Japan's most beautiful gorge, recognized as a National Heritage site
Located north of Kofu, Shosenkyo is said to be the most spectacular gorge in Japan, and its breathtaking natural scenery has made it a unique and popular hiking destination among those who wish to connect with nature without straying too far from Tokyo.
The gorge is registered as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, and as a Japan Heritage site.
A well-maintained trail along the gorge offers serene views of the clear water flowing through the valley along with a series of delightful highlights, including beautiful dynamic waterfalls and a peaceful lake surrounded by green forests. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of sheer cliff faces formed through thousands of years of erosion amidst uniquely shaped rocks, some of which are said to resemble animals (monkey, turtle, seal...).
The best time to see the gorge's stunning autumn colors is typically around mid-November, when the white cliff surfaces are particularly beautiful in contrast with the red and yellow leaves of the surrounding trees.
The gorge is registered as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, and as a Japan Heritage site.
A well-maintained trail along the gorge offers serene views of the clear water flowing through the valley along with a series of delightful highlights, including beautiful dynamic waterfalls and a peaceful lake surrounded by green forests. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of sheer cliff faces formed through thousands of years of erosion amidst uniquely shaped rocks, some of which are said to resemble animals (monkey, turtle, seal...).
The best time to see the gorge's stunning autumn colors is typically around mid-November, when the white cliff surfaces are particularly beautiful in contrast with the red and yellow leaves of the surrounding trees.
- Themes
- Nature and Scenic Locations
| Address | 〒400-1214 山梨県甲府市高成町 |
|---|---|
| Transport | From Tokyo, take a bus from Shinjuku station to Kofu (~2 hours, ¥2,200), or take a Kaiji or Azusa limited express train from Shinjuku (90 minutes, ¥3,890). From bus stop #4 at Kofu station (south side), take a "Green Bus" bound for Shosenkyo and alight at "Shosenkyo-guchi" for a breathtaking 2-hour hike through the valley. 30 minutes, ¥590. Alight at "Taki-ue" instead for direct access to the Sengataki Waterfall and ropeway area (50-minute bus ride, ¥900). You can also take a taxi for 30 minutes from Kofu station to Nagatorobashi bridge, the starting point of the hiking trail. |
| Car Park | Free parking is available along the Shosenkyo Green Line: - Tenjinmori city car park (toilet facilities available): approximately 60 parking spaces - Green Line public car park* (toilet facilities available): 37 car parking spaces and 10 coach parking spaces - Shosenkyo Taki-ue city car park (toilet facilities available): approximately 80 parking spaces *The Green Line public car park is particularly crowded during peak fall season. |
| URL | Bus timetable to and from Shosenkyo |
| Notes | There are two main hiking options Sengataki Waterfall: For the full hiking experience (6km, 1 hour 30 min. to 2 hours), begin at the "Shosenkyo-guchi" bus stop (Nagatorobashi bridge): → 35 min. to Tenkorin Forest → 10 min. to Rakanji bridge → 20 min. to Yume-no-Matsushima → 15 min. to Ishimon stone gate → 15 min. to Sengataki Waterfall → 5 min. to the Shosenkyo ropeway terminal and Taki-ue bus stop. From there, you can ride a cable car up Mt. Rakanji and make your way to Yasaburo-dake peak, the highest point of the valley. For a shorter, 45-minute hike (2.6km), begin at the "Green Line Shosenkyo" bus: → 15 min. to Yume-no-Matsushima → 15 min. to Ishimon stone gate → 15 min. to Sengataki Waterfall → 5 min. to the Shosenkyo ropeway terminal and Taki-ue bus stop |
