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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak autumn foliage colors

Shakado Potholes
Best Time
Peak autumn foliage colors

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning ravine with a 30m waterfall, unique potholes, and spectacular autumn foliage. Easy trails and scenic views.
"Every part of the trail was scenic and it felt like you’d want to take a picture of everything."

🚗 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.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.3 · 3,014 reviews
Type
Scenic Spot
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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

Pothole Formations
Riverbed
Unique, naturally carved rock formations along the river, showcasing the power of water over time.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Foliage
Trail Accessibility & Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
First time trip to JP, thinking about visiting Yamanashi (Kofu) on the weekend
Hi! I'm visiting Japan with my wife for the first time in October this year. We're currently setting up a basic plan, but I'm kinda stuck with what to do on the first weekend. We're staying for 14 days, and we want to spend the first few days in Tokyo, then on the weekend…
🚗 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.
Kawaguchiko & Shosenkyo Trip from Tokyo?
Hi everyone, I am going to Japan in second week of November for 8 days, mostly staying in Tokyo. Other than that, I am planning to stay a night Kawaguchiko and find a nature scenic spot for fall foliage. I found [Shosenkyo Gorge](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6952.html),…
Best place to view Mount Fuji starting from Kofu? And Kofu advice
Hi everyone, need a quick tip - I'm staying in Kofu for 2-3 days and am now researching the things to do there. I think I want to see Mt Fuji while there - what would be the best observation point to do that? Either a public transportation or a reasonable hike (less than 4…
📸 Capture Every Scenic View
The entire trail is incredibly scenic; you'll want to photograph everything!
🚌 Consider the Ropeway
Take a bus to the top and walk down, or use the ropeway for a less strenuous experience.
Suggestions for mountain hikes between Yamanashi and Osaka/Kyoto?
Hello everybody, I’m in Tokyo at the moment, and next week I’m planning to go to Yamanashi, where I’ll take the JR Chuo Line to Katsunuma Budokyo, the wine country. I plan to rent bikes and explore for the day, then spend the night there. The next day, I’ll continue by train…
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 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.
📸 Capture Every Scenic View
The entire trail is incredibly scenic; you'll want to photograph everything!
🚌 Consider the Ropeway
Take a bus to the top and walk down, or use the ropeway for a less strenuous experience.
💧 Vending Machines & Restrooms
Convenient amenities like vending machines and restrooms are available along the path.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Public transport is a viable option, with buses serving the area. The Tenjinmori bus stop is frequently mentioned as a convenient access point.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Yes, the ropeway to the summit costs 1,400 yen for a round trip, according to one visitor's experience.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
Don't miss the beautiful 30-meter waterfall and the unique pothole rock formations. The surrounding autumn foliage is also a major draw.
Yes, there are vending machines, restrooms, and food stalls located along the path, making it convenient for visitors.
Absolutely! The scenic trails, waterfall, and especially the autumn foliage offer numerous stunning photo opportunities.
Comfortable walking or hiking shoes are essential, especially if you plan to explore beyond the paved paths. Dress in layers as weather can change.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are shops and restaurants located on top of the ravine, accessible from the trails.
Vending machines and food stalls are available along the path, offering refreshments and snacks for visitors.
Specifics on food stall offerings aren't detailed, but they typically provide snacks and light meals suitable for hikers.
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.
Picnic areas are not explicitly mentioned, but the scenic nature of the location makes it a pleasant spot for a packed lunch.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfall, the pothole formations, and the vibrant autumn foliage are prime subjects. Every part of the trail offers scenic views worth capturing.
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.
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.
Information on drone usage is not provided. It's best to check local regulations or signage at the park regarding drone operation.
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.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit