Jewellery town
Kofu
Kofu, Japan
Yamanashi's jewellery industry grew from the rock crystal once mined near Mount Kinpu. Kofu is now one of Japan's main jewellery-making towns, with the prefecture's Yamanashi Jewelry Museum telling the story.
Kofu, capital of Yamanashi prefecture west of Tokyo, is one of Japan's main jewellery-making towns. Its industry grew from rock crystal mined near Mount Kinpu and carved here from the Edo period, and later expanded into gem cutting and precious-metal jewellery.
What you find
Gem cutters, jewellery manufacturers and craftsmen; a prefectural jewellery college that trains them; and the Yamanashi Jewelry Museum, which tells the story of the local industry and shows the work of its craftspeople. Koo-fu is the regional jewellery brand.
How it works
Most makers supply retailers and brands across Japan. The museum and local events are the easiest way for visitors to see the craft.
Visiting the museum
- Open 10:00 to 17:30 (last entry 30 minutes before closing); closed on Tuesdays, or the next day after a national holiday, between exhibitions and from 29 December to 3 January.
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