Minobu

Minobu as a city developed around its Buddhist temples. Its most prominent is Kuon-ji, the main site of the Nichiren Shu Buddhist school founded in the 12th century (Kamakura period) and home to the mausoleum of its founder Nichiren Shonin (1222 - 1282).

Due to its location on the western side of Mount Fuji 🗻, in Yamanashi prefecture, Minobu is far from the beaten tracks used by tourists crowds arriving from Tokyo, for whom it is easier to visit Fuji-san’s eastern side, and especially Fujiyoshida City. A local JR line nonetheless serves the city, that is accessible from Tokyo with a transfer in Kofu or in Shizuoka. The surroundings of Minobu station are dotted with shops and even a small business hotel 🏨 with a view on the river.

Stopover at the foot of Fuji-san

Minobu has its own particular charm and is even a choice destination to stay in the area, with accommodation options such as:

• Overnight stay at a temple (shukubo). As a matter of fact, Minobu’s many temple complexes have family-run Buddhist inns such as Kakurinbo, that are open to hikers as well as to pilgrims. The natural and authentic settings offer an experience encompassing originality, spirituality and congeniality, thanks to the hosts’ friendly welcome. Or,
• Stay at a ryokan inn in the thermal village of Shimobe Onsen ♨️, that has its own train station.

Amid a mountain landscape, the city spreads out at the foot of Mounts Minobu (1,153m) and Kenashi (1,964m) and on the shore of Lake Motosu, one of the 5 lakes of the Mount Fuji area. Minobu is also crossed north to south by the Fuji-kawa river. There are plenty of hiking trails to reach the surrounding mountains’ tops or walk along the water. The panoramic views on the sacred mountains and the Southern Japanese Alps are astounding.

Kuon-ji and its traditional district

Kuon-ji temple has its pavilions spreading on Mount Minobu, also called Minobusan. Therefore the visit starts at the foot of the mountain and concludes at its peak, that is reachable on foot or by a ropeway.

We also recommend strolling in the traditional streets around the entrance of Kuon-ji, marked by the impressive Sanmon Gate. Lovely local shops sell food and Buddhism-related craft souvenirs. Most of shop owners live on site and are not necessarily waiting behind the counter: just greet upon entering the shop to let them know you are here. There is also a tourism information office and a drugstore.

Quiet all year round, Minobu is nonetheless more popular in spring and especially in April for the blooming of the cherry trees. Kuon-ji is indeed home to wonderful weeping sakura 🌸, and the popular Fuji Shibazakura Matsuri festival is held every year near Lake Motosu. Surrounded by the forest, the city is also beautifully immersed in the fall 🍁 colors.