Iyashi-no-Sato (いやしの里) is a craftsman village located on the western shores of Lake Saiko, near Lake Kawaguchi. With the majestic Mount Fuji in the background, it offers an immersion into traditional Japanese life, transporting visitors to the feudal era with its thatched-roof houses.
Iyashi no Sato
“Iyashi no Sato” translated as ‘Healing Village,’ it reflects the therapeutic qualities of the region around Mount Fuji. Also known as Saiko Iyashino-Sato Nenba, this place offers a genuine journey back in time.
The village was destroyed by a landslide during a typhoon in 1966. The traditional thatched-roof houses were rebuilt and transformed into an open-air museum. The village now has 22 houses converted into shops, restaurants, and museums. Typically, a visit takes between 1 and 2 hours. I spent 2 hours there. Be sure to check the bus schedules to avoid a long wait at the bus stop once your visit to Iyashi-no-Sato is complete.
Village shops
Each of the village shops specialises in traditional crafts such as pottery, incense, or weaving. Some even offer hands-on workshops, such as making incense sachets or crafting owl figurines.
Tsuchiasobi Fuji Roman-gama
This is where you can discover ceramics. The building is filled with tableware and figurines created by the owner, including owls and kappa (a mythical creature from Japanese folklore).
Some of the houses house museums, such as the Watanabe House, which features exhibits on the daily life of local farmers. There is also a studio where visitors can try on kimonos or samurai armour. Travelling alone, it was not something I tried 😀
Miharashiya
Miharashiya is a two-storey art gallery. It displays original paintings of famous scenes from Manga Nippon Mukashi Banashi, artworks themed around Mount Fuji and Konohana no Sakuyahime no Mikoto (the goddess of Mount Fuji and volcanoes in Japanese mythology), as well as paintings of kappa (mythical creatures). The exhibition features original paintings by Kosei Maeda, a local artist.
Local products store
This souvenir shop offers a selection of specialised products from Yamanashi Prefecture, including items made in Fujikawaguchiko. You can find local sakes, rice crackers and other snacks, spices, jams, honey, and umeboshi (pickled plums)…
Seiryutei Tea House: Sweet little break
I hadn’t brought any snacks with me and was hungry. After my visit, I stopped by one of the houses to enjoy a matcha and some “dango”.
“Dango” are rice dough balls served on skewers. These traditional snacks come in various colours, including pink, white, and green, achieved using natural ingredients like cherry blossom and matcha tea. They are a must-try during festivals!
Kutsurogiya
You can relax on this spacious wooden floor, adorned with windmills, on the engawa (a wooden extension surrounding a Japanese house). It is also a versatile space that hosts mini-concerts.
Practical Information for Visiting the Traditional Iyashi-no-Sato Village
From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (from March to November)
From 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (from December to February)
Admission fee: 500 yens
Getting around
If you start your journey in the Fuji Five Lakes region, the Omni Bus Green Line (Saiko Line) connects Kawaguchiko Station to Iyashi-no-Sato village. The bus runs twice an hour, and the journey to the village takes about forty minutes.
The bus dropped me off at a large car park where there were food vendors. That day, there were almost no people, which was strange given the beautiful weather and the clear view of Mount Fuji. Access to the village is via a small canal.
Iyashi no Sato from Tokyo
If you have only one day, you can make a day trip from Tokyo. The most convenient public transport option to get to Iyashi-no-Sato is to take the bus from Shinjuku bus terminal. The journey takes about three and a half hours with the Shinjuku express bus. I would advise against making a round trip from Tokyo in a single day, as the journey is too long. Although the village is interesting, it is more rewarding to spend time by the shores of Lake Kawaguchi. If you have two days in the area, then yes, you can visit the village.
Masks were still mandatory when I returned to the traditional Iyashi-no-Sato village, both indoors and outdoors.
