Sounkyo "Hana Monogatari"(Flower Tales)

This is the first time in Hokkaido where a spa area has coordinated its gardening at the administrative level. We have done things like make large flower beds in public spaces, put up planters and flower baskets in shops and hotels, and coodinated other flower arrangements and themes for the whole Sounkyo region.

Inquiries : Sounkyo Sightseeing Development Council
TEL(01658)2-1811

Mount Taisetsu-san Sounkyo
Gorges Hi-Matsuri

Thanksgiving for Animals Procured
during the Hunt

For the past century, we have been having this ceremony in Iomante to honor animal gods Kotan Koro Kamui (gods which protect the village communities). The proceedings once lasted several days. Nowadays, this very unusual ceremony is promoted by our community as a major cultural event.

Inquiries : Sounkyo Sightseeing Development Council
TEL(01658)2-1811

Sounkyo Yuki-Hotaru("snow fireflies")

A world of color and illumination

This event starts on November 1 and lasts until March 31, with illumination between 5 and 10 PM. 120 Objet D'Art in seven colors line the avenues and bathe the area in a wonderful aura.

Inquiries : Sounkyo Sightseeing Development Council
TEL(01658)2-1811

Sounkyo Hyoubaku Matsuri
(Ice Waterfall Festival)

Wondrous beauty through illumination

Ten thousand square meters of river flatlands by the Ishikari River are utilized to display this pageant of ice pillars, ice tunnels, ice domes, etc. The main lookout tower reaches 15 meters, and the view from it at night is mysterious indeed. Saturdays and Sundays have a fireworks display to light up the winter night.

Inquiries : Sounkyo Sightseeing Development Council
TEL(01658)2-1811

Bike and Strolling Paths along the gorges

A fulfilling experience of nature

Want to experience the attractions of the forest primeval? We recommend our nature trails. You'll be overwhelmed by the beauty and grandeur of nature along the 7 kms of paths by the Ishikari River. Look up an marvel at how large the pillars of trees grow and how far the waterfalls drop. Look around and see the Ishikari River, Hokkaido's longest and largest, wending its way into your heart. Rental cycles are also available, at a cost of 1500 yen per day.

Inquiries may be directed to Akouzu Enterprise at (01658) 5-3305

Experience the Cold Winter on Snowshoes
Showshoe Hiking (Entry Free of Charge)

Come experience in full the mystery of Sounkyo Gorge in winter for the first time: "Ginga no Taki" (silver-river falls), "Ryuusei no Taki" (shooting-star falls), and the surroundings frozen both in time and ice. Snowshoes, as our ancestors well knew, are the perfect way to experience winter atop all the snow.

Time period of event

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December 14, 2002(Sat)-March 16, 2003(Sun)
(Trips may be cancelled due to incliment weather)

Start time

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AM10:00-

Meeting place

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The parking lot in front of "Ryuusei-Ginga no Taki"
* Assemble on site, be prepared to walk.

Course length

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Two kms rounds trip (about 2 hours in duration)

Number of participants

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Limited to 15 people per day (with two guides)

Other details

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Long boots and suitable weatherproofing against the cold is necessary before arrival. Please bring your lunch.
We prepare "kanjiki" Japanese-style snowshoes and regular snowshoes for you free of charge.
Children are welcome from age eleven accompanied by parent of guardian.

Ice Waterfall Climbing (free of charge)

Look for the 2003 National Ice Climbing Competitions coming up soon!

Mount Kuro-Dake Climbing

Step into nature and refresh yourself

We recommend you try this out between mid-July and end-July. Nine-tenths up Mount Taisetsu-san near Maneki-Iwa rock formation you will find a wondrous flower garden. Take the Sounkyo Ropeway and Lift to the terminus and trek for ninety minutes. Go even farther to a place called Ishi-shitsu (five hours should be enough) and you'll have the full experience.

Mount Taisetsu-san Kougen (highlands)
Onsen Hot Spring "Numa Meguri"

Verdant in Summer, Brilliant in Autumn

We recommend you drop by around mid-September, when the most beautiful autumn colors in Japan are out. From Sounkyo to Kougen Onsen is 50 minutes by car, then 4 hours trekking round trip gets you there.

Ginsenkaku Footbath

A relaxing time

Ginsenkaku is near the center of the Sounkyo Canyon Mall. The owner has prepared a footbath as a relaxation spot free of charge to relax shoppers and their weary feet, surrounded by flowers and the feeling of nature.

Taisetsu Tsuribori Fishing

Rainbow trout raised in crystal-clear running waters--a taste your party can't be without!

Kamikawa, blessed with fresh water running down from Mount Taisetsu-san, has bred freshwater fish for well over a century. Raised to the pinnacle of health in the clearest water, you can buy processed trout and freshwater salmon as the specialty product of our town. You can even have some cooked up for you fresh on the spot at the local onsen hot springs. Come have a taste of Kamikawa--you won't regret it.

Inquiries : (01658)2-2161

"Park Golf" Miniature Golf

Clear air and 36 holes

There are two ParkGolf courses near Kamikawa along Route 39 going towards Sounkyo. Enter Kamikawa from Asahikawa and you'll find "Kamikawa Town Park Golf Course", and likewise enter Sounkyo and you'll find "Sounkyo Town Park Golf Course". The attractions of these places are clear: rereshment of body and soul by being surrounded by nature and by viewing the majestic Taisetsu-san Mountain Range between holes.

Inquiries : (01658)5-3824
Period : Middle May-October
Fee : one person/\200