Stadiums in Japan: Kose Athletic Stadium

Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture

Kose Althletic Stadium, in Kofu, is just another of the many 1970s-era multipurpose stasiums that can be found in rural towns throughout Japan. Originally it had a seating capacity of just 13,000, but when Ventforet Kofu won promotion to the J1, in 2005, it was expanded to the current 17,000 by putting stands in each end zone and adding a second deck to the back stand. With its featureless ring of stands and small roofed area over the "prestige seats", Kose has nothing architecturally to distinguish it from other stadiums of that era. However, the setting for the stadium is a different matter. Surrounded by a ring of high, snow-capped mountains, the Yamanashi valley is scenic regardless of where it is viewed from, and the flat meadows where the stadium and surrounding park are located make the view all the more impressive.
The setting is not the only thing that makes Kose special. The stadium is reputed to have an aura of invincibility about it, and consequently it has earned the nickname "Kose-jo", or "Castle Kose". As even the strongest visiting teams quickly discoverVentforet somehow plays far better in the confines of Castle Kose, and though their numbers are somewhat fewer, the fans in Yamanashi can be as daunting to opponents as those in any other park in Japan. While it may not be much of an architect's delight, Kose Stadium is a magnificent place to spend a sunny afternoon -- unless you are a supporter of an unsuccessful visiting team.

Kose Athletics Stadium

Location:Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture		Capacity: 17,000
Home Team(s): Ventforet Kofu		Completed: 1975

Stadium Access

Kose Stadium was never intended to be acessable by rail. The closest staion, Minami Kofu station on the Minobe line, has only about one train per hour passing through (and fewer on weekends). The best way to get there is by automobile, but visitors coming by train can catch buses from the south exit bus terminal, located outside the south exit of Kofu station, on the JR Chuo line. Board bus number 8, which is specifically marked "to Kose Sports Park". Depending upon traffic, the bus ride takes about 30 minutes, and drops you off right outside the stadium gates.