About Minobu
Minobu Town with beautiful nature and traditional Japanese culture
With the Fuji River, one of the three most rapid rivers in Japan, flowing through its center, Minobu Town is a tranquil and picturesque town located in the southern part of Yamanashi Prefecture, on the west side of Mt. Fuji.
To the south is Mt. Minobu, known as one of the three most sacred Buddhist mountains in Japan. To the north is “Nishijima Washi no Sato”, a cultural spot, and to the east are the popular tourist destinations of Shimobe Onsen Hot spring and Lake Motosuko (One of Fuji five lakes).
This location offers a perfect environment where you can integrate nature, history, and culture into a high-quality farm and temple stay experience. Located less than 3 hours from Tokyo and with a direct bus service, this area is highly recommended for weekend retreats.
Framework for enjoying the entire community based on the line of thinking of Albergo Diffuso
We are deeply committed to the approach of Albergo Diffuso (AD), an initiative that originated in Italy, and are engaged in various activities to realize it here in Minobu. In recognition of our efforts, on December 15, 2022, the related facilities became the first Buddhist institution in Japan to receive the Albergo Diffuso startup certification. Although sometimes referred to in Japanese as a “community-wide hotel”, we would like to offer our guests not only lodging, but also a variety of activities that can be experienced only in Minobu town. We will continue to expand our network of local facilities such as lodging, farms and restaurants, aiming to offer a well-balanced stay in Minobu town. Relax and enjoy your stay as if it were your second hometown!
A picturesque temple town with a rich history and a culture of faith
Along with Mt. Hiei and Mt. Koya, Mt. Minobu is one of the three most sacred mountains in Japan. Mt. Minobu is home to Kuonji Temple, the head temple of Nichiren Buddhism. Together with a group of lodging, which is said to be the best in the Kanto region, and an impressive temple town with a rustic shopping district in front of the main gate, the area offers a history of faith and a unique Japanese culture that can be experienced firsthand. The temples feature traditional Japanese architectural styles. As the head temple of Nichiren Buddhism and one of the most prominent Buddhist towns in Japan, visitors can enjoy an unparalleled glimpse into Japanese culture.
Some traditional cultures that have been handed down to the next generation for as long as 750 years face difficulties due to a lack of successors in addition to other challenges. We have committed ourselves to creating and promoting a perfect environment in Minobu town where the farm stay experiences become good incentives in preserving this invaluable culture.
Local Specialty Product – Minobu’s Heart and Soul
Minobu town has many local specialty products, such as agricultural produce grown in the rich mountainous region and traditional handicrafts that have been carefully passed down from generation to generation. In addition to the local specialty products such as Minobu manju (classic Japanese sweet), bamboo charcoal, Nanten plant, Nishijima Washi Japanese paper, Shimobe miso, shiitake mushrooms, mineral water, green tea, more creative local specialties have been introduced in recent years, using the resources of the region.
Akebono Soybeans
Akebono soybeans, a brand of soybeans from Minobu town, are twice as large as ordinary soybeans and have a strong sweetness and rich flavor. They are called “phantom soybeans” due to its rarity; it can only be grown in the Akebono district of Minobu town located at an altitude of 300 to 700 meters. The difference in temperature between day and night is large and fog often occurs. It is also produced by hand and cannot be mass produced. Akebono soybeans is a local specialty that reminds us of the importance of the original human diet, which is based on production and consumption of local food that modern people have almost forgotten. Kakurinbo is the sole processor of “Akebono soybean natto (fermented soybeans)”, which has been selected as “100-year food” by the Agency for Cultural Affairs as a food culture that has been handed down from generation to generation. Kakurinbo serves “Otelunch (temple-lunch)” with Akebono soybean natto at lunch time.
Yuba
Yuba (tofu skin), with its light and elegant flavor, is one of the local specialty products of Minobu town. It is known as an excellent nutritional food and an essential ingredient in vegetarian cuisine. Yuba in Minobu town was first prepared by a disciple as an important source of nourishment for St. Nichiren during his stay at Mt. Minobu. Although Yuba has a 700-year history in Minobu town, Yuba is still produced by hand requiring great deal of time since mass production is difficult. Our community-based tours offer the opportunity to learn hands-on Yuba making.
This is a unique opportunity to discover Yuba culture of Minobu town. We hope visitors will enjoy this rare experience.
Tera Beer
Craft beer from a temple, “Tera Beer” (tera – temple) was made at Mt. Minobu. The idea originally came from customer requests, and the beer has been brewed with confiture syrup made from discarded fruit from Yamanashi prefecture, making it sustainable. Currently, three types are available: White (white beer), Red (pilsner), and Blue (IPA). In medieval Europe, monasteries overcame economic crises by brewing beer and wine. Learning from this European history, Kakurinbo, a member of our Association, has developed a vegan beer in the temple town of Minobu, infused with the blessings of nature and the love of the people of this region.
Where to drink Tera Beer：Kakurinbo、ZENCHO cafe、Yutakaya restaurant、Café Sora