Sounkyo Visitor Center, Kamikawa

The Sounkyo Visitor Center serves as the primary gateway to Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan's largest national park spanning 2,268 square kilometers in Hokkaido Prefecture. Established to bring people into contact with Daisetsuzan National Park's natural environment, Sounkyo Visitor Center is a core facility that serves to help visitors study and experience nature and to promote its preservation. The center is strategically located in the scenic Sounkyo hot spring resort town, positioned within a dramatic narrow gorge flanked by 100-meter high forested cliffs.

Daisetsuzan National Park preserves one of Japan's most pristine wilderness areas, encompassing the Daisetsuzan volcanic group which includes Mount Asahidake at 2,291 meters, Hokkaido's highest peak. The park spans approximately 2,268 square kilometers and has a wide variety of flora and fauna, including numerous rare species. This mountainous region serves as a critical habitat for brown bears and deer, and is renowned as the first place in Japan to experience autumn colors each year.

The visitor center is the perfect place to plan hiking routes, with staff on hand to offer advice on tackling the more advanced trails on Mount Kurodake. Digital tablets with trail information in multiple languages are available to rent free of charge. The facility features comprehensive educational displays, VR monitors, photo exhibitions, and screenings highlighting the region's natural heritage. The center presents four representative nature observation courses for visitors to Daisetsuzan, including detailed information about the popular Momijidani Valley walking course, which follows a mountain stream for 700 meters and takes approximately one hour to complete.

Visitors can explore the famous Ginga Falls and Ryusei Falls, both selected among Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, which display spectacular columnar joint rock formations. The observation point called Sobakudai offers simultaneous views of both waterfalls. The center provides essential guidance for accessing Mount Kurodake via the nearby ropeway system and offers trail maps and safety information for the park's extensive hiking network.

Transportation to the visitor center is available through multiple routes. There are direct buses between Asahikawa Station and Sounkyo (2 hours, 2140 yen one way, every 1-3 hours). Alternatively, take a JR train from Asahikawa to Kamikawa (70 minutes, 1380 yen) and catch a bus from there (30 minutes, 890 yen, every 1-2 hours). By car, the distance from Sapporo is 205 kilometers, from Asahikawa is 66 kilometers, and from Kamikawa Station is 22 kilometers via Route 39.