Shosenkyo Gorge

North of Kofu, Shosenkyo follows the Arakawa River between granite walls, waterfalls and formations shaped by water over time. The scenery changes with the seasons, but this is more than a viewpoint: visitors can combine walking sections, stop at Sengataki Waterfall and, if the weather and transport work, ride a ropeway to a panoramic plateau. The gorge lies within Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park and is designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan.

Official route information describes a short 30–40-minute walk and a longer two-to-two-and-a-half-hour course; the tourism association also presents a classic trail of about six kilometres each way, estimated at 1 hour 20 minutes. These are different routes, so check the map and turnaround point before choosing, especially if you depend on a bus. Autumn draws crowds, and foliage usually colours the valley from early to mid-November. Hikers praise the river, rock formations and viewpoints, while also noting steps, uneven sections and congestion on peak weekends.

From Kofu Station’s south exit, take the bus from platform 4 towards Shosenkyo. From 1 December to 31 March, regular services terminate at Shosenkyo-guchi, farther from the upper area. Temporary express buses run on weekends and public holidays during the autumn foliage season, from the third weekend of October through 30 November. The ropeway leaves Sengataki, takes about five minutes and runs every 20 minutes; the published round-trip fare is ¥1,500 for adults and ¥750 for children. The walk to Yasaburo-dake above is rocky and slippery, so proper shoes are essential. Check the service calendar, return bus and weather before committing to the longer trail.