Kōshū (甲州市) Travel Guide & City Profile

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

Overview & City Profile

Kōshū (甲州市, Kōshū-shi; Japanese pronunciation: [kó̞ò̞.ɕɨ̀ɨ̀, kò̞ó̞.ɕɨ́ɨ̀.ɕì, kó̞ó̞.ɕɨ́ɨ̀-]) is a city located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 September 2020, the city had an estimated population of 29,659 in 13,141 households, and a population density of 120 persons per km². The total area of the city is 264.11 square kilometres (101.97 sq mi). The city is the home of the indigenous Koshu grape and is synonymous with viticulture and wine production in Japan.

Within Yamanashi Prefecture (Chubu region), Kōshū (甲州市) serves as a city in yamanashi prefecture. Travelers exploring Yamanashi often combine a stop in Kōshū 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 Kōshū & 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 Kōshū. 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 Kōshū 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 Kōshū 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 Kōshū & Yamanashi

Kōshū 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 Kōshū.

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 Kōshū 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 Kōshū

• Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter inside or right outside the main train station in Kōshū (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 Kōshū 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.