Senga Falls

Senga Falls hangs at the deepest point of Mitake Shosenkyo, a scenic gorge in Kofu City, Yamanashi. Dropping about 30 meters, this celebrated cascade was chosen among the finest waterfalls in Japan, and the spray of water rushing down the rock face fills the whole area with negative ions. The name Senga comes from a woman in Chinese myth who rose to the moon, and it is said to carry the meaning of a waterfall with the gentleness of the moon.

Beside the falls stands Shogyokudo, where a giant crystal ball and the deity Fudo Myoo are enshrined. True to Shosenkyo, long known as a source of crystal, the spot has been loved for blessings of warding off evil, purification, and rising fortune. From near the falls you can also ride the Shosenkyo Ropeway, and from the panorama platform at the top you can look out to Mount Fuji and the Southern Alps.

Highlights

• A powerful roughly 30-meter cascade chosen among the finest waterfalls in Japan
• The healing of negative ions that fill the area around the basin
• The giant crystal ball and Fudo Myoo enshrined at Shogyokudo
• Blessings for warding off evil, purification, and rising fortune
• The Shosenkyo Ropeway near the falls and the view from the summit

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring fresh green colors the gorge and shines vividly against the white of the falls. In summer the spray brings coolness, perfect for escaping the heat. In autumn all of Shosenkyo turns to red and gold, and the falls and gorge reach their most brilliant scene of the year. In winter the air is clear and only the sound of the falls echoes through the quiet gorge.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Takanari, Kofu City, Yamanashi
• Access: About 45 minutes by Yamanashi Kotsu bus on the Shosenkyo Takigami line from JR Kofu Station, getting off near the terminus (from December to March buses may run only to Shosenkyo-guchi, requiring a transfer)
• Parking: Use the prefectural lots and shop lots around Shosenkyo
• Admission: Free

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season: November, when autumn leaves color the gorge, is the most brilliant time of the year, and the fresh green of early summer is also crisp and pleasant.
• Avoiding crowds: On weekends at the peak of the autumn leaves the surrounding roads grow crowded enough to jam, so an early morning arrival is recommended.
• Time needed: Viewing the falls alone takes about 30 minutes, while including a stroll along the gorge path and the ropeway you can enjoy about half a day.
• Nearby spots: Shosenkyo is dotted with Kanazakura Shrine, Rakanji Temple, odd rock formations such as Kakuenpo, and the Arakawa Dam and Nosen Lake, all worth walking to see across the gorge.
• Budget feel: Viewing the falls is free. Including a round trip on the ropeway and food, allow from several hundred to around a thousand yen.

A Quick Tip

The walking paths to the falls have many steps and slopes, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Pairing the visit with a stroll along the gorge lets you enjoy the odd rock formations and clear streams. The autumn leaf season is especially crowded, so an early morning is the best time.

📚 Sources

This article draws on guidance published by Kofu City and the Shosenkyo tourism association, materials on the Hundred Famous Waterfalls of Japan, and information on Shogyokudo and the Shosenkyo Ropeway. Ropeway hours and fares and winter bus transfers can change with the season. Since fees and times may change, please confirm each facilitys official information before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 30 minutes for the falls alone, or half a day with the gorge path and ropeway.
• What to prepare: The path to the falls has many steps and slopes, so wear sturdy shoes.
• Best season: November, when the gorge turns to autumn colour, is the most brilliant time.
• Avoiding crowds: Peak-foliage weekends can jam the roads, so arrive early in the morning.
• Nearby stops: Kanazakura Shrine, Rakanji, Kakuenpo, and the Arakawa Dam (Lake Nosen) reward a full gorge walk.