Shosenkyo Gorge Autumn Leaves 2026 Confirmed

御嶽昇仙峡の紅葉 — Kofu, Yamanashi (Koshinetsu)

Shosenkyo Gorge, just north of Kofu, is often called the most beautiful gorge in Japan: sheer granite cliffs, the oddly stacked rock spire of Kakuenbo, and the 30-meter Sengataki waterfall, all framed by maples that color from late October through late November. Because the gorge climbs in elevation, you can catch good color somewhere along the trail for a full month. Sengataki is illuminated most years in October and November as the 'Mystic Glow' event — check locally, as the format changes year to year. Entry is free.

Background

The gorge was carved by the Arakawa River cutting through granite over millions of years, and it opened to visitors after a trail was blasted along the cliffs in the Edo and Meiji periods. It is designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, Japan's highest landscape ranking.

Getting there

From Shinjuku, the JR Chuo Line limited express reaches Kofu in about 90 minutes; from Kofu Station's south exit, buses run to the gorge entrance in roughly 30 to 60 minutes depending on the stop. The classic approach is to ride to the lower entrance and walk the gently climbing riverside path up to Sengataki falls.

Tips

• Walk the gorge uphill from the lower Nagatoro-bashi entrance in the morning — tour buses concentrate around the upper waterfall area from late morning onward.
• The gorge itself is free; the optional ropeway near the top adds a Fuji and Southern Alps panorama for a modest fare.
• Sunlight only reaches the gorge floor in the middle of the day, so shoot the cliffs and waterfall between about 10am and 2pm, then catch the illumination after dark.
• Pair it with Kofu's Takeda Shrine and local hoto noodles — the last buses back leave relatively early, so check return times before you linger for the light-up.