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Chichibu-Tama-Kai NP, Yamanashi
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After charcoal and silkworm-cocoon prices collapsed, locals turned to tourism. Starting in 1962, they carved about 2,500 m of Nishizawa’s trail by dangling from cliffs, chiseling rock, and anchoring timber bridges with iron bars.
Nishizawa’s signature waterfall is a built-in counting lesson: Nanatsugama Godan-no-taki means “Seven-Pool, Five-Step Falls,” describing its 7 plunge pools and 5 cascades. It was selected as one of Japan’s 100 best waterfalls.
Less than 100 m from the gorge entrance, Michi-no-Eki Mitomi sells yomogi mochi promoted as a Nishizawa specialty. The district is also known for inobuta—wild-boar and pig crossbreeds—served in ramen and hoto noodles.
The easier return route follows the trace of a forestry railway that once hauled timber out of the mountains. It was used until 1968, so today’s walking path doubles as a reminder of the gorge’s working-forest history.
Mountaineer and English scholar Tanabe Jūji studied under novelist Natsume Sōseki. His essay about ascending the Fuefuki River became a Japanese-language textbook selection; a literary monument at the gorge honors the writer who helped introduce the region.
Nishizawa’s clear stream is working water, too: the gorge was selected among Japan’s “Heisei 100 Famous Waters.” Its flow supplies drinking water in neighboring Kōshū, irrigation for peach and grape orchards, and hydroelectric power.
At Nishizawa’s spring opening, the community combines a safety-prayer ceremony with the Tanabe Festival, honoring the mountaineer who popularized the gorge. Hikers can receive safety-prayer mochi, along with drinks and a little seasonal celebration.
Just upstream from Ryūjin Falls, Kaeru-iwa (“Frog Rock”) takes on a frog shape when viewed from the right angle. The city’s trail map adds another playful landmark: Fugu-iwa, or “Pufferfish Rock.”
The gorge’s official trail map marks a large colony of rhododendrons along the loop and gives its best viewing period as early to mid-May. It’s a distinct spring landmark on a route better known for its waterfalls.
