【Going by Jimny】A drive in Yamanashi's "Fruit Line" with a panoramic view of the Kofu Basin

Set off on a drive along the Fruit Line in Yamanashi. I had been passing through often when going to my campsite, but I wanted to check out the overall layout of the route and what kind of spots there are, so I decided to investigate it together with my Jimny.

Driving route along the Yamanashi Fruit Line, which has elevation differences

The Fruit Line is a wide agricultural road that stretches across the Kōtō region of Yamanashi Prefecture (Kōshū City, Yamanashi City, Fuefuki City). It has a serene atmosphere with sprawling orchards, yet features elevation changes of about 560 meters, making it a route where you can enjoy stunning views overlooking the Kofu Basin.

Upon investigation, it's not a straightforward road; it's interwoven through the orchard area, so the goal is to traverse a route that resembles the outline of an image.

On this drive, we will start from the point where we merge with the Fruit Line after crossing the Yanagisawa Pass on Route 411 from the Tokyo area. The plan is to head north and loop from the Yamanashi City side over to Fuefuki City and then Kōshū City in order.

The highlights are expected to be the views looking down at the basin from the slopes on the Yamanashi City side and the contrasting scenery overlooking the Southern Alps from the slopes on the Kōshū City side.

Scenic spots along the Fruit Line on the Yamanashi City side

The Fruit Line, which winds through the orchards, is an agricultural road and appears to be an ordinary residential road at first glance, so if you're not attentive, you might quickly drift off route. Outside the car window, the unchanging rural landscape stretches out, evoking a sense of traditional life, making it a route that tempts you to open the window and enjoy a leisurely drive rather than pressing the accelerator.

As I navigated the undulating mountain roads, suddenly a breathtaking view opened up. This is a point designated as a viewpoint along the Fruit Line on the map (as shown in the image above), marked by a sign indicating its status as a Japanese heritage site. It exists rather isolated along the mountainside, making it a good spot for a little rest while taking in the panoramic view of the basin.

The landscape of the basin and the sign of Happy Drink Shop

I discovered the familiar sign "Happy Drink Shop" (vending machine). Since it matches the color scheme of my Jimny, I can't help but want to take a picture whenever I pass by. It's located right near the tourist attraction, Fruit Park, and this catchy sign along with the stunning view becomes my personal "Instagrammable spot." Since I'm here, I decided to buy a canned cocoa and take a little break.

Leaving the city and heading to the fruit line in Koshu

I reboard the fruit line from Katsunuma in Koshu after leaving the city. I wonder what the scenery looks like from the slope on the opposite side of Yamanashi City?

The stunning view of the fruit line on the Koshu side that appeared after climbing the steep slope was a panorama with snow-capped mountains in the background. Personally, I prefer this side as it has a greater sense of scale and is more to my taste.

After making a loop on the fruit line, I felt that the accessibility being close to the city and the slopes dotted with orchards, which allow beautiful views from various places, are what makes it appealing.

Moving ahead, I discovered a parking lot called Ushio Boku Mihirashi no Oka. On this day as well, several cars were parked, and the drivers seemed to be spending their time as they pleased.

There is also a restroom in the inner space of the hairpin curve one level down, making it a solid rest facility. It seems possible to come directly up here from the city of Yamanashi.

Wrapping up the drive at the second Happy Drink Shop

I also found a spectacular Happy Drink Shop on the Koshu side. The combination of the Jimny and this sign is indeed good. This time, unintentionally, it turned into a tour of spectacular Happy Drink Shops, but the Fruit Line has good access from Tokyo and is an attractive drive route that can be easily explored.

I would like to drive the Jimny again to search for more attractive routes.

Reporting and text by Kazuma Tanaka.

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