YamanashiTravel

Savor piping-hot pumpkin houtou in an iron pot at a long-established local restaurant

About this spot

The Kofu Station front branch of Kosaku, renowned as a celebrated establishment for houtou, Yamanashi's signature local noodle dish. The signature pumpkin houtou is a miso-based preparation brimming with generous chunks of pumpkin and seasonal vegetables, with thick chewy noodles served piping-hot in an iron pot. Since this dish traces its origins to the camp meals of Takeda's armies, tasting it after touring Sengoku-period historic sites in the morning feels especially meaningful. The restaurant offers numerous houtou varieties, including versions with pork or duck, and pairing them with distinctly Yamanashi dishes like basashi (horse meat sashimi) is highly recommended.

Tips

Weekend lunches may draw lines, so visit right at opening or around 1 p.m. to avoid waits. A single serving of houtou is quite substantial, so if you plan extensive walking in the afternoon, be cautious with side-dish orders. The restaurant is just a short walk from Kofu Station, making it easy to proceed directly to Maizuru Castle Park afterward.