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. There is a tourist information desk at the north exit, where picking up a map and bus details is reassuring.

10:00 Visit Takeda Shrine (site of the Tsutsujigasaki residence, about 8 minutes by bus from the Kofu Station north exit) This shrine that enshrines Shingen stands on the grounds of his former residence. The precinct is free to visit, and the surviving moat and earthen ramparts evoke the atmosphere of the era. The treasure hall displays swords and old documents linked to the Takeda clan, with admission of 500 yen for adults (high school age and over) and 250 yen for elementary and junior high school students (subject to change). It is also known 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 the memorial temple of Shingen, and follow the footsteps of the warlord. Walk the quiet grounds while reflecting on those times.

12:30 Lunch with a Kofu specialty Fill up on local dishes unique to Kofu such as torimotsuni offal stew or houtou noodle hotpot. There are many long-established eateries near the station, so savor the regional flavors.

14:00 Stroll Maizuru Castle Park (Kofu Castle ruins) Head to the castle-ruin park near the station. Admission is free, and stone walls and the keep base remain, with the Kofu Basin and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji visible from the top.

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. Connecting by bus, you can also head to Shosenkyo, famed for its gorge scenery.

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.

Practical Travel Notes

• Access: The starting point is JR Kofu Station. For Takeda Shrine, board at the bus stop by the north exit, with a one-way fare of around 230 yen as a guide. You can also walk, but it is a continuous uphill.
• Admission guide: Visiting the Takeda Shrine precinct and Maizuru Castle Park are both free. The shrine treasure hall is 500 yen for adults (high school age and over) and 250 yen for elementary and junior high school students, open roughly 9:30 to 16:00 (subject to change).
• Time needed: Allow about an hour for the shrine visit and treasure hall, and 30 minutes to an hour to stroll the castle-ruin park.
• Food: Kofu specialties such as torimotsuni and houtou can be enjoyed near the station. Popular spots get crowded at lunchtime.
• Footing: The castle stone walls and shrine approach have steps and slopes. Comfortable shoes make it easier.

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. The treasure hall may have limited days and hours, so if the displays are your goal, confirming in advance is the sure choice.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Hours (Takeda Shrine): The precincts are free to visit at any time, and the various reception desks are open 8:30-17:00. The treasure hall is open 9:30-16:00
• Fees (Takeda Shrine treasure hall): The official website of the Kofu City Tourism Association lists 500 yen for adults and 250 yen for children (elementary and junior high school students)
• Closed (Takeda Shrine treasure hall): The official website of the Kofu City Tourism Association states that it is closed every Wednesday (the official Yamanashi Prefecture tourism website gives the closing days as "irregular", so it is safest to check before you visit)
• Parking (Takeda Shrine): Free of charge. There is room for 10 large buses and 154 ordinary cars, and it is available from 9:00 to 16:00
• Opening hours and fees (the Inari Yagura turret and Kurogane-mon Gate at Maizuru Castle Park): Both are open 9:00-16:30 (last entry 16:00) and admission is free of charge. They are closed on Mondays (open when Monday is a public holiday), on the day after a public holiday, and over the New Year period (December 29 to January 3). The park itself is open at all times
• Inquiries: 055-252-2609 (Takeda Shrine), 055-227-6179 (Maizuru Castle Park Management Office)
• Official information: Kofu Kanko Navi (official website of the Kofu City Tourism Association), Mt. Fuji's Country Yamanashi Tourism Net (official Yamanashi Prefecture tourism information)

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Hours and prices are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.