Kofu(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, stay at Kofu Fuji View Hotel, located near the Fuji Observation Point. This hotel offers large windows and private balconies facing the iconic peak, especially stunning during sunrise and clear autumn days. The Kofu Royal Hotel also features panoramic mountain vistas and an on-site hot spring bath, ideal for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. Both properties provide easy access to Kōfu Castle Ruins and Shinano Grape Valley, blending natural beauty with cultural experiences. Reserve early for optimal view rooms, especially during peak seasons like spring and fall.

The central area around Kofu Station is the best district for convenient accommodation and shopping. This vibrant hub features Nan-kō Shopping Street, lined with local boutiques, restaurants, and convenience stores. Hotels like Mikasa Hotel and Yamato Royal Hotel Kofu are centrally located, offering quick access to public transit, dining spots, and major attractions such as Kofu Castle Ruins. With excellent connectivity to JR lines and bus routes, this district is ideal for travelers seeking both comfort and urban convenience. It's also perfect for day trips to nearby wineries and mountain trails.

Visitors to Kofu City can experience rich local culture through several highlights. Explore the historic Kofu Castle Ruins, once the stronghold of warlord Takeda Shingen, now a peaceful park with cherry blossoms in spring. Attend the annual Kofu Gion Festival, featuring traditional dance parades, lantern processions, and street food stalls. In the Shinano Grape Valley, participate in wine-tasting tours and learn about Japan’s premium grape cultivation. You can also try hands-on workshops in washi paper-making or local pottery, offering authentic insights into Yamanashi Prefecture’s artisan heritage.

Yes, Kofu City offers many family-friendly attractions. The Kofu Municipal Science Museum features interactive exhibits on nature, space, and technology, perfect for children. The Kofu Children’s Museum provides playful learning zones with games, crafts, and science experiments. Families can also enjoy outdoor fun at Kofu Citizens’ Park and the Fuji Observation Point, which offer picnic areas, playgrounds, and scenic views. For agricultural experiences, visit Shinano Grape Valley for seasonal grape-picking activities. These attractions combine education and entertainment, making them ideal for multi-generational travel.

Yes, several hotels in Kofu City feature onsen (hot spring) baths. The Yamato Royal Hotel Kofu has an indoor onsen with natural mineral-rich waters, known for its therapeutic benefits. Mikasa Hotel also includes a shared onsen with Japanese-style bathing rooms and tatami seating. For a more secluded experience, consider Fuji-ko Onsen Villa, a boutique ryokan nestled near the mountains, offering private outdoor baths with views of Mount Fuji. These facilities provide relaxation and cultural immersion, especially after exploring the city’s historical sites or hiking trails.

The best times to visit Kofu City are spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November). Spring brings cherry blossoms at Kofu Castle Ruins and mild weather ideal for sightseeing. Autumn offers stunning foliage across the hillsides and clear skies perfect for viewing Mount Fuji. Major events include the Kofu Gion Festival in May and the Shinano Wine Festival in September. Winter is cold but offers serene snowscapes, while summer can be humid—making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for travel.

Must-try local foods in Kofu City include Kofu Beef, a premium wagyu known for its marbled texture and rich flavor—best enjoyed grilled at local restaurants. Sample Shinano Grape Wine, produced in nearby vineyards, paired with regional cheese or desserts. Don’t miss Kaki no Tane, a traditional sweet snack made from dried persimmon seeds. Another local favorite is Imo-ni, a hearty potato stew with bamboo shoots and chicken, especially popular in winter. Visit Nan-kō Shopping Street for street food stalls serving fresh ramen, tempura, and yakitori, offering a true taste of local life.

Kofu City is highly accessible via rail and road. The JR Chūō Main Line connects Kofu to Tokyo (approx. 2 hours), Nagoya (3.5 hours), and Osaka (4.5 hours). The Kōfu Station serves as a key transit hub with frequent trains and buses to nearby destinations like Fujisan and Shinano Grape Valley. Highway access is provided by the Tōkai-Hokuriku Expressway, allowing a 1.5-hour drive from Tokyo. Travelers can save costs using the JR Pass or Yamanashi Prefecture Tourist Bus Day Pass, which covers major attractions and transportation links.

Top photo spots in Kofu City include the Kofu Castle Ruins, where stone walls meet blooming cherry trees in spring—perfect for golden hour shots. The Fuji Observation Point offers unobstructed views of Mount Fuji framed by pine trees and morning mist, ideal for landscape photography. Nan-kō Shopping Street captures the charm of old-town Japan with neon signs, wooden storefronts, and bustling crowds. At Shinano Grape Valley, winding vineyard paths and glass-walled tasting rooms create Instagram-worthy scenes. During festivals, illuminated lanterns and traditional floats add dynamic color and movement to your photos.

Yes, many hotels in Kofu City offer English-speaking staff and multilingual services. High-end options like Yamato Royal Hotel Kofu and Mikasa Hotel provide English signage, front desk assistance, and digital guest guides. Some also offer free Wi-Fi and international room service. While not all guesthouses have full English support, most major hotels and tourist centers display English information boards and brochures. It’s recommended to confirm language availability during HopeGoo, especially for special requests like translation or airport transfers.