Sounkyo Onsen

At Sounkyo Onsen, there are over 15 hot spring ryokans, hotels, and guesthouses where you can enjoy hot springs for both overnight stays and day trips. At the popular Asahiyama Resort Hotel, you can soak in two types of water: "carbonated hydrogen carbonate springs" and "sulfur springs," both of which have been called two of the most beautiful hot spring qualities since ancient times. From the hot spring facility with an open-air bath, you can enjoy the changing seasons, such as autumn leaves in the fall and snowscapes in the winter, while soaking in the hot water and overlooking the nature of Mt. Asahi.

One of the attractions of the Sounkyo Hot Spring is the abundant natural scenery that can be enjoyed as it is located at the foot of a mountain surrounded by nature. Among them, the classic tourist spots are the "Galaxy Waterfall" and the "Meteor Waterfall" that flow through the 24-kilometer-long cliff. The sight of the two waterfalls flowing powerfully is a must-see spot that has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls. It is accessible by car in about 6 minutes from the center of Sounkyo Hot Spring.

Mt. Kurodake, with an elevation of 1,984 meters, is a prominent peak in the Daisetsuzan mountain range, also known as the "roof of Hokkaido". It's popular among hikers and tourists for the diverse alpine flora and the magnificent view of the Daisetsuzan National Park from the summit. One of the reasons for its popularity is that visitors, even those who are not experienced climbers, can easily enjoy mountain climbing up to the 7th station of Mt. Kurodake by using gondolas and lifts. Additionally, from November to early June, visitors can enjoy skiing, making it a spot that can be visited throughout the year.

At the Sounkyo Visitor Center, you can obtain various information about the Sounkyo Hot Springs area, such as information about plants that grow in the Daisetsuzan Mountains and diorama exhibits of mountain trails and emergency shelters. There are also photo exhibitions and planned exhibits, so there are always new discoveries to be made every time you visit. If you come to Sounkyo Hot Springs, be sure to visit the center first. In addition, there are rest areas for travelers. Admission is free.

At Sounkyo Onsen, the "Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival" is held every year from late January to early March, taking advantage of the cold winter weather. Various sculptures made of snow and ice entertain visitors of all ages. At night, the snow and ice sculptures are lit up, creating a different atmosphere from during the day. In addition, there are places where you can enter the snow sculptures and experience the warmth of the snow, providing a unique and interesting experience different from other snow festivals where only snow sculptures are displayed.