Sounkyo is one of Hokkaido's leading hot spring resorts. Located almost in the very center of Hokkaido, it's a famous hot spring destination and a popular base for sightseeing around the region. However, because of this, do you perhaps have the impression that Sounkyo Onsen is just a place to stay overnight during your trip?

For those who have heard of the place names but can't quite picture them, we have some tourist spots and events we'd love to introduce!

In ancient times, the Ainu people called Mount Daisetsuzan "Kamuy Mintara" (the garden where the gods play). Nestled at its base in Sounkyo Gorge, why not explore the vast mountains and valleys that are uniquely Hokkaido?

<Contents>
1. Four attractions of Sounkyo
2. Don't miss these! Sightseeing spots in and around Sounkyo Onsen
3. Relax and unwind from your travels in a hot spring! Recommended hot springs in Sounkyo
4. Satisfy both your stomach and your heart! Recommended cafes and restaurants in Sounkyo
5. Three must-see events in Sounkyo

The appeal of Sounkyo Gorge lies in the fact that you can easily enjoy the vast, characteristic Hokkaido scenery up close.

The unique panorama of towering cliffs can also be enjoyed from the open-air hot spring bath.

Photo courtesy of Rinyu Kanko Co., Ltd.

There is a ropeway that makes it easy to reach the fifth station of Mt. Kurodake in the Daisetsuzan Mountains (1300m above sea level).

Daisetsuzan Mountains show a different face in each season: fresh greenery in spring, flower fields in summer, vibrant autumn leaves in fall, and a silvery wonderland in winter. In particular, autumn is when the earliest autumn foliage in Japan begins, allowing you to easily witness the sight of the mountain "on fire" up close.

In winter, the Icefall Festival is held, and fantastical ice sculptures, utilizing the natural environment, line the Ishikari River in the deep gorges.

2-1. Kurodake Ropeway

What's amazing about this ropeway is that it takes you to the 5th station of Mount Kurodake (1984m), a magnificent peak in the Daisetsuzan Mountains, at an altitude of 1300m, in just 7 minutes. You can easily experience the magnificent nature of the Daisetsuzan Mountains!

Around the 5th station, there are well-maintained walking trails that can be completed in about 30 minutes.

From the snowmelt in June, new greenery begins to sprout, followed by a profusion of alpine flower fields in the summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing, you can enjoy the area throughout the year.

Photo courtesy of Rinyu Kanko Co., Ltd.

In early summer, if you take the ropeway that starts operating at 6 a.m., you might be lucky enough to witness a sea of ​​clouds. (Apparently, the chance of a sea of ​​clouds appearing in July is 40 percent!)

A short walk from the 5th station will take you to the Kurodake 7th station at an altitude of 1520m, accessible by a lift (additional charge). The lift ascends as if you're flying, soaring above fields of alpine flowers, offering even more magnificent views of the Daisetsuzan mountain range. If you're lucky, you might even spot an Ezo chipmunk.

Even in the middle of summer, it can sometimes be chilly, so don't forget to bring something to wear over your clothes.

During the summer, we recommend taking a guided tour such as the "Good Morning Ropeway" or the "Star Watching Tour" to get a deeper understanding of the charm of Daisetsuzan Mountains, which is different from what you see during the day.

Wouldn't you like to easily experience "Kamuy Mintara" (the garden where the gods play), truly a "paradise above the clouds"?

Daisetsuzan Kurodake Ropeway
Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun
TEL：01658-5-3031
Operating hours: 7 minutes one way, every 20 minutes, 101 passengers, round trip approximately 30 minutes.
*The period below may vary from year to year. Please check for confirmation.
From June 1st to August 20th, 2017: <Ropeway 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM> <Pair Lift 6:30 AM - 5:30 PM>
*Please note that the ropeway and lifts will be closed for maintenance from January to March (this may vary from year to year).
[Ropeway operating hours]
*Operating start and end times vary depending on the season. These times may also vary from year to year. Please check beforehand.
10/01-10/15 6:00-17:00
10/16-11/30 8:00-16:30
11/11-11/30 8:00-16:30
December 1st to March 31st, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Access: Approximately 90 minutes by car from Asahikawa, approximately 3 minutes from JR Kamikawa Station.
Fares: Round trip ropeway: Adults (junior high school students and older) 1950 yen, Children (elementary school students) 1000 yen
Pair lift round trip: Adults 600 yen, Children 400 yen
Parking: Free parking for 60 cars

2-2. Daisetsu Forest Garden

Photo courtesy of Daisetsu Mori no Garden
The main venue for the Hokkaido Garden Show 2015 Daisetsu is "Daisetsu Forest Garden".
This garden is more than just a typical flower garden.

Photo courtesy of Daisetsu Mori no Garden

Photo courtesy of Daisetsu Mori no Garden
As you enter, you'll be led from a field of flowers into a forest, and as you continue walking, the majestic mountains of Daisetsuzan and the farmland with cows grazing below will unfold before your eyes, allowing you to enjoy the changing scenery.

Photo courtesy of Daisetsu Mori no Garden

Photo courtesy of Daisetsu Mori no Garden
With the sacred Daisetsuzan Mountains as a backdrop, this garden offers a magnificent landscape that is distinctly "Hokkaido-like," stretching "from the village to the heavens."

Photo courtesy of Daisetsu Mori no Garden
It took me about an hour and a half to leisurely look around the garden. Even if you rush through it, it would probably take a little less than an hour.

The path becomes covered in wood chips partway through, so flat shoes are recommended. For those using wheelchairs or strollers, the path is paved from the entrance to the flower garden (Forest Flower Garden/Forest Guest House) about halfway through.

Photo courtesy of Daisetsu Mori no Garden
The property includes a restaurant and villa produced by Chef Kiyomi Mikuni, a charming garden shop selling original limited-edition goods, and a garden cafe where you can enjoy views of the garden.

Photo courtesy of Daisetsu Mori no Garden
The ticket includes a voucher for the Kurodake Ropeway, which costs 1450 yen (500 yen off the regular adult round-trip fare). Please note that the white ticket purchased at the convenience store must be exchanged for a regular ticket at the garden entrance window before the ropeway discount is applied, so consider the order in which you visit the attractions.

Daisetsu Forest Garden
Address: 841-8 Kikusui, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun
Phone: 01658-2-4655
営業時間：夏季営業5/30～10/4　9：00～18：00(受付最終17：00)
Access: Approximately 45 minutes by car from Sounkyo Onsen.
Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Kamikawa Station.
A shuttle bus is available from Kamikawa town center (300 yen one way).
Admission fee: 1500 yen for adults (free for junior high school students and younger)
Parking: Free

2-3. Meteor and Galaxy Waterfall

From the Twin Waterfalls Platform
This is a representative scenic spot in Sounkyo Gorge, where you can see two waterfalls where water beautifully flows down the rugged columnar jointed rock face. It is a famous waterfall that has been selected as one of Japan's Top 2 Waterfalls. In winter, the waterfall freezes over.

While it's pleasant to view each waterfall from the rest area at the foot of the mountain, if you're feeling energetic, try challenging yourself by going to the Twin Waterfalls Platform, where you can see both waterfalls at once.

The entrance is located between the shops. After climbing through the primeval forest for about 20 minutes, you will reach an observation deck, from which you can also see Mount Kurodake on a clear day.

You'll climb through a primeval forest, passing large butterbur plants, moss-covered boulders, and signs warning of bears. There's also a viewpoint about five minutes up, where you can enjoy the view. It's worth the climb, even if you're a little out of breath.

Meteor/Galaxy Waterfall Rest Area (Waterfall Mintara)
Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun
Phone: 01658-5-3027
Opening hours: 7:00-19:00 from May to October, irregular closures from November to April. The waterfall can be seen year-round.
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Sounkyo Onsen town.
Admission: Free
Parking: Free

2-4. Highland Hot Spring Marshland Tour

In summer, it boasts alpine plants, and in autumn, it is one of Japan's leading spots for viewing autumn foliage, with the earliest and longest-lasting displays of autumn colors.

Every year, from around the beginning of September, the autumn leaves change color, with rowan and birch trees displaying a magnificent spectacle that truly makes it seem as if the mountains are on fire.

The trek around the lake is approximately 7 kilometers long and takes about 4 hours, passing by about 10 lakes of varying sizes. The first lake, Midori-numa, is about an hour's walk one way, but you can enjoy the autumn foliage even before reaching this point.

Since this course takes us into an area inhabited by bears, we will submit an entry permit to the Brown Bear Information Center.
Entry to the mountain is restricted to between 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM, and entry may be restricted due to bear sightings. During the autumn foliage season, private cars are restricted, and a shuttle bus service is provided.

Depending on the weather, muddy areas may form, so bring waterproof shoes or rent rubber boots at the mountain lodge.
In any case, when you visit, be sure to check with a tourist information center or similar source.

Sounkyo Tourist Information Center
Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun
Phone: 01658-5-3350
Sounkyo Visitor Center
Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun
Phone: 01658-9-4400

2-5. Sounkyo-Daisetsuzan Photography Museum: The World of Takayoshi Ichinei

This is one of Japan's largest mountain photography galleries, often referred to as the "Hall of Fame for Hokkaido Mountain Photography."

The works of Kouetsu Ichinei, one of Japan's leading mountain photographers, are on display in a magnificent scale, utilizing the former Sounkyo Elementary School building.

Approximately 200 works, vividly capturing fleeting moments of the Daisetsuzan Mountains in each of the four seasons with a large-format camera, are on display. Each piece is so powerful and impactful that an hour flies by in no time.

Even if the weather is bad or you don't have time to hike, why not stop by here to experience the magnificence of the Daisetsuzan Mountains?

Sounkyo-Daisetsuzan Photo Museum
Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun (former site of Sounkyo Elementary School)
Phone: 01658-5-3415
Opening period: May 1st - October 31st (Open every day during this period)
Opening hours: 9:00-18:00 (Subject to change depending on the season; please check beforehand)
Admission fee: 600 yen for adults (free for junior high school students and younger)

3-1. Asahi Resort Hotel

The open-air bath at Asahi Resort Hotel faces the Ishikari River, and while listening to the gentle murmur of the river, you feel as if you are in the middle of a forest.

With two hot spring sources, the inn offers a luxurious free-flowing supply of both a milky white, skin-beautifying bath filled with mineral deposits and a rich, brownish bath rich in iron that warms you to the core.
In addition to the hot springs, there are also plenty of other facilities, such as a bedrock bath (which men can use too!) and private baths.
Additionally, guests can take a free shuttle bus to our sister hotel, Asahitei.
Because Asahitei is located on high ground, you can also enjoy an open-air bath with a view of Mount Asahi.
This hotel offers a variety of baths all in one place, including a low-lying open-air bath that feels like you're taking a walk in the forest, a high-rise observation bath with mountain views, and a bedrock bath.

Sounkyo Onsen Asahi Resort Hotel
Address: Sounkyo Onsen, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun
Phone: 01658-5-3911
Day-use bathing hours: 13:30-17:00
Admission fees: Adults 800 yen, Elementary school students 400 yen, Infants free
Stone sauna bath: 15:00-24:00 (Overnight stay) 1100 yen/hour (Day trip) 1500 yen/hour
Private bath available from 7:00 to 24:00 (excluding 11:00 to 15:00) (Overnight stay) 2700 yen/50 minutes (Day trip) 3000 yen/50 minutes
Accommodation reservationClick Here(You will be redirected to the Jalan.net website)　　

3-2. Hotel Daisetsu

Hotel Daisetsu is located on the highest point in Sounkyo Onsen.
Therefore, from the open-air bath with a view, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Daisetsuzan Mountains up close.

The hotel boasts three large, free-flowing public baths, each with a different atmosphere, two of which also feature open-air baths.
Although it's a large hotel, the changing rooms are spacious, and I felt that it rarely felt crowded.
You can also enjoy a hot spring hopping rally where you can collect stamps by visiting all three large public baths within the very spacious building, and receive a small gift as a prize.
Additionally, Ainu folk dance performances are held in the lobby every night from 8:30 PM from May to October (with occasional closures), offering a unique atmosphere and a valuable experience.

Sounkyo Onsen Hotel Taisetsu
Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun
Phone: 01658-5-3211 0120-123-717
Day-use bathing hours: 11:00-17:00
Price: 800 yen for adults, 600 yen for children
Accommodation reservationClick Here(You will be redirected to the Jalan.net website)　　

3-3. Sounkyo Tourist Hotel

A new open-air bath grand opened in the fall of 2015 within the historic Sounkyo Onsen hot spring resort, which has been in operation since the Edo period.

The main attraction is "Utari," the largest open-air bath in Sounkyo, surrounded by mountains on all sides. This is a special open-air bath that can only be used by hotel guests.

On a site of approximately 200 tsubo (about 660 square meters), there is an open-air bath made of rock spanning approximately 100 tsubo (about 330 square meters). A waterfall cascading down from a rocky mountain about 6 meters high enhances the extraordinary travel experience. The Ishikari River flows nearby, adding to the charm of being able to enjoy the scenery of each season.

Please note that you will be wearing a bathing suit when bathing. This is because, firstly, it is a mixed-gender bath, and secondly, according to the hotel staff, "we will not be building anything to separate you from others."

How about experiencing a dynamic open-air bath where you can become one with nature?

Please note that the following facilities are available for day-trip bathing. (The "Utari Open-Air Bath in the Canyon" listed above is for overnight guests only.)
Available facilities: Large public bath (Seirei Tsuki no Shizuku), open-air bath (Subaru), sauna (available from 15:00 for men only)
Operating hours: 12:00 - 15:00 (Last entry at 14:30)
Admission fee: Adults 600 yen / Children (3 years and older) 300 yen *Bath towel and face towel rental: 200 yen

Sounkyo Tourist Hotel
Address: Sounkyo Onsen, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun
Phone: 01658-5-3101

Accommodation reservationClick Here(You will be redirected to the Jalan.net website)　　

4-1. Daisetsu Forest Garden Garden Cafe

A cafe produced by the garden restaurant "Fratello di Mikuni" has opened in the forest garden.

Photo courtesy of Daisetsu Mori no Garden
They offer a selection of aromatic, authentic coffees and herbal teas, light meals made with as many locally sourced ingredients from Kamikawa as possible, and colorful seasonal gelatos made with Kamikawa milk.
It's a relaxing, natural space, perfect for taking a break during your stroll.

Photo courtesy of Daisetsu Mori no Garden
Conveniently, this cafe can be used even before entering the garden, and you can see part of the flower garden from the cafe's large windows.

Daisetsu Forest Garden Garden Cafe
Address: 841-8 Kikusui, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun
Phone: 01658-2-4655
営業時間：5/1～10/18　9：30～17：30(ラストオーダー17：00)　ガーデン営業期間は無休

4-2. Beer Grill Canyon

Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine while relaxing in a hot spring!

I recommend the Keikokumi Pork and grilled vegetables.

This dish features tender, odorless pork loin from Kamikawa Valley, grilled simply to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients, along with seasonal vegetables. Served with an original sauce and balsamic sauce, it's a refreshing dish that highlights the sweetness of the pork.

They are committed to using ingredients grown in the blessed natural environment at the foot of Mount Daisetsu. It's no wonder that this restaurant is loved by the locals.

Since it's in the same building as Kurodake no Yu, it's a great option for lunch combined with a day trip to the hot springs, or for dinner if you're staying multiple nights in Sounkyo Onsen.

Beer Grill Canyon
Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Daisetsuzan Badehaus Sounkyo Onsen Kurodake no Yu
Phone: 01658-5-3361
営業時間：11：30-15：30　17：30-21：00(ラストオーダー20：00)
Closed every Wednesday (Open every day during the Ice Waterfall Festival) (Temporary closures may occur)
Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from the Sounkyo Onsen public parking lot.

4-3. Kurodake Ropeway Base Station Lounge "Polo Nochiu"

The lounge "Polo Nocchiu" (formerly the Shiki Tea Lounge) at the base station of the Kurodake Ropeway reopened in May after renovations.

Photo courtesy of Rinyu Kanko Co., Ltd.
Poro-Nochiu means "great, large star" or "North Star" in the Ainu language. You can purchase a special cup (100 yen) at the shop and enjoy self-service coffee. Refills are free!

Photo courtesy of Rinyu Kanko Co., Ltd.
Please be sure to sit by the window. You can enjoy the view of the Sounkyo Gorge from the large windows, have a leisurely chat, or simply relax in this perfect waiting area.

Daisetsuzan Kurodake Ropeway Lounge "Poro Nochiu"
Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun
TEL：01658-5-3031
Opening hours: Same as the ropeway's operating hours, usually until around 18 PM.
Access: Approximately 90 minutes by car from Asahikawa, approximately 3 minutes from JR Kamikawa Station.
Parking: Free parking for 60 cars

5-1. Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival

This is a major event that takes advantage of the harsh cold unique to northern regions, adding color to Sounkyo Gorge in winter.

The venue, spanning approximately 10,000 square meters, will feature frost-covered trees, icicles, and ice domes, all created by drawing water from the Ishikari River and freezing it over a period of about two months.

During the day, the ice sculptures, bathed in sunlight and appearing translucent blue, are illuminated at night by seven different colored lights, creating a fantastical space.

The main ice sculpture is created each year based on a chosen theme. In 2016, the theme was "Asian Dream," and sculptures of buildings from the countries of the many foreign tourists who visit the area were created.

The temperature is below freezing, and it's extremely cold at night! The ground is as icy as an ice rink.

Be sure to watch your step, and gloves and a hat are essential in case of a fall (and also to protect against the cold).

Every year, Sounkyo Onsen gets extremely crowded during the Sapporo Snow Festival. We recommend planning ahead.
Wouldn't you like to be moved by the fantastical ice art that will make you forget the cold?

The 41st Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival
January 25, 2018 (Thursday) - March 18, 2018 (Sunday)
Location: Special venue for the Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival in Kamikawa Town
Fee: 300 yen (free for children under elementary school age)
Phone: 01658-5-3950
Parking: Free

5-2. Sounkyo Onsen Valley Fire Festival

This is a rare festival that showcases the "main festival" of a multi-day ceremony, a traditional festival that has been passed down among the Ainu people for centuries.

Following traditional Ainu dances and other performances, flaming arrows are shot, creating a vibrant spectacle of flames in the valley.
Then, fireworks light up the pitch-black night sky, devoid of any unnecessary lights, and their loud roars echo throughout the valley.

This year, two taiko drumming teams from Asahikawa will be joining in, making the event even more powerful than usual.
The mystical Ainu rituals combined with the flames illuminating the valley create an atmosphere that can only be experienced here.

Sounkyo Onsen Valley Fire Festival
Main Festival: August 1st, 2017 (Tuesday)
Fireworks: July 29, 2017 (Sat) - August 15, 2017 (Tue) (May be cancelled in case of bad weather)
Address: Special venue in Sounkyo, Kamikawa Town
Phone: 01658-2-1811 Sounkyo Tourism Association

5-3. Hokkaido Garden Show 2015 Daisetsu

Photo courtesy of Daisetsu Mori no Garden
Daisetsuzan National Park is known as the garden where the gods play, a garden where nature itself is the designer.
Ueno Farm, a renowned garden representing Hokkaido, and the main venue, Daisetsu Forest Garden.
The Hokkaido Garden Show 2015 Daisetsu is a garden show that takes you on a tour of these three gardens nestled within Daisetsuzan National Park, one of Japan's largest national parks.

Photo courtesy of Daisetsu Mori no Garden
Connecting the countryside (Ueno Farm → Daisetsu Forest Garden) to the mountains (the majestic Daisetsuzan Mountains), this is a unique Hokkaido-only endeavor that allows you to fully experience the vastness of Hokkaido and cannot be replicated anywhere else.

Photo courtesy of Daisetsu Mori no Garden

Photo courtesy of Daisetsu Mori no Garden
From the village to the mountains, what a magnificent show! This is truly an event that could only happen in Hokkaido.

Hokkaido Garden Show 2015 Daisetsu
Date: May 30th - October 4th, 2015
Venue: The Garden Where the Gods Play, Daisetsuzan National Park
Daisetsu Forest Garden / Ueno Farm
Admission fee: Daisetsu Forest Garden 1500 yen (Free for junior high school students and younger)
Ueno Farm: 800 yen, free for elementary school children and younger.
Combined ticket (Daisetsu Forest Garden & Ueno Farm): 2000 yen
Phone: 01658-2-4058 Hokkaido Garden Show 2015 Daisetsu Executive Committee Secretariat, Kamikawa Town Hall

Final thoughts

Many people visit Asahiyama Zoo when traveling to Hokkaido.

If you're visiting Asahiyama Zoo, it would be a shame not to stop by Sounkyo Gorge!

It takes about 100 minutes (in summer) from Asahikawa to Sounkyo Onsen. You can easily experience the Daisetsuzan Mountains, which were called "Kamuy Mintara," the garden where the gods played.

Relax in the hot springs, be overwhelmed by the magnificent nature of the Daisetsuzan Mountains, and an unforgettable and moving experience awaits you, both adults and children.

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