Overview

A Village Overflowing with Ancient Romance in the Heart of Kai Province

Kasugai is a small village located in Fujikawa City, Yamanashi Prefecture. However, its history dates back to ancient times. It is said that a powerful clan that once ruled the province of Kai had its residence in this area. Over time, this ancient romance has been passed down to the present without erosion, inviting visitors to a different world.

Experiencing the Profound History in Old Folk Houses

Walking through Kasugai, you will notice old folk houses scattered here and there. Many of these were built from the Edo period to the Meiji period. With their characteristic features of gabled roofs with eaves, lattice windows on white walls, they evoke the original scenery of Japan.

Some houses have been renovated to suit modern lifestyles, yet even these houses retain the appearance of days gone by. Visitors can savor an extraordinary experience as if transcending time and space.

Preserving Traditional Events with Care

The people of Kasugai continue to cherish and preserve traditional events passed down from their ancestors. Among them, the symbolic event is the summer festival called 'Ema,' held every July. This festival has its origins in ancient agricultural culture, with traces of praying for a bountiful harvest still evident today.

Amidst the many festival music offerings, the highlight is the nocturnal ritual. The flame spirit, called Hisagi, dances in the tranquil night in a splendid and majestic spectacle that can truly be described as a transcendent experience.

Unique Local Gourmet Delicacies

Kasugai boasts unique local delicacies, one of which is 'Kai Chikuwa.' This is a peculiar food item where the local cuisine of Kai Province is stuffed into a dough made from wheat flour. It is simple yet has an exquisite taste. Inns running old folk houses offer various dishes centered around 'Kai Chikuwa.'

Visiting Kasugai not only allows you to touch a valuable historical ambience but also enables the discovery of fresh culinary experiences. It seems to be an ideal travel destination for those seeking an experience of a different world away from their daily lives.