Things To Do
in Kōfu
Kōfu is the capital city of Yamanashi Prefecture, set in a basin surrounded by mountains. It combines historical streets and shrines with modern amenities, making it a convenient base for exploring the region. The city is the gateway to the Koshu wine country and the Shosenkyo Gorge, with easy access to Fuji-related day trips.
Its seasonal produce and sake culture add a distinct flavor to a visit in any season.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Kōfu Castle, where you can stroll through the beautiful park surrounding the castle and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. Afterward, head to the nearby Shōwa-kinen Park to admire the blooming cherry blossoms if you're visiting in spring. Grab a traditional Japanese breakfast at a local café to fuel your day of exploration.
In the afternoon, explore the historic streets of Kōfu, where you can visit traditional shops and discover local crafts. Don’t miss the iconic Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Art, which showcases local artists and offers a serene atmosphere. Enjoy lunch at a local izakaya, sampling regional specialties like Hōtō noodles.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk along the Kōfu River, where you can see the city lights reflecting on the water. Stop at a local onsen (hot spring) to relax and unwind after a day of exploration. Conclude your evening with a dinner of grilled Yamanashi beef at a bustling restaurant, soaking in the flavors of the region.
Begin your morning with a hike in the stunning Minobu Mountains, where you can enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery. Visit the Kuon-ji Temple, a significant site for the Nichiren sect of Buddhism, and take time to appreciate its peaceful surroundings. Pack a light breakfast to enjoy amidst nature's tranquility.
After your hike, head to the Yamanashi Prefectural Forest Park for a picnic lunch and some leisurely exploration. Here, you can spot various species of birds and wildlife while taking in the lush greenery. Consider renting a bicycle to navigate the park’s many trails for a more immersive experience.
As the day winds down, return to Kōfu and visit a local café for a sweet treat, such as a matcha parfait or mochi. Take a stroll through the bustling evening markets, where you can pick up souvenirs and sample local street food. Enjoy a quiet dinner at a family-run restaurant, indulging in dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $3-6 |
| 🚇One-way local transport | $1-3 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (per night) | $40-70 |
| 🛍️Groceries (basic basket) | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable city center with easy access to wine country
- Rich cultural heritage and scenic nature nearby
- Delicious local specialties like Hōtō and Koshu wines
- Good base for day trips to Shosenkyo Gorge and Koshu vineyards
- Nightlife is modest compared to bigger cities
- Some smaller eateries may be cash-only
- Weather can be hot in summer and cold in winter
- Limited English signage outside tourist spots
- "こんにちは" - Hello
- "おはようございます" - Good morning
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "すみません" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "英語を話せますか？" - Do you speak English?
- "この場所はどこですか？" - Where is this place?
- "いくらですか？" - How much is this?
- "私はベジタリアンです" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Kōfu
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic views of Kōfu city with surrounding mountains, especially striking at sunrise or sunset.
Dramatic rock walls, waterfalls, and forested trails along the Kaman River; excellent for landscape and nature shots.
Stone paths and torii gates framed by mountain scenery, ideal for atmospheric temple photography.
Reflections, bridges, and everyday urban scenes for candid and architectural photography.
Food in Kōfu
Kōfu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thick, hearty miso-based noodle stew loaded with vegetables. Best enjoyed at traditional Hōtō specialty restaurants around central Kōfu.
Must-Try!
Desserts featuring locally grown Koshu grapes, served as fresh fruit plates or sorbet at cafes and markets (seasonal).
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market near JR Kōfu Station offering fresh produce, seasonal snacks, and local bites to try on the go.
Casual stalls around the city center serving yakitori, taiyaki, and other quick, budget-friendly bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A light bow is common; greet with 'konnichiwa' (hello) or 'arigatou' (thank you) as appropriate.
Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional accommodations; avoid touching graffiti or sacred objects in temples.
Don’t point with chopsticks; don’t stick them upright in a bowl of rice; use a shared plate rather than imitating personal utensils.
Safety
Tipping in Kōfu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan; paying the bill and expressing thanks with 'arigatou gozaimasu' is sufficient.
Cash is widely accepted, especially at markets and smaller eateries. Credit cards are common in hotels, larger restaurants, and tourist spots; contactless payments are increasingly available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and cherry blossoms in parks; great for daytime strolls and temple visits.
Warm to hot and dry; stay hydrated, visit early mornings for outdoor activities, and enjoy fresh summer produce.
Renowned for vibrant autumn foliage, particularly around Shosenkyo Gorge and parklands.
Cold with occasional snowfall; layered clothing recommended, some outdoor sites may have limited access.
Kōfu at Night
Hiking in Kōfu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Long-standing hill trail with temple visits and panoramic views; popular for a day hike from Kōfu.
Forest trails around the Maizuru area and Shosenkyo Gorge offer moderate hikes with striking scenery.
Airports
How to reach Kōfu by plane.
Major international gateway; accessible from Tokyo by train or bus, with rail connections to Kōfu via JR Chuo Line and transfers.
Regional airport in Nagano prefecture; about 2-3 hours by rail/bus to Kōfu, suitable for domestic flights or short hops.
International hub; commonly reached via Tokyo and then JR lines to reach Kōfu; provides wide international connectivity.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families, professionals, and older residents typical of a regional capital.
Visitors from Tokyo and other parts of Japan attracted by wine country and mountain scenery.
Several educational institutions contribute to a youthful, seasonal presence in the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport in schools and communities; local games and stadiums are common during season.
Local leagues and schools host matches; some public fields are available for visitors to watch or participate in.
Nearby mountains offer hiking in warmer months and seasonal skiing/snow activities at regional resorts in winter.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kōfu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many places offer vegetable-focused dishes; ask for dashi-free broth or miso without bonito stock. Look for tofu, yuba, and seasonal vegetables as main dishes.
Request plant-based broths and tofu-based options; confirm no fish-based dashi. Many cafes can tailor plates with salads and grain bowls.
Some dishes use wheat noodles (like Hōtō); seek soba (buckwheat) or rice-based dishes, and confirm soy sauces are gluten-free.