Discover AshigawaLet Us Show You Around Ashigawa
Spring in Ashigawa
Spring arrives a little later in Ashigawa, a village nestled in the mountains. Even in March, it is not uncommon to see snowflakes drifting through the air. By mid-April, as fresh greenery begins to emerge, wild cherry blossoms and young leaves gently color the terraced stone fields, and the satoyama landscape enters its most vibrant season. One of the true highlights of this time of year is sansai (wild mountain vegetables). Freshly harvested fuki-no-to (butterbur buds), kogomi (fiddlehead ferns), warabi (bracken), and tara-no-me (angelica tree shoots) are lined up on the shelves at “Ogossou-ya.” Whether you take them home as souvenirs or enjoy them freshly prepared as tempura at “Sawazumitei” or “Kawazashiki Suzuran,” each offers a delightful taste of the season. In early summer, a hidden colony of Japanese lily of the valley quietly blooms at the foot of the FUJIYAMA Twin Terrace. This rare species, designated as a Natural Monument of Yamanashi Prefecture, attracts visitors from afar. From mid-May to mid-June, small white flowers bloom modestly beneath large leaves, drawing nature lovers who come to witness their delicate beauty.
Summer in Ashigawa
As summer deepens, the greenery grows ever richer, and the clear mountain streams shimmer brilliantly under the sunlight. The air, 3 to 5 degrees cooler than in the city, is another part of Ashigawa’s charm—inviting you to take a deep, refreshing breath. There are countless ways to enjoy nature here: playing in the river, hiking, catching fish by hand, camping, mountain climbing, or simply wandering with a camera. Ashigawa is filled with experiences that let you connect with the natural world. Another highlight of summer is the highland-grown seasonal vegetables. Thanks to the large temperature difference between day and night, vegetables such as tomatoes, corn, zucchini, and cucumbers develop exceptional freshness and sweetness. Freshly harvested in the morning, these vegetables are rich in aroma and flavor. At “Ogossou-ya” and “Hibiki,” the vibrant display of seasonal produce brings color and joy to any summer table.
Autumn & Winter in Ashigawa
In September, while the city still holds onto the warmth of summer, a hint of autumn arrives early in Ashigawa. As the silver grass begins to bloom, the mountains gradually transform into shades of red and gold. With the first snowfall on Mt. Fuji, the busiest season of the year begins, drawing many visitors to the area. This is also the time to encounter wild mountain mushrooms. You may come across large varieties or rare species that are seldom seen elsewhere. The steam rising from hot bowls of mushroom soup and houtou in the crisp air, persimmons and daikon radishes hanging to dry under the eaves— these scenes of a satoyama preparing for winter evoke a sense of nostalgia and gentle calm. In winter, the air becomes even clearer, revealing a sky filled with countless stars at night. Occasional snowfall blankets the landscape in white, and as you sit by the glowing warmth of an irori hearth or wood-burning stove, time seems to slow down—inviting you to quietly connect with nature.
