Surviving & Thriving in Kofu: A Guide for Newcomers
Whether you’re arriving for study, work, or just by chance, moving to a new city can be exciting but also overwhelming. Here’s a concise guide to help you navigate Kofu, stay safe, and enjoy life here.
Supermarkets
There are four main supermarkets for groceries and essentials:
- Lopia – Near Kofu Station, below Yodobashi Camera. Prices are economical, cash only. Good selection and quality.
- Ogino – Great balance of price and quality. Slightly more expensive than Lopia, but the prepared foods are excellent. Has a points card system. Multiple locations.
- Gyoumu – My personal favorite. Affordable, has a points card, accepts credit cards, and carries international products like jalapeños, flour tortillas, chickpeas, German sausages, and foreign cheeses. Prepared food is not available. Multiple locations.
- Ichiyama – Well-stocked with a wide selection. Credit card accepted, point card system, and prepared food available. Multiple locations.
⚠️ Note: Supermarkets usually don’t stock or have very few personal care or household cleaning products. Visit a Drugstores nearby for those items.
Bicycles
If you plan to buy a bicycle:
- Must have registration and insurance.
- If buying second-hand, check the registration and insurance details carefully.
- We bought ours at DCM, which includes both registration and insurance.
Healthcare
- Hospitals are not 24/7.
- Check your nearest hospital for night and emergency procedures — nighttime access can be limited.
Garbage & Recycling
- Download the Kofu City Garbage Sorting App (Android & iPhone).
- It provides instructions in English for:
- What to throw
- When to throw it
- How to sort it properly
Banks
The most commonly used banks:
- Yamanashi Chuo Bank – Recommended for international transfers.
- Japan Post Bank – Recommended for foreigners. Their app is simple to use, and some staff at this branch (Kofu Central Post Office) speak English (not all).
Restaurants with English Menus in Kofu
- Abura Soba – Known for their rich, flavorful noodle dishes.
- Konnas Coffee – Hawaiian-inspired café with burgers, pancakes, and coffee.
- Cafe Gusto– Casual dining with a variety of dishes.
- Yoshinoya – Famous for beef bowls, quick and convenient.
- Karayoshi Kofu Chuo – Specializes in fried chicken dishes (karaage)
Alerts & Safety
- Kofu uses loudspeakers for:
- Forest fires
- Missing persons
- Phone scams or other alerts
- Download (Android, iPhone) Kofu City Disaster Prevention App (English support included) for:
- Real-time alerts
- Translations
- Emergency info
Second-Hand Shops
- Off House – Great for furniture, household items, clothes, and electrical appliances. Discounts on the 29th of each month.
- Book Off – Also useful, mainly for books, media and clothes.
💡 Tip: You don’t always need to buy new — second-hand shops are excellent for savings.
Special Deals & Discounts
- 29th of each month – “Ni-Kyuu” Day (meat day) special offers.
- Daily after 6–7 PM – Supermarkets and konbinis often discount prepared foods.
Convenience Stores (Konbini)
The three main ones:
- 7-Eleven
- Lawson
- FamilyMart
✅ Find the one closest to your home.
- Not ideal for grocery shopping (prices higher than supermarkets)
- Excellent for emergencies or last-minute needs
- Downtown konbinis are 24/7
Kofu Social Media & Events
Visit and Follow our CoolKofu friends, they post information about Kofu in English.
Facebook, Instagram
Final Notes
Moving to a new city is a journey. By knowing where to shop, how to stay safe, and what apps or services to use, you can focus on enjoying your time in Kofu.
Take the small steps, explore, and remember: life here is full of little discoveries waiting for you.
