Retro-Modern Castle Town Charm, Just 1 Minute from Kofu Station
Just steps from Kofu Station’s north exit stands Koshu Yumekoji, a shopping district that recreates the castle town atmosphere from the Edo to early Showa periods.
The Time Bell, revived after 141 years, stands as a landmark, while stone-paved alleys host around 20 specialty shops including Koshu wine boutiques, local gourmet restaurants, and Japanese craft stores.
This article covers the highlights of Koshu Yumekoji, recommended shops, and parking information.
Koshu Yumekoji
Koshu Yumekoji is a shopping complex in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, that recreates the castle town atmosphere from the Edo to early Showa periods. The retro-modern streetscape features around 20 shops including restaurants, souvenir stores, and craft boutiques, making it a popular tourist destination for experiencing Yamanashi’s food and craftsmanship.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Parking | Paid parking available near Kofu Station |
| Access | 1 - minute walk from Kofu Station North Exit |
| Address | 1 - 1-25 Marunouchi, Kofu City, Yamanashi 400 - 0031 |
| Official Website | https://koshuyumekouji.com/ |
The Time Bell Revived After 141 Years
The Time Bell, the symbol of Koshu Yumekoji, is a recreation of the bell tower that announced the time in the Kofu castle town during the Edo period. The original bell, which served its duty until 1872, was revived at Koshu Yumekoji in 2013 after 141 years.
The 15-meter-tall bell tower features distinctive copper-plated exterior walls and was designed after the bell tower that once stood at Hoo-zan Genpoin Temple (now Tenjin-cho).
The bell rings automatically three times daily, and visitors can ring it themselves by pressing a button between 10:00 and 18:00. The button is located behind the bell tower, and hearing your own bell echoing around Kofu Station is a unique experience only found at Koshu Yumekoji.
Around 20 Unique Specialty Shops
Koshu Yumekoji brings together around 20 specialty shops showcasing Yamanashi’s food and culture. You will find Koshu wine and grape juice boutiques, burger joints and Italian restaurants using local ingredients, and Japanese sweets cafes featuring Kikyou Shingen Mochi. Natural stone accessories and Japanese crafts make for great souvenir shopping.
| Location No. [Floor] | Shop Name | Category | Hours | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chiisana Kura no Bijutsukan | Antique Jewelry Prints | 10:00 - 18:00 | Tuesdays (Open on holidays) |
| 2 | Tamaya | Natural Stone Accessories Shimizu Isao Gallery (2F) | 10:00 - 18:00 | Open year-round |
| 3 | Pizzeria RYU | Italian Restaurant | [Lunch] 11:30 - 15:00 [Dinner] 17:30 - 22:00 | Tuesdays 2nd & 4th Mondays |
| 4 [1F] | Kuromitsuan Kinakotei | Cafe / Japanese Sweets | 10:00 - 17:00 | Open year-round |
| 4 [2F] | KUU | Japanese Dining | [Lunch] 11:30 - 14:30 (Weekends & Holidays) [Dinner] 17:00 - 22:30 | Tuesdays |
| 5 [2F] | Meli Melo | Restaurant | [Lunch] Wed-Sun 11:30 - 15:00 [Dinner] Tue-Sat 18:00 - 22:00 Sun 18:00 - 20:30 | Mondays Tuesdays |
| 6 [1F] | Kurumu | Japanese Crafts | 10:00 - 17:00 | Open year-round |
| 6 [2F] | Tokueiken | Kofu Ramen | [Lunch] 11:00 - 15:00 [Dinner] 17:30 - 22:00 | Mondays Tuesdays |
| 7 [1F] | Koshu Wine Kura | Koshu Wine Shop | 10:00 - 18:00 | Open year-round |
| 7 [2F] | Ishihama | Skewers / Japanese Cuisine / Sake | [Lunch] 11:00 - 14:00 [Dinner] 17:00 - 23:00 | Sundays |
| 8 | Hanasaku Coffee | Specialty Coffee | [Mon/Wed/Thu] 9:00 - 18:00 [Fri] 9:00 - 22:00 [Sat] 10:00 - 22:00 [Sun/Holidays] 10:00 - 18:00 | Tuesdays |
| 9 | Budoya Kofu | Grape Juice Shop | 11:00 - 18:00 | Irregular holidays |
| 10 | Back Country Burgers | Burgers | 11:00 - 20:00 | Tuesdays |
| 11,12 [1F] | Trattoria Pachino | Italian Restaurant | [Lunch] 11:00 - 15:00 [Dinner] 17:00 - 21:00 | Mondays |
| 12 [2F] | Authentic Bar U-ME | Bar | 19:00 - 24:00 | Sundays Holidays |
| 13 | Iricho Seika | Seasonal Fruits Organic Vegetables | 10:00 - 18:00 | Wednesdays Thursdays |
| 14 | ELMO ISOLA | Cafe / Gelato | [Weekdays] 11:00 - 18:30 [Weekends/Holidays] 10:00 - 18:30 | Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays |
| 15 | Taiwan Sabo White Alley | Taiwanese Tea Stand | 11:00 - 19:00 | Open year-round |
| 16 | Yamanashi Satoyama Shop | Curry Onigiri / Goods | 11:00 - 21:00 | Tuesdays Wednesdays |
| 17 | Robata Yakitori Tori no Hosomichi | Izakaya | 17:00 - 23:30 (Sun/Holidays until 22:30) | Wednesdays |
Taste the Best of Yamanashi Right Here
Since you have come all the way to Kofu, why not enjoy some authentic Yamanashi cuisine? Koshu Yumekoji offers trending local gourmet and traditional dishes that have been Yamanashi specialties for generations.
With 14 restaurants gathered here, let me introduce a few recommended spots.
Back Country BURGERS
Back Country BURGERS is a popular burger shop at Koshu Yumekoji that uses 100% Koshu Wine Beef from Yamanashi Prefecture in their patties.
The patties are made with Koshu Wine Beef from Yamanashi Prefectural Livestock Corporation, a long-established meat processor in Kofu City, known for its rich flavor and umami. The buns are fluffy originals sourced directly from a local bakery.
The signature Classic Burger features a generous 100g patty topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheddar cheese.
Other options include the Hawaiian Burger with grilled pineapple and Hawaiian sauce, the Bacon Cheese Burger with bacon, egg, and cheese, and the Avocado Cheese Burger with avocado in creamy homemade dressing and mayonnaise.
The interior has a natural ambiance with wood accents. Counter and table seating are available for solo diners and groups alike.
As a popular spot, expect lines during lunch hours.
The burgers are juicy and bursting with meaty flavor. Worth the wait.
Kuromitsuan Kinakotei
Kinakotei is a cafe serving Japanese sweets and drinks made with Kikyouya’s kuromitsu (black sugar syrup) and kinako (roasted soybean flour).
Kuromitsu is Kikyouya’s signature product, known for its mineral-rich, rich flavor. The kinako is freshly ground in-house, offering an aromatic and refined taste.
The shop’s recommended item is the Premium Kikyou Shingen Soft, topped with Kikyou Shingen Mochi. Enjoy the chewy texture of the famous mochi.
Other popular items include kuromitsu kinako latte, kuromitsu matcha latte, kuromitsu kinako dango, and kuromitsu kinako soft serve.
The interior has a retro atmosphere that perfectly matches the Koshu Yumekoji streetscape. Counter and table seating are available.
Kikyou Shingen Mochi is one of Yamanashi’s most famous sweets. Be sure to stop by.
Take Yamanashi Home with You
Travel memories come alive with the things you bring back. Take a piece of Yamanashi home from Koshu Yumekoji.
Koshu Wine Kura
This shop offers wines, wine glasses, and various wine accessories.
They have an extensive wine selection, and each bottle comes with a description to help guide your choice.
Wine glasses and accessories are also available.
Cute glasses shaped like Mt. Fuji are especially popular.
Budoya Kofu
Budoya Kofu sells juices and sweets made with Yamanashi-grown grapes.
Their grape juice, made from wine grapes, is popular for its rich flavor.
They also sell sweets, and the popular raisin sandwich uses Koshu grape raisins soaked in rum. The rum aroma and sweet-tart raisins make it a perfect adult treat.
Other products include grape jam made with whole fruit pulp and flavorful grape juice, letting you fully enjoy the taste of grapes.
Kurumu
Kurumu is a shop selling Japanese crafts, with many cute items available.
Small letter paper is perfect for adding a quick message.
Look for Parking with 60 Minutes Free
There are many paid parking lots around Koshu Yumekoji, so parking is never a problem.
Here is a summary of parking lots with free time and low rates.
| Parking Lot | Spaces | Free Time | Daytime Rate | Nighttime Rate | Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koshu Yumekoji Parking | 25 spaces | First 60 min | 100 yen/30 min | 100 yen/60 min | 1-1-25 Marunouchi, Kofu City, Yamanashi 400-0031 |
| Kofu City History Park Parking | 15 spaces | First 60 min | 100 yen/30 min | 100 yen/60 min | 1-1 Marunouchi, Kofu City, Yamanashi 400-0031 |
| Kofu Station North Exit No. 2 Parking | 18 spaces | First 30 min | 150 yen/30 min | 100 yen/60 min | 1-1 Marunouchi, Kofu City, Yamanashi 400-0031 |
We recommend checking in this order: [1] Koshu Yumekoji Parking → [2] Kofu City History Park Parking → [3] Kofu Station North Exit No. 2 Parking. The Koshu Yumekoji Parking is the only one within the facility, offers the longest free time, and has the lowest rates, so try this one first.
Below are photos of [2] Kofu City History Park Parking, which is adjacent to Koshu Yumekoji. This lot is also very close, right in front of the facility.
Suggested Visit Duration
For just browsing and souvenir shopping, allow 30 minutes to 1 hour. If you plan to dine, budget 1.5 to 2 hours.
Since it is right in front of Kofu Station, you can easily drop by while waiting for your train.
A Castle Town Full of Yamanashi, Right by the Station
The Time Bell, awakened from its 141-year slumber, still echoes in front of Kofu Station today.
From Edo to Showa, and now Reiwa. Walk the lanes of this castle town reborn across the ages, and you will find Yamanashi’s cuisine, crafts, and more all within reach. Koshu Yumekoji is a place where such luxury is granted right by the station.
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of historic Kofu and enjoy a wonderful time embraced by its charm.
