Valley Spots in Hokkaido Area

  • Sounkyo
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Kamikawagunkamikawachou Sounkyou
    This is a gorge lined with cliffs of columnar joints continuing on for about 24 kilometers, located in the Daisetsuzan National Park in Kamikawa Town, Hokkaido. In the surrounds are the Sounkyo hot springs, one of Hokkaido’s premier hot spring areas lined with hotels and Japanese style inns. The name originates from the Ainu “sounbetsu” which means “the river with many waterfalls”, and was named in 1921 by Keigetsu Omachi. The waterfalls flowing from the cliffs—Ryusei (shooting star) and Ginga (milky way) Falls are a magnificent sight and regarded as one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan.
  • Kamui Kotan
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Asahikawa-shi Kamuicho Kamuikotan
    "Located approximately 40 minutes by car from JR Asahikawa Station and 50 minutes from Asahikawa Airport, this gorge at the border of the Kamikawa Basin and the Ishikari Plain is covered in rocks from both sides of the Ishikari River. The oddly shaped massive dark green and black rock is called the Kamuikotan Rock, and the Kamuikotan King hole group near the suspension bridge have been designated as a Natural Monument of the city. It is an attractive spot to enjoy the seasonal scenery such as cherry blossoms in spring and the red autumn leaves, and is known as one of the best scenic spots in the city, along with the remains of the Kamuikotan cave dwellings and the former Kamuikotan train station building. The word ""kamuikotan"" means ""the village of God"" in the Ainu language, and the Kotan Festival is held on September 23."
  • Tenninkyo Gorge
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Kamikawa-gun Higashi-kawacho Tenninkyo
    "This gorge is located at the southeastern foot of the mountains of Daisetsuzan National Park upstream on the Chubetsu River. The columnar joints of the cliffs were formed over many years after a huge eruption that occurred about 30,000 years ago, and it is truly a masterpiece of nature. Many visitors come every year during the autumn to see ""Namida Iwa,"" ""Shichifuku Iwa"" and the changing colors of the trees. The contrast between the rocks and the vibrant red and yellows of the leaves is truly stunning."
  • Oobako
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Kamikawagunkamikawachou Sounkyou Big case
    This gorge, created by the Ishikari River gradually wearing away at the northern foot of Mt. Daisetsu, is a spectacular spot that typifies the range of gorges known as Sounkyo. The entrance to Obako can be found on the left after passing through the Shinobako tunnel about 6 km from Sounkyo hot spring towards Kitami. The impressiveness of the gigantic rock wall is truly remarkable. It’s recommended to go here in the fall when the leaves are changing color and witness the stunning contrast between the white of the bare rock and the red trees.
  • Eniwa Valley
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Eniwashi Banjiri
    A valley in Eniwa City, Hokkaido. At this spot along the Rarumanai River, a branch of the Izarigawa River, the green of nature and the water come together in harmony. The river flows over three waterfalls, Sandan Falls, Hakusen Falls, and Rarumanai Falls, on its way to Lake Eniwa and these along with the forest make for a beautiful sightseeing spot. In the fall you can also enjoy the wonders of the fall maple colors.
  • Kappa Buchi
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Sapporo-shi Minami-ku Jozankei
    "A river valley located in the Jozankei Onsen. A ""kappa"" is a type of water goblin in Japanese folklore; seen as a symbol of Jozankei Onsen, there are many statues depicting the creatures in the hot spring district."
  • Jozankei
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Sapporo-shi Minami-ku Jozankei
  • Akaiwa Ao Iwao Valley
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Yufutsu-gun Shimukappumura Chuo
  • Sakashitasenkyo
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hiroguntaikichou Takushin
  • Iwanaisenkai
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Obihiroshi Iwanaichou
  • Kumoishibashino Valley
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Futamigunyakumochou Kumaishiotanichou
  • Okunisekokeikoku
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Isoya-gun Rankoshicho Tomioka
  • Kanoko Sawa
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Tokoro-gun Oketocho Tsunemoto
  • Garo Valley
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Abuta-gun Kyogokucho Kai
  • Kumamodo Valley
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Kudougunsetanachou Kitahiyama-ku Matsuoka Tin on field
  • Torisakigawa Valley
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Kayabegunmorimachi Himekawa
  • Horomangawa Valley
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Samani-gun Samanicho Horoman
  • Yusenkyo
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Nakagawa-gun Honbetsucho Higashi Honbetsu Kokuyurin
  • Abumidani
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hiyama-gun Kaminokunicho
  • Garonokeikoku
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Shimamaki-gun Shimamakimura

Hokkaido Areas

around-area-map

Not just a prefecture but an island of its own, Hokkaido is the most northerly prefecture and island of the Japanese archipelago. Arriving in Hokkaido, which is rural and bursting with breathtaking nature, means entering a world where vast national parks, towering mountains, and natural hot springs can be found at every turn. Come December, these natural splendors freeze over and morph into a winter wonderland.

Hokkaido Photo Album

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