Mitake Kodo Gedo

Towering in the depths of Mitake Shosenkyo Gorge, Mt. Kinpu was a place of training for many shugenja from ancient times until the Middle Ages. These monks entered the mountain by walking along the Mitake Kodo Jodo path. Later, the Mitake Kodo Gedo path prospered as the front approach leading to Kanazakura-jinja Shrine, which has the Gojoiwa of Mt. Kinpu as its object of worship.

Visit duration: 15 minutes

Yasaburo-take

Yasaburo-take is a large monolithic rock. After a slightly thrilling climb along a mountain path to the top of the rock you are greeted with a breathtaking 360 degree panorama. From here you have uninterrupted views of Mt. Fuji, the Kofu Basin, Mt. Shirasuna, the Southern Japanese Alps, Mt. Kinpu, Arakawa Dam, and more. A dragon’s vein (terrain resembling a dragon) originating at Mt. Fuji is said to flow through Mt. Kinpu to the peak of Yasaburo-take, and so this place is known as an incredibly strong power spot.

Panorama-dai Station

Panorama-dai Station is the summit station on the Shosenkyo Ropeway. As the name indicates, the station provides magnificent panoramic views of various mountains in Yamanashi, including Mt. Fuji and Mt. Kita, Japan’s two highest mountains. The Panorama-dai Station is also famous as a spiritual power spot, and it is said that worshipping Mt. Fuji from the Ukifuji Plaza located next to the station will bring you good luck.

Visit duration: 20 minutes

Ishimon Stone Gate

Fully enjoy the thrilling instability of this enormous naturally formed granite gate as there is a slight gap between the rocks at the tip of the natural arch. The gate is also famous as a power spot.

Sengataki Falls

Sengataki Falls is a waterfall located in the deepest part of Shosenkyo Gorge. Created by a fault resulting from crustal movement, the waterfall has a drop of around 30m, with the water eroding the granite rock face as it falls. Sengataki Falls is located at the foot of Kakuenpo Peak, Shosenkyo Gorge’s symbol, and has been selected as one of the Top 100 Waterfalls of Japan.

Visit duration: 5 minutes

Stone monument dedicated to Osada Enemon, who opened the history of Shosenkyo Gorge

The Osada Enemon Monument is a stone monument dedicated to Osada Enemon, who opened the history of Shosenkyo Gorge, which began in 1843 with Osada Enemon building a path so that the people of Shosenkyo Gorge could improve their daily lives. This led to “Shosenkyo Gorge’s civilization and enlightenment.” At that time, the residents of Ikari Village made their livelihoods by selling charcoal and firewood on the streets of Kofu, but the trip into Kofu took a full day because the villagers had to take a long detour avoiding the path along the Arakawa River due to the poor state of the road. Seeing this situation, Osada Enemon undertook the difficult construction of a new path along the Arakawa River to Kofu which was completed around nine years later.

Visit duration: 5 minutes

500 Wooden Rakan Statues

In Buddhism, the “500 Rakan” refers to the 500 monks who achieved feats worthy of honor and respect. These wooden seated statues depict the 500 Rakan individually with various facial expressions—laughing, crying, surprised, and so on. It is said that one way to honor the Rakan is to search the facial expressions of the seated statue trying to see if there is one that resembles yourself.

Wooden Seated Statue of Amida Buddha

This statue represents Amida Buddha, who achieved enlightenment after making 48 vows to save humans and all living creatures and training for many years.

Shosenkyo Gorge Walking Trail

Shosenkyo Gorge has a 4.5 km long walking trail, and you can enjoy the gorge’s beautiful scenery along the walking trail that changes with each season.

Oddly shaped rocks and stones

Along the walking trail you can see oddly shaped rocks and stones with unusual names—Fur Seal Rock, Tofu Rock, Bear Rock, Great Buddha Rock, and so on. Look for rocks with unusual names as you walk along the trail!

Visit duration: 15 minutes

Josetsuji Temple

Josetsuji Temple was built in the year 823 by Eicho, a disciple of Saicho, who was a high priest of the Heian Period (794–1185). Originally known as Enjoji Temple, the temple was a base for Mitake Kinpusan (Mt. Kinpu) worship.

Shirakoshi

Shirakoshi is a palanquin that was used by the Imperial envoy to carry offerings from Echigo Teradomari to Kanazakura-jinja Shrine when the Retired Emperor Juntoku was exiled to Sado Island following the Jokyu Disturbance.