Taisetsu - Sounkyo  層雲峽

The Taisetsu area features ranges of mountains, in particular, the Daisetsuzan National Park. It is the largest national park in Japan with approximately 230,000 hectares in area. Unlike the other areas in Hokkaido where beautiful lakes and volcanoes are featured, the Daisetsuzan area is full of gorges, hot springs and mountains. Vivid colours changes in seasons and the area is a popular spot for hikers and skiers.

My itinerary covers mainly Sounkyo, a hot spring town on the northeastern edge of Daisetsuzan. The famous Sounkyo gorges are not to be missed. 

Sounkyo Town 層雲峽:
The small hot spring town with mountain set in the background. The peak of the mountain is secluded behind the thick clouds.

Sounkyo 層雲峽:
Water flowing down from the gorges formed this stream.

Ginga no Taki (Silver-river falls):
As the name of this gorge implies, water falls so thin and sleekly like a delicate white thread. However, when this photo was taken, the water was frozen.
 

The Taki:
Ryusei and Ginga are top hundreds waterfalls in Japan in terms of beauty. The Ryusei Gorge is the masculine gorge while the Ginga Gorge is the feminine gorge. Standing side by side, the gorges are 4 km from Sounkyo Onsen. You can rent a bike and cycle here but the rental shop is non-opeational during winter season.

Ryusei no Taki (Shooting-Star fall):
The waterfall from this gorge gushes down thick and powerfully.

Ropeway Station:
Just a few minutes walk from the bus terminal is the ropeway station that that visitors, hikers and skiers up Kurodake.  

From the ropeway car:
Although short, the ride was interesting and coupled with beautiful sceneries. 

Chairlift:
The chairlift takes passengers from the 5th station to the 7th station of Kurodake. Regretfully, the operation of the chairlifts were closed for maintenance during the period of my visit.

Views from the 5th station of Kurodake 黑岳:
The Sounkyo hot spring town seen from the top.
  

Views from the 5th station of Kurodake 黑岳:
After taking a ride on the ropeway, a stunning vista of the Daisetsuzan mountain range can be seen at the observatory on a clear day.  

Kurodake 黑岳:
The peak of Kurodake (means black mountain) stands 1984m tall. To reach the summit, you have to take the ropeway, then the chairlift, followed by a 1-hour's hike.