Sounkyo Onsen: A Majestic Alpine Retreat Amidst Hokkaido’s Columnar Cliffs
Sounkyo Onsen is a destination of dramatic proportions, where the raw power of volcanic history is etched into every towering cliff and cascading waterfall. Located at the northern gateway to the Daisetsuzan National Park—Japan’s largest national park—this hot spring resort is nestled within a 24-kilometer-long gorge carved by the Ishikari River. Known for its unique “Canadian lodge” style architecture and its proximity to the “Roof of Hokkaido,” Sounkyo offers a breathtaking fusion of rugged wilderness and refined thermal relaxation. Whether you are soaring over the peaks on the Kurodake Ropeway, witnessing the vibrant colors of Japan’s earliest autumn leaves, or exploring a frozen world of glowing ice sculptures in midwinter, Sounkyo provides an immersive escape into the primeval heart of the north.
Key Information
| Address | 〒078-1701 北海道上川郡上川町層雲峡 / Sounkyo, Kamikawa Town, Hokkaido |
| Google Maps | View on Google Maps |
| Spring Quality | Simple Sulfur Springs (Weakly Alkaline) |
| Benefits | Neuralgia, rheumatism, diabetes, high blood pressure, and recovery from fatigue |
| Access | 35 min by bus from JR Kamikawa Station; 2 hours by direct bus from Asahikawa or Sapporo |
| Number of Ryokans | Approximately 15 properties, including grand resort hotels and cozy mountain lodges |
| Day-trip Bathing | Available at Kurodake no Yu and most major hotels like Hotel Taisetsu |
The Healing Waters: Volcanic Heat and “Breath of the Mountains”
The thermal waters of Sounkyo are a direct gift from the volcanic activity of the Daisetsuzan mountain range. Discovered in the mid-19th century by explorers surveying the central highlands, the springs officially opened as a modern resort in the 1950s. Scientifically, the water is classified as a simple sulfur spring. Unlike the highly acidic “stinging” waters of other volcanic regions, Sounkyo’s springs are mild and gentle on the skin, making them ideal for long, meditative soaks. The water gushes from the source at high temperatures, enriched with minerals that promote peripheral blood circulation and soothe muscle stiffness. This “gentle healing” is highly sought after by hikers and skiers who use Sounkyo as their base of operations for conquering the 2,000-meter peaks of the Daisetsu range.
Top 5 Recommended Ryokans
- Hotel Taisetsu ONSEN & CANYON RESORT (Luxury/View): Perched on the highest point in the village, this hotel features three distinct large bathhouses. The “Chinita no Yu” floor-to-ceiling windows offer an unrivaled view of the Sounkyo gorge.
- Sounkyo Choyotei (Heritage/Elegance): Designed with a modern Japanese aesthetic, it features a spectacular top-floor open-air bath that allows you to feel as if you are floating among the basalt cliffs.
- Sounkaku Grand Hotel (Family/Traditional): A historic establishment known for its massive rock-lined baths and its commitment to traditional “Kaiseki” hospitality.
- Sounkyo Onsen Choyo Resort Hotel (Wellness/Nature): Located slightly apart from the main village, it focuses on forest wellness, offering diverse herbal and aromatherapy-infused baths.
- Mount View Hotel (Value/Adventure): A comfortable, lodge-style hotel popular with serious mountain climbers, offering efficient service and high-quality mineral baths.
Must-Visit Public Baths (Soto-yu)
The primary destination for day-trip visitors is Kurodake no Yu, located in the center of the village. For a modest fee of roughly 600 yen, travelers can enjoy two floors of bathing, including a sauna and an outdoor rooftop bath with views of the surrounding peaks. It maintains a warm, community atmosphere where hikers often gather to share stories of their summit attempts. For a more casual experience, the Sounkyo Footbath is a free public facility located near the bus terminal, perfect for relaxing after a walk to the waterfalls.
Walking Guide & Scenic Spots
A stroll along the Sounkyo Gorge Promenade is essential. Visit the “Twin Falls”: Ginga no Taki (Milky Way Falls) and Ryusei no Taki (Shooting Star Falls), which drop 120 meters and 90 meters respectively down the columnar cliffs. For a higher perspective, take the Kurodake Ropeway and the subsequent lift to the 7th station of Mt. Kurodake. This offers a panoramic view of the “Roof of Hokkaido.” In mid-September, this is the very first place in Japan where the leaves change color. For a quieter trek, follow the Momijidani Trail, a 30-minute walk through the forest that leads to a hidden waterfall framed by vibrant autumn maples.
Local Gastronomy & Souvenirs
The culinary specialty of the area is Rainbow Trout and Yamame (Mountain Trout) caught in the Ishikari River. The nearby town of Kamikawa is also a “Ramen Kingdom”; don’t miss Kamikawa Ramen, characterized by its deep miso broth and local wheat noodles. For souvenirs, look for woodcraft items made from local birch and pine, as well as “Daisetsu Mountain Honey” and original sweets inspired by the “Snow Crystal” patterns found only in this frigid climate.
Cultural & Historical Context
The Ainu people have long called this range Kamui Mintara (Playground of the Gods). In their oral history, the gorge was formed when a giant god carved the earth with a wooden tool. Japanese exploration was pioneered by men like Ichitaro Matsuda in the late Edo period, who sought a pass through the mountains. Today, Sounkyo is a model for coexisting with a high-alpine environment, maintaining strict regulations to preserve the primeval forest while welcoming nearly two million visitors annually.
Practical Travel Tips
Transportation: Free shuttle buses are provided by many major hotels from Asahikawa and Sapporo, but advance booking is mandatory. Winter Clothing: Sounkyo is one of the coldest spots in Japan; in February, temperatures can drop to -20°C. Heavy down jackets and non-slip boots are essential. Tattoos: Larger resorts like Taisetsu and Choyotei have diverse policies; it is best to book a private bath if you have large tattoos, though small ones covered by stickers are often accepted in communal areas.
2025-2026 Latest Updates
The 51st Sounkyo Onsen Icefall Festival is scheduled to run from January 24 to March 8, 2026. This landmark event features multi-story ice structures built over three months using river water, illuminated in seven vibrant colors. Additionally, the Kurodake Ropeway will introduce new digital guidance systems in English and Chinese starting in the summer of 2025 to assist international hikers.
Safety & Manners
When using the ropeway, always check the weather forecast at the base station; mountain conditions can change from sunny to a “whiteout” in minutes. In the onsen, always sit on the provided stools while washing your body to avoid splashing other guests. Finally, remember that you are in a sensitive National Park; take all your trash back to your hotel or the city with you.
