Nice to meet you all and welcome to COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Hayakawa Tourism Association.

Minamikoma-gun Hayakawa Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, is a town located in the southwest of Yamanashi Prefecture, and is the only "town" in Japan with a population of less than 1,000, with 947 people as of April 1, 2024, making it the least populated town in Japan.

It is also a Rich in nature town surrounded by Akaishi Mountains mountains, and it is a Rich in nature area surrounded by large and small waterfalls and Valleys.
Hot springs are also abundant, and Nishiyama Hot spring, which has a history of 1,300 years of hot springs, is home to the world's oldest inn certified by the Guinness Book of Records.

■■■History of Hayakawa Town, Yamanashi Prefecture
In 1956, Hayakawa Town was formed by the merger of six villages: Motodate Village, Goka Village, Suzurishima Village, Miyakogawa Village, Misato Village, and Nishiyama Village.
In 1960, the population increased to more than 10,000 due to the influx of people involved in hydroelectric power generation construction, but the population has since declined and is now "the least populated town in Japan".

■■■Introduction to sightseeing spots in Hayakawa Town
・Akazawa Inn
It flourished as a lodging place for Rest stop for pilgrims to Mt. Shichimen, and still retains the faces of the Edo period.
In 1993, it was recognized as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

・Shuku-no-eki Shimizuya
It is a tourist information center and rest area that has been renovated from an old accommodations in Akazawa Inn.
Specialty products and crafts of the region are sold.

・Bentendo waterfall
It is a waterfall at the back of the Hagoromo Trailhead to Mt. Shichimen and is known as a place for ascetics.
In winter, you can see the icefall where the waterfall freezes.

・Hayakawa Local History Museum
It is a document building that retains the exterior of the Village Hall of Misato Village.
Hayakawa Town's traditional culture, crafts, and history are on display.

・Yushima's Great Cedar Tree
Legend has it that it was planted 1,200 years ago, and it is the largest cedar tree in Yamanashi Prefecture at Sanno Shrine.
In 1958, it was designated as a natural monument designated by Yamanashi Prefecture.

・Hayakawa Valley
In the Valleys that stretches from the Arakura area to the Narada District, you can see the beautiful scenery of the four seasons, such as New green in Spring, autumn leaves in autumn, and Icicles in winter.

■■■Specialty products of Hayakawa Town
Hayakawa Town's proud Specialty Products, Hakuho miso, Fresh sweet potato konnyaku, and Dried potato stalks, are exquisite gourmets that can only be tasted here.
In addition, "Oboko dolls" that have been handed down in this area since ancient tradition are recommended for tourism in Hayakawa Town and are also designated as prefectural designated folk crafts.

■■■Popular events and festivals in Hayakawa Town
・Akaishi Mountains Hayakawa Edible Wild Greens Festival
Every year in May, the event is held at the Hayakawa Town People's Sports Square, and the main stage features Drum performances and song shows.
Bake sale shops and food stalls are lined up at the venue, and Mikoshi portable shrine passing is also held.

・Okuyamanashi Hayakawa Autumn Leaves and Food Festival
It is held every year in October at the Hayakawa Town People's Sports Square surrounded by autumn leaves, and Hayakawa Town's Specialty Products and seasonal foods are gathered.

■■■Sightseeing in Hayakawa Town
"Japan's least populated town" is packed with rich nature, deep history, Specialty products, events and charm.
There are different ways to enjoy your trip in Hayakawa Town, such as "heal your fatigue in the Hot spring", "Experience the Nature of Hayakawa Town at the campsite", and "Enjoy the local gourmet food of Hayakawa Town".

Best regards so that your trip to Hayakawa Town in Yamanashi Prefecture will be an unforgettable memory for everyone, and we will send out recommended information about Hayakawa Town!