The castle is nicknamed Maizuru (Dancing Crane) because its shape resembles a crane spreading its wings.
The castle walls were built using a technique known as 'uchikomihagi', where stones are tightly fitted without mortar.
The current Inari-yagura turret is a historically faithful reconstruction built in the early 2000s using traditional techniques.
The base of the Tenshukaku (main keep) stone wall is one of the oldest sections, dating back to the late 16th-century origins.
The park contains a monument commemorating the location of the former provincial government office of Yamanashi Prefecture.
It is one of the few Japanese castles that does not have an original wooden main keep remaining.
The site was historically positioned as a strategic defense point to control the Kōshu Kaido road connecting Edo and Kofu.
Kōfu Castle, also known as Maizuru Castle, was constructed in the late 16th century under the orders of Toyotomi Hideyoshi to protect the Kōfu basin. The site features extensive stone walls, reconstructed turrets, and an inner bailey that offers expansive views of the city and Mount Fuji. Archaeological excavations have revealed layers of history spanning from the Sengoku period through the Edo period. The castle grounds now function as Maizuru Castle Park, serving as a public recreational space. While the original wooden structures were lost to history, the foundation remains largely intact. The park displays stone layouts characteristic of fortification techniques from the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
The upper terrace of the Tenshukaku foundation, which provides a panoramic view of the city with Mount Fuji in the background.
Bring comfortable walking shoes to navigate the steep stone staircases leading to the upper baileys.
Visit during late March to early April to see the cherry blossoms framing the stone walls.
Check the local weather forecast before visiting, as the viewing platforms are entirely exposed to the elements.
Assuming the reconstructed turrets are original ancient buildings; they are modern timber-frame reconstructions.
The interior of the reconstructed turrets may be closed on Mondays or during the end-of-year holidays.
Remain on designated paths to avoid damaging the historical stonework; do not climb on the stone walls.
