最終確認日 · 掲載されている料金（円 / ¥）は目安です。 · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Chūō (中央市, Chūō-shi; Japanese pronunciation: [c̟͡ɕɨ̀ɨ́.ó̞ò̞(.ɕì), -ó̞ó̞, c̟͡ɕɨ́ɨ́-]) is a city located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 October 2020, the city had an estimated population of 30,660 in 13,954 households, and a population density of 970 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 31.69 square kilometres (12.24 sq mi).
Within Yamanashi Prefecture (Chubu region), Chūō (中央市) serves as a city in yamanashi prefecture. Travelers exploring Yamanashi often combine a stop in Chūō 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.
| 項目 | 基本データ：Chūō (中央市) |
|---|---|
| 日本語表記 | 中央市 (Chūō) |
| 行政区分 | City in Yamanashi Prefecture |
| Prefecture & Capital | Yamanashi Prefecture (Capital: Kofu) |
| 地方区分 | Chubu |
| 人口 | 31,875 residents |
| 総面積・人口密度 | 31.81 km² · 1,002 people per km² |
| 市制施行・設立 | 2006-02-20 |
| 緯度・経度 | 35.5996°N, 138.6339°E |
Getting to Chūō & 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 Chūō. 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 Chūō 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 Chūō 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.
Chūō & Yamanashiの名物グルメ・郷土料理
Chūōでは、YamanashiおよびChubu地方ならではの豊かな食文化を楽しめます。訪問時にぜひ味わいたい名物料理はこちらです：
- 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 Chūō.
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 Chūō include: Northern slopes of Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes (Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako), Chureito Pagoda (Fujiyoshida), Koshu wine-country vineyards, and Shosenkyo Gorge.
Chūō旅行の実用アドバイス・注意点
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter at the regional hub (Kofu Station & Otsuki Station (JR Chuo Line / Fujikyuko Line)) or major stations in Yamanashi Prefecture for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Chūō 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.
よくある質問（FAQ）
Where is Chūō (中央市) located in Japan?
Chūō (中央市) is a city located in Yamanashi Prefecture in the Chubu region of Japan (coordinates: 35.5996°N, 138.6339°E). It has a population of approximately 31,875 across an area of 31.81 km².
How do I get to Chūō by train?
Most visitors reach Chūō via the main prefectural gateway of 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. From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Chūō. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.
What local food is Chūō and Yamanashi known for?
In Chūō and across Yamanashi Prefecture, top local dishes include Hoto (flat wheat noodles simmered in miso pumpkin broth), Koshu white wine & Kofu鸟もつ煮 (glazed chicken offal), Yoshida udon (firm noodles near Mt. Fuji), as well as Shine Muscat grapes & peaches. Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Chūō?
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. Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: