Getting Started
I would recommend for those leaving from Tokyo to depart by 7AM to avoid heavy traffic. Park at Shosenkyo Tenjinmori Shiei Muryo Parking Lot which is free and has a washlet.
You can also take the train then a local bus from Tokyo but the trip will take around 4 hours: https://goo.gl/maps/Dht5e4SCJiQprn9MA
The Trail
First of all, check my YouTube guide.
We are interested in a loop trail starting and ending at Nagatoro Bridge.
10:00 Locate the trailhead (弥三郎岳/羅漢寺山) near the bridge. Although there is a bear fence that may seem intimidating, rest assured that there have been no bear incidents in the area recently.
Take pleasure in a peaceful stroll through the forest and keep an eye out for the signs leading to viewpoints.
11:00 Make sure to stop by 太刀の抜き岩 (Tachi no Nukiiwa) for a shot with Mt. Fuji.
Shiroyama (白山展望台) is another fantastic viewpoint along the trail and a perfect spot to take a break. The area has a sandy terrain, allowing you to even consider sunbathing as if you are on a beach.
12:30 Once you arrive at Shosenkyo Ropeway Station, you will find a shrine and a sign indicating the direction to Yasaburodake/Rakanjiyama. Additionally, if you visit during April, you can enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms in the area.
13:00 The summit of Yasaburodake/Rakanjiyama is an enormous round rock and it can be intimidating to approach the edge but offers yet another fantastic view of Mt. Fuji.
14:00 Descend the mountain along the ropeway to the town of Shosenkyo, and arrive at a charming village with a variety of traditional restaurants to choose from for lunch.
(Restaurant: Nagashi-Soumen & Houtou En-emon)
15:00 Enjoy a 4km pedestrian path of Shosenkyo Gorge. This area is especially beautiful in the autumn months.
"I'm on a rock" moment.
16:00 Arrive back at the trailhead.
Note: The 4 km Shosenkyo trail may close between June and July 2023 due to construction, in which case, you will have to either taxi or take the bus that runs every 30 minutes until 5pm.
My Recommendation
After completing your hike, you can indulge in a day of relaxation at Fruit Spa Puku Puku (やまなしフルーツ温泉ぷくぷく), which is located just 40 minutes away in the Tokyo direction.
If you happen to visit in April / May, I would also suggest stopping by Kanazakura Shrine (金櫻神社) just 10 minutes away from Shosenkyo by car.
If you plan to visit Shosenkyo for its beautiful autumn foliage, it's recommended to schedule your trip between late October and mid-November. During this time, most of the Japan Alps would have closed or become barren, making Shosenkyo a fantastic option for hikers looking for stunning fall colors.