|
Sounkyo is a giant gorge running 24km
through a section of volcanic Mt. Daisetsuzan
- the ‘roof of Hokkaido’ at the heart
of Daisetsuzan National Park. Over geological
times, the Ishikari River and elements of
weather carved their way down the mountain
tuff leading to steep cliffs as high as
100m. As a result, the area is a
scene of spectacular landscape : dramatic slopes
- forested or exposed, interesting rock formations,
plunging waterfalls, stringing streams and the
raw power of Ishikari.
The area of hotsprings or ‘onsen’ providing
health enhancing hot mineral water to spas
and ‘ryokans’ or guest houses is situated
in the middle of the gorge.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The town area in this
dramatic river valley. The annual Hyobaku Festival
or ‘Ice Waterfall Festival’ is held by
the banks of Ishikari River.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The mighty Ishikari River which was largely
responsible for the formation of the gorge.
|
|
|
|
|
|
A modern ‘ryokan’ perched on steep slopes
and almost ‘vertical’ wall of forests in
the backdrop.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The national park is covered
with lush forests. In early spring it
still snows in the mountains.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Star attraction - Ginga no
Taki also known as ‘Milky Way Falls’ is
one of the top 100 most beautiful waterfalls
in Japan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ryusei no Taki or ‘Shooting
Star Falls’ is also within the top 100
most beautiful waterfalls rating in Japan. Ginga
and Ryusei are close neighbours - almost
side-by-side, the former is said to be
the ‘female’ and later, ‘male’.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sense of power - water falls over the
rock cliff.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Erosion expose rugged rock formations which
are considered the most attractive part of
Sounkyo. Two significant characters are ‘Obako’
or ‘big box’ formation which shows folding
screen-like surfaces and ‘Kobako’ or ‘small
box’ formation which features numerous interesting
crags.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The waterfalls drain directly into the river.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recreational area of the park.
|
