Shakado Potholes
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Shakado Potholes

4.3
·3k reviews·Kofu, Japan

A stunning ravine with a 30m waterfall, unique potholes, and spectacular autumn foliage. Easy trails and scenic views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-to-late October

Peak autumn foliage colors

CrowdMedium
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Shakado Potholes

Shakado Potholes

Best Time

Mid-to-late October

Peak autumn foliage colors

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning ravine with a 30m waterfall, unique potholes, and spectacular autumn foliage. Easy trails and scenic views.

4.3
(3k reviews)

"Every part of the trail was scenic and it felt like you’d want to take a picture of everything."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Availability

Multiple free parking lots are available. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially during peak season.

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

Main paths are paved, but summit trails can be challenging. Wear sturdy shoes for a better experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Shakado Waterfall

Shakado Waterfall

Main trail

A breathtaking 30-meter cascade plunging into a picturesque ravine, especially vibrant during autumn.

Autumn Foliage

Autumn Foliage

Throughout the ravine

Witness a spectacular display of red and yellow leaves painting the cliff-lined landscape.

Pothole Formations

Pothole Formations

Riverbed

Unique, naturally carved rock formations along the river, showcasing the power of water over time.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Foliage

The Shakado Potholes are renowned for their stunning autumn foliage. To catch the peak colors, aim for mid-to-late October or early November. Arriving early in the morning is recommended to avoid crowds and capture the best light for photos.

Trail Accessibility & Footwear

While many main paths are paved and feel more like a walk, some summit trails can be more challenging. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, especially if you plan to explore beyond the main routes. Check for any ongoing construction that might affect access.

Best Times

When
Mid-to-late October
Why
Peak autumn foliage colors
Crowd
Medium
When
Early November
Why
Late autumn color displays
Crowd
Medium
When
Morning
Why
Beat the crowds & best light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

First time trip to JP, thinking about visiting Yamanashi (Kofu) on the weekend

🚗 Parking Availability

Multiple free parking lots are available. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially during peak season. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

Main paths are paved, but summit trails can be challenging. Wear sturdy shoes for a better experience. Reddit

reddit.com

Kawaguchiko & Shosenkyo Trip from Tokyo?

reddit.com

Best place to view Mount Fuji starting from Kofu? And Kofu advice

📸 Capture Every Scenic View

The entire trail is incredibly scenic; you'll want to photograph everything! Reddit

🚌 Consider the Ropeway

Take a bus to the top and walk down, or use the ropeway for a less strenuous experience. Reddit

reddit.com

Suggestions for mountain hikes between Yamanashi and Osaka/Kyoto?

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Availability

Multiple free parking lots are available. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially during peak season. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

Main paths are paved, but summit trails can be challenging. Wear sturdy shoes for a better experience. Reddit

📸 Capture Every Scenic View

The entire trail is incredibly scenic; you'll want to photograph everything! Reddit

🚌 Consider the Ropeway

Take a bus to the top and walk down, or use the ropeway for a less strenuous experience. Reddit

💧 Vending Machines & Restrooms

Convenient amenities like vending machines and restrooms are available along the path. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of Shakado Potholes, particularly the picturesque waterfall and the vibrant autumn foliage. The accessible paved trails are a plus, though some summit paths offer more challenge. Amenities like food stalls and restrooms add to the convenience, making it a well-rounded nature escape.

"This is one of the most beautiful places to enjoy the autumn leaves in Yamanashi. If you visit Yamanashi for momiji season, I highly recommend stopping by this spot in Kofu."

Thel Htet San

"Beautiful falls and rock formations, only a short hike to the shops and restaurants on top."

Bahareh

"We started our hike from Tenjinmori bus stop. Along the way, we were surrounded by trees that starting to turn red and yellow, with the sound of a river stream throughout the trail. Every part of the trail was scenic and it felt like you’d want to take a picture of everything. The trek itself was fairly easy since the path was paved.
We took a ropeway to the summit for 1,400 yen (round trip). Unfortunately, it was cloudy that day, so we couldn’t see Mt. Fuji. However, the view from the top was still stunning. Do note that the trail at the summit is more challenging than the previous one, so make sure to wear appropriate shoes. We took a bus to go back to Tenjinmori."

Ghifaroza

What People Like

Beautiful waterfall
Stunning autumn colors
Scenic paved trails

What People Dislike

Summit trails challenging
Potential construction

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Kofu, you can take a bus to the Tenjinmori bus stop, which is a common starting point for the trails. Some visitors also mention taking a bus to the top of the mountain and walking down. Reddit

Yes, there are multiple free parking lots available. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to ensure you get a parking spot. Reddit

Public transport is a viable option, with buses serving the area. The Tenjinmori bus stop is frequently mentioned as a convenient access point. Reddit

Some reviews mention ongoing construction on the way up and down the mountain. It's a good idea to check for any local advisories before your visit. Reddit

Many visitors start their hike from the Tenjinmori bus stop. Alternatively, taking a bus to the summit and walking down is a recommended route for a less strenuous experience. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Information regarding specific entrance fees is not widely detailed in the provided reviews, but the presence of free parking suggests it may be a nature area with free access to trails. Reddit

Specific operating hours are not mentioned, but it's generally advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and the best experience, especially for sightseeing and hiking. Arriving in the morning is recommended to beat crowds. Reddit

Yes, the ropeway to the summit costs 1,400 yen for a round trip, according to one visitor's experience. Reddit

No information on discounts is available in the provided sources. It's best to check official sources if available closer to your visit.

For the ropeway, tickets can likely be purchased on-site. For general park entry, it appears to be freely accessible. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The main paths are paved and considered easy, more like a walk. However, trails at the summit can be more challenging, requiring appropriate footwear. Reddit

Don't miss the beautiful 30-meter waterfall and the unique pothole rock formations. The surrounding autumn foliage is also a major draw. Reddit

Yes, there are vending machines, restrooms, and food stalls located along the path, making it convenient for visitors. Reddit

Absolutely! The scenic trails, waterfall, and especially the autumn foliage offer numerous stunning photo opportunities. Reddit

Comfortable walking or hiking shoes are essential, especially if you plan to explore beyond the paved paths. Dress in layers as weather can change. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are shops and restaurants located on top of the ravine, accessible from the trails. Reddit

Vending machines and food stalls are available along the path, offering refreshments and snacks for visitors. Reddit

Specifics on food stall offerings aren't detailed, but they typically provide snacks and light meals suitable for hikers. Reddit

While food is available, bringing your own snacks and water is always a good idea, especially if you plan a longer hike or visit during busy times. Reddit

Picnic areas are not explicitly mentioned, but the scenic nature of the location makes it a pleasant spot for a packed lunch. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The waterfall, the pothole formations, and the vibrant autumn foliage are prime subjects. Every part of the trail offers scenic views worth capturing. Reddit

Visiting in the morning is recommended to avoid crowds and capture softer, more flattering light. Golden hour during sunrise or sunset can also be magical if accessible. Reddit

No, a smartphone camera is perfectly adequate to capture the beauty. However, a camera with good low-light capabilities might be beneficial if you plan to stay until dusk. Reddit

Information on drone usage is not provided. It's best to check local regulations or signage at the park regarding drone operation. Reddit

Many travelers emphasize capturing the feeling of being surrounded by nature and the vibrant colors of autumn. Experiment with different angles to showcase the scale of the waterfall and ravine. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Shakado Potholes can be a wonderful outing for families. The paved main trails are easy for children to navigate, allowing them to enjoy the natural scenery without excessive difficulty. The sound of the river and the sight of the waterfall are often captivating for younger visitors. Reddit

Make sure to bring snacks and drinks, although vending machines are available. Consider the ropeway option for a fun ride and a different perspective, which can be an exciting experience for kids. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes, as even the 'easy' paths can involve some walking. Visiting in the morning will help avoid peak crowds and make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts

For serious hikers, Shakado Potholes offers a rewarding experience with its scenic ravine and waterfall. While the main paths are paved, exploring the summit trails provides a more challenging workout. The diverse flora, especially the vibrant autumn foliage, makes it a prime destination for nature lovers and photographers. Reddit

Be sure to wear appropriate hiking boots, especially if you plan to venture onto less-maintained paths. The area is known for its natural beauty, so allow ample time to explore and appreciate the unique rock formations and the cascading waterfall. Checking for any trail advisories or construction updates before your visit is recommended. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Shakado Potholes is a photographer's dream, particularly during the autumn season. The dramatic waterfall, the intricate pothole formations, and the fiery colors of the foliage offer endless shooting opportunities. The ravine itself provides a stunning natural backdrop for various compositions. Reddit

To capture the best shots, aim for early morning visits to avoid crowds and utilize the soft, natural light. Consider bringing a tripod for longer exposures of the waterfall or for capturing the vibrant colors of the leaves. Experiment with different angles to showcase the scale and depth of the ravine. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Trails and Scenery

The Shakado Potholes offer a network of trails that cater to various fitness levels. The main paths are paved and well-maintained, making them accessible for a leisurely stroll. These routes wind through a beautiful cliff-lined ravine, with the constant sound of the river accompanying your journey. Visitors often describe the experience as being immersed in nature, with every turn revealing a new, picturesque scene perfect for photography. Reddit

For those seeking a bit more adventure, trails at the summit offer a more challenging terrain. It's crucial to wear appropriate footwear for these sections. The highlight for many is the 30-meter waterfall, a stunning natural feature that adds to the ravine's dramatic beauty. The unique pothole rock formations along the riverbed are also a testament to the erosive power of water over time, providing a fascinating geological spectacle. Reddit

During autumn, the entire area transforms into a vibrant canvas of red and yellow foliage. This seasonal spectacle is a major draw, with visitors flocking to witness the fiery colors against the backdrop of the ravine and waterfall. Planning your visit during mid-to-late October or early November is key to experiencing this breathtaking display. Reddit

Visitor Experience and Amenities

The overall visitor experience at Shakado Potholes is generally positive, with many praising the natural beauty and accessibility of the main trails. The presence of amenities like vending machines, restrooms, and food stalls along the path enhances comfort and convenience for hikers. This means you can enjoy a full day of exploration without needing to carry excessive supplies. Reddit

For those who wish to ascend to higher viewpoints without a strenuous hike, a ropeway is available. This offers a different perspective of the surrounding landscape and is a popular option for many visitors. The cost for a round trip on the ropeway is approximately 1,400 yen. Reddit

While the main paths are easy, it's important to be prepared for potentially more challenging terrain on summit trails. Wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes is highly recommended. Visitors also note that there can be construction in the area, so being prepared for minor detours or disruptions is advisable. Arriving early in the morning is a common tip to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. Reddit

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