Shosenkyo Gorge
Shosenkyo Gorge, A Granite Gorge In The Hills North Of Kofu In Yamanashi, With A Walking Path Of About 4 Km Past Rock Towers And A Waterfall, Ranked Among The Most Beautiful Valleys In Japan, In Best Colour In Late October. · Kofu, Yamanashi
Shosenkyo is a granite gorge in the hills north of Kofu, in Yamanashi, cut by the Arakawa River. A walking path of roughly 4.5 km - confirm - runs along the water from the Sengataki Falls, a waterfall of about 30 m - confirm - to Kakuenpo, a tall granite pillar that is the gorge's best known sight. Between them are rock towers, pools, bridges and small shrines in cedar and maple. Autumn colour, roughly late October to early November, makes it busy. A ropeway climbs to a viewpoint called Panorama Dai - confirm - with a view over the valley and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. The base has shops that sell polished stone jewellery, because Yamanashi is known for crystal. Buses run from Kofu Station. It suits walkers, families and photographers, and is worth a day if you are in Kofu or the wine country. In heavy crowds the path feels slow, and in rain the stones get slippery. Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko lie elsewhere and are not part of this visit.
Shosenkyo, Kofu, Yamanashi, a bus ride from Kofu Station up the Arakawa River; Kakuenpo rock and the Sengataki falls are along the main path, Kofu, Yamanashi, Japan
The gorge path is open at all times and free to walk, but daylight matters and the lower sections can be wet or icy in winter. Shops, restaurants and the ropeway usually open from morning to late afternoon, with the ropeway sometimes stopping for wind or maintenance - confirm hours and last ride. Buses run from Kofu Station to the Shosenkyo stops in about 30 to 45 minutes, less often on weekdays and in winter; confirm the timetable and the last bus back. IC cards may work on the bus, but carry cash for small shops, ropeway tickets and food stalls. Weekends in autumn bring heavy traffic.