Kōfu (甲府市) Travel Guide & City Profile

Last reviewed: October 23, 2026 · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.

Overview & City Profile

Kōfu (甲府市, Kōfu-shi; Japanese pronunciation: [kò̞ó̞.ɸɯ̈́, -ɸɯ̥̈.ɕì, kó̞ó̞-]) is the capital city of Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 April 2019, the city had an estimated population of 187,985 in 90,924 households, and a population density of 880 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 212.41 square kilometres (82.01 sq mi).

Within Yamanashi Prefecture (Chubu region), Kōfu (甲府市) serves as a core city in yamanashi prefecture. Travelers exploring Yamanashi often combine a stop in Kōfu with regional highlights such as Northern slopes of Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes (Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako), Chureito Pagoda (Fujiyoshida), Koshu wine-country vineyards, and Shosenkyo Gorge.

Getting to Kōfu & Getting Around

Via the regional hub (Kofu Station & Otsuki Station (JR Chuo Line / Fujikyuko Line)): 1h 30m from Tokyo Shinjuku Station to Kofu on the JR Limited Express Azusa/Kaiji, or 1h 55m to Kawaguchiko via the Fuji Excursion train or highway bus.

• Local rail & IC cards: Once in Yamanashi Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Kofu with Kōfu. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
• Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Yamanashi have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Kōfu en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
• Driving & car rental: While city centers around Kōfu are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Yamanashi can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.

What to Eat in Kōfu & Yamanashi

Kōfu shares the culinary traditions of Yamanashi Prefecture and the wider Chubu region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:

• Hoto (flat wheat noodles simmered in miso pumpkin broth) — a signature specialty across Yamanashi Prefecture.
• Koshu white wine & Kofu鸟もつ煮 (glazed chicken offal) — a signature specialty across Yamanashi Prefecture.
• Yoshida udon (firm noodles near Mt. Fuji) — a signature specialty across Yamanashi Prefecture.
• Shine Muscat grapes & peaches — a signature specialty across Yamanashi Prefecture.

For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Kōfu.

Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights

Mid-April for Chureito Pagoda cherry blossoms with Mt. Fuji; July–September for grape/peach orchards; November for Lake Kawaguchiko Maple Corridor & crisp clear Fuji views.

Regional highlights across Yamanashi Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Kōfu include: Northern slopes of Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes (Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako), Chureito Pagoda (Fujiyoshida), Koshu wine-country vineyards, and Shosenkyo Gorge.

Practical Travel Tips for Kōfu

• Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter inside or right outside the main train station in Kōfu (or at Kofu Station & Otsuki Station (JR Chuo Line / Fujikyuko Line)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
• Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Kōfu accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
• Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.