Sounkyo Gorge
Columnar Basalt Walls and Cascading Waters
Sounkyo Gorge formed through the erosive power of the Ishikari River cutting through volcanic rock laid down by Mt. Daisetsu eruptions over millions of years. The result is a 24-kilometer canyon with sheer columnar basalt cliffs rising 150-200 meters on both sides. The name 'Sounkyo' means 'Stratum of Clouds Gorge,' referencing the dramatic morning mist that often fills the canyon, creating ethereal cloudscapes between the towering rock walls.
The Ainu people knew the gorge as a sacred passage through the mountains, part of their spiritual landscape. Modern development began in 1920 when a primitive road was carved through the gorge, opening access to the interior mountains. The construction of the current road in the 1960s further facilitated tourism, though the narrow canyon and harsh winters continue to limit development. Sounkyo Onsen hot spring resort town emerged at the gorge's upper reaches, becoming the primary base for Daisetsuzan National Park exploration.
The gorge achieved protected status as part of Daisetsuzan National Park in 1934, preserving its natural beauty. Today, it balances accessibility with conservation - paved roads and observation points allow easy viewing, while the cliff faces and river corridors remain pristine wilderness. The area has become particularly famous for its autumn foliage and winter ice formations, attracting photographers seeking dramatic natural scenery.
Key Highlights
- 24-kilometer gorge with 150-200m columnar basalt cliffs
- Ginga no Taki (Milky Way Falls) and Ryusei no Taki (Shooting Star Falls)
- Gateway to Daisetsuzan National Park alpine trails
- Spectacular autumn foliage reflected in canyon walls
- Winter ice climbing and frozen waterfalls
- Obako and Kobako scenic viewpoints with dramatic cliff views
Access Information
Location
Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 078-1701, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • Kamikawa Station (JR Sekihoku Main Line) - 30 min by bus
- • Sounkyo Onsen bus terminal - central gorge location
Opening Hours
Gorge road: 24-hour access; Sounkyo Ropeway & Chairlift: 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM (June-September), 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM (October-May); Visitor center: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Admission Fee
Free gorge access and viewpoints; Ropeway + chairlift combo: ¥3,400 (adults), ¥1,700 (children); Ice climbing tours: ¥8,000-15,000
How to Get There
From Asahikawa
Take Dohoku Bus from Asahikawa Station directly to Sounkyo Onsen (110 minutes, ¥2,200). Buses run 5-6 times daily. This is the most common access route providing direct service to the gorge's onsen resort area.
2 hours
From Kamikawa Station
Take Dohoku Bus from Kamikawa Station to Sounkyo Onsen (30 minutes, ¥900). Kamikawa is accessible via JR Sekihoku Main Line from Asahikawa (60 minutes, ¥1,290) or Abashiri (150 minutes). Bus-train combination offers flexibility.
30 minutes
From Sapporo
Take JR Limited Express to Asahikawa (80 minutes), then Dohoku Bus to Sounkyo Onsen (110 minutes). Total journey approximately 3.5 hours. Some direct highway buses operate seasonally (4 hours, ¥4,000).
3.5 hours
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Twin Waterfalls (Sōsetsu-dai)
The must-see highlight: Ginga no Taki (Milky Way Falls) cascades 104 meters down the cliff face, while adjacent Ryusei no Taki (Shooting Star Falls) plunges 90 meters. A 20-minute uphill trail from the parking area leads to Sōsetsu-dai observation platform offering simultaneous views of both falls. The falls flow strongest in late spring/early summer with snowmelt. Autumn foliage frames them beautifully. Free parking and viewing. Wear non-slip shoes for the trail.
Kurodake Ropeway & Alpine Access
From Sounkyo Onsen, the Kurodake Ropeway ascends 1,300m Mt. Kurodake in 7 minutes, followed by a chairlift to 1,520m (total ¥3,400 round-trip). From the top, 360-degree mountain panoramas encompass the Daisetsuzan range. A 90-minute hiking trail reaches Kurodake summit (1,984m). The ropeway area offers easy alpine access without strenuous climbing. Autumn colors peak in mid-September. Winter provides access to backcountry skiing terrain.
Autumn Foliage Spectacle
Mid-September to early October, the gorge transforms into a tapestry of red, orange, and gold. The columnar basalt cliffs provide dramatic contrast to the vibrant foliage. Best viewing points: Obako and Kobako cliffs, twin waterfalls area, and Sounkyo Onsen town surroundings. Drive slowly through the gorge road to appreciate changing perspectives. Morning mist rising through colored forests creates magical photography. Peak weekend traffic jams common - visit weekdays or very early.
Winter Ice Climbing & Frozen Falls
January-March, the gorge's waterfalls freeze into massive ice pillars attracting ice climbers worldwide. The annual Sounkyo Ice Festival (late January-mid March) features illuminated ice sculptures, ice buildings, and ice slides. Frozen Ginga and Ryusei falls create 100-meter blue ice walls. Guided ice climbing tours available for beginners (¥8,000-15,000, equipment included). Winter driving requires snow tires and caution. Dress extremely warmly - temperatures often -15 to -25°C.
Photography Guide
Early morning light (6-8 AM) illuminates the cliff faces while mist still fills the canyon. The twin waterfalls are best photographed in afternoon light (2-4 PM). Use polarizing filters to reduce water glare and enhance autumn colors. Wide-angle lenses capture the gorge's scale; telephoto compresses cliffs and waterfalls. Long exposures smooth waterfall flow. Autumn foliage reflection in puddles along the roadside creates interesting foreground. Winter blue hour illuminates ice formations magically.
Sounkyo Onsen Accommodation
The small hot spring resort town at the gorge's head offers 10-15 hotels and ryokan, all featuring natural volcanic hot springs. Budget options: Sounkyo Youth Hostel (¥4,500/night), mid-range Choyotei (¥12,000-18,000 with meals). Luxury: Kumoi Hotel (¥25,000+ with premium kaiseki). Most hotels offer day-use bathing (¥800-1,500). Staying overnight allows early morning gorge drives before tour buses arrive. Book ahead for autumn foliage season (September-October).
Gorge Walking & Viewpoints
Several pull-off observation points line the gorge road: Obako (Big Box) and Kobako (Small Box) offer dramatic cliff viewpoints. The 1.5-kilometer riverside walking trail from Sounkyo Onsen to the twin waterfalls provides close-up gorge immersion (30-40 minutes one-way). Limited in places, but worth the effort. Trail open late May-October (snow-free season). Bring water and wear hiking shoes. Watch for falling rocks and obey closure signs.
Practical Visitor Tips
The gorge road (Route 39) is the only route through the area - it can close due to weather, rockfalls, or avalanche danger (check conditions before driving). Gas stations limited - fill up in Kamikawa or Asahikawa. Convenience stores only in Sounkyo Onsen. Cell reception spotty in the gorge. The area is bear country - don't leave food in cars. Combination visit with Daisetsuzan hiking works well. Allow 2-3 hours minimum for gorge sightseeing.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to visit Sounkyo Gorge?
Autumn (late September to October) is spectacular when the gorge blazes with fall colors. Summer offers lush greenery and accessible hiking trails. Winter transforms the gorge into an ice wonderland, though some facilities close. Spring brings fresh greenery but can be rainy.
How long does it take to see Sounkyo Gorge?
A basic visit to see the main waterfalls and viewpoints takes 2-3 hours. Allow 4-5 hours if you want to take the ropeway up Mount Kurodake or explore hiking trails. Full-day excursions are ideal for serious hikers exploring Daisetsuzan National Park.
What are the must-see waterfalls in Sounkyo Gorge?
Ryusei Falls (male falls) and Ginga Falls (female falls) are the twin highlights, both dropping over 100 meters. The viewing platform offers panoramic views of both. Obako and Kobako, towering columnar rock formations, are equally impressive geological features worth seeing.
Is Sounkyo Gorge accessible by public transportation?
Yes, buses run from Kamikawa Station (JR Sekihoku Line) to Sounkyo Onsen, the gateway town, taking about 30 minutes. From there, many attractions are walkable or accessible by local shuttle. Rental cars offer more flexibility for exploring the wider Daisetsuzan area.
Are there hot springs in Sounkyo Gorge?
Sounkyo Onsen town sits at the gorge entrance, offering numerous hotels with hot spring baths. Many hotels allow day-use bathing. The sulfurous waters are perfect for relaxing after hiking. Some outdoor baths offer stunning mountain views, especially beautiful in autumn.
Can you hike in Sounkyo Gorge year-round?
Summer and autumn (June-October) offer the best hiking conditions with accessible trails. Winter hiking requires proper equipment and experience due to deep snow and avalanche risks. Many trails close from November to May. The ropeway operates year-round, weather permitting, offering winter access.
How difficult are the hiking trails in Sounkyo?
Trails range from easy riverside walks to challenging mountain ascents. The path between waterfalls is moderate and suitable for most visitors. Mount Kurodake summit hikes are strenuous, requiring 4-6 hours round-trip. Proper hiking boots and preparation are essential for mountain trails.
What should I bring for visiting Sounkyo Gorge?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, even for easy trails. Bring layers as temperatures drop with elevation. Water and snacks are important for longer hikes. A camera is a must for the dramatic scenery. In summer, insect repellent is helpful; in winter, warm clothing is critical.
Is the Sounkyo Ropeway worth taking?
Absolutely, especially if you're not up for the full hike. The ropeway ascends Mount Kurodake in 7 minutes, offering spectacular aerial views of the gorge and mountains. At the top, shorter trails provide amazing panoramas. Autumn colors viewed from above are particularly breathtaking.
Are there restaurants near Sounkyo Gorge?
Sounkyo Onsen town has several restaurants serving local Hokkaido cuisine, including fresh river fish and mountain vegetables. Many hotels offer dining for non-guests. Options are limited, so consider eating at your accommodation. Convenience stores have basic supplies and snacks.
What wildlife might I see in Sounkyo Gorge?
Daisetsuzan National Park is home to brown bears, so be cautious and make noise while hiking. Deer, foxes, and various bird species are common. Pikas (small rabbit-like mammals) inhabit rocky areas. Always maintain safe distances from wildlife and never feed animals.
Can I visit Sounkyo Gorge in winter?
Yes, though it's a completely different experience. The annual Ice Fall Festival (January-March) features stunning ice sculptures and illuminations. The gorge's frozen waterfalls are spectacular. Roads can be challenging, so prepare for winter driving. Many hiking trails are inaccessible due to snow.
How crowded does Sounkyo Gorge get?
Peak autumn foliage season (late September to mid-October) brings significant crowds, especially on weekends. Early mornings and weekdays are quieter. Summer sees moderate visitor numbers. Winter is relatively uncrowded except during the Ice Festival. Spring is the quietest season overall.
What is the Ice Fall Festival at Sounkyo?
Held annually from mid-January to mid-March, this winter festival features massive ice sculptures, ice climbing walls, and illuminated frozen waterfalls. Evening light displays create magical atmospheres. Visitors can enjoy ice slides and warming stations. It's one of Hokkaido's premier winter events.
Are there accommodations at Sounkyo Gorge?
Sounkyo Onsen offers various accommodations, from traditional ryokans to modern hotels, most featuring hot spring baths. Booking ahead is essential during peak seasons. Many hotels offer stunning gorge views. Budget options are limited, with most being mid-range to upscale onsen resorts.
What photography spots are best at Sounkyo Gorge?
The twin waterfalls viewing platform offers the iconic shot. Early morning light on the cliffs is stunning. Autumn colors reflect beautifully at riverside spots. From the ropeway, aerial perspectives are dramatic. In winter, frozen waterfalls and ice formations create unique opportunities.
How far is Sounkyo Gorge from Asahikawa?
About 60 kilometers, roughly 90 minutes by car via Route 39. The drive itself is scenic, passing through mountain landscapes. Bus service is available but less frequent. Combining Sounkyo with a visit to Asahikawa (famous for its zoo and ramen) makes an excellent two-day itinerary.
Can beginners hike Mount Kurodake from Sounkyo?
With proper preparation, yes. Take the ropeway to the 5th station, then the chairlift further up. The remaining hike to the summit takes 1-2 hours on marked trails. Conditions change rapidly, so check weather forecasts. Inexperienced hikers should stick to lower trails or hire guides.
What makes Sounkyo Gorge geologically unique?
The gorge features impressive columnar jointing—vertical rock columns formed by volcanic activity and erosion over millions of years. These hexagonal basalt formations reach 150-200 meters high. The narrow gorge was carved by the Ishikari River, creating dramatic cliffs and waterfalls throughout the 24-kilometer stretch.
Is there cell phone reception in Sounkyo Gorge?
Coverage is reliable in Sounkyo Onsen town and near major tourist facilities. Signal becomes spotty on hiking trails and in the deeper gorge areas. Mountains block reception at higher elevations. Download maps and information before arriving, and inform someone of your hiking plans for safety.
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