🗺️ Kofu Castle Ruins (Maizuru Castle Park)

After the fall of Takeda Shingen, Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered the construction of "Kofu Castle," which is one of the "Japan's 100 Famous Castles." Today, part of the castle site is designated as a national historic site and is also known by the nickname "Maizuru Castle Park." Maizuru Castle is one of the alternative names for Kofu Castle, named for its castle walls that resemble "a white crane spreading its wings" due to the overlapping white walls. The park retains the stone walls from the time of the castle's construction, along with highlights such as the restored main gate and Inari turret. The iron gate and Inari turret are open to visitors, showcasing artifacts such as tiles, ceramics, and miniature models unearthed during the excavation process. From the observation platform, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Mount Fuji and the Southern Alps. The view of Mount Fuji from the park, which is listed among the "Kanto Fuji Viewing 100 Views," is not to be missed. The park is also a well-known cherry blossom viewing spot, with around 160 cherry trees blooming beautifully around the stone walls of Kofu Castle in spring. Additionally, across the JR Chuo Line, the Yamanote Turret Gate in Kofu City Historical Park, located to the north, has been renovated and is now used as an exhibition room displaying artifacts such as tiles and ceramics unearthed during the excavation process, which are open for public viewing.

The site of Kofu Castle, built under the orders of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, is now partially transformed into a park. You can see the stone walls from the time of its construction, as well as the restored main gate and Inari turret. The rough stone walls that still remain throughout the castle grounds are particularly worth seeing. The view from the tenshu platform is excellent, and you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance.