About Kofu and Isawa Onsen area

Kofu City, the capital of Yamanashi Prefecture, is surrounded by Southern Japan Alps and has flourished as a castle town since the old days. Kofu is deeply associated with Takeda Shingen, a famous general from the Warring States Period. The area has many sightseeing spots connected to Takeda Shingen. Currently, Kofu City is known not only for the economic, cultural and industrial center in Yamanashi Prefecture, but also for its stunning beauty of nature, including the most beautiful valley in Japan, Mitake-Shosenkyo.
Isawa area is located in the east of the Kofu basin and well known for the highest peach and grape production in Japan.

Shosenkyo Gorge

Known for its amazing scenery with seasonal landscape, such as cherry blossoms, azalea and colored leaves, its hiking trails with picturesque cliffs and waterfalls fascinate people all over the world. Especially, beautiful autumn landscape in grand nature has been receiving favorable reputation. It is with a large difference in elevation, we can enjoy the beautiful autumn colors for more than one month. The hiking trail is pleasant and easy one with fantastic viewpoints. Other than, hiking, Shosenkyo Ropeway up to the top offers amazing views of Mt. Fuji, the very interesting Arakawa Dam and Nosen Lake.

 Access to Shosenkyo Gorge
Shosenkyo Gorge is located outside of central city of Kofu and would be perfect destination for a day trip from Tokyo.
Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal ⇒ (Highway Bus Reservation) ⇒ Kofu Station ⇒ (Yamanashi Kotsu Bus) ⇒ Shosenkyo Gorge
*From Kofu station, please take a bus bound for "Shosenkyo" from the bus stop No.4 at South Exit Bus Terminal.

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Breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji from Mt. Momokura
Easy hiking trail not far from the bus stop is suitable even for beginners

With an elevation of 1003.4m, Mt. Momokura features in the top 100 peaks of Yamanashi Prefecture and offers fabulous views of Mt. Fuji. It is also listed as one of the 12 best Mt. Fuji viewing spots.
The trail head to the summit of Mt. Momokura is roughly one hour on foot from the Chuo Expressway Saruhashi Bus Stop. The track is suitable even for beginners.
There are also some sightseeing spots nearby, including the Saruhashi Bridge and the Katsuragawa Wellness Park. The mountain certainly has a lot of appeal in terms of nature, history, and culture.

Getting to Mt. Momokura
Take a highway bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal and get off at Saruhashi Bus Stop
The trail head is around 45 minutes on foot from the bus stop

* You can book tickets for the highway buses from the "Chuo EXPWY Saruhashi" bus stop to the "Shinjuku Express Bus Terminal" from either of the Kofu Line and the Fuji Goko Line.

How about sightseeing "Saruhashi", one of Japan's three most bizarre bridges.

[Unusual structure of Saruhashi]
It is 31 meters in length and 3.3 meters in width. It is not a big wooden bridge, but the valley is 31 meters deep, so the bridge piers cannot be built. It supports the bridge with four layers of splashing trees protruding from both banks without using bridge piers.

[Bridge and Valley]
Saruhashi was designated as the scenic spot of the country in 1932 because of the splendid harmony of the bridge and the surrounding natural landscape. Hiroshige Ando's Ukiyoe (woodblock print) named "Koyo Saruibashi's picture" is also well known.

Why not pay a visit on your way back from Lake Kawaguchi?
It could be the perfect side trip if you have some time to spare before returning to Shinjuku from Otsuki Station

[Access from Kawaguchiko to Shinjuku through sightseeing Saruhashi]
1. Take a Fujikyuko Line from Kawaguchiko Station to Otsuki Station
2. Take a local bus from Otsuki Station to "Saruhashi"
(Enjoy sightseeing Saruhashi)
3. Walk 10 minutes from Saruhashi to "Chuo EXPWY Saruhashi"
4. Take a highway bus from Chuo EXPWY Saruhashi to Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal. Reservation

* You can book tickets for the highway buses from the "Chuo EXPWY Saruhashi" bus stop to the "Shinjuku Express Bus Terminal" from either of the Kofu Line and the Fuji Goko Line.