Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba - Yamanashi, Japan
Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba is a reconstructed farming village located on the western shores of Lake Saiko, offering a glimpse into traditional rural life with a stunning backdrop of Mount Fuji. Originally a small thatched-roof village, it was destroyed by a typhoon in 1966 and later rebuilt as an open-air museum.
I arrived by bus along with just two other visitors, which immediately gave the place a quiet, almost secluded feel. After a short walk to the entrance, I picked up my ticket and began wandering into the village. There are around twenty restored houses, many of which have been converted into small shops, cafés, galleries, and museums. Some of them specialize in traditional crafts like pottery, incense-making, and weaving, and even offer hands-on workshops.
Not long after entering, I realized that quite a few of the buildings were closed during my visit. While that did take away a bit from the overall experience, it didn’t really dampen my mood. Everywhere I turned, there was a clear and beautiful view of Mount Fuji rising in the distance. I found myself naturally shifting focus—spending more time capturing different angles of the mountain framed by the traditional thatched rooftops.
I had read that some of the houses display tools and artefacts once used by local farmers, and others offer experiences like kimono or even samurai armour rentals. Since most were closed, I ended up peeking through the small windows whenever I could, trying to catch a glimpse inside.
The village itself isn’t very large, so it didn’t take long to walk through the entire area. I eventually made my way back toward the entrance, where I found a small ice cream shop. I grabbed a cone and sat nearby, taking in the view of Mount Fuji one more time.
Even though I didn’t get the full experience with many of the buildings closed, I could still appreciate the setting and atmosphere. It does feel like a place worth revisiting, ideally when everything is open, to fully experience what the village has to offer.
History & Background
Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba (西湖いやしの里 根場) was originally a traditional farming village made up of thatched-roof houses, typical of rural Japan. In 1966, a powerful typhoon triggered landslides that destroyed much of the village, forcing residents to relocate.
Years later, the area was reconstructed as an open-air museum to preserve and showcase this style of architecture and way of life. Today, the village serves as both a cultural attraction and a scenic destination, blending historical preservation with views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding Fuji Five Lakes region.
Getting There
Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba is located near Lake Saiko in the Fujikawaguchiko area of Yamanashi Prefecture. From Kawaguchiko Station, visitors can take the Saiko Line (Green Line) sightseeing bus, which connects various attractions around the Fuji Five Lakes. The ride takes approximately 30–40 minutes, and the bus stops directly at Saiko-iyashinosato-nenba Bus Stop, just a short walk from the entrance.
Driving is also a convenient option, with parking available on-site. The location makes it easy to combine with nearby attractions such as the Narusawa Ice Cave and Fugaku Wind Cave.
Route Overview
Distance: 1.1 km out & back (Saiko-iyashinosato-nenba Bus Stop)
Total elevation gain: 26 m
Duration: 15 min (with breaks 30 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Bus: Kawaguchiko Station → Saiko-iyashinosato-nenba Bus Stop — ¥810
Entrance Fee: Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nemba — ¥500
Food: ¥350
