Kofu Station

Kofu Station is located at Yamanashi's prefectural capital

At the South entrance, there is a diamond ring monument that represents Kofu's status as the "City of Gems."

Statue of Takeda Shingen

Leaving from the North exit directly connects you to gourmet restaurants and a shopping area called "Koshu Yumekouji."

Kofu

Kofu used be a huge producer of crystals.

The shipment value of jewelry is number one in Japan.

Precious metal working, gem cutting, and crystal art carving are very popular.

High quality gems and metals from all over the world are brought to Kofu to be worked on by craftsmen with finely honed skills.

Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Art is now known as "The Museum of Millet".

Over 70 Millet pieces in its collection, including "The Sower."

Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Art

The museum owns over 70 pieces by Jean-François Millet.

Pieces by artists of the Barbizone school are also available.

Within the large "Forest of Art Park" is the Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Art as well as a museum of literature.

You will find statues here and there on the property.

There is a rose garden and a Mt. Fuji photo spot.

Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Art

Directions

By Bus: Take a bus from bus stop No. 1 at JR Kofu Station South exit. Take bus number 03, 04, 30, 34, 35, or 39. Get off at "Bijutsukan" bus stop. About 15 min ride.

Crystal Museum

You can see rare gemstones and lead glasses.

Let's make an original accessory with your choice of stone!

Crystal Museum

Directions

Exiting from Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Art, turn right. 5 min walking distance.

Kofu Castle (Maizuru Castle Park)

Interesting castle with no castle keep ("tenshukaku")

The view from the base of the castle tower has been selected as one of the "Kanto no Fujimi Hyakkei (best hundred views of Mt. Fuji in the Kanto region)."

Yamanotegomon is now open as a historical exhibit and observatory.

Directions

5 min walking distance from JR Kofu Station South exit

Shosenkyo Gorge

Shosenkyo Gorge is specially recognized by the Japanese government for its special scenic beauty. Famous for its strangely shaped white rocks.

Has been called "Japan's most beautiful gorge."

Admire beautiful views from the ropeway.

Crystals used to be mined here.

Directions

By Bus: Take a bus bound for Shosenkyo from bus stop No. 4 at JR Kofu Station South exit. Take bus number 03 or 04. Get off at "Shousenkyo guchi" bus stop. About 30 min ride.

Shosenkyo Crystal Sound

Museum of crystal artcraft produced in Shosenkyo as well as jewelry from around the world.

Shosenkyo Crystal Sound

Directions

20 min walking distance from Shosenkyo