Popular 多日遊 in 層雲峽

For a multi-day trip to Sounkyo, besides enjoying the hot springs, Mt. Kurodake is a must-visit. You can take the ropeway directly to the seventh station, where you can enjoy hiking in the summer and admire autumn foliage in the fall. Additionally, the spectacular views of the Ginga and Ryusei Waterfalls are highly recommended, both having been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. You can also visit Daikan and Shokan to see the unique columnar joint cliffs formed by millions of years of erosion, experiencing nature's masterful artistry, with different scenery in each season.

When planning a multi-day trip to Sounkyo, accommodation options are mainly concentrated in the hot spring town. Here you'll find hot spring inns offering open-air baths and rich Japanese meals, allowing you to deeply experience Japanese hospitality. Some hotels also provide modern rooms and Western-style dining, offering a variety of choices. Many accommodations boast magnificent views of the Daisetsuzan mountain range, and especially in winter, you might have the chance to see snow-covered landscapes from your room. We recommend choosing the option that best suits your budget and preferred accommodation style.

A multi-day trip to Sounkyo is primarily known for its majestic canyon terrain, waterfalls, primeval forests, and hot springs, offering spectacular natural landscapes and outdoor activities like hiking, mountaineering, and the winter Ice Fall Festival. Furano and Biei, on the other hand, are characterized by vast rural scenery, colorful flower fields (such as lavender fields), and unique rolling hills, focusing more on landscape photography and rural experiences. Sounkyo offers distinct seasonal changes, especially the autumn foliage and winter snowscapes, providing a completely different travel experience compared to the pastoral charm of Furano and Biei.

Sounkyo is one of the earliest regions in Japan to see autumn leaves, with the peak viewing season typically falling between mid-September and mid-October. Due to its higher altitude, the leaves begin to change color from the summit of Mt. Kurodake and gradually descend. Visitors can take the ropeway to admire the red foliage at different elevations. During this period, the entire valley in Sounkyo is painted in rich colors of red, orange, and yellow, creating a picturesque scene perfect for a multi-day itinerary to deeply experience the autumn season.

The most common and recommended way to travel from Sapporo to Sounkyo for a multi-day trip is by JR train to Asahikawa Station, then transferring to a bus heading to the Sounkyo Onsen area, which takes approximately three hours. Additionally, many hot spring hotels offer shuttle bus services from Sapporo or Asahikawa; it's advisable to confirm and book in advance. If you prefer more flexibility, driving yourself is also a good option. However, road conditions can be icy in winter, so special attention to driving safety and renting a vehicle with snow tires is necessary.

To plan an immersive multi-day trip to Sounkyo, we recommend allocating at least three days. On the first day, depart from Sapporo or Asahikawa, check into a hot spring inn upon arrival, and relax with a soak in the onsen. On the second day, take the Mt. Kurodake ropeway, enjoy hiking or the summit views, and in the afternoon, visit the Ginga and Ryusei Waterfalls. On the third day, explore Daikan and Shokan, or wander along surrounding nature trails, and arrange to sample local cuisine. Incorporate unique local experiences throughout your itinerary to ensure it's fulfilling without being rushed.

Around Sounkyo, there are quite a few attractions worth visiting. You can explore other areas within Daisetsuzan National Park to experience more of the pristine natural environment; for example, the autumn foliage at Ginnesandai is also very famous. If you wish to experience town life, consider a side trip to Asahikawa, Hokkaido's second-largest city, home to the renowned Asahiyama Zoo and Ramen Village. Alternatively, you could extend your trip to Biei or Furano to see different natural and pastoral landscapes of Hokkaido, though this may require additional transportation arrangements.

Local dining experiences in Sounkyo primarily utilize regional mountain produce and seasonal ingredients. Many hot spring inns offer lavish kaiseki meals or buffets, often featuring seasonal vegetables, mushrooms, and river fish. You can also savor miso ramen and local specialty soba noodles in the hot spring town, or enjoy warm local snacks during the Ice Fall Festival. Hokkaido's dairy products and seafood are also must-tries. Although Sounkyo is a mountainous area, some restaurants will offer fresh Hokkaido specialty ingredients.

Sounkyo offers a variety of engaging activities suitable for family multi-day trips. You can take children on the Mt. Kurodake ropeway for easy access to panoramic views and potentially spot wildlife. Gentler walking trails are also great for family strolls. Enjoying the hot springs is another wonderful family activity, with many inns featuring family baths or child-friendly facilities. The Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival during winter is a visual spectacle that will immerse children in a magical world of ice and snow, creating unforgettable memories.

The main highlight of a multi-day winter trip to Sounkyo is the 'Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival,' held annually from late January to mid-March, where you can admire illuminated ice falls and sculptures at night, offering a unique visual experience. Winter is also ideal for skiing or snowshoeing. However, visiting in winter requires special attention to staying warm; prepare cold-weather clothing and waterproof footwear. Additionally, winter transportation may be affected by heavy snow, and some roads or attractions might be closed. It's advisable to check the latest transportation and weather information before your trip and allow ample travel time.