Sounkyo Onsen, Kamikawa Town, Hokkaido

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A town of Daisetsuzan National Park,
mountain tourism, and hot springs,
recognized as a Japan Heritage site.

Take Your Time to Enjoy

KAMIKAWA
SOUNKYO

Mount Kurodake Hiking ・ Sounkyo Onsen ・ Sweet High-Altitude Vegetables

<Overview of Kamikawa Town>
■JR Train: Approximately 40 minutes from Asahikawa Station to Kamikawa Station
■Bus:Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Asahikawa Station to Kamikawa Station
　　　Approximately 2 hours from Asahikawa Station to Sounkyo Onsen

Sounkyo Tourism Association official website
Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway
Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway
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Hokkaido Mountain Resort　KAMIKAWA SOUNKYO

Located in the heart of Hokkaido, within the Daisetsuzan National Park, Kamikawa Town is the gateway to this beautiful region, often referred to as “Kamui Mintara” (the playground of the gods). At the Sounkyo Onsen, situated at the base of the Kurodake Ropeway, visitors can enjoy a variety of adventures including mountain tourism in the vast Daisetsuzan mountain range, hiking and camping experiences amidst nature, relaxing in hot springs, and taking in the stunning autumn foliage.
“Take your time and enjoy KAMIKAWA SOUNKYO,” we look forward to your visit.

Kamikawa Town and Sounkyo recommended walk map

Recommended Round Trip Course Around Kamikawa and Sounkyo
First day
❶JR Kamikawa Station→❷Kamikawa Local History Museum→❸Ice Pavilion→❹Lunch in the town center→❺Sounkyo Visitor Center→❻Kurodake Ropeway→❼Daisetsuzan Kurodake Museum→❽Kurodake Fifth Station→❻Kurodake Ropeway→❾Mt.Daisetsu Photo Museum→Stay overnight at Sounkyo Onsen
Day 2
❿Momijidani Valley→⓫Momiji Falls→⓬Sobakudai→⓭Ryusei no Taki (Shooting Stars Falls)→⓮Daisetsu Mori-no Garden→❶JR Kamikawa Station

Enjoy the Nature Experiences and Gourmet Delights of the Sounkyo Area

The Daisetsuzan mountain range, known as Kamui Mintara—’The Playground of the Gods.’
From the base station of the Kurodake Ropeway in the Sounkyo Onsen town, a gateway to Daisetsuzan, take the ropeway and then transfer to a lift to reach the 7th station. From there, it’s just a 90-minute climb to the summit of Mount Kurodake. Experience the breathtaking scenes from the summit, where you can truly feel the spirit of Kamui Mintara.

The charms of the Sounkyo area

Japan's Earliest Autumn Leaves / Akadake Ginsendai

About a 40-minute drive from Sounkyo Onsen. Famous for being one of the best spots to view Japan's earliest autumn foliage, which peaks in mid-September.
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Sounkyo Visitor Center

This is the place to find information about Daisetsuzan National Park, especially detailed information on hiking and nature observation courses.
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Ginga no Taki (Milky Way Falls) and Ryusei no Taki (Shooting Stars Falls)

There are waterfalls in Sounkyo from Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. The point of beauty for the waterfalls in Sounkyo are the colummer joints found on each side of them.
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Sobakudai

To the left is Ginga Falls, and to the right is Ryusei Falls. The spot where you can view both waterfalls simultaneously is called Sobakudai.
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Obako, Kobako

A magnificent view unfolds before you with columnar joints forming enormous rock walls that line up neatly like folding screens, making it a popular photography spot. Note: The Kohako walking path is currently closed to traffic.
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Taisetsu Dam

Located in the uppermost reaches of the Ishikari River, this dam is rich in nature where visitors can enjoy fishing for ame trout and rainbow trout. You'll be lucky if you see a deer or a fox!
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Mikunitoge Pass

At an altitude of 1,139 meters, this is the highest mountain pass in Hokkaido. The view from the observation deck is stunning.
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Daisetsuzan Photo Museum

A photo museum dedicated to Takayoshi Ichinei, a leading authority on Daisetsuzan photography and one of Japan's most renowned mountain photographers.
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Sounkyo Information Center

An information center located inside the Sounkyo Bus Terminal. This is the perfect spot to gather information about the facilities around Sounkyo! Conveniently located right next to the bus stop.
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Climb Mount Kurodake and Take on Activities!

Kurodake Ropeway

1,984 meters above sea level, it offers a view of Kurodake's treasure house of outstanding Japanese alpine plants. You can take the 101- passenger ropeway by Kurodake Ropeway from the Sounkyo hot-spring resort to the Kurodake fifth stage in seven minutes one way. In winter this area becomes a popular skiing spot.
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Kurodake

Mount Daisetsu Kurodake, Elevation 1984m, You can take the ropeway and lift from the base to the 7th station (1520m). The hiking trail to the summit takes about 90 minutes. Spring skiing and alpine plants are popular. The path to Ishimuro is beautiful.
＞ Sounkyo Visitor Center

Kurodake Pair Lift

This lift connects the ropeway station (Kurodake 5th station) to the 7th station, covering a distance of 1100m and a height difference of 200m. Round-trip fare is 1000 yen (for adults). It is convenient for skiing in winter and spring and for hiking in summer.

Kogen Hot Spring Marsh Visit

An approximately 4 hour walking course. In summer there are alpine plants, and in autumn the changing leaves are beautiful. Begin the course from the entrance at the Higuma Information Center after taking a lecture.
＞ Taisetsu Kogen Onsen Bear Information Center

Ishikari River Rafting

Originating from the Daisetsuzan area, the Ishikari River offers rafting experiences with fast and slow currents and narrow and wide sections, making it a prime location for river adventures in Hokkaido.
＞ Alpine River Guide

Sounkyo Auto Campground

A 100% nature-filled campground located in the national park where you can enjoy camping in both summer and winter. With tents, bungalows, cottages, and BBQ facilities, this is the perfect base to fully enjoy Daisetsuzan.
＞ Sounkyo Auto Campsite
For information on mountains, seasonal observation events, and other events, please visit the official website of the Sounkyo Visitor Center.
The route from Mount Kuro to Mount Asahi (Kurodake to Asahidake Traverse).
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Eating in the Sounkyo Area

Tozan-ken

A specialty shop for authentic Asahikawa ramen (Asahikawa ramen is characterized by a soy sauce-based broth, wavy medium-thin noodles, extra lard, and a double broth made from a combination of seafood and chicken-pork bone stock).

Taisetsu Mountain Restaurant

A set meal restaurant that also serves local ramen. The restaurant is known for its exquisite broth, slow-cooked to perfection. The locally sourced Keikoku-flavored pork is a highlight.

BLACK MOUNTAIN COFFEE by Colombia

COFFEE Columbia, located on the third floor of the Kurodake Ropeway mountain station, offers a warm, wooden ambiance. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Tree Bird

Tree Bird is a convenient cafe, light meal spot, and guesthouse. It is located next to the only convenience store in the hot spring town, a Seicomart.

Beer Grill Canyon

It is an Italian-style restaurant and Western cuisine establishment. It is connected to the popular day-use hot spring, Kurodake no Yu.

Tomo-chan Shokudo Kurodake Branch

It is a cafeteria located inside the Kurodake Ropeway 5th Station. This is the highest restaurant in Hokkaido. The recommended dish is soy sauce ramen.

Taisetsu Bakery Cafe & Bar

It is an authentic bakery café located inside Hotel Taisetsu. Both the coffee and bread are crafted with great care, with attention to detail in every aspect.

The Three Hot Springs of Kamikawa

Kamikawa Town in Hokkaido is known as the gateway to the Daisetsu Mountain Range, often referred to as “Kamui Mintara,” or the “garden where gods play.” It is the starting point for enthusiasts from around the world who aim to reach the roof of central Hokkaido. There are three main hiking routes to enjoy Daisetsu National Park, each with its own hot spring area. These natural hot springs provide comfort and healing to mountaineers and are carefully maintained by the “yumori” (hot spring caretakers). Sounkyo Onsen at the base of Mount Kurodake, which serves as the gateway for hiking. Aizankei Onsen at the base of Mount Aibetsu, providing a starting point for hikers. Taisetsu Kogen Onsen at the base of Mount Shirakumodake, another entry point for hiking.

Sounkyo Onsen

The hot springs at the foot of the mountain in Japan's largest national park, Daisetsuzan National Park. It is a full-scale mountain resort with 17 hotels and inns in a nature rich gorge.
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Aizankei Onsen

Around Aizankei Onsen, there are the Numanohira Marsh and Kumoigahara Wetlands, which are known for their natural beauty. It also serves as a starting point for hikes to Mount Asahidake, Mount Hokuchindake, and Mount Kurodake. The accommodation facility in the area is Aizankei Club, offering a luxurious and hidden hot spring experience. It truly is a lavish retreat in nature.
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Taisetsu Kogen Onsen

"Open for 123 days a year. Stretch your body fully and take a deep breath in the outdoor hot spring while gazing at the star-filled sky. This is the Taisetsu Kogen Mountain Lodge. It is the trailhead to Mount Hakunodake. Truly a luxurious hidden hot spring."
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View Accommodation Information ＜Official Website＞

Enjoy the History, Culture, and Cuisine of Kamikawa Town

Kamikawa Town is known for its agriculture and dairy farming. Due to the temperature differences in the highland region, high-sugar-content vegetables are harvested. It is also a producer of the soft, fine-textured meat of the Daisetsu Highlands beef.

Attractions of the Urban Area

Daisetsu Mori-no Garden

This is a flower garden of the forest where approximately 500 flower species are displayed under 5 themes. The areas of interest in the garden (mori no engeikan) are built considering the natural landscape and follow 7 themes.
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Ice Pavilion

A facility where you can experience a fantastical space maintained at -20°C. Rare experiences include freezing a towel in just a few seconds or driving a nail with a banana.
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Kamikawa Town Local History Museum

A museum where you can learn about the history of development in the mountainous regions of Hokkaido. It is valuable for its preservation of 7,000 records and materials. Visitors can also enjoy reading here. Admission is free.
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Kawa Daisetsu Brewery Gift Shop Midorigaoka Warehouse

At the Kamikawa Taisetsu Sake Brewery Gift Shop, a variety of items are sold, including sake, sake lees, sake utensils, hand towels, and food products, many of which are exclusive items.
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The Bell of Espoir

The Bell of Hope located at the Taisetsu Observatory. The sound of the bell rings every three hours starting at 9 a.m. each day, marking the time.
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Heavy snowfall

A popular facility where anyone can easily catch rainbow trout, white-spotted char, and cherry salmon.
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Kamikawa Town Exchange & Co-working Space PORTO

PORTO is an exchange space and co-working space in Kamikawa Town, utilizing a former vacant bank building.
Official website

Taisetsu Kamikawa Nukumo

This is a place for exchange between local residents, immigrants, and tourists, a warm gathering space, a place for children's education, and a café space.
Official website

Floating island marshland

It is one of the few highland wetlands in Japan, located at an elevation of 860m. It is a hidden gem where you can observe around 70 wetlands, both large and small, from wooden walkways.
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Eat Japan's Best Ramen, Kamikawa Ramen

Yoshino Kamikawa Store

If you're going to Kamikawa, you must try the ramen. This place is known for its rich miso soup with a large serving of bean sprouts, featuring a W broth (a combination of seafood and chicken and pork bones). It's the number one ramen shop in Kamikawa.

Nidaime Tatsujin Takahashi

A restaurant that serves the exquisite sesame miso ramen with a secret recipe passed down from the first-generation Iron Man, Masaharu Shibayama. It features the distinctive W-soup (a combination of fish-based, chicken, and pork bone broth). It is one of the best ramen shops in Kamikawa.

Akashi

A restaurant located in front of Kamikawa Station. The recommended dish is the Char Siu ramen made with local Keikokumiton pork. It features the distinctive W-soup (a combination of fish-based, chicken, and pork bone broth). It is one of the best ramen shops in Kamikawa.

Kiyoshi Shokudo

The most popular dish is the salt ramen with a pork bone base. The noodles and W-soup (a combination of fish-based, chicken, and pork bone broth) are made using spring water from Mount Daisetsu. It is one of the best ramen shops in Kamikawa.

Asahi Shokudo

The popular dishes are "Toku Miso" (a blend of vegetables, fruits, red miso, and W-soup: a combination of fish-based, chicken, and pork bone broth) and "Maboroshi no Shio" (limited to 20 servings: made with salt from Lake Saroma). It is one of the best ramen shops in Kamikawa.

Satsuki

The recommended dish is "Black Salt Ramen," featuring a W-soup (a combination of fish-based, chicken, and pork bone broth) with a distinctive local black garlic soup. It is one of the best ramen shops in Kamikawa.

Dining in the Downtown and Suburban Areas

Hakusen

A high-end Japanese restaurant located in front of Kamikawa Station. The recommended dish is the locally sourced Miton pork set meal. It includes pork loin cutlet, braised pork sweet-and-sour, rice, and miso soup.

KINUBARI COFFEE ROASTERS

KinuBari Coffee, specializing in house-roasted, naturally processed beans. This shop, run by Kinubari Ezomaru-san, offers a range of coffee experiences, from deep flavors to bitterness, acidity, and fruity notes.

JA Asa-Mogi Market "Fukuru"

It is a direct sales outlet of Kamikawa Central Agricultural Cooperative. They sell seasonal fresh vegetables (the sweet Daisetsu Plateau vegetables). The stress caused by temperature differences enhances the flavor of these vegetables, making it a noteworthy farmers' market.

Machigaine Ezo Base

It is a homemade bread, homemade sausage (using the four seasons at the foot of the mountain) and handmade pound cake.

FRATELLO DI MIKUNI

Fratello di Mikuni, a restaurant produced by Chef Kiyomi Mikuni, offers seasonal lunch courses such as the "Four Seasons of Daisetsu Course" and the "Mother Earth Course."

Midorioka Teahouse

A cafe operated by Kamikawa Taisetsu Sake Brewery located in the Taisetsu Forest Garden. The recommended item is the amazake gelato made with sake lees.

Tanbo Cafe Minami Kaze

At Minamikaze (owned by a couple who moved from Okinawa), you can enjoy local set meals with chicken, pork, and grilled fish, served with a drink.

Mochigoya Mam

Mochigoya Mam is a cafe with a blue-colored interior where you can enjoy a variety of rice-based sweets such as daifuku (mochi filled with sweet fillings) and ohagi (sweet rice balls). The cafe also offers coffee, soybean coffee, and café au lait, along with a monthly rotating lunch menu.

Cafe & Stay with dog Ringo Mura

This is a dog-friendly accommodation and specialty coffee shop located on the way to Aiyama Keikyo Onsen. It offers a space where you can stay with your dog while enjoying specialty coffee. Information about activities in the surrounding area is also available.

Seasonal Events

Kamikawa Town Hometown Festival

＜Late August＞
The Kamikawa Town Furusato Matsuri is held every August at the Kamikawa Station Plaza. It is a participatory event featuring various attractions, where you can taste the local specialties of the town.
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Sounkyo Onsen Gorge Fire Festival

＜Late July to early August＞
The Sounkyo Onsen Gorge Fire Festival is the largest summer event in Sounkyo. It features a reenactment of the Ainu people's traditional "Fukuro Shrine Ritual." The festival showcases a mystical and solemn display of fire performances, taiko drumming, and traditional Ainu dances, all set against the stunning backdrop of the gorge.
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Miracle Illuminate

＜Mid-September Saturday~Sunday mid-October＞
The first-ever autumn foliage light-up event in Daisetsuzan National Park is held at the "Koyo Valley" in Sounkyo Onsen. Visitors can enjoy Japan's earliest autumn leaves in Daisetsu both during the day and at night, with the stunning foliage illuminated in the evening for a magical experience.
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The Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival

＜Late January~early March＞
The ice is molded over a period of 3 months, allowing it to freeze in layers below freezing temperature. 7 colors light up to create a fantastic world.This is one of the leading Hokkaido winter festivals with fireworks launched on the weekend.
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Nearby Sightseeing

Mt.Asahidake

Mount Daisetsu, the highest peak in Hokkaido, stands at 2,291 meters. It is rich in alpine plant species and is known as one of the earliest places in Japan to experience autumn foliage.
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Higashikawa

Tokachigawa Onsen

The distinctive feature of this hot spring is its dark brown, moor water, which contains a high amount of plant-based organic matter.
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Otofuke

Nukavira Onsen Village

Nukabira Onsen, with its abundant supply of hot spring water, is highly regarded by enthusiasts as a destination where you can enjoy the flowing natural hot spring waters.
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Kamishihoro

Taushubetsu River Bridge

The bridge over the Taushubetsu River is known as the "phantom bridge" because it appears and disappears depending on the fluctuating water levels of the dam.
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Kamishihoro

Shikisai no Oka Hill

A colorful flower field stretches out with the Tokachi-dake mountain range in the background. From July to August, lavender blooms, while from September to October, marigolds and other flowers color the hills, depending on the season.
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Biei

Blue Pond

A mysterious pond where the surface appears blue. The contrast between the blue of the pond and the autumn foliage is beautiful.
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Biei

Farm Tomita

The birthplace of lavender tourism. This is the oldest lavender garden in Japan, featuring a variety of flowers throughout the seasons, as well as original products such as soaps and perfumes.
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Nakafurano

Asahiyama Zoo

Incorporating "behavioral exhibits" where visitors can observe animals in their natural behaviors, this facility is gaining attention from around the world.
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Asahikawa

Access

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Recommended route: From Asahikawa Airport

Car: about 1 hour and 20 minutes (about 72km)
Bus: Take the 79-Asahikawa Airport Line (direct) to Asahikawa Station in about 35 minutes. From Asahikawa Station, take the 81-Souunkyo Line to Souunkyo in about 2 hours.

Recommended route: From Sapporo

From Sapporo Station, take the "Limited Express Lilac/Kamui" to JR Asahikawa Station in 1 hour and 25 minutes.
From Asahikawa Station, take bus number 81 (Sounkyo Line) to Sounkyo, which takes about 2 hours. By car, it takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes (using expressways) and covers a distance of 200 km.

Recommended route: From Tokyo

Haneda Airport to Asahikawa Airport takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes.
By bus: The direct 79-Asahikawa Airport Line takes about 35 minutes to Asahikawa Station. From there, the 81-Sounkyo Line takes about 2 hours to reach Sounkyo.

Bus (Dohoku Bus)
  • Asahikawa Airport ⇔ Asahikawa Sta. about 35 min.
  • Asahikawa Sta. ⇔ JR Kamikawa sta. about 1hr. 20min.
  • Asahikawa Sta. ⇔ Sounkyo Onsen About 2 hrs.
  • JR Kamikawa Sta. ⇔ Sounkyo Onsen about 30 min.
Railroad (JR)
  • Sapporo Sta.⇔ Kamikawa Sta. about 2hr 5min (Express)
  • Sapporo Sta⇔ Asahikawa Sta. about 1hr 20min (Express)
  • Asahikawa Sta. ⇔ Kamikawa Sta. about 40 min.
  • Asahikawa Sta. ⇔ Kamikawa Sta. about 1hr. 10min.
By Car
  • Asahikawa Airport ⇔ Sounkyo about 70km, about 1 hr. 15 min.
  • Asahikawa Airport ⇔ Kamikawa Sta. about 45km, about 60 min.
  • Kamikawa Sta ⇔ Gannon Gorge about 22km, about 25min.
  • JR Sapporo Sta ⇔ Sangun-kyo about 200km, about 2hr 40min
  • Pankunkyo ⇔ Furuhira, about 62km, about 60min
Airplane
  • Asahikawa – Tokyo about 1 hr. 40 min.
  • Asahikawa – Narita: about 1 hr. 50 min.
  • Asahikawa – Nagoya: about 1 hr. 45 min.

Sounkyo Tourism Association
〒078-1741 Chuo-cho, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
TEL：+81-1658-2-1811

Sounkyo Tourism Association official website

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