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Kōfu: A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering
Kōfu is a city located in the central part of Japan and is the capital of the Yamanashi Prefecture. It is a city mostly overshadowed by the popular Tokyo and other bigger cities in Japan. But little do people know that Kōfu is actually a hidden gem worth discovering. As a National Geographic journalist, I had the chance to discover the beauty of Kōfu and here’s what I found.
Scenery and Likes and Dislikes
Kōfu boasts beautiful scenery of stunning mountains, with the backdrop of the Southern Japanese Alps. The city’s beautiful parks, temples, and shrines are surrounded by greenery and make for a picturesque view. One highlight of Kōfu is the Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Literature, which is a must-visit for literature lovers. What I liked most about Kōfu was the serene atmosphere – it’s a perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. As for what I didn’t like about Kōfu, it’s a fairly small city, so there’s not much nightlife.
Cost of Living
In terms of cost of living, Kōfu is an affordable destination. The average daily budget for a backpacker would range from 3,500 to 4,500 JPY ($32 – $41), while a mid-range traveler would spend around 6,000 to 10,000 JPY ($55 – $92) per person per day.
Points of Interest
1. Kai Zenko-ji Temple – 7-30 Chuo, Kofu – 4.6/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
2. Takeda Jinja Shrine – 361 Takeda, Kofu – 4.5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
3. Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Art – 1-3-3 Marunouchi, Kofu – 4.5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
4. Yamanashi Science Museum – 1655-1, Shimokomakubo, Kofu – 4.3/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
5. Yoshida Castle – 1670 Kawanishi, Kofu – 4.4/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
6. Monde Winery – 5123 Ichinomiyacho, Kai City – 4.4/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
7. Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Literature – 2540 Shimokawakubo, Kofu – 4.2/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
8. Kai Film Museum – 7-31 Chuo, Kofu – 4.1/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
9. Yuki Shrine – 3036 Yamanashi, Kofu – 4.3/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
10. Sadoya Sake Brewery – 3-2-10 Chuo, Kofu – 4.6/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
11. Daizokyo-ji Temple – 1-8-9 Marunouchi, Kofu – 4.5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
12. Nakai Shrine – 3072 Nakairo, Kofu – 4.3/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
13. Saruhashi Bridge – Hananoki, Tatsuno – 4.2/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
14. Maizuru Castle Park – 67-1 Kofuchuo, Kofu – 4.4/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
15. Kiyosato Kogen Highland – Kiyosato-cho, Hokuto – 4.3/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
16. Hokuto Autumn Leaves Festival – Takanecho, Hokuto – Website – 5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
17. Isawa Onsen – Isawacho, Fuefuki – Website – 4.5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
18. Showa Retro Street – Kofu – 4.1/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
19. Iwakuni-Yaki Pottery Studio – 29 Hirabayashi, Kai City – 4/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
20. Japan Wine Cellar Co. Ltd. – 819-1 Shiva, Kai City – 4.3/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
Street Food
1. Hoto – Thick udon noodles cooked in a miso-based soup, with vegetables, meat or fish – Price: 800-1200 JPY ($7.50-$11)
2. Asagiri Chicken – Grilled chicken with a sweet and savory soy sauce marinade – Price: 100 JPY (less than $1)
3. Shibazuke – Pickled cucumbers and eggplants with purple shiso leaves, and red and white plum vinegar – Price: 200 JPY ($2)
4. Grape soft serve ice cream – Made from locally grown grapes, this sweet treat is a must-try – Price: 300 JPY ($2.75)
5. Katsudon – Panko-coated pork cutlet with rice and egg – Price: 700-1000 JPY ($6.50-$9)
Top 10 Hotels and Airbnb Listings
Hotels:
1. Dormy Inn Kofu Natural Hot Spring – 1-11-27 Chuo, Kofu – $65-$95/night – 4.3/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
2. Kofu Washington Hotel Plaza – 291, Takeda-cho, Kofu – $45-$80/night – 4.2/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
3. Ace Inn Kofu-Shingenmichi – 17-1 Chuo, Kofu – $45-$95/night – 4.5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
4. Hotel Metropolitan Kofu – 2194-2 Isawacho, Fuefuki – $65-$140/night – 4.2/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
5. Livemax Resort Kofu – 1421-1 Sunagawa, Koofuchuo – $45-$75/night – 4.2/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
Airbnb:
1. Retro Japa House – Good for couples – $60/night – 4.94/5 Stars
2. Cozy Apartment in Kofu City – Good for solo travelers – $45/night – 4.95/5 Stars
3. Japanese-style House – Good for families – $95/night – 4.89/5 Stars
4. Yamanashi Glamping – Good for outdoor enthusiasts – $110/night – 4.92/5 Stars
5. Cozy Kofu Home – Good for groups – $120/night – 4.96/5 Stars
Top 5 Worthwhile Accommodations
1. Ace Inn Kofu-Shingenmichi – With its modern amenities, affordable rates, and location right in the heart of Kofu, the Ace Inn Kofu-Shingenmichi is the perfect choice for any traveler on a budget.
2. Kofu Washington Hotel Plaza – The Kofu Washington Hotel Plaza boasts clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price. It is located close to the city center, making it an ideal choice for those wanting to explore the city.
3. Livemax Resort Kofu – The Livemax Resort Kofu offers well-appointed rooms, good amenities, and a laidback atmosphere, making it an ideal place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring.
4. Retro Japa House – This Airbnb listing boasts a traditional yet contemporary design, with Japanese-inspired interiors and modern amenities. The location is also close to several popular tourist destinations, making it a convenient choice for travelers.
5. Cozy Kofu Home – Good for groups, this Airbnb listing offers spacious rooms, a full kitchen, and modern amenities. It is located near several popular tourist destinations and restaurants.
3-Day Trip Itinerary
Day 1:
1. Kai Zenko-ji Temple – 7-30 Chuo, Kofu
2. Takeda Jinja Shrine – 361 Takeda, Kofu
3. Maizuru Castle Park – 67-1 Kofuchuo, Kofu
4. Hoto at Chikyu Shokudo – 295-1 Takeda, Kofu
5. Asagiri Chicken at Miyoshi Teppan Yaki – 2-17-26 Chuo, Kofu
Day 2:
1. Yamanashi Science Museum – 1655-1, Shimokomakubo, Kofu
2. Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Art – 1-3-3 Marunouchi, Kofu
3. Saruhashi Bridge – Hananoki, Tatsuno
4. Shibazuke at Ishikawa Shokudo – 2-14-12 Chuo, Kofu
5. Grape soft serve ice cream at Kofu Station
Day 3:
1. Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Literature – 2540 Shimokawakubo, Kofu
2. Yoshida Castle – 1670 Kawanishi, Kofu
3. Katsudon at Katsudon Daisho – 4-10-10 Chuo, Kofu
4. Nakai Shrine – 3072 Nakairo, Kofu
5. Yuki Shrine – 3036 Yamanashi, Kofu
Kōfu may be a small city, but it is packed with tourist destinations, rich history, and cultural experiences that any traveler can enjoy. It is a perfect destination for those seeking solace and relaxation amidst the scenic beauty of Japan. Overall, Kōfu receives a rating of 8 out of 10 stars.
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