2013-04-28 西沢渓谷

Short hike along the many waterfalls in Nishisawa gorge.

Access by bus:
http://www.city.koshu.yamanashi.jp/kurashi/files/20130325/窪平・西沢渓谷線.pdf
Campsite website:
http://www.fuefukigoya.com/ryoukin.html

From the campsite to the entry of the valley we follow a paved road with clear indications.

The start of the trail is really flat and wide but soon becomes rocky with some short steep parts.

Each of the waterfall is easily visible and viewing platforms have been arranged even allowing clear views of the ones which are on the opposite side of the stream.

The biggest waterfall (Nanatsugama godan no take) which is also recorded on the 100 waterfalls list is the furthest in the valley. It actually consists of 5 consecutive falls (as its name suggests) and is hard to entirely get in 1 single shot.

The way back to netori bridge follows an artificial path with monotonous slope of very little inclination. Old rails are still visible now and there and what is most striking is the abundance of metal bridges striding over precipitous slopes. The mountain is very friable and we could notice sand falling of the cliffs a many places. Also 1 bridge was seriously damaged by fallen rocks which have not been removed, which also means that rock falls could happen any time. On the return trail there is no waterfall to be seen, which means we could return to the campsite much faster this way.

Without doubt the waterfall trail is much more interesting but it is a bit more challenging than the average touristic spot.

As usual in narrow valleys the gps signal got heavily compromised and the elevation curve is meaningless here. Total distance is actually 11km and it took 2 hours 40 minutes.

More pictures here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/nxoc083sxldnvxj/Yhow0G7nw9