Where to smoke near Shosenkyo Gorge? Complete smoking-area guide for Igari-machi, Kofu City, Yamanashi
Table of contents
- 1.Where can you smoke near Shosenkyo Gorge?
- 2.About Shosenkyo Gorge ― how to enjoy a walk
- 3.Smoking rules and things to watch around Shosenkyo Gorge
- 4.How to find smoking areas near Shosenkyo Gorge
- 5.Search Yamanashi smoking areas efficiently with MottoSuitai
- 6.Found a new spot? Share it by posting a pin
- 7.Etiquette and things to watch
Where can you smoke near Shosenkyo Gorge?
When looking for a smoking area near Shosenkyo Gorge, focus on stations, indoor smoking rooms in large commercial complexes, and municipal designated smoking spots in Igari-machi, Kofu City. Many parts of Yamanashi prohibit or discourage street smoking, so designated areas are the rule. The MottoSuitai Yamanashi smoking-area list keeps an up-to-date map by current location and landmark.
About Shosenkyo Gorge ― how to enjoy a walk
A ~4km gorge in northern Kofu City, Yamanashi, called "Japan's most beautiful gorge" — a Designated National Special Place of Scenic Beauty. Highlights include Kakuenpo (a 180m granite pillar) and Senga-no-Taki Falls; fresh green and autumn foliage are overwhelming.
~30 min Yamanashi Kotsu bus from JR Kofu Station to "Shosenkyo-guchi" stop. 2-3 hour walk along the gorge trail. Kakuenpo Observatory and Senga-no-Taki Falls are must-sees. Crystal shops along the route for souvenirs; ropeway round-trip is also recommended.
Smoking rules and things to watch around Shosenkyo Gorge
Tourist areas across Yamanashi have widely adopted street-smoking bans, with fines for violations. Indoors, the revised Health Promotion Act mandates smoke-free environments by default; smokers must use a designated smoking room, a heated-tobacco-only room, or an outdoor designated smoking spot.
The entire gorge is Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park special protection zone with strict fire prohibition. Smoke only at the designated space in the parking near Shosenkyo-guchi bus stop or smoking corner in front of the ropeway station. Very strict due to wildfire risk.
How to find smoking areas near Shosenkyo Gorge
- Check designated smoking areas inside or in front of major stations first
- Use indoor smoking rooms in large shopping complexes, department stores, and airports — weather-proof and reliable
- Heated-tobacco-only rooms sometimes allow eating and drinking; filter by your device type
- Carry a portable ashtray and never smoke on the street if no designated area is available
Search Yamanashi smoking areas efficiently with MottoSuitai
MottoSuitai is a free service that lets you search smoking areas across Japan from a map or by area. To browse every smoking spot in Yamanashi, open the Yamanashi smoking-area list. You can also filter by city, tobacco type, and amenities (roof, bench, number of ashtrays).
Found a new spot? Share it by posting a pin
If you find a smoking area that is not yet listed, please share it with other users by posting a pin. From the home map, tap the "+" button — it only takes a few minutes. For details, see How to use MottoSuitai. Community pins make the local smoking-area database more comprehensive and help smokers and non-smokers coexist comfortably.
Etiquette and things to watch
- Never smoke near non-smokers, children, or pedestrian walkways
- Always use a portable ashtray or the ashtray in the designated smoking area
- Be considerate of homes and shops near designated smoking spots
- Heated tobacco still produces a smell — check your surroundings
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Where can you smoke near Shosenkyo Gorge?
A.Stations, indoor smoking rooms in large commercial complexes, and municipal designated smoking spots in Igari-machi, Kofu City are the main options. The MottoSuitai map shows the closest smoking areas from your current location.
Q.Is street smoking banned in Yamanashi?
A.Most major tourist areas in Yamanashi have street-smoking bans in place. Violators can be fined, so always use designated smoking spots.
Q.Are there heated-tobacco-only rooms near Shosenkyo Gorge?
A.Heated-tobacco-only rooms are increasingly available in major stations, large commercial complexes, and airports. Use the "Heated tobacco" filter on MottoSuitai to narrow your search.
Q.What if you cannot find a smoking area near Shosenkyo Gorge?
A.Carry a portable ashtray and use indoor smoking rooms in the nearest station or shopping complex. If you discover a new spot, post a pin on MottoSuitai to help future visitors.