Sounkyo Trip
Sounkyo Ropeway
This past weekend was a long one being today was a Holiday here in Japan, so with some free time the family decided to take a drive on the other side of Asahidake from where we live to Sounkyo, and try to see some trees starting to change colors.
Waterfalls and Foliage
We were slightly disappointed to find that there were not many trees changing colors yet, I think that it is a little early and still to warm. Many people who live in Sounkyo told us that this year is not going to be very colorful like past years because of how warm it was this year.
The disappointment didn’t linger very long after being presented with some beautiful landscapes to take pictures of. In our driving we happened upon two majestic waterfalls near the Sounkyo Resort and stopped for a couple of hours and walked around.
Me and the Boys in front of ginganotaki waterfalls and signage.
We walked along the river and looked through all of the gift shops, I was really impressed with some of the Ainu jewelery that the store had on display. One of the ladies who worked in the gift shop saw us looking at some t-shirts that were priced a 1000¥ each (about$9) and said that she would let us have 3 shirts for the 1000¥ price, we took her up on the offer and got 2 shirts with some Ainu designs and one shirt for my youngest son with a leather fox on it.
falls and a little color changes in the foliage
After looking through the gift shop we climbed a steep path up a mountain to get a better view of the waterfalls. It was a long trek up and warranted a few rests along the way up.
the path up to the waterfalls lookout point
The climb was well worth it, and we witnessed some beautiful views of the 2 waterfalls Ryusei-no-taki (Shooting Stars Falls) and Ginga-no-taki (Milky Way Falls).
Ryusei-no-taki (Shooting Stars Falls) and Ginga-no-taki (Milky Way Falls).
After exploring every inch of the surrounding areas, we took off to go to the Sounkyo resort itself and see what sights we could see. Sounkyo is an onsen tourist town, and is also the gateway to the Mount Daisetsuzan and Kurodake, popular among hikers in any season.
life growing on a rock
We decided not to ride the ropeway up the mountain due to it’s cost and because we were told by some of the staff in the visitor center that the trees were not really changing colors yet, so we opted to look in all of the gift shops instead.
The Cliffs which rose above the river
Sounkyo is a very narrow canyon with mountains on each side, it makes you wonder how large the river was millions of years ago that cut the path through the mountains. It is a small village to the north east of Asahi Dake, which sits in a gorge surrounded by columnar basalt spires. Prominent among these peaks is Kuro Dake (Black Mountain), which rises to 1984 Meters.
rushing river
The village has a two month mid winter snow and ice festival that is one of Hokkaido’s most famous winter attractions. As well as that the thermal waters of the valley provide hot spring baths for the many hotels and inns that are in or near the village.
Ropeway ski lift
The scenery around here is stunning; all mountains and forests, and in winter, about 300 meters of snow. It gets so cold that the claim to fame of the area is that the numerous (large) waterfalls all freeze solid during the winter.
small waterfall and river
I will try and make it back to Sounkyo for the winter festival, I am anxious to see how beautiful it will be covered in a white snowy blanket.
Sounkyo Resort Shops
I hope you enjoy the pictures of our Sounkyo outing as much as I did taking them. Until next time, take care all.
sounkyo resort street
traffic trails ar the Sounkyo Resort
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I love your reading your trip. Watching the pictures besides reading makes me feel as if i was there too!
Wonderful! Thanks. Enjoyed reading it very much!
-ice