Kōfu Castle Ruins — Attraction in Kofu

I wandered up to Kōfu Castle in July and was pleasantly surprised by its perfect blend of history, greenery, and summer tranquility. The stone walls and reconstructed gate are beautifully shaded by towering trees, making the walk up to the Honmaru hill refreshingly cool.

At the top, the summer breeze and unmatched views of Kōfu city stretched out under a clear blue sky—no Mount Fuji this month, but still a stunning panorama that felt so peaceful. Midday sunshine made the stone pathways glow, and the open grounds were dotted with locals enjoying a shaded stop under the trees.

This time of year, you’ll likely see families and couples enjoying a relaxing stroll instead of the springtime crowds. Plus, the signage around the site gives great historical insights about Takeda Shingen’s legacy—perfect for history buffs.

Exploring the castle took me about 45 minutes, including a few stops to sit and soak in the summer ambiance. A quick, enriching detour if you’re in Kōfu during July—don’t forget your sunhat and water...

Just went after doing some wine tastings and they have a group of older people waiting to just explain the castle to you. I got this really nice older gentleman that first of all introduced himself and asked me where I was from. He then noticed I was hesitant to even talk to him(due to not wanting to pay for a tour) and he explained that it was free. He then explained why and how they built the castle which was very interesting. He also explained all the surrounding areas and how they got there. He was pretty good with english bot totally fluent but it was good enough to understand it. He was very passionate in explaining all of it and it was...

Maizuru Castle Park (Kofu Castle Ruins) is a hidden gem in Kofu, Yamanashi! While most of the original castle is gone, the stone walls, gates, and a few reconstructed buildings offer a glimpse into the area’s samurai history. The park is spacious and peaceful, with amazing views of Kofu city and even Mount Fuji on a clear day. It's especially stunning during cherry blossom season, with plenty of spots to picnic and relax. Close to Kofu Station, it's easy to visit and makes for a refreshing escape from the city. Highly recommend for history lovers and anyone looking for a beautiful, quiet...