Kofu, Capital city in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Kōfu is a capital city in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, located in a natural basin completely surrounded by mountains. The city spreads across flat terrain that slopes gently toward the surrounding hillsides, with residential neighborhoods, commercial streets, and vineyards shaping the urban landscape.
Takeda Shingen made the city his power base in the 16th century, building a fortified castle that served as a strategic stronghold during the warring years. After the fall of the Takeda clan, the city evolved into an administrative center for the region.
The name Kōfu means
The city lies about 90 minutes from Tokyo and offers good connections to the surrounding wine regions and mountain hiking trails. Many visitors use the train station as a starting point for day trips to nearby valleys and vineyards.
More than 80 wineries sit within reach of the city and many of them are accessible on foot or by bicycle. The long sunshine hours and the particular climate of the mountain basin allow grapes to ripen that Japanese winemakers have used for wine for over a century.
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