Yamanashi Prefecture is a landlocked prefecture in the Chubu region of central Honshu, cradled in the Kofu Basin and ringed by mountains, most famously the northern slopes of Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes. Home to the Yoshida Trail, the most-used of Mount Fuji's four climbing routes, and to Japan's oldest and largest wine region around Katsunuma, Yamanashi pairs alpine and lakeside scenery with a proud viticulture and fruit-growing tradition, plus the jewelry and crystal-carving craftsmanship of its capital, Kofu City.
At a glance
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Chochin Yokocho
A compact lantern-lit izakaya alley by Kofu Station serving Yamanashi specialties at counter-only stalls.
Known for: Lantern-lit 50-metre alley of about a dozen tiny izakaya just off Kofu Station, cooking with Yamanashi-grown ingredients and pouring local sake and wine
1-13 Chuo, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-0031
Kofu Gourmet Yokocho
Multi-floor Kofu dining building with restaurants and pubs serving Japanese, Chinese, Italian, and local Yamanashi dishes.
Known for: Multi-floor food building near Nishiki-dori with restaurants on the ground floor and snack bars and small pubs upstairs, serving Japanese, Chinese, and Italian food alongside Yamanashi specialties
2-3 Chuo, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-0031
Sen no Niwa Kofu Ten
Traditional izakaya near Kofu Station with tatami private rooms for groups and a Yamanashi sake list.
Known for: Traditional Japanese-style izakaya with a garden-inspired interior and private rooms for groups from two up to about seventy
1-1 Marunouchi, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-0031
Robata Urahara
Charcoal-grill robatayaki izakaya in Kofu known for sashimi platters and specialty skewers.
Known for: Robatayaki-style izakaya grilling skewers and fresh seafood over an open charcoal counter, known for sashimi platters, liver steak, and seseri (chicken neck skewers)
3-2 Chuo, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-0031
Sasanami Izakaya
Sake-focused izakaya in central Kofu with a rotating seasonal list of Yamanashi breweries.
Known for: Izakaya specializing in Yamanashi sake, with a rotating seasonal selection poured by the glass alongside simple, sake-friendly small plates
2-8 Chuo, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-0031
Koshu Wine Bar Marunouchi
Small wine bar near Kofu Station pouring Koshu and Muscat Bailey A wines by the glass with cheese pairings.
Known for: Small wine bar pouring Koshu and Muscat Bailey A wines from Katsunuma-area wineries by the glass, paired with cheese and charcuterie plates
1-4 Marunouchi, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-0031
Izakaya High Spirits
English-friendly izakaya near Kawaguchiko Station with creative small plates and an approachable owner couple.
Known for: English-friendly izakaya near Kawaguchiko Station run by an owner couple, serving creative Japanese small plates to a mixed local and international crowd
3631 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi 401-0301
Megumi
Small yakitori bar in Kawaguchiko grilling chicken skewers over binchotan charcoal.
Known for: Cozy yakitori counter grilling chicken skewers over binchotan white charcoal for a smoky, juicy finish, paired with local sake and shochu
3644 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi 401-0301
Bar North Fuji
Late-closing Kawaguchiko cocktail bar open until 3am with a proper drinks list and unhurried atmosphere.
Known for: Late-night cocktail bar open until 3:00am, one of the few Kawaguchiko venues that stays open well past midnight
3631-2 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi 401-0301
Mayonaka no Haruichiban
Late-opening Kawaguchiko izakaya serving a full menu from 9pm until 4am.
Known for: Late-opening izakaya running from 9:00pm to 4:00am, aimed at visitors and staff wanting a full meal well after standard dinner hours
3641 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi 401-0301
Nishiura Yokocho
Retro Fujiyoshida district of converted old houses now holding izakaya and a stylish wine bar.
Known for: Retro Showa-era streetscape near Shimoyoshida Station where old houses have been converted into izakaya and a stylish wine bar blending retro and modern styles
Nishiura, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0007
Katsunuma Budou-no-Oka Wine Bar
Hillside wine bar above Katsunuma's vineyards pouring Koshu and Muscat Bailey A flights with valley views.
Known for: Hilltop wine bar attached to the Budou-no-Oka ('Grape Hill') complex overlooking the Katsunuma vineyards, pouring flights of Koshu and Muscat Bailey A with valley views
2589 Katsunumacho Toriizawa, Koshu, Yamanashi 409-1313
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Most venues warm up after midnight — earlier arrivals get easier entry and shorter queues.
Carry ID, even if you look older — bouncers check at most venues.
Plan your ride home before you go out — last transport runs earlier than the clubs close.