Nirasaki has been a popular rest stop in history, therefore has always been a place where people gather, and has become a point of culture exchange. Now, due to great public transport, it is a lot easier to get to the city centre, Nirasaki has become a city with great access to the nature and the big city lifestyle. It has become a great location for those that wish to visit Yamanashi. Nirasaki is surround by the great southern alps, Mt. Yatsugatake, Mt. Kayagatake, and is very popular amongst hikers as the entrances to the great three mountains are all located in this city. Furthermore, Nirasaki is also the ancestral homeland of the Takeda clan. You can find the Takedahachimangu right here in Nirasaki, as well as many other historical artifacts in relation to the Takeda clan. Nirasaki has a great balance of urban and nature, and is definitely a breath of fresh air.