2025 Kamikawa Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#waterfall #100 ways to travel One of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan, the most famous twin waterfalls in Sounkyo Gorge in the Daisetsuzan Mountains of Hokkaido # Meteor Falls # Galaxy Falls. Because the Ishikari River flows through the Sounkyo Gorge and pours down from the cliff into the valley, the most beautiful waterfalls are the Ryusei and the Milky Way. Galaxy Waterfall is like a gurgling stream of white silk, elegant and light, so it is also called the female waterfall; Meteor Waterfall is a male waterfall because its water volume is so powerful that it looks like thousands of horses galloping down. If you want to see the double dragons soaring down the waterfall at the same time, just climb up to the double waterfall viewing platform at the back. Self-driving is recommended as the mode of transportation. After all, transportation in Daisetsuzan Mountain is inconvenient. If you want to take public transportation, you must first go to JR Kamikawa Station, and then transfer to the bus to Sounka, which takes about 30 minutes. # Hokkaidoself-driving # Hokkaido travel # Daisetsuzan Sounkyo # Waterfall # 100 ways to travel

🌟Backstory Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ski Resort is located in the Sounkyo area of ​​Hokkaido, Japan. It is a paradise for ski enthusiasts. The ski resort is located in the magnificent Daisetsuzan National Park and is famous for its excellent snow quality and diverse ski trails, attracting skiers from all over the world. ⛷️ Ski resort features Various ski slopes Kurodake Ski Resort has two main ski trails, which are specially designed for beginners and intermediate skiers. Whether you are a skier who has just started learning or an intermediate skier who has mastered basic skills, you can find a trail that suits you and enjoy it here. Exciting skiing experience. Excellent snow quality Due to its strategic location, Kurodake Ski Resort can accumulate a large amount of high-quality powder snow every winter, making the skiing feel extremely smooth, allowing skiers to enjoy the best skiing fun. beautiful natural landscape The ski resort is surrounded by magnificent mountains and beautiful natural scenery. While skiing, you can also enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Snowy Mountains, which is refreshing. 🏔️Other activities In addition to skiing, Kurodake Ski Resort also provides a variety of winter activities, such as sledding, snowshoeing, etc., allowing tourists to enjoy more fun in the snow. 📝 Tips When visiting Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ski Resort, it is recommended to check the weather and ski slope opening conditions in advance. Dress warmly and bring the appropriate ski gear for a safe and enjoyable skiing experience! 📸⛷️ 📍 Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 078-1701 Japan 🕰️Business hours: 06:00-17:40 #ski #wintersports #fun

🌟Backstory Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway is located in Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido and is an important means of transportation to the top of Kurodake Mountain. Not only does this cable car make it easy for visitors to reach the top of the mountain, it also provides spectacular views of the surrounding natural beauty during the journey. 🚡 Cable car features 🏞️Spectacular views*** The cable car ride takes about 10 minutes, and you can enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery and rich forest landscape of Sounkyo along the way. As the cable car ascends, you will continue to feel the changes brought about by the height, and your views will become wider and wider. 🌄Beautiful scenery in four seasons Whether it's snowy winter or lush greenery in summer, the Kurodake Ropeway can provide you with different natural landscapes. In autumn, you can also enjoy the colorful red leaves, which is unforgettable. 🏔️Mountain Adventure** After the cable car reaches the top of the mountain, visitors can choose to further explore the surrounding trails, or take photos on the viewing platform at the top of the mountain to experience the magnificence of the mountain. 📝 Tips When visiting the Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Cable Car, it is recommended to check the cable car operating times to plan your trip. Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for an enjoyable hiking and viewing experience on the mountain! 📸🏞️ 📍 Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 078-1701 Japan 🕰️ Opening hours: 24 hours (photos taken at dusk are best) 💸Ticket fee: Adult round trip 2,600 yen # cable car # snowscape # 100 ways to travel

🌟Backstory The Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival is located in Hokkaido, Japan. It is a unique winter festival that attracts a large number of tourists to admire the spectacular ice falls and ice sculpture art. Every winter, the hot springs here interweave with the ice and snow landscape, creating a dreamy ice and snow kingdom. In particular, the colorful light refraction creates different light and shadow effects through the ice sculptures, making the entire exhibition full of mysterious atmosphere, as if you are in a fairy tale world. ❄️Ice waterfalls and ice sculptures At the Ice Falls Festival, you can admire the spectacular ice falls and exquisite ice sculptures. Formed by natural water flow, these icefalls are carefully designed and carved into a variety of beautiful shapes and colors. The theme will be different every year, giving people a fresh feeling every time they visit. 📝 Tips (Special reminder, it’s really cold) When attending the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Falls Festival, it is recommended to wear warm clothing to cope with the cold weather. Remember to bring your camera to capture these spectacular ice and snow landscapes! Check the event schedule in advance to make the most of this unique winter experience. 📸❄️ 📍 Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 078-1701 Japan 🕰️Business hours: 17:00 - 21:30 💸 Ticket fee: 1,000 yen (January to March every year, the exact date will be announced on the official website depending on the weather) #localfestival #snowscape #cold

【Introduction】: Every autumn, Hokkaido, Japan, turns into a fairy tale world of red maple and golden leaves. As a popular destination for viewing autumn leaves in Japan, Hokkaido's autumn leaves season runs from mid-September to mid-October, with leaves scattered all over the streets, mountains, and lakes. Famous autumn leaves viewing spots such as Daisetsuzan, Lake Shikotsu, and Jozankei are layered with maple leaves, ginkgo leaves, and autumn water, attracting a large number of tourists to visit. ⛺【Travel Tips】: Best time to view autumn leaves: The peak season for red maple leaves is usually from late September to mid-October, with specific times varying depending on the altitude. The autumn leaves in high-altitude areas such as Daisetsuzan enter the viewing period first, while the autumn leaves in Jozankei and Lake Shikotsu around Sapporo are a little later. Equipment requirements: Hokkaido has a lower temperature in autumn, so it is recommended to bring a windproof jacket and warm clothes, especially when the temperature difference is large in the morning and evening. Comfortable sports shoes or hiking shoes are essential for viewing autumn leaves, as most of the scenic spots are hiking routes. Photographic equipment and spare batteries are essential. Precautions: Most of the scenic spots have many mountain roads, so you should walk according to your ability. Some areas such as Daisetsuzan may experience low temperatures, so keep warm and check the weather forecast in advance and adjust your itinerary. 🛬【Itinerary】: One-day tour: It is recommended to visit Jozankei Onsen and Red Leaf Canyon. Depart from Sapporo city in the morning and head to Jozankei (about 1 hour by car). Take a walk in the canyon surrounded by red leaves and enjoy the autumn scenery. Lunch can be enjoyed at a local hot spring inn. Relax in the hot spring in the afternoon and end the day's autumn leaves viewing tour. Two-day tour: Depart from Sapporo and visit Daisetsuzan on the first day. Take the cable car up the mountain and enjoy the magnificent view of the red maple leaves on the top of the mountain. Stay at a nearby hot spring hotel at night, and get up early the next day to watch the maple leaves in the morning mist. Then head to Lake Shikotsu and enjoy the perfect combination of lake water and red maple leaves by the lake. 🧡【Tips】: Photography tips: Hokkaido's maple leaves are rich in color, so it is recommended to shoot in clear weather. The morning and evening sun can best show the bright colors of the red maple leaves. The reflection scenes around the lake and hot springs are also worth capturing. When shooting, you can use a wide-angle lens to show a sense of hierarchy. Transportation suggestions: Hokkaido has convenient transportation. You can take public transportation or rent a car to drive to the main autumn leaves viewing areas from Sapporo. Self-driving is more flexible and you can stop along the way to enjoy the beautiful red maple leaves. Accommodation recommendations: During the autumn leaves viewing period, hot spring inns are very popular, so it is recommended to book in advance. It is recommended to stay at Jozankei Onsen or Lake Shikotsu Onsen, where you can enjoy the autumn leaves while soaking in the hot spring, and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of Hokkaido in autumn. Food recommendations: Autumn is the harvest season for seafood in Hokkaido. You can try local crab pot, fresh fish sashimi and other delicacies. At the same time, while viewing the autumn leaves, you can also taste Hokkaido's authentic hot spring buns and hot spring eggs, which is an experience not to be missed.

#JapanTravel #Hokkaido #HokkaidoTravel #GalaxyWaterfall #HikingTravel 🏞️ Recommended waterfalls where you can enjoy Hokkaido's beautiful summer natural scenery and green healing 🌊 📍GalaxyWaterfall: Japan 〒078-1701 Hokkaido Kamikawa District, Kamikawa-jo Sounkyo 🌊 Let me introduce you to the representative scenic spot 'GalaxyWaterfall' where you can enjoy the summer natural scenery of Daisetsuzan and Daisetsuzan in Hokkaido! It is an impressive place with an elegant waterfall and refreshing peaks. It is a great place to enjoy green healing while looking at the clean mountain air and wonderful nature, and there is a campsite nearby, so it is also good to go camping for a day! 🏕️ Go to GalaxyWaterfall in Kamikawa to feel the summer of Hokkaido!

#JapanTravel #HokkaidoTravel #Hokkaido #Sounkyo #ResortRecommendation #HotSpringTravel 🏝️ Recommended Hokkaido hot spring resort hotels where you can spend a comfortable and relaxing vacation 🩵 📍Sounkyo Joyo Resort Hotel: Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 078-1701 Japan 📍The sulfur water of Sounkyo Onsen, located on the basement floor that feels like it's on the ground, is very good and healing! ♨️ Introducing 'Sounkyo Joyo Resort Hotel' located in the beautiful nature of Hokkaido where you can relax peacefully in the hot Sounkyo sulfur hot spring water! It's a resort hotel located in the Kamikawa area, and it's a cute place with a cute lobby and many events. ✨There's also a 7-Eleven in front, so it's convenient even though it's in the mountains, and you can see the waterfall and beautiful mountain features right next to the hotel! We hope you enjoy your vacation with hot springs at Sounkyo Joyang Resort Hotel! 🩵

If the representative hot spring in central Hokkaido is the Noboribetsu Onsen area, then the representative hot spring in northern Hokkaido should be the Sounkyo Onsen Resort, which is also one of the larger hot spring resorts in Hokkaido. Sounkyo is a canyon located in Kamikawa, Hokkaido, Japan, within the Daisetsuzan National Park. Travelers can drive from Asahikawa City towards the Daisetsuzan Mountains, which takes about 70 minutes. There are many hot spring hotels in Sounkyo Onsen Street, all of which are quaint and have a lot of specialty shops to visit. At the end of the shopping street is the Kurodake Cable Car Sounkyo Station. Visitors can take the Kurodake cable car, which takes about six minutes to reach Kurodake Station and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Daisetsuzan and other mountains from the perspective of the mountainside. Every winter, Kurodake Station has a chairlift that goes directly to the famous Daisetsuzan Ski Resort, but it is only open from October to April each year. If you want to go skiing, please pay attention to the opening hours and dates.

The steep cliffs of Sounkyo in Daikokusan National Park are etched out by rivers and feature many waterfalls. Among them, the well-known Meteorite Falls and Ginga Falls are listed among the top 100 waterfalls in Japan. Meteor Falls is like a meteor shining in the night sky. Unfortunately, in winter, both the reservoir and the river are frozen, so you can only look at the icicles. The best time to see it is in summer. #NewYear'sDestinations#JapanTravel#Hokkaido#Waterfall#NationalPark

A must-see snow scene in Hokkaido, the twin waterfalls of Sounkyo Gorge are worth seeing👍 The magnificent canyon, the flying snow all over the sky, and the white snow covering the ground are simply beautiful.

This Chen Yunxia Tourist Hotel in Hokkaido is a very famous hotel. You can take many beautiful photos here. The whole scenery outside is completely red in autumn. It is very beautiful. It is definitely a place worth visiting. There are also many tourists who come here to take pictures. The scenery on the road is very beautiful. It is a hotel that is worth coming here to enjoy.

Hokkaido Ice Pavilion in Kamikawa-cho, Hokkaido✨ The world's first and largest facility for experiencing the cold all year round🧊 The ice world stretches out as far as the eye can see in 360 degrees🎵 You can enjoy experiences that you can't often experience anywhere else, such as the extreme cold experience corner at minus 41 degrees Celsius, and diamond dust and clione displays😊 ＊Hokkaido Ice Pavilion 40 Sakae-cho, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 078-1733 #QuintessaCampaign#Hokkaido #HokkaidoTrip #HokkaidoIcePavilion

Daisetsu no Mori Garden is a vast garden at the foot of Mt. Daisetsu. It's close to Sounkyo Onsen, so it's perfect for stopping by on your way to the hot springs. The five gardens, Daisetsu Garden, Shiki no Sumika, Hana no Izumi, Kamimi no Niwa, and Kamuy Mintara, are planted with seasonal flowers, allowing you to feel the great outdoors of Hokkaido. Going further in, you'll find the "Play Forest," where wooden play equipment is gathered, and it's fun for both children and adults. The "Forest Xylophone" is one of the most recommended items. It was also used in an NTT Docomo commercial, so many people may have seen it! ? 📍841-8 Kikusui, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido (Daisetsu Kogen Asahigaoka) #Great Nature #Flower Field #Hokkaido Trip #trip2022

Kamikawa Town is known for Sounkyo and Mount Daisetsu. This town, home to two of Hokkaido's most famous tourist destinations, is where this exchange and co-working space opened just last month. Even non-members can use the co-working area for 500 yen a day (very fast WIFI is also available). The exchange space and gallery were available for free. There's still a long way to go, so we're looking forward to what the future holds. #freespots #cafes #Hokkaido #workation

Kurodake Ishimuro, Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido It is 800m and 20 minutes from the summit of Mt. Kurodake Ishimuro. From the summit, you can get there by walking along a relatively gentle ridge and then descending a little bit of rocky ground. It is open and there is only one path, so you won't get lost. If you have time, if you go to the summit, try heading for Kurodake Ishimuro. There is a shelter and camping space, where people who climb other mountains stay. As someone who doesn't usually climb mountains, I think the colorful tents are photogenic. The high altitude makes it cool even in summer, and in September the weather was just right for wearing a thin down jacket. #Secret summer resort #Summer trip#Breathtaking views

Mt. Kurodake is located in Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido. Mt. Kurodake is a mountain that even beginners can climb from the 7th station to the summit using the ropeway and lift. I don't usually climb mountains, but I was able to climb this mountain. You can climb from the bottom, or you can start from the 5th ropeway station, and you can also head to another mountain from the summit. It was crowded on the way to the summit, so we climbed slowly, and it took just over an hour and a half each way, but we were able to see some amazing views along the way, and it was very beautiful during the autumn leaves season. #forestbathing #summertrip #amazingviews

Mt. Kurodake, Hokkaido Using the ropeway and lift, we went to the 7th station and then climbed to the summit! 1984m Even beginners who are completely unable to climb were able to do it! The day we had originally planned to climb was cloudy and rainy, so we postponed it, changed our plans, and climbed in sneakers on a day when the weather forecast predicted clear skies. Mountain climbers head to other mountains from the summit of Mt. Kurodake, and camp in tents and follow the route that suits them, but I just went down the mountain. #Mountain climbing #Forest bathing #Summer trip#Amazing view

Many alpine plants can be seen on Mt. Kurodake in Hokkaido. From June to July, many alpine flower fields spread out. Then, in mid-September, autumn comes early to Mt. Kurodake, and the leaves begin to change color. The most beautiful of the autumn leaves are the red leaves of the Ainguruma. The contrast between the green and red is beautiful. The red leaves of this Ainguruma can also be seen under the lift of Mt. Kurodake, so even people who don't climb mountains can see them. #famousflowers #JapanGenkiProject2021 #summertrip #greatview

Pair lift at Kurodake, Sounkyo, Hokkaido. Take the ropeway to the 5th station, then the lift will take you from the 5th to the 7th station. Even those who don't climb mountains can enjoy the spectacular view. The lift ride takes about 15 minutes, so you can enjoy the view while you're riding, which is recommended. Of course, you can also climb up to the 7th station by mountain climbing. #Spectacular view #Secret summer resort #Japan Genki Project 2021 #Summer trip

Kurodake Ropeway in Sounkyo, Hokkaido. The ropeway will take you to the 5th station of Kurodake. After that, you can take the lift to the 7th station, where you can see a spectacular view. When it's peak, there will be long lines on the way there and back. The service may be suspended if the wind is strong, so we recommend checking the operation status on the website before going. #Secret summer resort #Japan Genki Project 2021 #Summer trip #Spectacular view

Located in central Hokkaido, Mount Daisetsu is surrounded by many scenic driving spots. Mikuni Pass is at a high altitude and has a great view! A panoramic world spreads out before you. There is also a cafe, so it is recommended to relax while eating soft serve ice cream ❤︎ #Mikuni Pass #Hokkaido #Stunning view #Stunning view

We had our buffet dinner at レストラン 森の詩 (Restaurant Mori no Uta) as part of our half-board stay in Hokkaido, and it was a lovely experience that truly showcased the flavors of the region. The name translates to “Poem of the Forest,” and it really felt like a poetic meal surrounded by nature’s bounty. The restaurant served a generous buffet featuring seasonal dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. You could really taste the freshness in every bite—from the grilled seafood to the hearty Hokkaido-style soups, roasted root vegetables, and even the homemade desserts. Everything was well-prepared and thoughtfully presented. There was even a corner with Japanese pickles and local rice, which paired so well together. What I appreciated most was how the meal gave us a deeper appreciation for the ingredients native to Hokkaido. The atmosphere was warm, inviting, and had that cozy, alpine-lodge feel that made dinner even more enjoyable after a long day out. Definitely a relaxing and nourishing meal. It wasn’t just about eating—it felt like being part of the local culinary culture. #summervacay #森の詩 #HokkaidoEats #FarmToTable #HokkaidoDinner #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #japan #japantrip

Our visit to Sounkyo Gorge was one of the most memorable moments of our Hokkaido trip. Surrounded by towering cliffs and dramatic rock formations, the entire area felt like something out of a fantasy novel. It’s peaceful, raw, and absolutely stunning. We drove through the gorge and made several stops to take in the scenery. The fresh mountain air and sound of rushing water from the nearby river were incredibly calming. We saw the famous Ginga and Ryusei waterfalls—one delicate like a silver thread, the other powerful and roaring. Both were spectacular in their own way, and together they made quite the impression. The area wasn’t crowded when we went, so we could really soak in the quiet beauty of nature without distractions. If you’re someone who appreciates scenic drives, mountain vibes, or just a peaceful break from city life, Sounkyo Gorge is well worth the detour. #summervacay #SounkyoGorge #HokkaidoNature #WaterfallViews #ScenicEscape #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #japan #japantrip

Our visit to the Hokkaido Ice Pavilion was literally one of the coolest experiences of the trip—both in concept and temperature! This place is famous for being the coldest attraction in Japan, and they weren’t exaggerating. The moment we stepped inside, it was like being transported into the middle of a snowstorm. We were given thick jackets at the entrance, which helped, but it still felt like an icy punch to the face when we entered the -20°C room. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s a section where it dips to an insane -41°C. It was so cold, even the wet towels they gave us froze solid in seconds—crazy and fun at the same time! There were some interactive exhibits inside—like frozen flowers, icicles, and a snow slide for kids. It was a bit kitschy, but in a charming, family-friendly kind of way. Definitely more of a novelty stop than a cultural one, but it was fun to tick off from the list. Would I go again? Probably not, but I’m glad we did it once. Great for photos, laughs, and bragging rights! #summervacay #HokkaidoIcePavilion #ColdestPlaceInJapan #UniqueExperience #FrozenFun #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #japan #japantrip

Kamikawa Daisetsuzan Brewery is located in the Daisetsuzan National Park, the largest in Japan. It is not far from the interchange. If you are heading from Asahikawa to the eastern direction or to Sounkyo, you can go there. It uses rice and koji produced in Hokkaido, and natural water collected at the foot of the Daisetsuzan Mountains. It is brewed using traditional handmade methods. There are several sakes to try without ingredients. The cups are designed to be very fashionable, and you can't help but buy each one.

#5月好去处2025 If you ask me: "Where is the most magnificent mountain view in Hokkaido?" I will answer without hesitation: "Sounkyo Kurodake Cable Car is definitely one of the top choices." This time when I came to Sounkyo in Hokkaido, I specially arranged a trip to take the **Kurodake Cable Car (黒岳ロープウェイ)**. It took only 7 minutes to rise from the hot spring town to the clouds, just like traveling through the four seasons. It was an experience of "going to fairyland in seconds"! The Sounkyo Cable Car is not only a means of transportation, but also a journey through nature. Whether you love taking pictures, climbing mountains, admiring maple leaves, or simply want to feel the touch of "standing in the clouds", this place is worth coming again and again.

Riding the Sounkyo Ropeway, you ascend slowly into the fresh mountain air, and your spirits soar along with the journey. As the cable car climbs higher, the majestic scenery of Daisetsuzan gradually unfolds before your eyes. Endless mountain ranges covered in pristine white snow resemble a grand natural painting. Below, lush green forests intertwine with deep gorges, offering a panoramic view that fills you with serenity. Laughter echoes inside the cable car, and every turn brings a new surprise. Standing on the observation deck, it feels as though you could reach out and touch the clouds. The connection with nature stirs an unforgettable emotion. This journey is not only a feast for the eyes but also a recharge for the soul, leaving you energized and filled with awe and gratitude for the wonders of nature. Though, the Sounkyo Ropeway ride is quite pricey 😰

As I get older, it is actually very suitable to travel to Hokkaido. My recent itinerary revolves around hot spring hotels: soak in hot springs → eat dinner → soak in hot springs again → sleep → soak in the morning → eat breakfast, which is super relaxing. I always book a one-night-two-meals plan. Warm reminder, many hotels in Hokkaido are also very remote. If you don’t book a one-night-two-meals plan, you may have nothing to eat!! Continuing from the last time, this century-old hotel "Sounkaku" located in Sounkyo, in addition to providing snacks and drinks when checking in, also has unlimited sake supply, which is really generous! Next, let’s take a look at the highlights - dinner and breakfast dishes! High-end buffets now almost all come with snow crabs as standard, and the roasted taste is sweeter and super delicious! How can a Japanese dinner be without tempura!! There is also high-quality freshly made sushi🍣 Bananas and apples are provided. Japanese apples are top-notch!! Japanese bananas are all imported!! For Japanese tourists, this hotel really gives very sincere fruits. Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 10:00 Dinner is served from 18:00 to 21:00 Hotel name Hokkaido Sounkaku SOUNKAKU Check-in and check-out time Check-in: 15:00; Check-out: 12:00 Hotel location Japan 〒078-1701 Hokkaido, Kamikawa District, Kamikawa, Sounkyo, Hot Spring