Summary
Two short walks from Sounkyo to see the spectacular gorge and waterfalls scenery – one to a popular tourist spot, the other to a hidden gorge. They can be enjoyed separately or in the one day, made easier by hiring bikes for the road section. A good contrast to the hard circuit of the high tops the previous day.
- The best bits were the impressive views from the top of the steps above the Main Gorge Car Park, and at the top of the Secret Gorge Walk.
- The worst bit was the walk along the main road, which was a bit tedious.
- The funniest moment was singing nursery rhymes to ward off any bears in the woods.
- A word of warning would be to take care on the rocks beside the waterfalls in the Hidden Gorge, but there were no scary bits.
- We were surprised to see the excellent picnic area and camp site without any other visitors at all, even though it was mid-summer.
- We had never seen before anything like the high wooden barriers across the path of a stream to protect against floods.
Read the full story |
In the hidden gorge
Key Facts
| Location |
Daisetsuzan National Park, Sounkyo |
| When it was walked |
July 2003 |
| Walk type |
Countryside paths and easy hills |
| Difficulty |
Suitable for anyone who enjoys an easy walk |
| Distance approx |
5 miles + 3 miles plus section cycled |
| Height climbed approx |
maybe 100m / 300 ft for each walk |
| Time taken approx |
2 hrs each walk approx |
| Map used if any |
“Attack” 1:25,000 Daisetsuzan map |
| Source of info on walk |
Sounkyo tourist leaflet
Route marked on map
National Park Centre in Sounkyo
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| Getting there |
Train Sapporro – Asahikawa
Train Asahidake - Kamikawa
Bus Kamikawa - Sounkyo
Cycle hire - Sounkyo & Gorge car park |
| Places to stay |
Hotels, guest houses, and youth hostel in Sounkyo |
| Places to eat/ buy food |
Hotels, restaurants and general stores in Sounkyo |
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