About Statue of Shingen Takeda
The statue of Shingen Takeda standing in front of Kofu Station in Yamanashi Prefecture symbolizes Shingen Takeda, a famous general of the Warring States period, and is one of the prefecture's most popular tourist symbols. The statue stands majestically in the south exit rotary of Kofu Station, its majestic figure standing guard over the city of Kofu. Shingen Takeda ruled the province of Kai (present-day Yamanashi Prefecture) during the Warring States Period and was known as a feudal lord who excelled in policies and tactics for his subjects, such as the construction of Shingen's bank, and was called the “tiger of Kai” for his bravery and wiles. For this reason, the statue of Shingen Takeda is a source of pride for the local people and a symbolic tribute to Shingen's achievements.
The statue itself depicts Shingen in his armor, quietly looking ahead, and conveys the imposing stature and strength of a military commander. He wears a helmet, characteristic of warriors of the Warring States period, and a sword at his waist, giving the statue an overall impression of powerful form. The statue is approximately 3.1 meters high, and when the base is included, it stands approximately 7 meters tall, making it a powerful sight that attracts the attention of visitors. It is reminiscent of the figure of Shingen Takeda commanding on the battlefield, and its dignified appearance is truly that of a hero among the warlords of the Warring States period.
A distinctive feature of this tourist destination is its convenient location at the gateway to Kofu Station. Visitors using Kofu Station will first encounter the statue of Shingen, and at that moment they can feel the history and culture of Yamanashi. The easy accessibility of the station also makes it a popular starting and ending point for sightseeing in Kofu, with many tourists taking commemorative photos of the statue. Taking a picture in front of the statue of Takeda Shingen and leaving a memory with his image has become a standard way to enjoy sightseeing in Yamanashi.
The statue also creates a particularly beautiful scene during the cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom around the statue, and the combination of Shingen and cherry blossoms is a beautiful traditional Japanese scene. In the fall, the color of the autumn leaves makes the background of the statue even more colorful, enhancing the statue's presence. Visitors can enjoy different scenery in each of the four seasons, so that no matter how many times they visit, they will always come face to face with the statue with a fresh perspective.
In addition, the area around the statue is especially lively during the “Shingen-ko Festival” held every April. The Shingen-ko Festival is a parade in which the Koshu Gundan re-enacts Shingen Takeda's army, and local residents parade through the streets dressed in armor and samurai costumes, creating a powerful sense of time-travel to the Warring States period. During this festival, the statue of Shingen Takeda is one of the highlights of the festival, with many tourists taking pictures around the statue.
The statue of Shingen Takeda not only symbolizes the great achievements of Yamanashi Prefecture's proud warlord, but is also an important symbol of Yamanashi tourism, welcoming visitors to Kofu. Even if you are not familiar with Shingen Takeda, let alone a history buff, the power and style you feel from his imposing figure are worth seeing, and this spot is recommended as a gateway to experience Yamanashi's culture.