Kofu

Travel Guide

Chubu featuring mist or fog, snow and mountains
Lake Kawaguchi which includes fishing, a sunset and a lake or waterhole
Chubu showing a house and a park as well as a small group of people
Chubu featuring a sunset, snow and mountains
Kofu showing flowers, signage and drinks or beverages
Explore this historic city, fruitful in many ways, from its orchards and wineries to its mountain views and sacred temples.

During your visit to the verdant Kofu area, hike through the beautiful Shosenkyo Gorge, watch a parade of samurai warriors during the Lord Shingen Festival, pick peaches and sample fine wines or find the key to happiness at the Kai Zenkoji Temple. The capital and largest city in the Yamanashi Prefecture, Kofu is a natural basin, surrounded by mountains on all sides, including the grandest of all, Mount Fuji. The fertile valley also has numerous hot springs.

Start your visit at Shosenkyo Gorge in Chichibu Tama KaiNational Park. Walk the well-maintained trail to view the Arakawa River, SengaWaterfall and 590-foot-tall (180-meter) rocky prominence Kakuenpo overshadowing the cascading water.

Move on to the Kai Zenkoji Temple, established by the great commander Takeda Shingen. Within its temple walls and adjacent museum, view precious Buddhist treasures and statues. In the main altar area, look up at the giant two-headed dragon carving. If you stand in a certain spot and clap as loudly as you can, it is said you can hear the dragon weep. Don’t leave without walking through the underground passageway to the padlocked door. Legends say that salvation and wishes come to all who touch the lock.

Sample the Kofu basin’s ample harvest, from peaches and cherries to the wines of the Koshu and Fuefuki vineyards. The Yamanashi area’s sake and whiskey, relying on local spring water, are worth a sip as well. Try the local specialty, hotonoodles. These thick, flat noodles, similar to udon, are stewed with vegetables in miso soup.

Travel to the Kofu basin via train, bus or car from Shinjuku. From Tokyo, take the JR Chuo express train. A train ride takes about 90 minutes, while car or bus take about 2 hours. Upon arrival, you’ll be smitten by this charming region’s natural beauty, agricultural abundance and ancient history.

Where to stay in Kofu

Maizurujo Park showing a park

Marunouchi

While visiting Marunouchi, you might make a stop by sights like Takeda Shingen Statue and Maizuru Castle.

Marunouchi

Central

When in Central, you can plan a visit to Maizuru Castle and Yamanashi Prefectural Office, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Central
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Kokubo

While Kokubo isn't home to many top sights, Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Art and Yamanashi Prefectural Office are some notable places to visit nearby.

Kokubo
Kofu Fujimura Memorial showing street scenes as well as a couple

Kitaguchi

If you're spending some time in Kitaguchi, Sadoya Winery and Kofu Fujimura Memorial are top sights worth seeing.

Kitaguchi
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Yumura

If you're spending some time in Yumura, Chichibu Tama Kai National Park and Entakuji Temple are top sights worth seeing.

Yumura
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Asahi

While there might not be top attractions in Asahi, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Takeda Shingen Statue and Yamanashi Prefectural Office.

Asahi

Cities near Kofu

Other places like Kofu