Hello! This is the Shosenkyo Tourism Association. Shosenkyo in Yamanashi Prefecture, designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the nation, has long been celebrated as Japan’s most beautiful gorge, sculpted by nature over the ages. We introduce the artistic splendor of Shosenkyo, worthy of being called a natural masterpiece, in a Cool Japan video. What is Mitake Shosenkyo? Mitake Shosenkyo is a roughly 5-kilometer gorge in the northern part of Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, surrounded by rich nature. If you come by car, it’s about 40 minutes from the Chuo Expressway Kofu Showa IC. By train, take a bus or taxi from the south exit of Kofu Station for about 30 to 45 minutes. The natural forms shaped over long ages continue to captivate many visitors. With its scattered strange rocks and stones and seasonal beauty, this place makes you want to return time and again. In spring, stroll the promenade surrounded by fresh greenery; in summer, enjoy activities like canoeing on the reservoir; and in autumn, admire the gorge dyed bright red with fall foliage. History of Mitake Shosenkyo Mitake Shosenkyo was designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty in 1923 and upgraded to a Special Place of Scenic Beauty in 1953. Together with Teishaku Gorge (Hiroshima Prefecture), Nagato Gorge (Yamaguchi Prefecture), Goukei Gorge (Okayama Prefecture), and Bed of Sleep (Nagano Prefecture), it is counted among Japan’s five great scenic gorges. Highlights of Shosenkyo • Kakuen Peak Kakuen Peak, the highest peak among the Shosenkyo ranges, stands as the symbol of Shosenkyo. The name comes from the monk Kakuen, who once practiced ascetic training on the roughly tatami-sized summit. • Senga Falls Senga Falls lies at the base of Kakuen Peak at the far end of the Arakawa that flows through Shosenkyo. With a dramatic 30-meter drop and vehicle access, it’s a popular spot. • Shosenkyo Promenade This approximately 4.5-kilometer promenade lets visitors enjoy the gorge’s seasonal beauty and was ranked first in the gorge category of the National Top 100 Tourist Spots. • Stone Gate Stone Gate is a gigantic natural granite arch formed by the power of nature. Located on the promenade, it cannot be reached by car. • Nagatoro Bridge This historic bridge, built in 1925 at the entrance to Shosenkyo, is designated a modern civil engineering heritage as the oldest surviving concrete arch road bridge. • Tenkorin At Tenkorin along the promenade, stomping your feet produces a mysterious sound like a drumbeat. This is said to be the echo from underground cavities carved by the stream. • Numerous strange rocks and stones Along the promenade you can find many named rock formations, including Fur seal rock, Daibutsu Rock, Kansan Jade Rock, Floating Rock, Cannon Rock, Tofu Rock, Monkey Rock, Camel Rock, Mt. Fuji Rock, Bear Rock, Cat Rock, and Matsutake Rock. Be sure to look for them on foot. • Arakawa Dam The majestic dam spreading across the valley of Oku-Shosenkyo is a multipurpose structure aimed at flood control and other uses for the Arakawa riverside region. • Shosenkyo Ropeway The ropeway’s gondola takes about five minutes one way to the summit, offering sweeping views of the gorge below. From the ropeway summit you can enjoy panoramic views that include Mount Fuji. Shosenkyo’s crystals Shosenkyo is also famous as a sacred place for crystals. On Mt. Kinpu in the Shosenkyo area, several crystal mines once operated actively in the Meiji era. Skilled polishing and processing of crystals attracted minerals from around the world, and today shops displaying and selling precious gemstones and mineral specimens line the area. Shosenkyo cuisine Local specialties using the clear streams of Shosenkyo—such as somen noodles, soba, and Koshu houtou—are popular. Many restaurants serve regional gourmet dishes and local cuisine featuring abundant Yamanashi ingredients. Enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery shaped by nature at Shosenkyo, one of Yamanashi Prefecture’s most popular tourist destinations! As a treasure trove of power spots, it might lift your luck as well. Cool Japan Video will continue to release footage of Shosenkyo’s charms and its beautiful seasonal scenery. Thank you for your attention!