The Sounkyo Visitor Center is a facility established to promote interaction between people and nature within Daisetsuzan National Park. It supports environmental education, nature experiences, and the conservation of the natural environment. Inside the center, there are various exhibits such as a "Mountain Guide" and a "Geological Diorama."
The Mountain Guide introduces four representative nature observation courses. The Geological Diorama features a model of the Daisetsuzan terrain, where visitors can explore key scenic points, including major mountains, hiking trails, shelters, campsites, and onsen.
The facility offers free exhibit guides that can be viewed in multiple languages, including English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Thai.
These are two beautiful waterfalls in Sounkyo, selected as part of the "100 Waterfalls of Japan." The "100 Waterfalls of Japan" is a list of the most representative waterfalls in Japan, selected in 1990. These waterfalls cascade dramatically down the cliffs of Sounkyo, showcasing their stunning beauty.
Ryusei no Taki Falls features a powerful, single stream of water cascading down a drop of approximately 90 meters. In contrast, Ginga no Taki Falls flows gently down a 120-meter drop, with multiple streams resembling delicate white threads. Due to their contrasting appearances, Ryusei no Taki Falls is often referred to as the "male waterfall," while Ginga no Taki Falls is known as the "female waterfall."
If you walk about 20 minutes uphill from the parking lot, with the waterfalls at your back, you’ll reach the "Sobakudai" observation deck. From this vantage point, you can simultaneously view both waterfalls as they cascade down the cliffs. The parking lot also has a shop where you can buy souvenirs or take a break, making it a convenient stop for visitors.
Obako is one of the most iconic scenic spots in Sounkyo. Around 30,000 years ago, the entire Sounkyo area was covered by welded tuff due to the eruption of a central volcano. Over the course of more than 10,000 years, this welded tuff was gradually eroded by the Ishikari River, shaping it into its current form.
At Obako, you can witness a breathtaking landscape dominated by towering columnar joints, which are sheer cliffs rising approximately 200 meters high. Columnar joints are a geological feature seen in volcanic rocks, formed during the cooling and solidification process of magma. In autumn, the contrast between the white rock faces and the red-tinted trees creates a stunning and almost otherworldly scene.
Daisetsu Mori-no Garden is a garden created in a forest that spreads across the hills, offering close-up views of the mountains of Daisetsuzan. The garden is divided into three areas: the Forest Flower Garden, the Forest Guesthouse, and the Playful Forest.
The Forest Flower Garden is a beautiful garden where approximately 900 varieties of flowers and plants bloom. It is composed of five gardens, each with its own unique charm, offering different seasonal experiences throughout the year.
The Forest Guesthouse is an area designed to welcome guests, utilizing the natural terrain and native plants of the land. Surrounded by natural trees and delicate wildflowers, visitors can enjoy a relaxing time immersed in nature.
The Playful Forest is a space that spreads out in a deep, mysterious forest, reminiscent of a hidden sanctuary. Here, you can participate in various activities and fully enjoy the natural surroundings. It’s a place where the whole family can find joy and create lasting memories.
Daisetsu Mori-no Garden also features a café and a shop. At the café, visitors can enjoy drinks and light meals while taking in views of the garden. The shop offers a selection of products and lifestyle items centered around the concept of a "healing garden," providing visitors with ideas and inspiration for incorporating the garden's tranquility into their everyday lives.
Sounkyo Onsen is an onsen resort located in Sounkyo, which is situated near the center of Hokkaido. Sounkyo is within Daisetsuzan National Park, which covers an area of 226,764 ha, making it the largest national park in Japan. The vast national park is home to a variety of precious flora and fauna.
Among the onsen around the Daisetsuzan area, Sounkyo Onsen is one of the largest and most renowned in Hokkaido. Blessed with a rich natural environment, Sounkyo Onsen offers breathtaking landscapes created by the majestic nature and provides a wide range of experiences that change with the seasons. Sounkyo Onsen is also conveniently located as a base for sightseeing in Daisetsuzan.
Get to know Sounkyo Onsen
Area guide
Daisetsuzan is a collective term for a volcanic group that includes over 20 mountains, such as Asahidake and Kurodake, the highest peaks in Hokkaido. The Ainu people, who live at the foot of Daisetsuzan, referred to it as "the garden where the gods play," holding it in deep reverence and awe. The Ainu are an indigenous people who have lived in harmony with nature in the northern regions of the Japanese archipelago, primarily centered around Hokkaido.
Daisetsuzan is a collective term for a volcanic group that includes over 20 mountains, such as Asahidake and Kurodake, the highest peaks in Hokkaido. The Ainu people, who live at the foot of Daisetsuzan, referred to it as "the garden where the gods play," holding it in deep reverence and awe. The Ainu are an indigenous people who have lived in harmony with nature in the northern regions of the Japanese archipelago, primarily centered around Hokkaido.
It is said that the Ainu people were the first to discover Sounkyo. They would climb to the high-altitude areas of Daisetsuzan while hunting for animals like brown bears.
Sounkyo is a gorge located in the upper reaches of the Ishikari River and is one of the most scenic spots representing Sounkyo Onsen. Sounkyo is known for its dramatic landscapes, such as the “Obako,” a series of towering columnar cliffs about 200 meters high, and the “Ryusei no Taki Falls” and “Ginga no Taki Falls,” which cascade down steep cliffs. The magnificent beauty of the gorge, which changes with the seasons, is one of the highlights of Sounkyo Onsen.
The onsen town, surrounded by beautiful gorge scenery, is lined with onsen ryokan, hotels, day-use onsen facilities, and restaurants. Unlike other onsen towns in Japan, it features a distinctive Western-style atmosphere, modeled after Canadian mountain resorts.
From the onsen town, you can take a ropeway and lift to ascend Mount Kurodake. Sounkyo Onsen also serves as a base for exploring Daisetsuzan, including Mount Kurodake. The area offers a variety of activities that allow visitors to experience the grandeur of nature throughout the year, such as trekking to admire the beauty of alpine plants, rafting in the rivers, and dog sledding.
Sounkyo Onsen also offers a rich variety of events. One of the highlights is the “Sounkyo Onsen Gorge Fire Festival,” a summer festival inspired by a traditional Ainu ritual where owls are sent to the land of the gods. The festival features Ainu folk dances, fire performances, and a fireworks display.
The Miracle Illuminate” is an event where you can enjoy the autumn foliage and illuminations at the same time. This light-up event is held during the fall at a famous spot for autumn leaves, offering a unique and enchanting experience.
In winter, the “Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival” is held, which is one of Hokkaido’s three major winter festivals, alongside the Sapporo Snow Festival and the Asahikawa Winter Festival. The festival features ice sculptures created using the natural landscapes of the deep gorges at the foot of Daisetsuzan. At night, the ice sculptures are illuminated, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere.
*Please note that the information provided may not always be up to date. We recommend checking the official website or other reliable sources for the most current information.
Access
The nearest station to Sounkyo Onsen is JR Kamikawa Station. From JR Kamikawa Station, you can take a bus for about 30 minutes and get off at Sounkyo. While it is possible to reach JR Kamikawa Station by train from major cities in Japan, it can be time-consuming. Therefore, it is recommended to fly to New Chitose Airport and then take a train from there.
From Sapporo
<Train> Sapporo Station → Kamikawa Station → <Bus> → Sounkyo (approximately 2 hours 50 minutes) It takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Sapporo Station to Kamikawa Station by the Limited Express Kamui.
From Sendai
<Plane, Train, and Bus> Sendai Airport → New Chitose Airport → <Train> → New Chitose Airport Station → Kamikawa Station → <Bus>→ Sounkyo (approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes)
From Tokyo
<Plane, Train, and Bus> Narita Airport → New Chitose Airport → <Train> → New Chitose Airport Station → Kamikawa Station → <Bus> → Sounkyo (approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes)
From Nagoya
<Plane, Train, and Bus> Chubu Centrair International Airport → New Chitose Airport → <Train> → New Chitose Airport Station → Kamikawa Station → <Bus> → Sounkyo (approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes)
From Osaka
<Plane, Train, and Bus> Kansai International Airport → New Chitose Airport → <Train> → New Chitose Airport Station → Kamikawa Station → <Bus> → Sounkyo (approximately 6 hours)
<Plane, Train, and Bus> Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport) → New Chitose Airport → <Train> → New Chitose Airport Station → Kamikawa Station → <Bus> → Sounkyo (approximately 6 hours)
From Fukuoka
<Plane, Train, and Bus> Fukuoka Airport → New Chitose Airport → <Train> → New Chitose Airport Station → Kamikawa Station → <Bus> → Sounkyo (approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes)
Water quality
Sounkyo Onsen has multiple sources, which means that the scent and color of the onsen water can vary slightly depending on the spring. The types of onsens available include simple thermal springs, bicarbonate springs, and sulfur springs. One of the appeals is that guests can enjoy different types of onsen depending on the accommodation. The characteristics and benefits of each type of onsen are as follows:
Simple Thermal Springs
Simple thermal springs have less than 1,000 mg of dissolved substances per kilogram of water (excluding gas components) and emerge from the ground at a temperature of 25°C or higher. These springs are characterized by their gentle effect on the skin and soft, smooth texture. Among simple thermal springs, those with a pH of 8.5 or higher are known as "alkaline simple thermal springs," which have the additional benefit of removing dead skin cells and promoting smooth, beautiful skin. These springs are effective for conditions such as autonomic nervous system instability, insomnia, and depressive states.
Bicarbonate Springs
Bicarbonate springs contain over 1,000 mg of dissolved substances per kilogram of water, with a significant amount of bicarbonate of soda (over 340 mg). These springs are known for their beauty-enhancing properties, as they help remove dead skin cells and cleanse pores, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and smooth, much like after washing with soap. If the water is drinkable, it can also help alleviate constipation and prevent bladder infections. Bicarbonate springs are effective for treating cuts, peripheral circulation disorders, cold sensitivity, and dry skin.
Sulfur Springs
Sulfur springs contain at least 2 mg of total sulfur per kilogram of water. This type of spring is relatively common in Japan and can be categorized into sulfur-type and hydrogen sulfide-type. Sulfur springs are characterized by a distinctive rotten egg smell due to the sulfur content. They are particularly effective for treating skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, chronic eczema, and psoriasis. Additionally, hydrogen sulfide-type sulfur springs are also effective for treating peripheral circulation disorders.
History
Daisetsuzan was not only a source of blessings for the Ainu people living in the Kamikawa Basin but also held a special significance as a place called "the garden where the gods play." The Ainu are an indigenous people who have lived in harmony with nature in the northern regions of the Japanese archipelago, primarily in Hokkaido. Although the origins of the Ainu are subject to various theories, Ainu culture is believed to have developed between the 9th and 13th centuries, giving it a long history and rich cultural heritage. The Ainu people have their own language, distinct from Japanese, and they possess a unique spiritual culture that reveres all living things and natural phenomena as "Kamuy" (gods).
The summit of Mount Asahidake was believed to be a place where many brown bears, considered incarnations of the gods, would gather. The Ainu people believed that at night, this summit became a place where Kamuy (gods) in human form would gather to enjoy storytelling.
In 1857, Ichitaro Matsuda, who worked for the Ishikari Office, conducted a survey of the headwaters of the Ishikari River, guided by the Ainu people, during which he discovered onsen. It is said that during this time, Ichitaro Matsuda became the first Japanese person to climb Mount Asahidake. In 1900, Mizujiro Shioya discovered another onsen, and in 1913, Kiuemon Kunisawa discovered yet another. These onsen were named Shioya Onsen and Kunisawa Onsen, respectively, after their discoverers. Around this time, several onsen inns began to operate.
In 1921, the writer Keigetsu Omachi named the gorge in the upper reaches of the Ishikari River, which was then called "Reizan Hekisuikyo" or "Sounbetsu," as "Sounkyo." It is said that the owner of Shiota Onsen, located in Sounkyo, invited the nationally renowned Keigetsu Omachi and requested him to give the area a name, as Sounkyo was not well known at the time.
Inspired by the Ainu word "Sounpetsu" (meaning "river with waterfalls"), Keigetsu Omachi named the area "Sounkyo." A travel enthusiast and mountaineer, Omachi traveled throughout Hokkaido, sharing its attractions with a broader audience. His travelogue, "From Sounkyo to Daisetsuzan," helped introduce Sounkyo and Daisetsuzan to people all over Japan, making the names widely known across the country.
Around 1925, Hatsuichi Arai personally funded the construction of an automobile road from Sounbetsu to Sounkyo Onsen and established the Daisetsuzan Research Society. This society was founded with the aim of conducting scientific research on the Daisetsuzan area and designating it as a protected area for alpine plants. In 1934, the entire Daisetsuzan area, including Sounkyo, was designated as Daisetsuzan National Park.
In the 1950s, the onsen area in Sounkyo was officially opened and named Sounkyo Onsen. It was modernized and rapidly grew into a popular resort destination. When the Kurodake Ropeway began operation in 1967, Sounkyo Onsen became a convenient base for climbing in the Daisetsuzan mountain range. In 1998, the day-use onsen facility "Sounkyo Kurodake no Yu" was opened. Sounkyo Kurodake no Yu was established as a key facility to promote the health and well-being of local residents, encourage interaction among visitors to Sounkyo, and contribute to tourism and local industries.
In Sounkyo Onsen, several new attractions and facilities have been established in recent years. In 2014, the "Daisetsu Mori-no Garden" opened, followed by "Ryokkyu-gura," Hokkaido's first new sake brewery since the post-war period, in 2017. In 2019, the experiential exchange facility "Taisetsu Kamikawa Nukumo" was launched. Additionally, in 2018, the Ainu culture of the people living at the foot of Daisetsuzan was designated as a Japan Heritage.
In Sounkyo Onsen, efforts are being made not only to develop new tourist hubs but also to create unique experiential activities, such as rafting, that can only be enjoyed in Sounkyo. Guided by the regional vision of becoming a "Northern Mountain Resort," Sounkyo Onsen continues to introduce new attractions and enhance its appeal.
Attractions
Sounkyo Visitor Center
The Sounkyo Visitor Center is a facility established to promote interaction between people and nature within Daisetsuzan National Park. It supports environmental education, nature experiences, and the conservation of the natural environment. Inside the center, there are various exhibits such as a "Mountain Guide" and a "Geological Diorama."
The Mountain Guide introduces four representative nature observation courses. The Geological Diorama features a model of the Daisetsuzan terrain, where visitors can explore key scenic points, including major mountains, hiking trails, shelters, campsites, and onsen.
The facility offers free exhibit guides that can be viewed in multiple languages, including English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Thai.
Ryusei no Taki Falls and Ginga no Taki Falls
These are two beautiful waterfalls in Sounkyo, selected as part of the "100 Waterfalls of Japan." The "100 Waterfalls of Japan" is a list of the most representative waterfalls in Japan, selected in 1990. These waterfalls cascade dramatically down the cliffs of Sounkyo, showcasing their stunning beauty.
Ryusei no Taki Falls features a powerful, single stream of water cascading down a drop of approximately 90 meters. In contrast, Ginga no Taki Falls flows gently down a 120-meter drop, with multiple streams resembling delicate white threads. Due to their contrasting appearances, Ryusei no Taki Falls is often referred to as the "male waterfall," while Ginga no Taki Falls is known as the "female waterfall."
If you walk about 20 minutes uphill from the parking lot, with the waterfalls at your back, you’ll reach the "Sobakudai" observation deck. From this vantage point, you can simultaneously view both waterfalls as they cascade down the cliffs. The parking lot also has a shop where you can buy souvenirs or take a break, making it a convenient stop for visitors.
Obako
Obako is one of the most iconic scenic spots in Sounkyo. Around 30,000 years ago, the entire Sounkyo area was covered by welded tuff due to the eruption of a central volcano. Over the course of more than 10,000 years, this welded tuff was gradually eroded by the Ishikari River, shaping it into its current form.
At Obako, you can witness a breathtaking landscape dominated by towering columnar joints, which are sheer cliffs rising approximately 200 meters high. Columnar joints are a geological feature seen in volcanic rocks, formed during the cooling and solidification process of magma. In autumn, the contrast between the white rock faces and the red-tinted trees creates a stunning and almost otherworldly scene.
Daisetsu Mori-no Garden
Daisetsu Mori-no Garden is a garden created in a forest that spreads across the hills, offering close-up views of the mountains of Daisetsuzan. The garden is divided into three areas: the Forest Flower Garden, the Forest Guesthouse, and the Playful Forest.
The Forest Flower Garden is a beautiful garden where approximately 900 varieties of flowers and plants bloom. It is composed of five gardens, each with its own unique charm, offering different seasonal experiences throughout the year.
The Forest Guesthouse is an area designed to welcome guests, utilizing the natural terrain and native plants of the land. Surrounded by natural trees and delicate wildflowers, visitors can enjoy a relaxing time immersed in nature.
The Playful Forest is a space that spreads out in a deep, mysterious forest, reminiscent of a hidden sanctuary. Here, you can participate in various activities and fully enjoy the natural surroundings. It’s a place where the whole family can find joy and create lasting memories.
Daisetsu Mori-no Garden also features a café and a shop. At the café, visitors can enjoy drinks and light meals while taking in views of the garden. The shop offers a selection of products and lifestyle items centered around the concept of a "healing garden," providing visitors with ideas and inspiration for incorporating the garden's tranquility into their everyday lives.
