Otsuki
Otsuki ( Ōtsuki-shi) is a small city in Yamanashi Prefecture. It is a mix of small town, light local industry (including a Tokyo hydroelectric plant) and expensive bedroom community. Most of its people are concentrated in the river valley through which the Chuo main line and expressway run. The river gorge is very scenic, but the primary attractions are the mountains which form the majority of Otsuki-shi. Shopkeepers have some English, but the vast majority of the signage and conversation is in Japanese.
Get in
By train
JR Chuo LineThis line is owned by JR so the Japan Rail Pass is valid to ride on this line. This line runs west to east, generally speaking, from Tokyo past Kofu. Otsuki is two hours from Shinjuku and fifty minutes from Kofu. Local trains run from Takao and Hachioji, and expresses from Hachioji. Not all expresses stop at Otsuki.
Fujikyu LineThis line runs from Otsuki Station to Kawaguchiko, where you can find Mt. Fuji (about 1 hour ride). This line stops at Fujiyoshida (50 min) and Fuji Highlands, the famous theme park and home of the many Guinness record-holding roller coasters.
By car
Chuo ExpresswayThere are several exits for Otsuki on the Chuo Expressway (Central Expressway). Travel time from Shinkuju is usually of around one hour, but can be twice as long when roads are congested. Car travel to Otsuki allows you to explore the surrounding mountains, farmland and other sights, such as the Yamanashi Prefectural Maglev Exhibition Center in Tsuru.
Get around
There is a city bus system and taxis available. The bus garage is right across the street from Otsuki Station. Usually there are many taxis waiting in front of Otsuki Station.
See
Sasago GangaharasuriyamaIt is said that Japan's national symbol, Mount Fuji, appears at its most symmetrical when viewed from Otsuki, so the area was chosen as the site to produce the image of the mountain that used to appear on ¥500 notes. The overlook is at the summit of this mountain.
Saruhashi BridgeSaruhashi literally means 'monkey bridge'. Saru means monkey and hashi means bridge. It is known for its unique architecture which, as the story goes, is said to have been built by monkeys. It is a beautiful bridge that runs over a stream with a nearby playground and two small shrines, making the site very pleasant. The bridge is built across a canyon, next to three other bridges, one of which is dedicated to carrying the large waterpipes for the nearby hydroelectric plant. The succession of bridges across the river is a sight to behold.
Do
HikingAs Otsuki is within two hours from Tokyo, it makes an ideal place to enjoy a one or two day hike. The mountains behind the town are dotted with pretty villages and offer wonderful views over Mount Fuji. There are even a few hot springs to soak out the Tokyo vibe. The closest hike to Otsuki Station is Iwadono-san; the station has a free map showing hikes in the vicinity of the tracks. The Iwadono-san Museum has copies of the Otsuki-shi trail map, which shows where the trails are, although it does not show their condition.
ZuigakuinThe monastery was founded in 1978 with the intention of establishing a center that precisely follows the teachings of Zen Master Dogen (the Japanese monk who introduced the Soto Zen tradition to Japan from China in the 13th century), and located deep in the mountains among tall pines, it provides a perfect environment to practice meditation and experience a simple Zen life. Zuigakuin is popular with overseas students, and many have trained here over the years. From the station, follow the road over the river and under the expressway. After passing through the small hill-side village of Fujisawa, the path enters a forest. It is about a one hour hike from the station to Zuigakuin. Reservation at least one week in advance is required for staying at the temple.
Iwadono-sanThis 600-m mountain is easily recognizable by the sheer rock face on the south side of the peak. Once the location of a local warlord's castle, it now has a small museum half-way up and excellent views from the top. The museum has an exhibition of photos of Fuji-san and some local history (in Japanese only). The climb up the improved trail on the west side of the mountain takes about an hour; this trail is mostly paved and has (sometimes steep) stairs in all the steep areas. The trail map shows an east-side route, which is unimproved except for handrails. Wear excellent trail shoes and be in good condition for this hike.
Buy
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Daily Yamazaki Otsuki Ekimae
phone: +81 554-22-0233This convenience store well-situated for buying supplies when going on a hike. -
Daiei
phone: +81 554-22-4511address: Mitachi 1-13Sells groceries and prepared food, clothing, toiletries, stamps and small appliances.
Eat
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Daiei
phone: +81 554-22-4511address: Mitachi 1-13This supermarket sells bento lunch boxes, donuts, and other prepared foods. In front of the store vendors sell okonomiyaki and bean-paste fish waffles for dessert. The okonomiyaki is tasty, but go light on the mayonnaise. There are two large tables to eat at under an awning attached to the store.