Sounkyo Gorge is one of Japan’s great scenic gorges, carved by the Ishikari River through the northern foothills of the Daisetsuzan mountain range. Dramatic cliffs of columnar joints, unusual rock formations, and waterfalls extend for approximately 24 kilometers along the river.
The immense scale of the gorge makes it one of the most impressive places to experience the rugged natural beauty of Hokkaido. Towering rock walls rise on both sides of the Ishikari River, revealing the geological forces that have shaped the region over thousands of years.
Obako and Kobako are among the most spectacular sections of Sounkyo Gorge. Here, visitors can see towering cliffs of columnar-jointed rock reaching around 200 meters in height.
The distinctive landscape was formed from welded tuff deposited by a major eruption of the Daisetsuzan volcano approximately 30,000 years ago. Over a long period, the Ishikari River eroded the volcanic rock, gradually creating the dramatic cliffs and narrow gorge visible today.
Ryusei Falls and Ginga Falls are two of Sounkyo’s most famous waterfalls and have both been selected among Japan’s 100 Best Waterfalls. Because the two waterfalls appear to descend side by side, they are also affectionately known as the “Husband and Wife Falls.”
Ryusei Falls is the more powerful of the two. A single, thick stream plunges down a steep cliff in an impressive vertical drop of approximately 90 meters. Because of its strong, masculine appearance, it is also called the “Male Falls.”
Ginga Falls has a more graceful character. Its water spreads outward as it descends, resembling delicate white threads cascading down the rock face. With a drop of approximately 104 meters, it is also known as the “Female Falls.”
A parking area near the waterfalls provides easy access to views of both cascades. For an even more dramatic perspective, a walking trail climbs the slope behind the parking area for about 20 minutes to Sobakudai Observatory, where both waterfalls can be viewed together.
Sounkyo is also an important gateway to Mount Kurodake in the Daisetsuzan mountain range. From the hot spring town at the foot of the mountain, visitors can take the Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway partway up the mountain and then continue by chairlift to the seventh station.
The higher elevations reveal a world of alpine nature, including alpine plants, Ezo chipmunks, and rabbits. From the seventh station, the summit of Mount Kurodake can be reached in approximately one hour on foot.
The mountain offers a different experience in every season. Summer brings alpine flowers and expansive mountain views, while autumn transforms the slopes with brilliant foliage. In winter, the snow-covered mountains become a destination for skiing and other winter activities.
At the entrance to the gorge lies Sounkyo Onsen, a large hot spring resort with abundant spring water and numerous hotels. It serves as a convenient base for exploring the gorge, Mount Kurodake, and the surrounding Daisetsuzan National Park.
The center of the resort has been developed as Canyon Mall, inspired by mountain resorts in Canada. Its European and North American-style atmosphere adds a distinctive character to the town and provides restaurants, shops, and places to relax after exploring the mountains.
Sounkyo Gorge is beautiful throughout the year, but each season reveals a different side of its character. Green forests surround the gorge in summer, while autumn brings dramatic colors to the mountainsides. Winter covers the cliffs and waterfalls in snow and ice, creating a strikingly different landscape.
Whether you explore the gorge along the river, admire the waterfalls, ride the ropeway toward Mount Kurodake, or stay at Sounkyo Onsen, the area offers an opportunity to experience the extraordinary scale and beauty of Hokkaido’s northern mountains.
Sounkyo Gorge brings together towering volcanic cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, alpine mountains, and a welcoming hot spring resort. Its landscape tells the story of ancient volcanic eruptions and the slow erosion of the Ishikari River, while its changing seasons offer a fresh experience throughout the year.
For travelers seeking dramatic scenery and a closer connection with Hokkaido’s wild mountain environment, Sounkyo is an ideal destination and one of the most memorable gateways to the Daisetsuzan region.
35 minutes by bus from Kamikawa Station