This is my first time visiting the Shosenkyo Gorge and I must say that it is really worth the early morning rush in Shinjuku station.
The gorge is gorgeous that you can't stop clicking on your camera and it is also pretty well-known spot for viewing the autumn leaves so the tracks are pretty beaten by the tourists. But don't let that discourage you, it is really one of Japan's most beautiful places with a gorgeous waterfall, winding river, lofty cliffs and lots of interesting odd-shaped rocks.
It is a pleasant and easy walk along a 4km trail from the Sentagaki Waterfall following the Arakawa river.
I started my walk from the top, the Shosenkyo-takiue bus stop （昇仙峡 滝上バス停), and made my way downward the gorge. There is a cluster of souvenir shops that sell crystal rocks, wine and cafes near the bus stop.
From Shosenkyo- takiue bus stop, it is about 10mins walk to reach the Sentagaki Waterfall. The water is so clear and looks so invitingly cool (I bet it is very cold!). Luckily, it is not summer now because I will not hesitate to jump into that cascading waterfall.
While most people only walk the most popular section of the gorge which begins at Sengaｔaki
Falls and stops at Green line Shosenkyo Bus stop (グリーンライン昇仙峡バス停) but I suggest that you continue walking downstream to Tenjinmori bus stop (天神森).
The trail continues on, weaving along the stream surrounded by unique-shaped rocks offering plentiful photography opportunities. No matter where you turn, you are bound to see something interesting to photograph, whether is the river, the cliffs or the tress.
Everything is so beautifully blended in that you just have to
experience this place yourself and I can assure you that you will not be
disappointed.
For me, breathing in the fresh air and be surrounded by the beautiful scenery is absolutely heaven.
To get to Shosenkyo from Shinjuku station, take the Super Azusa (スーパーあずさ) or Azusa (あずさ) trains heading towards Matsumoto (松本) to Kofu station (甲府). The journey is approximately 1 hour, 20 minutes.
For other ways to get to Shosenkyo Gorge, you can refer to this chart from JR East.
Once you reach Kofu station, take the Yamanashi Kotsu buses from the Kofu Station South Exit Bus Terminal 3. You can choose your bus stop according to how far you want to walk back down the gorge.
From Kofu station to Tenjinmori Bus stop, it takes 30 minutes (570 yen) and to Shosenkyo-takiue Bus Stop, it takes 60 minutes (870 yen). There are plenty of maps to guide you on the gorge which can be found here from the Shosenkyo Kankokyoukai (昇仙峡観光協会）.
The gorge is gorgeous that you can't stop clicking on your camera and it is also pretty well-known spot for viewing the autumn leaves so the tracks are pretty beaten by the tourists. But don't let that discourage you, it is really one of Japan's most beautiful places with a gorgeous waterfall, winding river, lofty cliffs and lots of interesting odd-shaped rocks.
It is a pleasant and easy walk along a 4km trail from the Sentagaki Waterfall following the Arakawa river.
I started my walk from the top, the Shosenkyo-takiue bus stop （昇仙峡 滝上バス停), and made my way downward the gorge. There is a cluster of souvenir shops that sell crystal rocks, wine and cafes near the bus stop.
From Shosenkyo- takiue bus stop, it is about 10mins walk to reach the Sentagaki Waterfall. The water is so clear and looks so invitingly cool (I bet it is very cold!). Luckily, it is not summer now because I will not hesitate to jump into that cascading waterfall.
The trail continues on, weaving along the stream surrounded by unique-shaped rocks offering plentiful photography opportunities. No matter where you turn, you are bound to see something interesting to photograph, whether is the river, the cliffs or the tress.
To get to Shosenkyo from Shinjuku station, take the Super Azusa (スーパーあずさ) or Azusa (あずさ) trains heading towards Matsumoto (松本) to Kofu station (甲府). The journey is approximately 1 hour, 20 minutes.
For other ways to get to Shosenkyo Gorge, you can refer to this chart from JR East.
Once you reach Kofu station, take the Yamanashi Kotsu buses from the Kofu Station South Exit Bus Terminal 3. You can choose your bus stop according to how far you want to walk back down the gorge.
From Kofu station to Tenjinmori Bus stop, it takes 30 minutes (570 yen) and to Shosenkyo-takiue Bus Stop, it takes 60 minutes (870 yen). There are plenty of maps to guide you on the gorge which can be found here from the Shosenkyo Kankokyoukai (昇仙峡観光協会）.
I was blissfully unaware of this gorge. Thanks for the info! Next year, definitely! :)
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely make your way there next year! The place is so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI think this place might make into my annual not-to-be-missed destinations in Japan but the crowd... :(
I am thinking that next year, I will see if there's any hiking trails for me instead ;)