Kamuikotan, Sacred canyon in Asahikawa, Japan.
Kamuikotan is a canyon in Asahikawa where the Ishikari River flows through green mudstone formations, creating natural stone arches. The landscape spans several kilometers and displays varied geological layers and rock shapes.
The site contains dwelling remains from the Jomon period, which have been designated as cultural properties by Hokkaido. Later during the Meiji era, a railway line was built through the area, leaving behind structures from that industrial age.
The name comes from the Ainu language meaning 'God's Village', showing how indigenous people saw this place as sacred. Walking through the canyon, you can sense that spiritual connection to the land.
You can reach the canyon by car in about 40 minutes from JR Asahikawa Station. Free parking is available at the entrance, making it easy to leave your vehicle.
The site displays three preserved steam locomotives and a reconstructed station building that recall the historical railway once running through here. These remnants show how important train travel was to the region in the past.
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