Tucked away in a stunning gorge, Sounkyo Onsen is where you can truly connect with the raw beauty of Hokkaido. You'll find yourself surrounded by towering cliffs as you soak in the healing hot springs, a quintessential Japanese experience. In autumn, the valley explodes with color, and in winter, the famous ice festival creates a magical, illuminated wonderland. For the more adventurous, a trip up the Kurodake Ropeway offers breathtaking panoramic views and access to incredible hiking trails.

During the Festival

The annual Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival has been running for over 40 years now, and it celebrates the beauty of the harsh, cold winters that this part of Hokkaido is known for. There are numerous illuminated ice sculptures to appreciate, an ice climbing experience, an icefall shrine, and even projection mapping on the ice. In typical years there are also stage performances and ice sliding events, but those have been canceled for this year in efforts to prevent against the spread of the coronavirus.

Due to the chilly temperatures here, visitors are reminded to dress warmly to protect from the cold.

Admission to the event is priced at 500 yen.