Nishizawa Gorge, in the Okuchichibu mountains near Yamanashi City, is a river gorge known for turquoise pools and a series of waterfalls along a marked hiking loop, including Nanatsugama Godan-no-taki, a five-tiered cascade that is the trail's main destination. The full loop takes roughly three to four hours and involves some steep, uneven sections rather than a flat riverside stroll.
Nishizawa Gorge is a roughly 10 to 12-kilometer forested valley trail in the mountains northeast of Yamanashi City, regularly ranked among Japan's most scenic gorges and unusual for offering a genuine full-day hiking loop rather than a short paved walkway, following the Fuefuki River's headwaters past a sequence of named waterfalls, cascades, and turquoise pools carved from granite bedrock. The full loop, roughly four hours at a moderate pace, climbs alongside the river past highlights including Nanatsugama-Godan-no-Taki, a multi-tiered waterfall considered the trail's scenic centerpiece, before crossing several suspension bridges and looping back via a disused forest-railway bed once used to haul timber out of the mountains. Because the trail passes over uneven rock, wet log bridges, and sections with steep drop-offs protected only by cable railings, sturdy footwear and reasonable fitness are necessary, and the full loop is not a casual stroll despite its popularity. The gorge closes each winter, typically from December through late April, due to snow and ice, reopening once conditions allow; even within the open season, waterfall flow and trail conditions vary with recent rainfall. Autumn foliage, peaking in the second half of October at this elevation, draws the gorge's largest crowds and its widest recognition, with the turquoise pools set against red and gold maple canopy considered one of the finest such views in Yamanashi, while a hike in late spring or early summer instead rewards visitors with fuller waterfall flow from snowmelt.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Trail generally open late April–November 30 (dates vary with snowfall); closed in winter |
| Typical visit | 3–4 hours (full loop) |
| Best time | Late October for peak autumn foliage, or early summer for waterfall flow |
| Getting there | Bus from Yamanashishi Station toward Nishizawa Keikoku-iriguchi, about one hour (4 departures daily, approx ¥900–1,050 / $5.70–6.60 one way) |
| Address | Nishizawa, Yamanashi City, Yamanashi 404-0201 |
Location
Nishizawa, Yamanashi City, Yamanashi 404-0201
35.8189, 138.7375 View on map
Highlights
- Roughly 10 to 12-kilometer forested gorge loop along the Fuefuki River's headwaters
- Nanatsugama-Godan-no-Taki multi-tiered waterfall, the trail's scenic centerpiece
- Turquoise granite pools carved by the river along the trail
- Suspension bridges and a former forest-railway bed used in the return loop
- Peak autumn foliage in late October framing the waterfalls and pools
Tips for visiting
- Check the current-year opening dates before visiting, as the trail closes each winter and reopens depending on snow conditions
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes, since the loop crosses wet rock, log bridges, and sections with steep drop-offs
- Budget a full half-day, as the complete loop takes about four hours at a moderate pace
- Visit on a weekday in late October to see peak foliage with somewhat lighter crowds
- Check the limited bus schedule from Yamanashishi Station in advance, as only a handful of departures run each day
When to visit
Late October for peak autumn foliage, or early summer for the fullest waterfall flow from snowmelt.
Accessibility
The trail is an unpaved forest hiking route with rock, log bridges, and sections protected only by cable railings, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs, strollers, or visitors with limited mobility.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
The full loop trail takes about three to four hours at a moderate hiking pace; a shorter out-and-back to the main waterfall can be done in less time.
Is it worth it for kids?
The trail's length, uneven footing, and cable-railed drop-offs make it better suited to older children and teenagers with hiking experience than to young children.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is permitted throughout the trail, including at the waterfalls and turquoise pools.
Is the gorge open year-round?
No, the trail closes for winter, typically from December through late April, and reopening dates shift depending on snowfall each year.