Overview
Kōfu is the capital of Yamanashi Prefecture, a bowl-shaped region surrounded by iconic Japanese peaks: Mt. Fuji to the south, the Minami Alps and Japan's second-highest peak Kitadake to the west, and the eight fractured peaks of Yatsugatake to the north.
Architecture · Budget Travel · Day Trips · Festivals · History
Before you go
Activities
Seasonal fruit-picking (grapes, peaches) is popular in suburban areas. Shosenkyo Gorge ropeway costs ¥1200 for panoramic mountain views.
Culture
Kōfu celebrates Takeda Shingen with an annual festival on the first Saturday in April. The city has strong samurai heritage dating to the Warring States Period.
Food
Regional specialties include houtou soup (¥1600 at Kosaku) and torimotsuni with all-you-can-eat soba (¥2000 at Okuto). Izakayas are plentiful; clubs are absent.
Transport
Kōfu is designed around car travel; most shops are outside the city center. Electric bike rental costs ¥500/day near Kōfu Station. Local buses are available but infrequent.
Weather
Autumn offers spectacular foliage at Shosenkyo Gorge. Summers are hot and humid. Spring brings cherry blossoms around Kōfu Castle.