Sounkyo

Travel Guide

A waterfall in a forested area with a sign indicating 'GIN GA NO TAKI'.
A sign for Daishizusan National Park with a mountainous backdrop.
A mountainous landscape with dense forest and a prominent rocky peak.
A forested gorge with a waterfall and towering cliffs.
A mountainous landscape with a prominent waterfall cascading down a steep cliff, surrounded by dense green foliage.

Experience stunning waterfalls, relaxing hot springs, and breathtaking mountain views in the heart of Hokkaido's natural landscapes.

Sounkyo is an ideal destination for outdoor and scenery travelers. The area features natural attractions such as Ginga no Taki Falls, a scenic waterfall, and the Sounkyo Hot Spring, known for its relaxing thermal waters. You can also explore the nearby Daisetsuzan National Park, which offers hiking trails and stunning mountain views. For those looking for more activities, the Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway provides access to breathtaking vistas, while the Mt. Aka-dake Trail Head Ginsendai is a popular starting point for hiking adventures. Additionally, you can enjoy winter sports at the Daisetsuzankurodake Ski Area.

Spend some time exploring the nearby areas surrounding Sounkyo. Kamikawa and Biei are known for their outdoor adventure experiences. In Kamikawa, you can visit the Hokkaido Ice Pavilion or delve into the natural beauty of Daisetsuzan National Park. Biei, on the other hand, offers picturesque sites like the Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls, as well as the relaxing Shirokane Hot Spring. Another nearby place to consider is Tawaramappu, which adds to the outdoor exploration options in the region.

The best time to visit Sounkyo is generally in the second half of the year when the weather is more favorable, remaining cool and mostly dry. While August tends to be the wettest month, demand for visits remains steady throughout the year. However, the period from July to September is slightly busier, while May and November to December tend to be quieter, allowing for a more relaxed experience as you explore the area.

Sounkyo Kanko Hotel

Sounkyo Kanko Hotel

3 out of 5
Sounkyo Hot Spring Resort Kamikawa Hokkaido
$66 nightly
The price is $76 total per night from Nov 18 to Nov 19
$76 total
Nov 18 - Nov 19
Stay at this ryokan in Kamikawa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Daisetsuzankurodake Ski Area and Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake ...
Sounkyo Kanko Hotel
Sounkyo Onsen Choyo Resort Hotel

Sounkyo Onsen Choyo Resort Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Souunkyou Onsen Kamikawa-cho Kamikawa Hokkaido
$130 nightly
The price is $146 total per night from Dec 8 to Dec 9
$146 total
Dec 8 - Dec 9
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Kamikawa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Daisetsuzankurodake Ski Area and Daisetsuzan ...
Sounkyo Onsen Choyo Resort Hotel
Hotel Taisetsu ONSEN&CANYON RESORT

Hotel Taisetsu ONSEN&CANYON RESORT

3.5 out of 5
Sounkyo-onsen, Kamikawa-cho Kamikawa Hokkaido
$115 nightly
The price is $132 total per night from Nov 18 to Nov 19
$132 total
Nov 18 - Nov 19
Book a stay at this spa ryokan in Kamikawa. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Sounkyo Hot Spring and Daisetsuzankurodake ...
Hotel Taisetsu ONSEN&CANYON RESORT
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
C HOTEL -Biei Shirogane Pet Allowed

C HOTEL -Biei Shirogane Pet Allowed

3 out of 5
10505-4 Shirogane Biei Hokkaido
Stay at this vacation home in Biei. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Shirokane Hot Spring and Shirahige Falls are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"愛犬と楽しく過ごすことができ、非常に満足でした。周りの景色、環境も最高でした!ドッグランも楽しんでくれました♪是非また伺いたいです!"

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2026

C HOTEL -Biei Shirogane Pet Allowed
A one-group-per-day private villa in the nature of Biei.

A one-group-per-day private villa in the nature of Biei.

Kamikawa District, Biei Hokkaido
Stay at this cottage in Biei. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sanai no Oka Park and Hokuseinookatenbo Park are located ...
A one-group-per-day private villa in the nature of Biei.
Cottage Primal Stage

Cottage Primal Stage

2.5 out of 5
23-1 Minami Kamishihoro
Book a stay at this ski cottage in Kamishihoro. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and hot springs on site. Popular attractions Kamishihoro Town Rail Museum and ...
6/10 (1 review)
"小木屋型態,一樓可以自行烹飪,但是不提供浴巾(收費),不提供牙具,泡湯另外收費,垃圾需分類並收費(可以選擇帶走), 早餐要預訂,每個人日幣1,080,以後應該不會考慮再入住."

Reviewed on Feb 11, 2017

Cottage Primal Stage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Sounkyo attractions

Frequently asked questions

Is Sounkyo worth visiting?
Sounkyo is worth visiting for its relaxing natural attractions and scenic mountain access. Travelers can unwind at the Sounkyo Hot Spring, known for its soothing waters, or take in panoramic views from the Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway, which offers a unique perspective of the landscape.
When is the best time to visit Sounkyo?
The best time to visit Sounkyo is from May through September, when the climate is most favorable for exploring. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter, cooler months of November through February are a good bet, offering a different experience with potential snow.
What is Sounkyo known for?
Sounkyo is known for its relaxing Sounkyo Hot Spring, offering travelers a chance to unwind. It is also home to the Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway, which provides scenic views, and the natural beauty of Daisetsu Kogen Swamp, perfect for exploration.
What is a good itinerary length for Sounkyo?
A good itinerary length for Sounkyo is two to three days to enjoy Sounkyo Hot Spring and ride the Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway. For an extended trip of four to five days, travelers can also explore Daisetsu Kogen Swamp and experience activities like Hokkaido Autumn Leaves: Daisetsuzan National Park.
What are the top things to do in and around Sounkyo?
Sounkyo offers travelers natural beauty, scenic rides, and relaxing hot springs:


How do I plan a trip to Sounkyo?
Plan your Sounkyo trip by booking flights, hotels, and rental cars early. Explore attractions like Sounkyo Hot Spring, ride the Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway, or visit Daisetsu Kogen Swamp. For autumn travel, consider Hokkaido Autumn Leaves experiences. Always pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Sounkyo?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Sounkyo by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Sounkyo with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Sounkyo trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Sounkyo?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Sounkyo can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Sounkyo trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Sounkyo trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Sounkyo trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Sounkyo trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Sounkyo?
If it's your first trip to Sounkyo, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Sounkyo hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Sounkyo hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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