TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Shosenkyo is a deep valley in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, known for its landscape of steep granite cliffs, oddly shaped rocks, and clear streams. It has been designated a national scenic spot and has long been a beloved scenic spot among haiku poets and writers. With walking paths, observation decks, and a ropeway, the area is popular for hiking, photography, and sightseeing strolls, allowing visitors to enjoy the changing scenery of the seasons. The autumn foliage is particularly spectacular, attracting many tourists.
Highlights
- Senga Falls: A high waterfall that symbolizes the beauty of the valley. There is an easy walking trail around the waterfall.
- Kakuenbo: A sharp, columnar rock peak that is famous as a photo spot.
- Ishimon: A strange sight where huge rocks are lined up like a gate. The rock formations and the light filtering in through the gaps are beautiful.
- Shosenkyo Ropeway: If you take the ropeway to the observation deck halfway up the mountain, you can expect to see views of the Kofu Basin and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji (weather dependent).
- PromenadeThe walking trails along the valley are about 2 to 5 km long. You can choose from a short course that takes you around the famous spots to a long, leisurely round trip course.
- Four SeasonsYou can enjoy different scenery in each season: fresh greenery (around May), deep greenery in summer, autumn leaves (peaks mid- to late November), and snowy scenery in winter.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: JR Chuo Main Line Kofu Station (nearest major station)
- public transportFrom Kofu Station, take the Yamanashi Kotsu bus bound for Shosenkyo, approximately 40-50 minutes (destinations and bus stops may vary depending on the season). Please check the Yamanashi Kotsu website in advance for bus/timetable information.
- car: Approximately 25-30 minutes on a local road from Kofu Showa IC on the Chuo Expressway (depending on road and traffic conditions). Parking lots can get crowded during peak tourist seasons, so we recommend arriving early.
- Directions from Tokyo: From Shinjuku to Kofu, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by express train (Azusa, Kaiji, etc.), or about 2 hours by car (depending on traffic conditions).
- Using the ropeway: The Shosenkyo Ropeway boarding point is near the entrance to the gorge. Operating hours change depending on the season, so please check the official information in advance.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- A quick tour of the main spots (Senga Falls, Sekimon, Kakuenbo, etc.): 1-2 hours
- Ropeway use + leisurely sightseeing including observation deck: 2-3 hours
- If you want to enjoy a round trip hike along the valley trail: 3 to 5 hours (varies depending on stamina and the course)
- Sightseeing in the surrounding area (when combining with sightseeing in Kofu city and hot springs): Half a day to a full day
Nearby spots
- Takeda Shrine: A historical spot easily accessible from Kofu Station. A shrine associated with Takeda Shingen.
- Kofu Castle (Maizuru Castle Park): You can take a leisurely stroll around the castle ruins and park.
- Neglected Hot Springs: A popular hot spring resort with an open-air bath overlooking the Kofu Basin and Mt. Fuji (traveling by car is recommended).
- Winery and Fruit Picking: There are many facilities where you can enjoy Koshu wine and fruit picking.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- congestionParking lots and buses are particularly crowded during the autumn foliage season (November), Golden Week, and weekends during consecutive holidays. Please consider arriving early in the morning or using public transportation.
- Clothing and equipment: The promenade has stone steps and some areas that can be slippery when wet. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes (trekking shoes or sneakers). Be careful of your footing after it rains.
- Seasonal precautions: In the summer, it can be humid and there can be a lot of insects, so be sure to bring insect repellent and stay hydrated. In the winter, there can be freezing and snow, which can cause road closures and the suspension of the ropeway.
- Manners：To protect the environment, please take your trash with you and avoid collecting vegetation or entering rocky areas. If you bring a dog, please keep it on a leash and make sure to clean up any droppings.
- safety: There are places along the valley where there are no handrails and at high altitudes. Please be especially careful if you are traveling with small children. Please also bring warm clothing and rain gear in case the weather changes suddenly.
- Check facility information: Ropeway operating hours and tourist facility opening hours vary depending on the season and weather. Please check the official website or local information for the latest information before visiting.
