Shosenkyo Entrance — Attraction in Kofu

If u visit, u ll feel peace and beauty surrounding you. Not many visitors, mainly Japanese. Clean air, astounding rock formations. Saw the Japanese version of "7 dwarves" for the 1st time!

From kofu station, take bus 4 at bus bay 4. Check schedule with info counter next to stop. Approx 50min ride to Shosenkyo Taki Ue. There is a stop before this called Shosenkyo Gorge but the stop wasn't well marked and didn't seem like it led to a trail, so I went right up to Taki Ue and walked down. The Shosenkyo Gorge stop had some development going on and some massive steps leading down, but not sure where this leads too. In restrospect, it was probably the right place (dont take my word for this tho)

Fare one way to terminal stop is yen 1090. Pls prepare 1000 yen notes and 100 yen coins. Bus doesn't except 500 yen coins!

Upon alighting the bus, cross the bridge to the other side, via the side entrance of a souvenir shop, then walk downwards to the left. There are some pretty crystal souvenir shops there before the path down to the waterfalls.

If u walk right after crossing the bridge/alighting fr bus, you are heading towards the ropeway, which i didn't go on. Along the way there are some food outlets, wine museum and crystal souvenir shops. Also a small shop on the left selling hand made glass owl wind chimes. Reasonable prices and pretty.

I tried to find Otaki falls but did not succeed.

Spent 2.5 hours...

We took a walk through the Shosenkyo Gorge in the first week of April. The valley must look like a fairytale in autumn, when all the Japanese maple trees turn brilliant shades of red and gold. This time, the trees were just beginning to sprout tiny leaves. The awakening landscape was brightened by blooming purple azaleas and trees covered in delicate white blossoms. It was quiet—only the murmur of the stream and the singing of birds could be heard. There’s something magical about nature as it slowly awakens from its winter slumber. It’s a wonderful time to visit, especially with no...

The hike is fairly easy to reach Shosenkyo. Kids 9 and up can easily manage this. Scenic and refreshing local meals awaits you.

Warning!! From Dec 1 ~ March 1. There are NO BUS service that takes you to or back down from the ropeway. However, there are small van (Omnibus) that offers to take you back to where the bus dropped you off for $300 yen half way and $300 yen for the rest of the way. There is a schedule delay for the second route. There is a store that sells snacks and rocks. Plus a nice view of...