One of Japan's 100 most famous castle sites, faithfully reconstructed
Kofu Castle was built in the late 16th century after the downfall of the powerful Takeda clan by order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the three great unifiers of Japan, and used to be a major strategic stronghold protecting the west of Edo, present-day Tokyo.
While it was destroyed in a fire in 1727, the original stone walls remain, and parts of the castle, such as the gates and the Inari-yagura watchtower, have been faithfully reconstructed in recent years using traditional methods from the original time of construction.
The highest point of the park, which is presumed to have been where the castle keep once stood, offers an unbroken panoramic view of the city, the Kofu basin, the Koshu Yume Koji shopping street, the surrounding mountains and Mount Fuji on a clear day.
The park is an especially popular spot in the spring, when it becomes abound with visitors looking for a stroll or a relaxing time under the 160 beautiful cherry trees blooming on the premises, with beautiful views of Mount Fuji in the background!
While it was destroyed in a fire in 1727, the original stone walls remain, and parts of the castle, such as the gates and the Inari-yagura watchtower, have been faithfully reconstructed in recent years using traditional methods from the original time of construction.
The highest point of the park, which is presumed to have been where the castle keep once stood, offers an unbroken panoramic view of the city, the Kofu basin, the Koshu Yume Koji shopping street, the surrounding mountains and Mount Fuji on a clear day.
The park is an especially popular spot in the spring, when it becomes abound with visitors looking for a stroll or a relaxing time under the 160 beautiful cherry trees blooming on the premises, with beautiful views of Mount Fuji in the background!
| Address | 〒400-0031 山梨県甲府市丸の内1-5-4 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 055-227-6179 |
| Opening Times | The gates to the park are open 24/7, all-year round. The Yamanote Gomon Gate museum at Kofu History Park is free to visit from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Inari-yagura Watchtower museum at Maizuru Castle Park is free to visit from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last entry at 4:00 p.m.) The second floor of the Kurogane Gate is free to visit from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last entry at 4:00 p.m.) |
| Closures | Museums are closed on Mondays (except public holidays), the day after public holidays and during the year-end and New Year holidays (from 29 December to 3 January) Maizuru Castle Park is open every day. |
| Prices | Free admission |
| Transport | A 3-minute walk from the south exit of JR Kofu station |
| Car Park | Parking is available by prior reservation Parking spaces for the disabled are available Please contact the Urban Development Division of Chuhoku Construction Office on 055-224-1673 (weekdays), or the Management Office of Maizuru Castle Park on 055-227-6179 or 055-233-6030 (weekends) |
