[2025 Minamikoma District Attraction] Travel Guide for Kuon-ji (Updated May)

#0yentravel The Minobu Line is a local JR line that connects Kofu in Yamanashi Prefecture and Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture. It was originally built to transport pilgrims to Kuonji Temple on Mount Minobu. Today, it runs along the Fuji River, weaving through the mountains, with a tranquil landscape of rivers and mountains. There are also places along the line where you can experience history and hot springs, such as Mount Minobu and Shimobe Onsen. The Fujikawa express train is also in operation, but a relaxing trip on a regular train is also an attraction. The sections that were once considered difficult to access have now been developed, and the line runs smoothly while staying close to the local area.

#cherryblossom25 If you want to avoid the usual crowds in Tokyo during sakura season, here’s a super underrated spot tucked away in a lesser-known prefecture: 📍 Minobu-san Kuon-ji Temple (身延山久遠寺) There’s a huge weeping cherry blossom tree here that’s over 400 years old, and when it’s in full bloom, it creates the most magical cherry blossom snow (sakura fubuki) scene you can imagine. Absolutely breathtaking!! 💡 By the time I’m writing this post, it might be past peak bloom already—but definitely bookmark this spot for next year, especially if you’re in Tokyo and missed the cherry blossoms in the city. ✨ Bonus tip: The sakura here actually blooms earlier than in Tokyo, so pro photographers and seasoned cherry blossom lovers often make a special trip here to catch it! 🚗 How we got there: We were coming from Lake Kawaguchi and had to transfer multiple times by train and bus—so the place was nearly tourist-free and super peaceful. BUT! We later found out there’s a direct highway bus from Shinjuku that takes about 3 hours straight to Minobu Temple—way more convenient! It’s definitely a hidden gem, and sooo worth the trip 🌸❤️ #travel

"Minobuyama Kuonji" is located on the slope of Mt. Minobu in Yamanashi Prefecture. In the 13th century during the Kamakura period, Nichiren Shonin, the founder of the Nichiren sect, established this temple as the head temple of the Nichiren sect. As a result, monks train day and night, and you can occasionally hear them chanting sutras. In addition, various treasures and cultural properties, including national treasures and important cultural properties, are preserved, and it is a temple of high historical and artistic value, as well as one of Yamanashi Prefecture's leading cherry blossom viewing spots. There are particularly many weeping cherry trees, and the 400-year-old weeping cherry tree in front of the main hall is a spectacular sight! Best time to see weeping cherry blossoms: mid-to-late March Other cherry blossoms: late March to early April During the cherry blossom viewing season, restrictions on private cars are imposed, and general vehicles are prohibited from passing through, and parking is prohibited in the parking lot in front of the mountain gate except for related vehicles. You must take a paid temporary shuttle bus from a designated location to visit the temple. However, after 4:00 p.m. in the evening, traffic restrictions are lifted and general vehicles are allowed to pass through. Location: 3567 Minobu, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture Visiting and reception hours: 5:00 a.m. to 4:55 p.m. Admission free *Treasure museum is paid Parking fee required *Parking below Kanromon is free Access: 12 minutes by bus from JR Minobu Station on the Minobu Line, 17 minutes on foot from the bus stop, 14 minutes by taxi from Minobu Station #Seasonal places in Japan #Yamanashi Prefecture #Shrines and temples #Famous cherry blossom spots #Breathtaking views

This is my second trip to Japan. This time I deliberately avoided the bustling attractions and chose a niche B&B, a temple B&B hidden in the countryside. There are kind monks who take care of daily life, and take me and my friends around the countryside to introduce beautiful scenery and cultural customs. If you yearn for a journey away from the hustle and bustle and return to your heart, Takeibou is an excellent choice. It is located in the famous holy place of Minobuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. It is a temple with a long history and a quiet B&B open to travelers. After arriving at Minobu station by subway, take a taxi directly to Takeibou in about 10 minutes. The location is just between Tokyo and Kyoto, which is a very good transition link and worth a special trip. Unlike the hustle and bustle of popular attractions, Takeibou is located in a quiet and beautiful place, surrounded by mountains, with fresh air and unique scenery in each season. The most special thing here is that you can really immerse yourself in the traditional temple life - at 5 o'clock every morning, the monks will ring the bell to wake up the guests, and go to the main hall of the temple to participate in the solemn chanting ceremony. After listening to the chanting, the sky is just getting light, and the temple scenery in the morning is very quiet. At that moment, it seems that time has slowed down and the nerves are relaxed. The room is in traditional Japanese tatami style, simple and plain but clean and comfortable. There is a public bathroom in the temple. Take a hot bath and let the fatigue of the journey quietly dissipate in the water vapor. If you want, you can also choose to pay extra to enjoy the traditional vegetarian cuisine carefully prepared by the temple. It is light but full of Zen, and it is a real "body and mind clean" experience. Takeifang is not only a stay, but more like a short stop for the soul. Here, you can walk slowly, breathe slowly, and slowly feel the original appearance of life. Whether traveling alone or with friends who are close to your heart, this temple homestay will bring a sense of tranquility and touching. #寺民宿 #日本旅行记 #日本小眾旅遊 #trip #另类身体验

Kuonji Temple is the head temple of the Shingon sect, located on the mountainside of Mt. Minobu. The temple grounds include a large hall famous for being the place where Tokugawa Ieyasu's funeral was held. When you visit, you can feel the solemn atmosphere and the beautiful nature surrounded by mountains. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom in spring, and the leaves are at their best in autumn, making the beautiful scenery of the four seasons attractive. Nearby, you can enjoy hot springs at the Yumoto Hotel along the approach to Kuonji Temple, a spot where you can relax both body and mind. 🕰️Business hours: 9:00-17:00 📍Location: 3567 Minobu, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture #0 yen trip February 2025

#Furitabi The head temple of the Nichiren sect. Kuonji Temple on Mount Minobu has a long history spanning 750 years. Various training sessions and training experiences are held at Mount Minobu, the sacred land of the sect's founder. We also have a system for training monks by staying at Mount Minobu. For over 700 years since the death of Saint Nichiren, the flame of the law has continued uninterrupted, and the tomb has been protected by successive chief priests to this day. Mount Minobu Kuonji Temple is a sacred place where Saint Nichiren recited the Lotus Sutra and dedicated his life to it. As the head temple, it attracts the fervent faith of its disciples, and as a sacred place in the hearts of people who widely revere Saint Nichiren, there is no end to the daily pilgrimage.