Sounkyo Onsen - 【Official】Hokkaido Central Tourism Guide

Sounkyo Onsen is the largest hot‑spring resort in northern Hokkaido, drawing about two million visitors a year. Set within Daisetsuzan National Park, the resort lies in a dramatic valley defined by towering columnar‑joint cliffs. Hotels and guesthouses, many styled after Canadian mountain resorts, line the area and lend it a distinctive Western‑alpine atmosphere.

Surrounded by sheer cliffs, Sounkyo offers spectacular scenery through the seasons: spring blossoms, fresh green foliage in summer, brilliant autumn colors, and frozen waterfalls in winter. The area also serves as a convenient base for nearby attractions such as the Sounkyo‑Kurodake Ropeway and Asahiyama Zoo.

Seasonal events draw many visitors year‑round — in summer the canyon comes alive with the Canyon Fire Festival, featuring traditional Ainu ceremonies including the owl ritual; autumn brings the “Miracle Illumination” leaf‑lighting events; and winter hosts the evocative Icefall Festival, when the gorge is transformed into a magical world of ice.

Basic Info

Location: 〒078-1701
上川町層雲峡
Telephone number: 01658-2-1811 Sounkyo Tourism Association
Access: By car, about 90 minutes from Asahikawa, about 150 minutes from Sapporo, about 90 minutes from Kitami, about 150 minutes from Obihiro
If you come by bus, from Asahikawa about 1 hour and 55 minutes by Hokkaido Bus "Sounkyo/Kamikawa Line" (from JR Asahikawa Station)
・From Sapporo, highway bus "Sounkyo/Asahikawa Line" ( Hokkaido Bus-Hokkaido Chuo Bus) is in operation (there may be seasonal operation).
Or change to a local bus in Asahikawa.
・From Kitami, the intercity bus "Limited Express Ishikita" (Hokkaido Kitami Bus and Hokkaido Bus) stops at the "Sounkyo" bus stop.
・From Obihiro　The "North Liner" (Tokachi Bus, Hokkaido Bus, Hokkaido Takushoku Bus) stops at the "Sounkyo" bus stop.
Related Links: 【Official】Sounkyo Tourism Association