Ruins of Kofu Castle located in Kofu City, which used to be a capital of Kai Province in the
Muromachi Age
(1336 - 1573)
and the
Edo Age
(1603 - 1868)
.
During the Muromachi Age , "Kai" Province was governed by the TAKEDA Clan.
After TAKEDA Katsuyori
(1546 - 1582)
, a son of TAKEDA Shingen
(1521 - 1573)
, was defeated by ODA Nobunaga
(1534 - 1582)
at the end of the Muromachi Age, "Kai" Province was governed by the TOKUGAWA "Shogun" clan families or "Shogun" directly during the Edo Age.
It is said that the Kofu Castle was built in 1583 by TOKUGAWA Ieyasu
(1543 - 1616)
.
To the south of Kofu Castle, a moat remains. Also, stone walls surrounding baileys can be seen as if they pile up in many layers. The white mud walls on the top of stone walls were very impressive.
There were a couple of gates to get into the Kofu Castle. Among these gates, the "Kaji-Guruwa" and "Uchi-Matsukage" Gates were rebuilt in 1999.
"Kaji-Guruwa" Gate
"Uchi-Matsukage" Gate
If you pass though the "Uchi-Matsukage" Gate, the wall stones surrounding the main bailey are just in front of you.
The stone stairs are the site of "Akagane" gate, which is the entrance of the main bailey.
The foundation of a Castle Tower
The "Shaon" Monument
Palace buildings used to be located in the main bailey.
Now, the lawn covers the area.
The foundation of a Castle Tower is also located in the main bailey. At the other side, there is a huge stone monument, called "Shaon" Monument, built in 1920. "Shaon" means thankfulness in Japanese.
At the beginning of the twenty century, severe flood damage happened in Yamanashi Prefecture. Emperor "Meiji" presented government-owned forests to people in Yamanashi for their restoration. People in Yamanashi appreciated this action and built the stone monument.
From the foundation of the castle tower in the main bailey, you can enjoy the spectacular view.
You will see Mt. Kobushi in the South Japan Alps beyond Kofu City.
Top of Mt. Fuji also can be clearly seen to the south.
You may forget that time passes when you see this scenery.
You can also see the inside of Kofu Castle.
The below-left picture is the main bailey.
It was about sunset in February, 2013. Almost no one was in the castle.
A man was sitting on the lawn in the main bailey.
The Main Bailey
The Inari Turret
The upper-right picture shows Inari Turret in the Inari Bailey.
The Inari Turret was shining by the setting sun.
To the south of the main bailey, "Kurogane-Mon" Gate was newly rebuilt in 2013.
The "Kurogane-Mon" Gate used to be the main gate of the main bailey, and it is very stately.
In Kofu Castle, a couple of other buildings were also rebuilt.
This is the Inari Turret, viewing from the outside of the castle.
The turret is located on the tall stone-walls. This view makes you understand how the castle was in the
Edo Age.
To the north of the Kofu Castle across the JR Chuo Line, the "Yamanote-Gomon" Gate was also rebuilt in 2007.
The "Yamanote-Gomon" Gate was one of three entrance gates of Kofu Castle.
Kofu Castle remains stone-walls surrounding the key area of the castle. Also, a couple of buildings have been rebuilt and is reviving the original style as it was in the Edo Age.
The location of the Kofu Castle is also easily accessible from the Tokyo area.
How to get there
Take a Limited Express "Super Azusa", "Azusa" or "Kaiji" from Shinjyuku to Kofu.
Kofu Castle is located to the southeast of the Kofu Station. it takes you just 5 minutes.
Other Historical Sites near by: Takeda Shrine
Erinji Temple
Shosenkyo Gorge
Ruins of Shinpu Castle
Home Page in Japanese: "Shane's HomePage"
