On the grounds of the Yamanashi Prefectural Art Museum
In addition to wineries, historical sites and hot springs, Kofu is also home to a variety of museums. Being the largest city and capital of Yamanashi Prefecture, Kofu has museums on not just the city itself but on the heritage of the prefecture at large. A selection of the museums that are of particular interest are listed below:
Yamanashi Prefectural Museum
10 minute by taxi from Isawaonsen St. or 30 minute by bus from Kofu St. Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30) Closed: Tue (or next day if Tue is holiday), day after holidays, New Year Admission: 520 yen Typical visit duration: 45-90 minutes
This modern and spacious museum gives an extensive and well-done account of the history of Yamanashi from prehistoric times through the feudal era and the role the area played in the warring states period to the modern era and the rise of industry. Visitors walk through a large hall that is set out chronologically and recounts the history through interactive displays, models and dioramas.
Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Art
15 minute taxi/bus ride from Kofu Station Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30) Closed: Mon (or next day if Mon is holiday), day after holidays, New Year Admission: 520 yen Typical visit duration: 30-60 minutes
Known as the "Museum of Millet", the exhibition rooms of this spacious complex house an extensive selection of works by French painter Jean-Francois Millet and other European landscape artists. There are also exhibitions that showcase the work of contemporary Japanese artists.
Yamanashi Jewelry Museum
10 minute walk from Kofu Station Hours: 10:00 to 17:30 (entry until 17:00) Closed: Tuesdays (or following day if Tuesday is a national holiday), New Year Admission: Free Typical visit duration: 15 minutes
This museum celebrates Yamanashi Prefecture's history of crystals and precious stones, and the production of jewelry using these materials. On display in the exhibition area are a selection of rare rocks and minerals sourced locally, from other parts of Japan and the world, and various items of jewelry made from them.
Museum of Shadowgraph
5 minute walk south of the Shosenkyo Ropeway (more details) Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 Closed: No closing days Admission: 900 yen Typical visit duration: 30-60 minutes
This colorful museum in the Shosenkyo Gorge showcases shadowgraphs, works of art made by cut out pieces of paper and other materials placed over a backlit screen. The theme of the exhibits is generally ethereal and heavily features elves and cute animals. There is also a collection of paintings by multiple Japanese artists linked to the area.
Getting there and around
Kofu's museums are spread out around Kofu and surroundings.
