Shosenkyō

Mt. Mitake Shosenkyo is a gorge located in the upper reaches of the Arakawa River, part of the Fuji River system, in the northern part of Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. It is one of Japan’s premier scenic spots and has been designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. Known as “Japan’s most beautiful gorge,” it was ranked first in the national Top 100 Tourist Attractions in the Gorge category and is also highly regarded as one of the Top 100 Heisei Scenic Views. With easy access—about 20 minutes by car from Kofu Station—it is widely loved as one of Yamanashi Prefecture’s signature sightseeing destinations, alongside Mt. Fuji.

The landscape, formed over a long period by crustal movement and erosion, features granite cliffs, unusual rock formations, and clear, abundant flowing water. It is truly breathtaking, and visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature up close while walking along the well-maintained trail that follows the gorge.

Representative Scenic Spots of Shosenkyo

Kakuenbo
The symbolic main peak of Shosenkyo is “Kakuenbo.” This massive granite pinnacle, standing about 180 meters high, was formed through weathering and water erosion. Its majestic presence leaves a powerful impression on all who visit. The name is said to come from a legend that a monk named Kakuen once trained on its summit, which was large enough to hold several tatami mats. Throughout the seasons, it reveals different faces—fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and snowy scenery—and is also a popular spot for photography.

Sengataki Waterfall
Located at the deepest part of Shosenkyo, “Sengataki Waterfall” was formed where water flowed into a fault created by crustal movement. It has a drop of about 30 meters. The powerful sight of water cascading rapidly down the granite face is impressive, making it one of Shosenkyo’s most famous waterfalls. The name is said to come from Chang’e, the moon goddess in Chinese mythology, and is sometimes interpreted as meaning “a gentle waterfall like the moon.” Its seasonal beauty—such as autumn foliage, snow-covered winter scenery, and limited-time illumination events—is also exceptional.

Sekimon
“Sekimon,” a natural tunnel formed by two massive granite rocks fitting together naturally, is another highlight of Shosenkyo. The tips of the rocks are slightly separated, creating a thrilling and mysterious structure that seems on the verge of collapse, yet never does. It is a popular spot for taking dramatic photos, and visiting it together with Sengataki Waterfall is highly recommended.

Tenkorin
At Tenkorin, which is designated as a natural monument by the prefecture, you can experience a curious phenomenon: when you stamp the ground firmly, a drum-like sound echoes back from underground. This is a natural phenomenon unique to the very hard ground of the Okuchichibu mountain range, and Tenkorin in Shosenkyo is especially known for producing a clear, resonant sound.

Walking Trails and Trekking
In Shosenkyo, visitors can easily enjoy strolling and trekking along the trails developed beside the gorge. The representative course runs about 6 kilometers from Nagatamabashi, the gateway to Shosenkyo, to Sengataki Waterfall, passing famous sights such as the rock formations, Tenkorin, Yume no Matsushima, and Sekimon. The one-way walk takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes on average, making it a popular route where visitors can fully enjoy the beauty of nature in every season.

Shosenkyo Through the Seasons
Shosenkyo reveals different charms throughout the year.
In spring, Mitsuba azaleas bloom in abundance, and the fresh greenery creates a refreshing landscape. In summer, the cool streams and deep greenery make it an ideal place to escape the heat. In autumn, from October through late November, the foliage reaches its peak, and the gorge dyed in red and yellow is breathtakingly beautiful. In winter, Kakuenbo covered in snow and frozen waterfalls create a world reminiscent of a sumi-e ink painting, evoking a sense of silence and grandeur.

Nearby Sightseeing and Experiences
The area around Shosenkyo is also known as the birthplace of domestically produced crystal in Japan, and many shops selling crystals and natural stones line the streets. Visitors can enjoy shopping for accessories, hands-on crafting experiences, and tours of power spots.

In the area around Arakawa Dam, seasonal activities are also offered, including canoeing, trekking along the Mitake Old Road, outdoor saunas, and mountain biking. In addition, there are campsites and places where you can enjoy stream fishing, making the area popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Local restaurants serve Yamanashi specialties such as hoto noodles, char dishes, and soba or somen noodles chilled in clear mountain water, all of which pair well with Yamanashi wines.

Mt. Mitake Shosenkyo is one of Japan’s most representative gorges, offering magnificent natural beauty, landforms created over long ages, and ever-changing seasonal scenery. From casual walks to serious trekking, sightseeing, relaxation, and outdoor activities, Shosenkyo offers a wide range of experiences and gives visitors new discoveries and moments of wonder every time they come. Why not visit once—or again and again—and experience its charm for yourself?