Kofu Chuo Gintengai Arcade
A quiet, nostalgic shopping arcade in Kofu, offering a glimpse into the past with lingering eateries and a retro atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the nightlife vibe
Kofu Chuo Gintengai Arcade
Best Time
Experience the nightlife vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A quiet, nostalgic shopping arcade in Kofu, offering a glimpse into the past with lingering eateries and a retro atmosphere.
"It's a very quiet shopping street, as if many shops have closed down and there aren't many people shopping."
🚶♂️ Mind the Scooters
Be aware of bicycles and scooters that may use the pedestrian-only arcade. Stay alert for safety.
🍽️ Seek Out Eateries
While many shops are closed, some restaurants remain. Look for these to enjoy a meal.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nostalgic Townscape
Experience a charming, retro atmosphere that evokes memories of a busier past. A quiet stroll through history.
Lingering Eateries
Discover a selection of restaurants that still operate, offering a taste of local flavors amidst the quiet.
Ura Kasuga District
Explore the adjacent nightlife district, offering a different vibe and atmosphere after dark.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Nostalgia
Navigating the Arcade
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♂️ Mind the Scooters
Be aware of bicycles and scooters that may use the pedestrian-only arcade. Stay alert for safety.
🍽️ Seek Out Eateries
While many shops are closed, some restaurants remain. Look for these to enjoy a meal.
🌃 Explore Ura Kasuga
Venture south to Ura Kasuga for a more vibrant nightlife experience.
🕰️ Embrace the Quiet
This arcade is best enjoyed for its quiet, nostalgic atmosphere, not for bustling shopping.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♂️ Mind the Scooters
Be aware of bicycles and scooters that may use the pedestrian-only arcade. Stay alert for safety.
🍽️ Seek Out Eateries
While many shops are closed, some restaurants remain. Look for these to enjoy a meal.
🌃 Explore Ura Kasuga
Venture south to Ura Kasuga for a more vibrant nightlife experience.
🕰️ Embrace the Quiet
This arcade is best enjoyed for its quiet, nostalgic atmosphere, not for bustling shopping.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often describe Kofu Chuo Gintengai Arcade as a quiet and nostalgic shopping street, evoking memories of its busier past. While many shops have closed, some restaurants remain, offering a taste of local flavors. The arcade's charm lies in its retro atmosphere, though some find its current state lacking in vibrancy compared to its heyday.
"It's a very quiet shopping street, as if many shops have closed down and there aren't many people shopping. There's music, but there are some restaurants."
Dhiraphong Srifuengfung
"When I was a kid, the crowds were incredible.
Now it has no appeal (nor is there any way to feel it).
A while ago, people were making a fuss about the expansion of the Aeon Mall in Showa-cho, to put it bluntly.
Well, I'm sure there was a reason for the fuss, but what I thought was, "If you're going to complain about someone else's garden expanding, why don't you just take care of your own?"
The stores in the shopping district aren't attractive, so there aren't many people passing by.
Did you guys make a serious effort after Aeon opened in the basement of Cocori?
After Yamato opened in the shopping district, they didn't try to make any changes.
I guess that's about it from the perspective of a local resident who knows the old days.
Because I know the area well, I want to see the people in the shopping district being serious about it, and I want it to be bustling.
Also, even though it's supposed to be a "pedestrian-only" road, bicycles act like they own the place, and even people on scooters sometimes ride along it. It's dangerous.
If we allowed that to happen, the place would never be crowded.
I think DAIMARU has the most people (lol)"
J.O
"The nostalgic townscape made me feel nostalgic."
k. i
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The arcade is located in the downtown area of Kofu. It's easily accessible on foot from Kofu Station, which is a major transportation hub in the region. You can take local trains or Shinkansen to reach Kofu Station.
While the arcade itself is pedestrian-focused, there are several parking lots and garages in the surrounding downtown Kofu area. It's advisable to check local parking availability upon arrival.
Walking is the best way to explore the downtown area, including Kofu Chuo Gintengai Arcade and the adjacent Ura Kasuga district. Kofu Station is a central point for starting your exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Kofu Chuo Gintengai Arcade is a public shopping street and does not have an entrance fee. You can freely walk through and explore its offerings.
The arcade itself is always accessible as a public street. However, individual shop and restaurant operating hours will vary. It's best to check with specific establishments if you have a particular place in mind.
Historically, shopping arcades like this might host local events. However, given its current quiet state, major events are less common. It's worth checking local Kofu event listings closer to your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
While many shops have closed, you can still find some restaurants and a few remaining retail stores. The arcade is more about its nostalgic atmosphere than a wide variety of shopping options.
The arcade is generally safe for families to walk through. However, due to the presence of some nightlife establishments in the adjacent Ura Kasuga district, parental discretion is advised for younger children in that specific area.
The atmosphere is notably quiet and nostalgic, with a sense of a past era. It's a place that evokes memories for locals and offers a unique, subdued experience for visitors.
Yes, the retro architecture and the quiet, somewhat deserted feel can make for interesting and atmospheric photographs, capturing the essence of a fading shopping street.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Several restaurants remain open within the arcade, offering a chance to sample local cuisine. These are often the main draw for visitors today, providing a taste of the area's culinary offerings.
Yes, you can expect to find traditional Japanese dishes at the restaurants located within the arcade. It's a good place to experience local flavors.
While less common now, some cafes or smaller snack vendors might still be present. It's best to explore the arcade to see what's currently operating.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Evolution of Kofu Chuo Gintengai Arcade
Despite the closures, the arcade retains a certain charm. The remaining restaurants offer a taste of local life, and the overall atmosphere can be quite evocative for those who appreciate retro aesthetics. It's a place where the past lingers, offering a unique experience for visitors seeking a less commercialized glimpse into Kofu's history. The adjacent Ura Kasuga district, known for its nightlife, adds another layer to the area's character, making the broader downtown Kofu experience multifaceted.
For visitors, understanding this context enhances the appreciation of Kofu Chuo Gintengai Arcade. It's not a destination for extensive shopping but rather for experiencing a piece of local history and enjoying the quiet ambiance. The presence of bicycles and scooters, though sometimes a nuisance, also points to the arcade's continued use as a thoroughfare, albeit a less crowded one than in its heyday.
Navigating the Arcade Safely
The arcade's layout is relatively straightforward, being a single, covered street. However, the mention of the Ura Kasuga district to the south, which is more of a nightlife area, suggests that the character of the streets can change as you move through the downtown Kofu area. Visitors exploring in the evening should be mindful of this transition.
Overall, the safety concerns are minimal, but a general awareness of the environment, particularly regarding the occasional presence of non-pedestrian traffic, will ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable visit to Kofu Chuo Gintengai Arcade.
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