Built in 1919 on the former site of the Takeda clan's Tsutsujigasaki residence, this Shinto shrine enshrines Takeda Shingen as a deity and remains the emotional center of Kofu's identity.
Takeda Shrine was founded in 1919 directly on the excavated foundations of Tsutsujigasaki-yakata, the fortified residence from which Takeda Shingen ruled Kai Province through the 16th century before the family's defeat. Rather than a defensive castle, the site was primarily a governmental residence surrounded by moats and earthworks, remnants of which are still visible in the shrine's stone bridges and water-filled ditches. The shrine enshrines Shingen himself as a Shinto deity, and its Homotsuden treasure hall displays armor, weapons, and calligraphy associated with the daimyo, including items linked to his rivalry with Uesugi Kenshin. Cherry trees planted around the approach make the shrine a popular hanami spot each spring, and the grounds host steady visitor traffic from history enthusiasts drawn by Shingen's enduring popularity in Japanese popular culture. The adjacent Shingen Museum, opened in 2019 on the excavated southern portion of the former residence grounds, presents ongoing archaeological findings and a walkthrough of the residence's original layout.
Why it matters
Enshrines Takeda Shingen as a deity on the site of his family's historic seat of power in Kai Province
Site facts
- Built
- Residence grounds occupied from 1519; shrine established in 1919
- Architect
- Shrine structures built in traditional Shinto style by Taisho-era craftsmen; original residence built under Takeda Nobutora and Takeda Shingen
- Style
- Shinto shrine architecture on the footprint of a Sengoku-period fortified residence
- UNESCO listing
- Not a UNESCO site
Location
2611 Kofuchu-machi, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-0014
35.6820, 138.5697 View on map
Highlights
- Built directly on the excavated foundations of the Takeda clan's Tsutsujigasaki residence
- Homotsuden treasure hall displaying Takeda Shingen's armor and weapons
- Surviving moats and stone bridges from the original 16th-century residence
- Cherry blossom viewing along the shrine approach each spring
- Adjacent Shingen Museum covering ongoing archaeological excavation of the site
Tips for visiting
- Take the bus from Kofu Station's north exit toward Takeda Jinja (about 10 minutes) rather than walking the full distance
- Visit the Homotsuden treasure hall for artifacts not visible from the main shrine grounds
- Time a visit for early April to see the approach lined with blooming cherry trees
- Pair the shrine with the neighboring Shingen Museum for the fullest historical picture
When to visit
Early April for cherry blossoms along the approach, or weekday mornings for a quieter visit.
Accessibility
The main shrine grounds are flat and paved, though some approach paths and the treasure hall entrance have small stone steps.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
The shrine grounds and treasure hall together take about an hour; adding the Shingen Museum extends a visit to two hours.
Is it worth it for kids?
The armor displays in the treasure hall generally appeal to children interested in samurai history, though most signage is in Japanese.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is permitted on the shrine grounds; the treasure hall restricts photography of certain artifacts.