Like many regional destinations in Japan, the town of Minobu, Yamanashi had been experiencing a quiet decline in recent years—until now. Just a scenic 3.5-hour journey from Tokyo, this historic temple town is reemerging as a hub for sustainable tourism, drawing travelers interested in food, craft, and community-led experiences.

Faced with an aging population and a rising number of vacant homes, Minobu’s residents are reviving their hometown through traditional craftsmanship, ecotourism, and hyper-local cuisine. The result is a rare opportunity for visitors to witness and take part in rural Japan’s renewal. This Minobu travel guide highlights the places and people leading the charge.

Metropolis spoke with Maria, a Swiss traveler on her fifth visit to Japan and her first time in Minobu. “Once you’ve seen all the major tourist spots, the best way to truly understand the culture is through local experiences shared by the people who have preserved these traditions for centuries,” she says. “Minobu may be a quiet town, but it’s filled with locals who love their home and take pride in their history.” Her words perfectly capture what makes Minobu special—its deep-rooted heritage and the dedicated people working to keep it alive.

Restoring Japan’s Buddhist Heritage

For an up-close look at Japan’s religious heritage, visit the Minobu University Workshop for Restoration of Buddhist Statues. Yoshitaka Suzuki, who leads the program, is part of a small but dedicated team restoring temple sculptures—some of which are designated as World Heritage artifacts.

“To preserve traditional beauty, we are not afraid to use new technology, such as 3D modeling, which some in the industry consider total blasphemy,” Suzuki explains. “We take a more forward-thinking approach—prioritizing the appearance of the Buddha over strict adherence to traditional methods.”

Despite limited funding, Suzuki remains hopeful as more young people show interest. “It’s not an easy career,” he admits, referring to the lack of funding, before laughing as he recalls a student who once accidentally axed his own hand during a repair. “But I hope this field continues to grow.”

Local Grandmas’ Akebono Edamame

Minobu’s Akebono soybeans are a protected local specialty under Japan’s Geographical Indication (GI) system. Much like Champagne in France, the name “Akebono” can only be used for soybeans cultivated under the town’s particular combination of environmental factors. Their buttery, sweet flavor reflects the town’s unique soil, air and water.

At Ogawa Organic Farm, you can hand-pick seasonal edamame and pass your harvest to the local obaa-chans [grandmothers], who boil them over an iron kettle fire and chat with you as they cook. What you get isn’t just a snack—it’s a story shared with the people who grow and cook it.

Farm Café Zencho: Local Cuisine in a Historic Inn

Located within Ebisuya, a beautifully restored 90-year-old former sake shop, Farm Café Zencho blends history and farm-to-table dining. Now designated as a tangible cultural property, the space preserves its Taisho-era glass and hand-carved wood, employing new techniques on repurposed materials. 

A must-try at the cafe is their “hoto” udon-pasta, a creative spin on a Yamanashi classic, featuring locally milled wheat noodles served with either carbonara or bolognese sauces. For dessert, indulge in ice cream topped with Akebono soybean kinako, a regional delicacy with a nutty, roasted flavor.

Seal Engraving at the Rokugo Seal Museum

Minobu’s Ichikawa Misato district is Japan’s leading town for hanko [name seals]. Stop by the Rokugo Seal Museum and learn how to engrave your own personalized stamp. With guidance from expert stampmakers, carve your name or a traditional Chinese character—even if your hands aren’t particularly steady.

Don’t miss the museum’s standout attraction: the world’s largest hanko, a bold symbol of Japan’s enduring seal-making tradition.

Washi Papermaking at Sanju Seishi

For over 450 years, Minobu has been renowned for handmade washi paper, crafted from local mitsumata plants and clear, mountain stream water. At Sanju Seishi, a 13th-generation papermaking family continues this tradition and invites you to see the process firsthand.

Create your own washi using a centuries-old technique: pour a pulp and water mixture into a wooden frame, press it into sheets, and let it dry. The seasonal challenges of washi-making—freezing winters and sweltering summers—make the artisans’ precision all the more impressive.

Minobu’s Model for Ecotourism

Junko Higuchi, owner of Kakurinbo, a historic inn in Minobu, explains: “I want to revitalize this town so that young people who leave in search of better opportunities can return to their home with pride.” Her vision reflects Minobu’s broader effort to blend tradition with progress. Here, heritage isn’t just preserved—it’s lived and shared, inviting visitors to experience its ongoing renewal firsthand.

Whether you’re pressing your own washi paper, tasting Akebono soybeans, or learning the art of Buddhist statue restoration, Minobu offers immersive experiences that highlight Japan’s tradition of craftsmanship and agriculture. But beyond its traditions, what truly stands out is the local community’s dedication to reviving their town.