Kofu skyline

Kofu (甲府市) – Things to Do, Hotels & Travel Info

こうふし

Prefecture - Yamanashi Ken / 山梨県

Kofu Overview

Kōfu is the capital city of Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 April 2019, the city had an estimated population of 187,985 in 90,924 households, and a population density of 880 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 212.41 square kilometres (82.01 sq mi).

KANJI:

Kofu Key Statistics

population iconPopulation

187144

area iconArea

212 km²

parks museums cafés iconParks / Museums / Cafés

88 / 11 / 17

Practical Essentials for Kofu

Meet-ups & Expat Community

Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.

Find Events ↗

EV Charging Map

all available CHAdeMO and CCS fast-charging points Kofu.

View Chargers ↗

Bike-Share & Cycling

Rent a bike by the hour and cruise the riverside paths.

Bike Rentals ↗

Transit & Timetables

Travellers can check live routes & timetables.

Emergency Phones

Police: 110  ·  Fire/Ambulance: 119

Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.

Safety Tips ↗

About the City (Wikipedia)

Kofu history, administration, demographics and more.

Visit ↗

Getting Around Kofu

station

Kofu Main Station & Rail Lines

善光寺 (Zenkoji)

train

Train Travel to Kofu

Kofu is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.

car

Driving to Kofu

Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.

Real-Time Air Quality in Kofu

68

Moderate

Air in Kofu is okay for most people; sensitive travellers may feel light haze.

Source: World Air Quality Index

Cover Your Trip to Kofu

Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.

Get Instant Quote ↗

What to Eat in Kofu

  • Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Kofu downtown.
  • Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Kofu.
  • Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Kofu Station.
  • Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Kofu.
  • Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Kofu.

Hungry for more?

Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.

Book Food Tours ↗

Things to Do in Kofu

  • Visit one of Kofu’s 88 parks for jogging or cherry-blossom viewing.
  • Tour Kofu City Museum and 11 smaller galleries nearby.
  • Grab coffee at any of the 17 indie cafés around Zenkoji Station.
  • Walk the main food-street after dark and try local dishes unique to Kofu.

Book Tours Now

Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.

View Tours ↗

Income & Living Costs in Kofu

¥3,400,000*est

Median household income / year

78*est /100

Price level vs Tokyo

Moving money internationally?

Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.

See Wise fees ↗

Best Hotels in Kofu

Hotel icon

ビジネスホテル昭和

Book Now
Hotel icon

甲府ターミナルホテル

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Hotel icon

ホテルルートインコート

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Hotel icon

アパホテル 甲府南

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Hotel icon

1-2-3 Kofu Shingen Onsen

Book Now
Hotel icon

古名屋ホテル

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Plan & Book Your Trip

Hotels

Find your perfect stay and save.

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Flights

Compare airfares to Kofu.

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FAQ about Kofu

When was Kofu founded?

Kofu was founded on July 1, 1889.

How old is Kofu?

Kofu is roughly 137 years old.

What is the population of Kofu?

The latest estimate puts the population at about 187,144.

What is the land area of Kofu?

Kofu covers roughly 212 km².

What is the main railway station in Kofu?

The primary hub is 善光寺 (Zenkoji).

How many parks, museums and cafés are in Kofu?

The city has roughly 88 parks, 11 museums and 17 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.

Is Kofu expensive to live?

Kofu is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.

Do I need travel insurance for visiting Kofu?

Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗

How can I send money internationally while in Japan?

Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.

Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Kofu?

From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Kofu has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗

What tours are available in Kofu?

Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗

Where can I access official city services in Kofu?

All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Learn more ↗

Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Kofu?

Kofu hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗

Where can I charge my EV in Kofu?

CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗

Can I rent a bike in Kofu?

Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗

How can I check public-transport routes in Kofu?

Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗

Where is Kofu?

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

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