Shosenkyo Gorge Hiking Half-Day Course

About thirty minutes by car from central Kofu, Shosenkyo is famous for some of the finest gorge scenery in Japan, formed by granite cliffs and clear mountain streams. Stroll the riverside path and you will meet strange rocks, waterfalls and noted autumn-leaf spots one after another. This easy half-day route pairs well with sightseeing in Kofu.

Course Route

9:00 Start at the gorge entrance (Tenjinmori) Begin walking from the downstream end. The tree-lined path is relatively flat, and you can move along pleasantly to the sound of the babbling stream. There are parking lots and shops near the entrance, so you can get ready before setting off.

9:40 Stroll past a series of curious rocks Uniquely shaped rocks appear one after another. The cliff known as Kakuenpo is the iconic landmark of Shosenkyo, and the towering granite is a spectacular sight.

10:30 Feel the spray at Sengataki Falls About 30 meters high, Sengataki is a noted waterfall chosen among the 100 famous waterfalls of Japan. Carving down through the granite, it is full of power, and you can enjoy a commemorative photo while bathed in its fresh mist.

11:00 Ride the ropeway to the summit panorama deck Take the ropeway that departs just above the falls, and in a few minutes you reach the summit observation deck. On a clear day you can see all the way to Mount Fuji and the Southern Alps. The round-trip fare is 1,500 yen for adults (junior high school age and over) and 750 yen for children (age 4 through elementary school), and the operating hours change by season (it may be suspended in strong winds).

12:00 Rest at a teahouse Take a break with the local handmade konjac jelly or a sweet treat. A rest with a gorge view is one of the joys of the trip.

Highlights

The towering granite cliff of Kakuenpo and the briskly cascading Sengataki Falls are the two main highlights. In autumn the entire gorge is wrapped in colored leaves of breathtaking beauty. The area is also known for crystal, and shops dealing in minerals and crystal craft can be found nearby.

Access and Tips

It is about thirty minutes from Kofu Station by bus or car. Walking the path from downstream to upstream means a gentle uphill that is easy to manage. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The autumn-leaf season is very crowded, so arriving early in the morning makes for a more pleasant visit.

Practical Travel Notes

• Access: About thirty minutes from Kofu Station by bus or car. Buses are limited in number, so checking the times both ways in advance is reassuring.
• Ropeway: It runs from above Sengataki Falls to the summit panorama deck. The round-trip fare is 1,500 yen for adults (junior high school age and over) and 750 yen for children (age 4 through elementary school) (subject to revision). It generally starts around 9 in the morning, with closing times differing by season. It may be suspended in bad weather.
• Time needed: The walk from the downstream path to Sengataki Falls takes about an hour one way. With the ropeway and breaks, the loop fits in a half day.
• Clothing and footing: The footing along the gorge can be wet. Non-slip sneakers are recommended.
• Best season: Autumn leaves usually peak in fall and it gets very crowded. Arriving early or using public transport helps you avoid the congestion.

A Quick Tip

The footing along the gorge can be wet. Wear non-slip shoes such as sneakers, and after rain do not push yourself, putting safety first as you walk. The ropeway may be suspended depending on the weather, so if the summit view is your goal, confirming the operating status first is the sure choice.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Fares (Shosenkyo Ropeway): The standard fares on the official website are 1,500 yen return and 800 yen one way for adults (junior high school students and above), and 750 yen return and 400 yen one way for children (age 4 to elementary school students), with children aged 3 and under free of charge. Small and medium-sized dogs may ride if carried, for 300 yen return
• Operating times (Shosenkyo Ropeway): From April 1 to November 30, the first ascending car is at 9:00, the last ascending car at 17:10 and the last descending car at 17:30; from December 1 to March 31, the last ascending car is at 16:10 and the last descending car at 16:30. It takes about 5 minutes from Senga-taki Station to the summit Panoramadai Station, with services every 20 minutes (with extra services every 5 to 10 minutes when busy)
• Suspension of service (Shosenkyo Ropeway): In addition to closures in bad weather such as strong winds or snowfall, there is an annual period of suspension for maintenance and inspection
• Bus fares and journey times (from Kofu Station): From bus stop No. 4 at the bus terminal on the south side of Kofu Station, it is about 30 minutes and 710 yen to Shosenkyo-guchi, about 40 minutes and 1,000 yen to Green Line, and about 60 minutes and 1,090 yen to Takigami
• A note for winter: From December 1 to March 31 the route bus runs only as far as "Shosenkyo-guchi", and there is no public transport to the upper part of the gorge. Visitors are advised to use a taxi or their own car during this period
• Parking: Shosenkyo has free municipal parking, and the ropeway's own parking is also free of charge
• Inquiries: 055-287-2111 (Shosenkyo Ropeway Co., Ltd.), 055-223-0821 (Yamanashi Kotsu / route buses)
• Official information: Official website of the Shosenkyo Ropeway, official website of the Shosenkyo Tourism Association, Kofu Kanko Navi (official website of the Kofu City Tourism Association)

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Hours and prices are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.