Kofu Castle Ruins

Kofu Castle Ruins are the remains of Kofu Castle, built at the end of the 16th century and located within Maizuru-jo Park. The site is designated a National Historic Site of Japan. Kofu Castle is also known as “Maizuru-jo” (Dancing Crane Castle), a nickname said to come from the layered white walls resembling a crane in flight. At the ruins, you can see original stone walls as well as reconstructed gates and the Inari Yagura turret. It is also a famous cherry-blossom spot: about 160 cherry trees are planted around the stone walls, and in season they bloom in full, making it an excellent place for a walk. From the castle keep area, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama over the Kofu Basin, and on clear days you can even see Mt. Kaikomagatake and Mt. Fuji in the distance. Note that the stairs up to the viewpoint can be fairly steep, which may be tough for older visitors. Access: 5 minutes on foot from JR Chuo Main Line “Kofu Station.” By car: about 20 minutes from Chuo Expressway “Kofu-Showa IC.”