Mitake Shosenkyo Gorge

Mitake Shosenkyo (御嶽昇仙峡, Mitake Shōsenkyō), located just north of Kofu, is one of Japan's most beautiful gorges, situated in the Chichibu Tama Kai National Park. This vast park spans over 1250 square kilometers, covering Yamanashi, Saitama, Nagano, and Tokyo. Visitors can enjoy a stunning 4-kilometer hike along the Arakawa River, with spectacular views of narrow valleys and interestingly shaped rocks resembling animals and objects. The trail leads to the Sengataki Waterfall, which is especially breathtaking during the autumn leaf season. The lower section of the trail is paved and open to one-way traffic, except on weekends when it's reserved for pedestrians and horse-drawn carriages.

At the top of the gorge, you will find a small village with souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. The village is home to the Shosenkyo Ropeway, which offers panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the Southern Japanese Alps. The area also features a shadowgraph museum showcasing art created with cut paper and colored light, which children will enjoy. The gorge is truly a serene getaway and perfect for nature lovers and families.