Kofu Castle Ruins (Maizuru Castle Park)

Step into central Kofu and you’ll find the remains of Kofu Castle—one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles—built by order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi after the fall of the Takeda clan. Today, part of the ruins is designated a National Historic Site, and it is also popularly known as Maizuru Castle Park. “Maizuru Castle” is one of Kofu Castle’s alternate names, referring to the castle’s layered white walls that resemble a crane spreading its wings.

The park preserves impressive stone walls from when the castle was first built, along with highlights such as restored gates and the Inari Yagura turret. Enter through the Kurogane Gate and step into Inari Yagura, where exhibits include roof tiles and ceramics uncovered in excavations, as well as miniature models.

From the tenshudai (main keep base), you can take in 360-degree views of the Kofu Basin, with sweeping vistas of Mt. Fuji and the Southern Alps. The view of Mt. Fuji from the park—recognized as one of the “100 Fuji Views of Kanto”—is not to be missed. The park is also known for cherry blossoms, and in spring, Approx. 160 trees bloom in full splendor around Kofu Castle’s stone walls.

On the north side of the JR Chuo Line, Kofu City History Park has reconstructed the Yamate Watari Yagura-mon Gate and opened it as an exhibition space, showcasing roof tiles, ceramics, and other items uncovered in excavations.