Shōsenkyō

What it is

• A five-kilometer valley formed by the Arakawa River eroding granite rock.
• Designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty since 1953.
• Part of the Chichibu Tama Kai National Park in Kofu City.
• A natural gorge stretching from Nagatoro Bridge to Senga Falls.

What to see

• Kakuenbo, a massive granite cliff rising 180 meters above the valley floor.
• Senga Falls, a major waterfall located at the upper end of the gorge.
• The Shōsenkyō Ropeway connecting the falls to the summit of Mount Yasaburo.
• The Shōsenkyō Shadowgraph Museum situated near the waterfall area.
• Granite rock formations and cliffs visible along the five-kilometer walking path.

When to go

• November is the peak season for viewing vibrant autumn leaves.
• Weekends and holidays during peak seasons have specific vehicle restrictions.

Getting there

• Buses from Kofu Station reach the valley in approximately 45 minutes.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.