This is Shosenkyo Crystal Sound. Spring has arrived in Shosenkyo Gorge. Pale pink cherry blossoms appear, buds swell on the trees, and fresh green leaves are about to emerge. Shosenkyo Gorge is known for its clear air year-round, and at this season it is surrounded by even richer colors that lift the spirit. Come to Shosenkyo Gorge for a spring outing! For April birthstones, diamond and crystal are well known. From the one-of-a-kind sparkle of diamonds to the clarity of crystal, we offer a wide range of gems. You might discover a special stone. Yamanashi Prefecture boasts Japan’s finest processing techniques. The carvings and jewelry crafted by artisans are breathtakingly beautiful. While strolling Shosenkyo Gorge, enjoy encountering exquisite jewelry. All our staff look forward to welcoming you with smiles.

Hello everyone, this is Shosenkyo Jewelry Town. The cherry blossom season has finally arrived in Shosenkyo🌸 Cherry trees along the gorge and in the tourist areas are starting to bloom, and many visitors are coming to enjoy hanami. On clear days you can admire the gorge’s majestic scenery alongside the beautiful cherry blossoms. Please spend a soothing moment in nature😊 At Kanazakura Shrine, located in the upper part of Shosenkyo, the sacred tree known as the ukonzakura typically reaches full bloom from late April through early May. Jewelry Town Shosenkyo is also a popular spot for those who love natural stones and power stones. It’s the perfect season for a spring drive or day trip, so please stop by✨

Hello everyone, this is the Shosenkyo Gorge Tourism Association. Spring is beginning to make itself felt at Shosenkyo Gorge🌸 Along the promenade, mitsuba azalea are starting to bloom here and there💕 Many buds still remain, so the best viewing is likely to come soon☺️ With each step you can sense buds swelling and changing color, making this a season to enjoy the arrival of spring with your whole body🌿 The photo shows the view from near the promenade rest area📸 The clear stream and the pink azaleas create a lovely contrast that makes you pause in admiration✨ The path remains easy to walk, so take a leisurely stroll, snap photos, feel the spring breeze, and enjoy the day in whatever way suits you☺️

Hello 😃 This is the Yamanashi Wine Kingdom main building. While Shosenkyo Gorge is of course lovely on sunny days, the scenery wrapped in the quiet of a rainy day is exceptional. The rugged rock faces shrouded in mist create a dreamlike scene like an ink wash painting, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into another world ✨ A about a five-minute drive from the upper waterfall area brings you to the Shosenkyo Arakawa Dam. The sweeping view over Lake Nosen, formed by the dam, is breathtaking! The mountains and mist reflected on the calm lake surface compose a picture-like beauty. Shosenkyo Gorge is now entering the heart of spring 🌸 Come and experience the season as cherry blossoms and fresh green leaves paint the landscape.

Hello 🌸 This is the Shosenkyo Gorge Tourism Association. Here stands Kakuempō, the scenic landmark that symbolizes Shosenkyo Gorge, a majestic rock peak about 180 meters high ⛰✨ Today feels like a warm late-winter day. Even in Shosenkyo Gorge, where some chill still lingers, you can slowly sense the first breaths of spring 🌿 For spring break or Golden Week outings, come to Shosenkyo Gorge to experience the beauty of nature. We warmly look forward to welcoming you 😊

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls shop. It was warm just a few days ago… where has spring gone? Yesterday, snow fell in Shosenkyo Gorge, transforming the area into a winter scene ❄️ Senga Falls is also dusted with snow, creating a magical sight 🙃 This may be the last snowy landscape before true spring arrives. Meanwhile, Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls shop has already received wines that won prizes at the spring-themed Sakura Award 🌸 wine competition! We have wines that won the top Diamond Trophy 🏆 from Maruki Budoshu, as well as other award-winning wines ☺️ Some wines are available in limited quantities, so please stop by Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls shop when you visit Shosenkyo Gorge! It’s still chilly, so we’ll keep the store warm and look forward to your visit 😌

Hello 😊 This is Ryusuido. In March, Shosenkyo Gorge feels the sun grow warmer, gentle sunlight pours onto the water, and you can slowly sense spring☘️ arriving. We can’t wait for the cherry blossoms🌸 to bloom‼️ March’s birthstone is aquamarine💎 A member of the beryl family, like emeralds, its color and gem name vary according to the minerals it contains. With its pale, gentle aqua hue, aquamarine symbolizes healing and happiness, and a legend says it brings joyful love and marriage✨ We also offer a wide selection of other natural stones and accessories, so please stop by to enjoy the soothing space where gemstones and the sound of the falls weave together. We look forward to the day we can see your lovely smiles 😊

Hello. This is En'emon Denshōkan. As the weather swings between warm and cold, spring is slowly approaching♪ The foliage around Kaku-enpeak seems to be getting a bit greener. March 3rd was Hinamatsuri across the country🎎 In Yamanashi, many places celebrate on April 3rd, so the festive mood of the doll festival continues for a month✨ The tradition of wishing for healthy growth has been passed down for a long time. Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, is said to purify the heart and give hope, and its stone meaning is “filled with happiness,” so it also makes a good charm✨ Also, the rose quartz we recommend this time is a healing stone and a stone of love, and it is considered a protector of women. We look forward to seeing your smiles🙂✨

Hello 😊 This is Jewelry Town. The air in Shosenkyo Gorge is crisp in winter, and on clear days you can see the sheer rock face of Kakuenzan peak in sharp detail — it’s truly dramatic! Fewer tourists visit at this time of year, so you can relax and fully enjoy the vast natural scenery 🌳 At our shop we offer a variety of natural stones, including amethyst, the February birthstone, and rutilated quartz, which is popular for attracting financial luck 💎 Please stop by and enjoy the winter beauty of Shosenkyo Gorge ☺️

Hello 😃 This is the main building of Yamanashi Wine Kingdom. Cold days continue, but the clear air here in Shosenkyo Gorge feels refreshing. Right now, beside the main building we are trying our hand at making “ice objects” that take advantage of this cold weather! After exploring the famous Senga Falls and the curious “Stone Gate” along the promenade further ahead — a rock that looks like it might stick together but doesn’t — be sure to take a look at the “ice objects.” Today we saw rainbows at both Senga Falls and the ice objects! When you visit, please dress warmly and enjoy your time♪

Hello! This is Genshosenkyo. Cold days continue, but the air is so clear that the rock faces along the promenade are fully visible, creating a breathtaking view. Around Senga Falls and along the river, the rocks are dusted in white ice, and the way the mountain stream rushes between those rocks is truly beautiful (sparkling). Fewer tourists visit in this season, so you can fully enjoy the great outdoors. If you listen closely, the sound of the wind, flowing water, and birdsong is deeply soothing. Our shop is the closest to the power spot Senga Falls.😃 After exploring Shosenkyo Gorge, please stop by Genshosenkyo to recharge your energy. We look forward to seeing you all❣️

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls shop! Cold days continue, and at Shosenkyo Gorge you can enjoy winter-only spectacles, such as spray frozen onto the rock face of Senga Falls ❄️ After a day of winter sightseeing in Shosenkyo, please stop by our shop to finish your visit! The interior is warm, and we offer a relaxed space where you can enjoy choosing wine 🍷✨ We especially recommend wines for mulled wine that suit this season, the richly sweet Blueberry Wine, and gift sets in charming packaging perfect for Valentine’s Day 🎁! At the tasting corner you can sample wines produced in Yamanashi Prefecture, so please try and find your favorite bottle. We also sell local snacks that pair well with wine! They make great souvenirs from your trip or thoughtful gifts for someone special. Warm your heart during winter in Shosenkyo. Everyone on staff at Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls shop looks forward to welcoming you 😊

❄️ Winter at Shosenkyo Gorge: behold the frozen splendor of Senga Falls ❄️ Hello! This is the Shosenkyo Tourist Association 😊✨ This week we’re highlighting “The Charms of Shosenkyo in Winter.” Our featured spot is Senga Falls, a grand cascade with a 30-meter drop 🌊❄️ In winter, Senga Falls combines a powerful torrent with frozen rock walls at its sides, turning the scene into what feels like a sculpture carved by nature. The roar of the waterfall and the surrounding hush intersect to create vistas that look straight out of an ink painting. 🖤🎨 The black-and-white winter palette offers a special atmosphere you can’t find in other seasons. Bring your camera and come experience this one-of-a-kind view in person 📸✨ ❄️ Want to discover more of Shosenkyo’s winter beauty? ❄️ We warmly await your visit!

❄️ Welcome to the frozen Great Waterfall and Itajiki Valley — a winter-only spectacular ❄️ Hello. This is the Shosenkyo Tourist Association. We bring you “The Winter Charms of Shosenkyo Gorge”! Here, the frozen Great Waterfall and the river through Itajiki Valley weave a mysterious scene✨ It feels like a monochrome painting where time stands still🖤🎨 The colder and longer the low temperatures persist, the more the frozen falls and the crystal-clear river flow create a striking contrast, completing what is truly a “winter-only work of art.” This beauty is not just a must-see for photographers but a must-shoot spot!📸✨ Capture this special view with your camera and share winter at Shosenkyo Gorge on your social media! ❄️ A request for visitors ❄️ The ground in front of the waterfall is frozen and slippery. For your safety, please take great care while walking.

❄️ Frost-covered trees have appeared in Shosenkyo Gorge ❄️ Hello from the Shosenkyo Tourist Association! This week we present “Shosenkyo’s Winter Charms.” For visitors to Shosenkyo this winter, the staff of Yamanashi Wine Kingdom have lovingly completed a gigantic curtain of ice. This fusion of nature and craftsmanship creates ice art so stunning it feels like stepping into a fantasy world. Icicles sparkling against the blue sky captivate every viewer ✨🌨️ Be sure to take commemorative photos with this special scenery as your backdrop and share your winter memories of Shosenkyo on social media 📸💙. Likes are sure to pour in! Don’t miss this once-a-winter spectacular ❄️

Here’s tourist information for Nagiso town! 📍 Kakizore Valley (Kakizore Keikoku) Among the many gorges along the Kiso Road, this one is said to be especially beautiful. Massive granite boulders that fill the deep valley create stunning waterfalls, rapids, and pools. The water’s beautiful emerald green never becomes muddy, even after rain. In spring you can enjoy azaleas and rhododendrons, and in autumn the leaves turn brilliant colors.✨ Generally, visitors start from JR Junikane Station and follow a nature trail for 4.5 km to Ushigataki Falls, then continue farther along a forest road. For a short walk, the roughly 300 m promenade from Koiji Suspension Bridge to Ushigataki is recommended. The view of Ushigataki, where the main flow of the Kakizore River plunges through carved granite, is spectacular. A 40-minute walk along the forest road brings you to viewpoints with refreshing views of Kirigataki, and you can also see Nijiga Falls and Kaminari Falls. We ask for your cooperation with a maintenance contribution. Please deposit it in the brown post box located at the entrance to Kakizore Valley. Access - By car: about 10 minutes from National Route 19 at the "Kakizore Valley Entrance" signal. Two free parking lots available. - By JR: Get off at JR Nagiso Station and take a taxi for about 25 minutes. Get off at JR Junikane Station and walk about 1 hour (taxis are not regularly available). Other information - Flush toilets are available at each parking area. - Vending machines are located near the parking areas. - You can download a brochure (map) from the Nagiso Town Tourism Association official website "Burari Nagiso." Requests - Camping, barbecues, and similar activities are prohibited within Kakizore Valley. - Please take your trash home with you. - Do not approach the river during rain or when water levels are high. - If you play in the river, please take every safety precaution and enjoy responsibly.

Hello 👋😃 This is Crystal Sound 👀 With just a little of this year left, we pray that next year will be a good one for everyone. In Shosenkyo Gorge there is Kanazakura Shrine, famous as the birthplace of crystal in Japan. Many visitors come to pray there at New Year as a lucky spot for financial fortune, so why not pay a visit yourself. There are many shops nearby selling crystals, so come and drop by✨ At Crystal Sound we carry lots of beautiful jewelry and crystals🫠 We have also received carved snakes for next year’s zodiac, so please come and take a look✨ All of our staff look forward to welcoming you from the bottom of our hearts.

About road closure at Koiji Pass Koiji Pass (Kakitsubata Gorge to Okua Village), will be closed during the winter due to expected snowfall and icy conditions. We ask for your cooperation. Location: Koiji Pass (Kakitsubata Gorge to Nojiri, Okuwa Village) Period: Friday, December 13, 2024 – mid-April

Autumn leaves overlooking Awamata Waterfall (November 25, 2024)

Autumn is my favorite season in Japan. This is because of this aesthetic view. Enjoying the autumn from ropeway is very good but the view of autumn with the ropeway is amazing. The autumn valey in Yuzawa kogen ski resort is one of the best place to enjoy the autumn. Over the valley there is a ropeway service which looks like this image.

Hello everyone, this is the Shosenkyo Tourist Association. The autumn foliage has deepened notably over the past few days, and the colors are looking better. Yesterday the weather was clear for the first time in a while, with a wide blue sky. The contrast between the colorful mountains visible behind and around Crystal Fountain and the clear blue sky was beautiful! The peak viewing seems likely to continue through the weekend of the 23rd and 24th. You might even be able to see the autumn leaves through the end of this month. *The photos were taken on November 17, 2024.*

Good morning! 😆 This is Shosencat, the mascot of the Shosenkyo Tourist Association, with an update on the current autumn leaves. The photos were taken yesterday, Saturday, November 16. The fall colors seem about one week to ten days behind schedule. 😲 You might be able to see the leaves through around November 23–24. 🤔 If the weather cooperates and the maples hold up, the colors could last beyond that. 😲 I’ll let you know again! We’ll be waiting for you at Shosenkyo!!

I’m headed to Shosenkyo Gorge to see the autumn leaves! The foliage is just about to reach its most beautiful colors now. This is an announcement from Shosenkyo Tourism Association’s mascot, Shosencat.✨ Shosenkyo is getting cooler and the leaves are starting to turn more vividly. Because it was warm this year, the color change was slow, but the leaves look like they’ll finally turn red. I’m sending photos I took today for your reference! Weekends and holidays are likely to be crowded. If you’re coming by car, arrive early to secure parking. Park in the municipal or prefectural lots, or in the lots being offered free of charge. If you use a shop’s parking lot, be sure to check the usage conditions first. See you soon at Shosenkyo! 🍁 The Shosenkyo photo contest is also underway—take great pictures and enter! #Shosenkyo Gorge #Ontake Shosenkyo #Ontake Shosenkyo #Yamanashi Prefecture #Yamanashi #Kofu City #Kofu #sightseeing #travel #Yamanashi trip #Yamanashi sightseeing #autumn leaves #Yamanashi autumn leaves #leaf viewing

Hello everyone, this is the Shosenkyo Gorge Tourism Association. We were blessed with good weather yesterday and the day before, and many people visited. The autumn foliage is gradually progressing, so please come and visit Shosenkyo Gorge this fall.

Around 6:30 a.m. on November 3 View from Urabandai Nakatsugawa Valleys Nakatsugawa Bridge After sunrise, the scenery after a while The colors have changed dramatically! I also enjoyed the golden Autumn leaves 🍁.

Sunrise began to rise at 6 o'clock on November 3, and it was bright enough to see the surroundings This is the view from the Nakatsugawa Bridge in the Urabandai Nakatsugawa Valleys. This year, I was finally able to encounter the spectacular view of the Autumn leaves late in the Autumn leaves. In the autumn-colored Urabandai area, there were many beautiful scenic spots.

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos! This is the Kikuchi Tourism Association in Kumamoto Prefecture! Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture sits upstream along the Kikuchi River in the northern part of the prefecture, surrounded by clear river waters and lush green scenery. With a population of about 45,000, Kikuchi City attracts many visitors with its hot springs, beautiful gorges, and long-standing historic sites. Known as a “town of water,” its pure spring water supports the production of many local specialties. [History of Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] Kikuchi City has a long history: during the Sengoku period (1070–1532), the Kikuchi clan flourished in the region for roughly 450 years. Saigo Takamori, a statesman from the late Edo to early Meiji period whose statue stands in Uenokouen, is said to be a descendant of the Kikuchi clan. At their height, the Kikuchi clan controlled much of Kyushu and made their name known across the country. [Popular Tourist Spots in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi Gorge Kikuchi Gorge is one of Kumamoto Prefecture’s most beautiful natural attractions. You can enjoy pristine streams and seasonal scenery, with refreshing summers and autumn foliage as particular highlights. The gorge has earned recognition such as Japan’s Top 100 Forest Bathing Sites and Japan’s 100 Remarkable Waters. It’s ideal for forest bathing and hiking, offering a soothing experience on every visit. ■Kikuchi Shrine Kikuchi Shrine honors the famed warrior Kikuchi Takemitsu and lets visitors feel the depth of the city’s history. You can worship amid a beautiful shrine building and a solemn atmosphere that conveys historical weight. At the history museum, you can view cultural artifacts such as ancient documents related to the Kikuchi clan. ■Kikuchi Park Perched on a gentle hill, Kikuchi Park offers panoramic views over the city. It’s one of the city’s top cherry-blossom viewing spots, where around 3,000 cherry trees bloom in spring and draw many hanami visitors. ■Ryumon Dam Ryumon Dam ranks among the largest dams in Kumamoto Prefecture. This multipurpose dam on the Kikuchi River created Lake Hanjaku, which is maintained as a boating site. The lakeside plaza is set up for camping and events. Dam tours are also available. ■Kikuchi Onsen Kikuchi Onsen, discovered in 1954 (Showa 29), is famed for its smooth water, earning it nicknames like “bathing spot for beautiful skin” and “cosmetic bath.” A variety of facilities offer day-use baths and overnight stays for full relaxation. You can enjoy the hot springs alongside dishes made from local ingredients. ■Mt. Kuradake Mt. Kuradake rises to 1,118 meters and is popular for mountain climbing and hiking. From the summit you can take in spectacular views of Aso Mountain and the Kumamoto Plain, with panoramic scenery stretching far on clear days. It is listed among Kyushu’s 100 Famous Mountains and chosen for the National Top 100 Walks. ■Roadside Station Kyokushi Roadside Station Kyokushi, located along National Route 325, is a popular stop where you can buy fresh local produce and processed goods. A restaurant using Kyokushi beef and locally grown vegetables also offers takeout. [Local Specialties and Gourmet Foods of Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi Rice Kikuchi City is also famous for its delicious rice. Kikuchi Rice, grown with abundant water and fertile soil, is known for its large grains and pronounced sweetness. It has earned high acclaim nationwide, including a gold prize at a past competition. ■Kikuchi Paddy-grown Burdock The popular local specialty “Kikuchi Paddy-grown Burdock” is cultivated in rice paddies, giving it a tender texture and strong sweetness. It tastes great simmered or as tempura and adds a distinctive touch to dishes. [Events and Festivals in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi White Dragon Festival The Kikuchi White Dragon Festival, traditionally held in August, was moved to October in 2024 due to warming temperatures. Two white dragons—the adult dragon and the young dragon—are carried by many bearers in a powerful performance. The festival culminates in a fireworks display that colors Kikuchi’s night sky. [Tourist Information for Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture is a charming area of rich natural scenery and deep history. With beautiful gorges, hot springs, and historic shrines, the city offers diverse attractions and fresh discoveries in every season. It is easily accessible—about 60 minutes from kumamoto station and about 30 minutes from Aso Kumamoto Airport. We will continue to share recommended information full of Kikuchi City’s attractions, so please follow us!

Hello 😃 This is Nakamura from Yamanashi Wine Kingdom 🍷 😊 Even though it’s October and the days can still be warm, the mornings and evenings have become completely cooler. Shosenkyo Gorge is beginning to show some autumn colors 🍁 The weather is very pleasant for a walk ☺️ Around Senga Falls there are already some spots starting to change color. At Yamanashi Wine Kingdom, the new wines have been released. Ahead of Yamanashi Nouveau, Delaware Nouveau is now on sale ♪ Delaware has a tart, sweet-and-sour fresh flavor 😊 Kyoho is fruity with a gentle mouthfeel ☺️ Please enjoy the distinctive taste of the new wines ♪ When you visit Shosenkyo Gorge, please stop by 😄

Hello, this is En'emon Folklore Museum. While daytime can still be warm, the mornings and evenings are beginning to carry a cool autumn breeze! Drawn by a clear, endless blue sky, I took a rare stroll out to the Ishimon area, and under the tree shade a pleasant wind swept through.✨ There are only three months left in the year now that October has arrived. The birthstone for October, tourmaline, is said to carry an electrical charge and be good for health. It is also believed to dispel negative influences and shift the mind toward positive thinking. Why not feel the richness of nature and experience the history of the Japan Heritage site and the power of stone? Please stop by En'emon Folklore Museum during your walk♪ We look forward to seeing you 😃

Hello, this is Koshu local cuisine Waraji. The oppressive late-summer heat is easing, and we can feel the arrival of autumn. This is the perfect season for a stroll through Shosenkyo Gorge. At Waraji, our recommended dishes are houtou and unajuu, but the tempura rice bowl is actually popular too! It comes piled high with three large prawns and plenty of vegetables: eggplant, kabocha squash, enoki mushrooms, and shiso leaves. Our secret sauce not only brings out the flavour of the tempura but also makes the rice delicious with sauce. Be sure to try it with a large serving of rice. If you get hungry while walking, please drop by Waraji. #Shosenkyo Gorge #Mitake Shosenkyo #Yamanashi Prefecture #Yamanashi #Kofu City #Kofu #sightseeing spot #Yamanashi trip #Yamanashi sightseeing #outing #day trip #Waraji #Koshu local cuisine Waraji