Exploring the Strategic Stronghold Built by Hideyoshi
Kofu Castle was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to keep Tokugawa Ieyasu in check. This castle ruins, which played a vital role as a strategic point in Kai Province, is now maintained as Maizuru Park.
I entered from Kajikuruwa Gate on the south side and walked through the Japanese garden, Kurogane Gate, the main bailey and castle tower base, to Inari Kuruwa and Inari Yagura on the north side.
This article guides you through my walk along this recommended route.
Start from Kajikuruwa Gate for the Best Experience
Kofu Castle has several entrances, but entering from Kajikuruwa Gate on the southwest side is recommended. Although it is a slight detour from Kofu Station, this route allows you to see more historic structures.
Kajikuruwa Gate
Kajikuruwa Gate is located on the southwest side of the main bailey. It was reconstructed in 1997.
The gate follows the yakuimon style, featuring two main pillars at the front and two supporting pillars at the back, topped with a gabled roof of traditional tiles.
A small side door is attached next to the main gate. Now, let us enter the castle.
Japanese Garden
Passing through Kajikuruwa Gate, a Japanese garden unfolds before you. It takes about 5 minutes to reach the main bailey at a leisurely pace.
Many cherry trees are planted here. When I visited in late March, they were in full bloom.
The gardens along the path are well maintained, making for a relaxing walk.
Climbing the stone steps brings you to Kurogane Gate.
Kurogane Gate
Kurogane Gate is a two-story turret gate located at the boundary between the main bailey and the castle tower enclosure. It was reconstructed between 2010 and 2011.
True to its name meaning iron gate, the doors are made of iron. They are constructed from iron plates about 1 centimeter thick, designed to withstand attacks from matchlock guns.
Passing through Kurogane Gate brings you to the main bailey area.
Main Bailey (Honmaru)
The main bailey is now an open plaza. Although the castle tower no longer exists, you can climb up to the tower base.
The tower base serves as an observation deck offering panoramic views of Kofu city.
View from the tower base (south side)
View from the tower base (northeast side)
View from the tower base (north side toward Kofu Station)
Looking down at the main bailey plaza from the tower base
Inari Kuruwa
Descending from the tower base and heading north, you can reach Inari Kuruwa. Let us go take a look.
The stone walls of the tower base are magnificent.
This route is a slope, allowing access to the main bailey plaza without using stairs. For families with strollers, entering from the north side is recommended.
We have arrived at Inari Kuruwa. Located on the north side of the main bailey, this enclosure is now an open plaza.
Inari Yagura
On the east side of Inari Kuruwa stands Inari Yagura. You can go inside.
Inari Yagura is a two-story turret housing exhibits about Kofu Castle. Admission is free.
Gold leaf shachihoko roof tiles
Shachihoko roof tiles
A diorama model of the entire Kofu Castle is also displayed on the second floor.
A Castle Ruins Defined by Impressive Stone Walls and Panoramic Views
I walked from Kajikuruwa Gate through the Japanese garden, Kurogane Gate, main bailey, and Inari Kuruwa.
Magnificent stone walls, panoramic views of the Kofu Basin from the tower base, and exhibits at Inari Yagura. This castle ruins is full of highlights.
If you visit Kofu, be sure to walk through Kofu Castle.
