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I would like to introduce you to the entertainment district “Chochin Yokocho” in front of Kofu Station.
Chochin Yokocho, located in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, is a short bar district of about 50 meters located on Ginza Minami-dori Street in front of Kofu Station, about a 1-minute walk from the south exit of Kofu Station. It is operated by the Chochin Yokocho Kyoeikai and has approximately 13 stores.
Address: 2-2-6 Marunouchi, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Kofu Station Ginza Minami Dori
Chochin Yokocho - Official Website
Chochin Yokocho means “Lantern Alley”.
As the name suggests, Chochin Yokocho is characterized by the rows of colorful lanterns on both sides of the alley. Each store displays red lanterns with a uniform design, and at night, the lanterns are lit up, creating a magical atmosphere.
Chochin Yokocho is home to a variety of restaurants, including izakayas and bars. You can choose from restaurants that suit your tastes, including restaurants that serve dishes made with local ingredients such as Koshu chicken and Shingen chicken, and restaurants that offer a wide variety of alcoholic beverages.
It is not only a collection of restaurants such as izakayas and bars, but also a menu that uses ingredients from Yamanashi Prefecture, local cuisine, and local sake, all of which are very appealing to travelers.
All of the stores in Chochin Yokocho are unique and have their own characteristics.
| Store name | Features | Business hours | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sakasai Goshiki | Japanese Izakaya Specializing in local sake and Japanese sake | [Tue, Wed, Thu] 5:30pm - 10:00pm [Fri, Sat] 5:30pm - 11:00 PM | Sun, Holidays, Mon |
| Shunsai Soba Kasafuji | A long-established soba restaurant that has been running for three generations Izakaya menu at very low prices | [Lunch] 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (Weekdays only) [Dinner] 5:00pm - 1:00am | Irregular holidays |
| Torikin(鳥金) | Chicken skin garlic is exquisite Mother’s taste | 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm | Sat, Sun, and holidays |
| Chicken Soba Akar | Ramen Restaurant & Izakaya | [Lunch] 11:30am - 3:00pm [Dinner] 5:00pm - 11:00pm | Sunday |
| Rock & Soul Bar Fillmore | 70’s and 80’s music bar | 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM | Irregular holidays |
| Monojiya Kofu Ekimae store | Creative cuisine izakaya | 5:00 pm - 1:00 am | Sunday |
| Nanopan Dining Bar | Dining Bar | [Lunch] 11:30am - 2:00pm [Dinner] 5:30pm - 12:00am | Sunday |
| Izakaya Maruwa | Daily menu that takes into account the seasons Sake/Shochu | 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM | Sunday |
| Cafe Wrinkle | Anime Song Karaoke Cafe & Bar | [Weekdays/Sunday] 6:00pm - 1:00am [Fri, Sat, days before holidays] 6:00pm - 2:00am | Thursday |
| Nonde Keshi | Izakaya Excellent seafood, oden, etc. prepared by an authentic Japanese chef | 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm | Tuesday |
| Chinese Sake House Kawakubo | Stylish Chinese Cuisine | 6:00pm - 10:00pm | Wednesday |
| Fish and meat dishes and MITSUKI | Super stylish Creative cuisine | 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM | Sunday |
| Sato-san’s House | Koshu Izakaya | 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm | Tuesday |
Torikin is a long-established izakaya that is loved by locals.
Torikin’s recommendation is definitely the chicken garlic. The flavor of garlic on the crispy fried chicken skin is irresistible.
Chicken skin garlic (500 yen)
Today’s appetizer is called “Tamago Kinchaku”, which has an egg inside and has a very gentle taste.
The menu focuses on common people’s dishes, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of mother’s home.
There are three table seats inside Torikin, and as more customers come in, they will share their seats. I feel that this system inadvertently promotes interaction between people.
Furthermore, due to the personalities of the grandmother and mother, it is a warm space that is always crowded with locals.
Nondekeshi is an izakaya run by an authentic Japanese chef who trained at restaurants in Ginza and Akasaka.
The interior of the restaurant has a calm atmosphere where you can feel the warmth of wood. The main seats are at the counter, but he also has one table for two people.
The menu features a wide selection of authentic Japanese dishes made with fresh fish and seasonal ingredients selected by the owner himself. In particular, the oden is soaked in a rich soup made from bonito and kelp, giving it a truly authentic taste.
Oden menu
Today’s appetizer was “octopus sashimi”, and it was very tender and juicy. You don’t even need soy sauce. The chef’s skill in bringing out the flavor of these ingredients is amazing.
We also have a wide selection of alcoholic beverages such as local sake and shochu.
You can also try Yamanashi Prefecture’s local sake “Taikan” and “Shichiken,” but we recommend the “Yamanashi Prefecture Serious Yuzu Sour.”
Serious Yuzu Sour from Yamanashi Prefecture (800 yen)
There are so many big yuzu that you’ll think, “This is all you need!”
You can really feel the chef’s passion and sincerity.
Rich yuzu aroma and taste. However, it is refreshing and easy to drink. This is a recommended cup.
This izakaya restaurant is run by a chef who honed his skills in authentic Japanese cuisine at restaurants in Ginza and Akasaka. You can enjoy luxurious flavors such as fresh seafood carefully selected by the owner himself, delicious snacks, and seasonal oden.
Nanopan Dining Bar is a stylish dining bar with the theme of beauty and health.
The interior of the store has a natural atmosphere where you can feel the warmth of wood. There are counter seats and table seats, and it can be used for a variety of occasions, from drinking alone to girls’ gatherings.
The menu features a wide variety of healthy and delicious dishes designed by the owner, who has knowledge of Chinese medicine and medicinal cuisine. In particular, medicinal curry is a menu that is popular among women, as it uses plenty of ingredients that are effective for beauty and health.
Obanzai are lined up on the counter, whet your appetite.
All of them have a gentle flavor that makes your body happy.
We recommend the “Koshu Wine Beef Bamberg”.
Koshu wine beef bunburg (1500 yen)
(The bunburg in the photo was specially made small. Normally, it would be a larger bunburg.)
Koshu Wine Beef is a specialty product of Yamanashi Prefecture, which is raised by feeding Kuroge Wagyu beef from Yamanashi Prefecture with grape lees left over from squeezing wine.
Koshu Wine Beef’s hamburger steak is mellow, sweet, and has high-quality fat, and you’ll be addicted to it once you try it.
Pair it with red wine from Yamanashi Prefecture, and the marriage is complete.
Nanopan Dining Bar is a restaurant recommended for those who want to enjoy food and drinks in a stylish atmosphere while being conscious of beauty and health.
Chochin Yokocho is an entertainment district that is easily accessible, just a 1-minute walk from Kofu Station, and is full of unique restaurants.
In addition, each restaurant offers menus using ingredients from Yamanashi Prefecture, local Yamanashi cuisine, local sake and wine, and is recommended for those who want to enjoy the taste of Yamanashi.
Also, no matter which store I go to, the personalities of the moms and owners are very nice, so I think you can have a fun time even if you visit alone.
Chochin Yokocho is a recommended spot that you should definitely stop by when sightseeing in Kofu. If you want to enjoy Kofu at night, why not visit this place?
