The Daisetsuzan mountain range rises majestically in the central part of Hokkaido.

Located at the foot of the mountain, Sounkyo Onsen is a hot spring resort that serves as a base for climbers and tourists visiting the Daisetsuzan Mountains, attracting approximately 200 million visitors annually.

The hot spring town has been renovated as "Canyon Mall," a European-style complex modeled after Canadian mountain resorts, giving it a different atmosphere from other hot spring areas in Hokkaido.

This time, we'll focus on Sounkyo Onsen and introduce its charms in detail, including its origins, history, and unique characteristics.

<Table of Contents>
1. The origins of Sounkyo Onsen
2. Characteristics of Sounkyo Onsen
3. Canyon Mall, full of exotic charm
4. Sightseeing around Sounkyo Onsen
5. Access to Sounkyo Onsen
Final thoughts

Sounkyo Onsen was first identified during the late Edo period.

It is said that the presence of hot springs was discovered by Matsuda Ichitaro, a foot soldier working at the Ishikari office of the Edo shogunate, who was the first Japanese person to explore the Daisetsuzan mountain range, and by the explorer Matsuura Takeshiro.

Later, in 1900, Shioya Mizujiro discovered the hot spring source, and it was named Shioya Onsen.

Later, several more hot springs were discovered, and around 1913, Kiemon Kunisawa named the area Kunisawa Onsen, and several hot spring inns began operations.

The quality of its hot springs and the beauty of the surrounding nature were conveyed through books and writings of the time, and it became known to the public.

This area was given the name Sounkyo in 1921.
It was named by Keigetsu Omachi, a prominent literary figure of the time.

The name is said to originate from the Ainu word "Souunbetsu" (river with many waterfalls).

The Sounkyo hot spring resort area began to be developed into a modern hot spring town after the end of the war, during the 1950s, a period known as the high-growth era.

The hot spring resort was officially named Sounkyo Onsen, and surrounding tourist attractions such as ski resorts and ropeways were also developed.

The hot spring water at Sounkyo Onsen is a simple sulfur spring with a faint sulfurous scent, and the water is colorless and transparent.
With over 60 hot springs gushing forth, the charm lies in the fact that the scent and color of the water differ slightly from one hot spring to another.

Some hot spring inns use several different hot spring sources, allowing you to easily enjoy a hot spring tour.

Its benefits include treating skin diseases, neuralgia, cuts, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Because it is mildly alkaline and gentle, it can be safely used by people with sensitive skin, the elderly, and young children.

The hot spring resort town of Sounkyo Onsen has been renovated as "Canyon Mall," modeled after a Canadian mountain resort, giving it an atmosphere that feels like you're abroad.

Along with approximately 15 hotels, guesthouses, and pensions, there are two convenience stores, both of which use brown signs, a design that is considerate of the beautiful hot spring town and surrounding landscape.

This unusual brown convenience store has apparently become a popular photo spot.

The hot spring town is surrounded by towering cliffs and precipices, with massive rock faces creating a beautiful and majestic landscape.

This rock face, known as columnar jointing, was formed approximately 3 years ago when lava erupted from Mount Daisetsu, and was subsequently eroded and cooled over a long period of time by the Ishikari River.

It stretches for 24 kilometers along the Ishikari River, with numerous waterfalls cascading down the path.

The wolf is dead

The Kurodake Ropeway connects Sounkyo Onsen to the 5th station of Mt. Kurodake in the Daisetsuzan mountain range in about 7 minutes.

From the ropeway, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the hot spring town.
Furthermore, if you take the "Kurodake Pair Lift" located at the 5th station, you can reach the 7th station of Mount Kurodake in about 15 minutes.

The vast forest stretching out below and the Daisetsuzan mountain range unfolding before your eyes are simply breathtaking.

Meteor Falls and Galaxy Falls

Columnar jointing stretches for approximately 24 km along the Ishikari River.
Along the way, there are many waterfalls, but among them, the most famous are "Ryusei Falls" and "Ginga Falls."

If you park your car in the parking lot along the Daisetsu National Highway (National Route 39), which is close to the hot spring area, and then walk for about 20 minutes to Sobakudai, you can see two waterfalls at the same time.

The path to the Twin Waterfalls Platform is surprisingly steep, so it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes like sneakers.

Daisetsu Forest Garden

Daisetsu Mori Garden is a garden with approximately 700 varieties of seasonal flowers planted against the backdrop of the Daisetsuzan mountain range.

The park is divided into several themed areas, allowing visitors to leisurely enjoy plants unique to Hokkaido as well as plants that change with the seasons.

Sounkyo Onsen is located about 20 minutes by car from the Kamikawa-Sounkyo Interchange on the Hokkaido Expressway.

It takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Sapporo using the expressway, and about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Asahikawa using regular roads.

If traveling by train, it takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Sapporo to JR Kamikawa Station by limited express train, and about 45 minutes from Asahikawa.
From JR Kamikawa Station, take the bus bound for Sounkyo, and you'll arrive in about 30 minutes.

From Asahikawa Airport, take a bus to Asahikawa Station, then transfer to another bus to head to Sounkyo.
It takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes by bus from Asahikawa Station to Sounkyo.

We introduced Sounkyo Onsen, located in Kamikawa Town, Hokkaido.

Sounkyo Onsen, with its numerous hot springs and high-quality water, soothes and heals the souls of its visitors.

The unique hot spring town and the beautiful scenery of Sounkyo are also among its attractions.

I highly recommend that you all visit Sounkyo Onsen sometime.

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