Sounkyo

Going a little outside of Asahikawa city in central Hokkaido, there is a large scale canyon. This Sounkyo is located upstream of Ishikari river, Hokkaido's longest river, and is a cluster of cliff walls spanning over 24 km. You can witness beautiful views from mountains nearby that can be reached by ropeway. Aside from that, in this area, there are many attractions and sites such as onsen (hot spring) tours, auto camping, skiing, observatories and dam lakes. There are accommodations in the onsen district so you can stay until sundown without worries.

(Source: ロマ / PIXTA(ピクスタ))

Kurodake

Kurodake, a part of the Daisetsuzan mountain range with an elevation of 2,000 meters and located on the south side of the canyon, can be reached midway by ropeway from which an additional hour walk will get you to the mountain top. It is a photo spot overlooking Sounkyo that can be enjoyed as ski slopes in winter.

(Source: youtube)

Sounkyo Onsen

On both sides of the Ishikari river, there is an onsen district with plenty of resort hotels, ryokan (Japanese-style inn) and day-use bath houses. It is an area to enjoy both food and hot springs, with many establishments offering local cuisine incorporating the taste of Hokkaido's specialty ingredients. Many visitors stay multiple nights to enjoy the tranquility of the canyon.

(Source: Soica2001 (talk)/Wikipedia)

Obako and Kobako

Vertical column-shaped rocks stand one after the other formed from solidified lava. The natural beauty that has been formed by the flowing water over a long span of time is a must see. It is easily accessible from the Sounkyo onsen district and many visitors come here to get a picture of the spectacle, especially during the season of autumn leaves.