Sounkyo Gorge, Canyon in Kamikawa, Japan
Sounkyo Gorge is a deep canyon within Daisetsuzan National Park in Kamikawa, Hokkaido, Japan. Steep rock walls rise on both sides of the Ishikari River as it cuts through the valley, which is lined with waterfalls and hot spring facilities.
A volcanic eruption around 30,000 years ago deposited the rock that forms the canyon walls. Over thousands of years, the river carved through this material, gradually shaping the cliffs and waterfalls seen today.
The name Sōunkyō combines Japanese words for layer, cloud, and gorge, while also drawing from the Ainu language, where it refers to a river with many waterfalls. Each January, the riverbed hosts a winter festival with ice sculptures, colored lights, and Ainu dance performances that fill the gorge after dark.
A visitor center near the canyon entrance provides maps, trail recommendations, and information about the area's natural features. A ropeway runs from the gorge up toward Kurodake, offering an easy way to gain elevation and see the valley from above.
The Canyon Mall in the hot spring village was deliberately designed to resemble a mountain resort in Canada, making it an unexpected sight in rural Hokkaido. Nearby, Ginga Falls and Ryusei Falls are both counted among the most celebrated waterfalls in all of Japan.
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