Shosenkyo Gorge, a short bus ride from Kofu Station, follows the Arakawa River through a granite valley lined with wind- and water-carved rock formations, the most famous being Kakuenbo, a sheer 180 m granite pillar rising directly from the riverbed. The roughly 4 km walk from the Nagatoro entrance to the base of the Shosenkyo Ropeway follows a mostly paved and graded path along the river, passing waterfalls, craft shops selling local crystal and jewelry work tied to Kofu's gem-cutting tradition, and multiple named rock formations with signposted viewpoints. The path involves only gentle elevation change and no technical difficulty, making it accessible to most walkers, though the full one-way distance takes 1.5 to 2 hours at an easy pace. At the trail's end, the Shosenkyo Ropeway (round trip approx. ¥1,400/$9 adult, ¥700/$4 child) climbs to Mount Panorama-dai's 1,058 m summit station in about five minutes, where an observation deck gives wide views back over the gorge and, on clear days, toward Mount Fuji and the Southern Alps. Restrooms, cafes, and shops are spaced along the route, and the gorge is walkable year-round, though the path can ice over in winter.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Shosenkyo, Kofu City
- Best season
- Year-round; late April–May for fresh green, late October–mid-November for peak autumn foliage
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera
- Light rain jacket
Location
Showakyo, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-0074
35.7276, 138.6156 View on map
Highlights
- Kakuenbo, a 180 m granite pillar rising from the riverbed
- Shosenkyo Ropeway summit views over the gorge and toward Mount Fuji
- Crystal and jewelry craft shops reflecting Kofu's gem-cutting heritage
- Waterfalls and named rock formations along the graded riverside path
Tips for visiting
- Ride the ropeway up and walk down (or vice versa) to see the gorge from both directions without doubling the effort
- Visit on a weekday during peak autumn foliage (late October–mid-November) to avoid the largest tour-bus crowds
- Wear shoes with grip in winter, when sections of the path can ice over
- Stop at the craft shops near Nagatoro for locally cut crystal and jewelry work
- The observation deck at the ropeway summit is the best spot for a wide gorge panorama
When to visit
Late October to mid-November for peak foliage color against the granite cliffs, or late spring for fresh green and higher water volume in the falls.
Accessibility
The main path is paved or well-graded for most of its length, making it manageable for strollers and some wheelchair users with assistance, though a few sections near the ropeway base have steps.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Shosenkyo Gorge suitable for families?
Yes, the mostly paved, gently graded path and ropeway option make it accessible for most visitors, including families with children.
How much does the Shosenkyo Ropeway cost?
A round trip costs approximately ¥1,400 ($9) for adults and ¥700 ($4) for children, current as of the 2026 season.
Is the gorge open year-round?
Yes, the gorge path and ropeway generally operate year-round, though the trail can ice over in winter.
Do visitors need to hike the full 4 km to see the gorge's highlights?
No, Kakuenbo and most of the named rock formations are visible within the first half of the walk from the Nagatoro entrance.