Kofu Takeda Shingen Historical Walking Course

Kofu is the castle town where Takeda Shingen, the warlord called the Tiger of Kai during the Warring States period, made his base. Takeda Shrine that enshrines him, the site of his residence, and the castle ruins that watch over the city all remain. Tracing this samurai history while enjoying hot springs and local food makes a day course that history lovers will adore.

Course Route

9:30 Start at Kofu Station A statue of Takeda Shingen stands in the station plaza, watching over the start of your journey. Begin with a commemorative photo.

10:00 Visit Takeda Shrine (site of the Tsutsujigasaki residence) This shrine that enshrines Shingen stands on the grounds of his former residence. The surviving moat and earthen ramparts evoke the atmosphere of the era. It is also famous for blessings of good fortune in contests.

11:30 Tour temples linked to the Takeda clan Visit temples with deep ties to the family, such as Shingen’s memorial temple, and follow the footsteps of the warlord.

12:30 Lunch with a Kofu specialty Fill up on local dishes unique to Kofu such as torimotsuni offal stew or houtou noodle hotpot. Savor the regional flavors.

14:00 Stroll Maizuru Castle Park (Kofu Castle ruins) Head to the castle-ruin park near the station. Stone walls and the keep base remain, and from the top you can see the Kofu Basin and Mount Fuji.

15:30 Extend to Shosenkyo or a hot spring If time allows, rest at a day-use hot spring in the city. It gently soothes the tiredness of the historical walk.

Highlights

The greatest attraction is Takeda Shrine that enshrines Shingen and the Warring States history behind it. The moat and ramparts remaining at the residence site let you imagine life back then. Do not miss the stone walls of the Kofu Castle ruins and the view that takes in the basin. Traces of Shingen remain throughout the town.

Access and Tips

Using Kofu Station as a base, Takeda Shrine is about eight minutes away by bus. The castle-ruin park is within walking distance of the station. Walking between the shrine and the castle ruins lets you feel the Kofu landscape that Shingen once saw. The walking distance is long, so wear comfortable shoes.

A Quick Tip

At Takeda Shrine, the charms and goshuin shrine stamps are popular. Doing a little reading on the historical background beforehand greatly deepens the fun of touring the sites.