanic Ash And Lava
Reviewed By SurfingWild - Bandung, Indonesia
The area north of Mt. Fuji contains several lakes and is called the Fuji Five Lakes area. The lakes are specifically Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko and Motosuko and they afford the best views of Fuji including many of those seen in magazines and advertising. Therefore I would strongly urge any visitor to Japan to include a visit during their trip. The biggest lake is Kawaguchiko and that area has a town and many things to see and do as well as several excellent hotels, some with hot spa's. One can actually driver around Fuji beginning at places like Mishima which is a station on the main Tokyo to Osaka shinkansen line, and rent a car as we normally do to drive up the east side of Fuji, round the top and down the west side. This can be done in a day, but I"d recommend spending at least one of two days to explore the area as there are truly some wonderful places to visit.
8. Lake Kawaguchiko
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,293 reviews
Reviewed By patrickperbkk
Lake Kawaguchiko is one the the Mt Fuji 5 Lakes. It's very convenient to travel from Tokyo by train, highly suggested to get a Tokyo pass and reserve the seat. Also, it's highly recommended to rent a bike, the best way to travel around the Lake. There are many nice cafes and restaurant around the Lake area.
9. Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By end0t - Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
Definitely one of the most stunning viewing point in Kawaguchiko area. A beautiful spot throughout the year, once in your life must come place. If you like to hike there is a walking trail you can walk for couple of hours.
10. Lake Yamanaka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 489 reviews
Reviewed By 186guillaumea - Shizuoka, Japan
One of the five lakes located around Fuji San. The light and views of Fuji San are always different based on the weather. Many restaurants, shops, hotels, bnb, campgrounds located alongside or in the mountains a short drive a away. Nice trail going around the lake, perfect for q stroll or bike ride. Bike rental a available as well as boats.
