Things to Do Near Kofu Station: Castle Town History to Lantern-Lit Yokocho Alleys

History, Gourmet, and Nightlife: Exploring Kofu Near the Station

Kofu Station is the gateway to Yamanashi Prefecture. Just 90 minutes from Shinjuku by limited express train, the area around the station offers a compelling mix of history, gourmet food, and shopping.

Once ruled by the legendary warlord Takeda Shingen, Kofu retains the atmosphere of its castle town heritage. From historical sites that history enthusiasts will love, to stylish commercial facilities recreating Edo-period charm, to yokocho alleys serving local cuisine—everything is within walking distance.

This guide introduces walking-distance attractions around Kofu Station, organized by category: History and Culture, Shopping and Gourmet, Nightlife, and Cafes and Night Views.

About Kofu Station

Kofu Station is a terminal station served by JR East’s Chuo Main Line and Minobu Line. The Celeo Kofu station building is directly connected to the South Exit, while the North Exit was renovated in 2010 with a pedestrian deck and plaza.

The station has two exits—South Exit and North Exit—each leading to areas with distinct atmospheres.

South Exit

The South Exit is the main exit with a bus terminal. A bronze statue of Takeda Shingen stands in front of the station, and Kofu Castle (Maizuru Castle Park) is about a 5-minute walk away. The entertainment district with restaurants and commercial facilities spreads out on this side.

North Exit

The North Exit has a calmer atmosphere compared to the South Exit. It provides convenient access to stylish spots like Koshu Yumekoji and Sadoya Winery. Buses to Takeda Shrine also depart from here.

Enjoy History and Culture

Kofu, associated with Takeda Shingen, has historical sites scattered throughout the area.

Statue of Takeda Shingen

A symbolic landmark at Kofu Station South Exit. This bronze statue of the legendary Sengoku-period general Takeda Shingen stands at an impressive 5.4 meters tall including the pedestal.

The heroic figure wearing a helmet and armor is a popular photo spot for Kofu sightseeing. Erected in 1969, it has been beloved by Kofu citizens for many years.

Kofu Castle (Maizuru Castle Park)

A 5-minute walk from Kofu Station South Exit. Kofu Castle, counted among Japan’s 100 Famous Castles, is now open to the public as Maizuru Castle Park.

From the castle tower base, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Kofu Basin. On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji and the peaks of the Southern Alps. The castle is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot with about 160 trees blooming in spring.

Kofu Castle Stone Wall Exhibition Room

A hidden gem on the first basement floor of the Yamanashi Prefectural Government Disaster Prevention Building. You can view the actual stone walls built about 400 years ago and the foundation logs for free.

The facility features extensive video content about excavation and relocation, allowing you to learn more about Kofu Castle’s history. Recommended to visit together with Kofu Castle.

Takeda Shrine

A shrine enshrining Takeda Shingen as its main deity. Located about 8 minutes by bus from Kofu Station.

The shrine grounds are built on the site of the Takeda clan’s residence, Tsutsujigasaki Mansion, offering a glimpse into Sengoku-period history. Said to bring blessings for victory, the shrine attracts many visitors. The adjacent Shingen Museum exhibits displays related to Takeda Shingen.

Yamanashi Prefectural Assembly Building and Annex

About a 10-minute walk from Kofu Station South Exit. Completed in 1930, the Yamanashi Prefectural Assembly Building is a historical structure designated as a Yamanashi Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property.

Characterized by its dome roof and symmetrical, stately exterior. The adjacent Yamanashi Prefectural Government Annex houses the Yamanashi Modern People Museum, where you can learn about notable figures from Yamanashi Prefecture. The nighttime illumination is also beautiful and recommended.

Enjoy Shopping and Gourmet

The area around Kofu Station has plenty of spots to enjoy Yamanashi’s local products and cuisine.

Koshu Yumekoji

A 1-minute walk from Kofu Station North Exit. This commercial facility recreates the Kofu castle town atmosphere from the Edo period to early Showa era.

Traditional-style buildings line cobblestone alleys, creating a time-slip atmosphere. About 20 shops gather here, including those selling Yamanashi wine and local crafts, and restaurants serving Koshu chicken and regional cuisine.

Koedo Kofu Hanakoji

A new attraction that opened south of Kofu Castle in April 2025. This townscape recreates the castle town of Kofu, once called “Little Edo” during the Edo period. It features 12 restaurants serving Yamanashi cuisine and Kofu Kameyaza, a historical and cultural exchange facility.

Visiting together with Koshu Yumekoji makes for a complete castle town tour of Kofu.

Sadoya Winery

An 8-minute walk from Kofu Station North Exit. Founded in 1917, this is the pioneering winery that first made wine from dedicated wine grape varieties in Japan.

While wineries are typically in suburban areas, Sadoya’s walking-distance location is a major attraction. Winery tours and tastings are available, allowing you to fully enjoy the charm of Koshu wine.

Sadoya Winery Official Website

Enjoy the Nightlife

Kofu has a thriving nightlife scene. From yokocho alleys serving local cuisine to retro Showa-era entertainment districts, there are various ways to enjoy the evening.

Chochin Yokocho

A 1-minute walk from Kofu Station South Exit. This atmospheric drinking district is decorated with rows of lanterns.

Izakaya, bars, ramen shops, yakitori restaurants, and various other eateries line the streets. Many restaurants serve dishes made with local ingredients like Koshu chicken and Shingen chicken, letting you fully enjoy Kofu’s nightlife.

Kofu Gourmet Yokocho

About a 12-minute walk from Kofu Station South Exit. This food district themed around Yamanashi’s cuisine features two areas: a yatai-style open area and a shared seating area with tables.

The cutting-edge system allows you to enjoy dishes from multiple restaurants at one table. You can taste Koshu wine and Yamanashi specialties all at once.

Chuo 1-chome

The most authentic nightlife district in Kofu. Retro Showa-era bars, snack bars, and izakayas are scattered throughout the back alleys.

Streets like Kaihatsu-dori, named in 1955, and Olympic-dori, named during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, feature signs and buildings that strongly retain the atmosphere of the Showa era, creating a nostalgic ambiance.

Take a Break at Cafes and Night View Spots

Here are some relaxing spots to visit when you need a break.

Rokuyokan

A 3-minute walk from Kofu Station. This long-established coffee shop has a mysterious atmosphere, like stepping into a Studio Ghibli world.

Inside, surrounded by antique furniture, you can enjoy carefully brewed coffee. Morning sets are also popular, making it a great start to your Kofu sightseeing day.

Kofu City Hall Observation Lobby

A free observation spot on the 10th floor of Kofu City Hall. A hidden gem for panoramic views of the Kofu Basin at night.

Close to the station and indoors, you can enjoy the night view regardless of weather. A great spot to end your day.

History and Nightlife Within Walking Distance: A Full Day Around Kofu Station

The area around Kofu Station has a wealth of attractive spots within walking distance—from historical sites associated with Takeda Shingen to stylish castle town-style commercial facilities and yokocho alleys serving local cuisine.

Explore history and shop during the day, then enjoy gourmet food at yokocho alleys at night. When visiting Kofu, take your time walking around the station area.