2024 Kamikawa Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)

Hokkaido's autumn leaves are a sight to behold. Visit Japan's most beautiful autumn destinations.

【Introduction】: Every autumn, Hokkaido, Japan, turns into a fairy tale world of red maple and golden leaves. As a popular destination for viewing autumn leaves in Japan, Hokkaido's autumn leaves season runs from mid-September to mid-October, with leaves scattered all over the streets, mountains, and lakes. Famous autumn leaves viewing spots such as Daisetsuzan, Lake Shikotsu, and Jozankei are layered with maple leaves, ginkgo leaves, and autumn water, attracting a large number of tourists to visit. ⛺【Travel Tips】: Best time to view autumn leaves: The peak season for red maple leaves is usually from late September to mid-October, with specific times varying depending on the altitude. The autumn leaves in high-altitude areas such as Daisetsuzan enter the viewing period first, while the autumn leaves in Jozankei and Lake Shikotsu around Sapporo are a little later. Equipment requirements: Hokkaido has a lower temperature in autumn, so it is recommended to bring a windproof jacket and warm clothes, especially when the temperature difference is large in the morning and evening. Comfortable sports shoes or hiking shoes are essential for viewing autumn leaves, as most of the scenic spots are hiking routes. Photographic equipment and spare batteries are essential. Precautions: Most of the scenic spots have many mountain roads, so you should walk according to your ability. Some areas such as Daisetsuzan may experience low temperatures, so keep warm and check the weather forecast in advance and adjust your itinerary. 🛬【Itinerary】: One-day tour: It is recommended to visit Jozankei Onsen and Red Leaf Canyon. Depart from Sapporo city in the morning and head to Jozankei (about 1 hour by car). Take a walk in the canyon surrounded by red leaves and enjoy the autumn scenery. Lunch can be enjoyed at a local hot spring inn. Relax in the hot spring in the afternoon and end the day's autumn leaves viewing tour. Two-day tour: Depart from Sapporo and visit Daisetsuzan on the first day. Take the cable car up the mountain and enjoy the magnificent view of the red maple leaves on the top of the mountain. Stay at a nearby hot spring hotel at night, and get up early the next day to watch the maple leaves in the morning mist. Then head to Lake Shikotsu and enjoy the perfect combination of lake water and red maple leaves by the lake. 🧡【Tips】: Photography tips: Hokkaido's maple leaves are rich in color, so it is recommended to shoot in clear weather. The morning and evening sun can best show the bright colors of the red maple leaves. The reflection scenes around the lake and hot springs are also worth capturing. When shooting, you can use a wide-angle lens to show a sense of hierarchy. Transportation suggestions: Hokkaido has convenient transportation. You can take public transportation or rent a car to drive to the main autumn leaves viewing areas from Sapporo. Self-driving is more flexible and you can stop along the way to enjoy the beautiful red maple leaves. Accommodation recommendations: During the autumn leaves viewing period, hot spring inns are very popular, so it is recommended to book in advance. It is recommended to stay at Jozankei Onsen or Lake Shikotsu Onsen, where you can enjoy the autumn leaves while soaking in the hot spring, and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of Hokkaido in autumn. Food recommendations: Autumn is the harvest season for seafood in Hokkaido. You can try local crab pot, fresh fish sashimi and other delicacies. At the same time, while viewing the autumn leaves, you can also taste Hokkaido's authentic hot spring buns and hot spring eggs, which is an experience not to be missed.

Kamikawa Taisetsu Ice Pavilion (氷の美術館)

#japantrip The Kamikawa Taisetsu Ice Pavilion is a unique attraction offering a year-round winter experience. Step into a frozen world with temperatures as low as -20°C, where ice sculptures, frozen tunnels, and frosty artwork create a surreal environment. Warm jackets are provided for visitors, and activities like touching natural ice pillars or creating "ice bubbles" add an interactive element. It’s a fun and chilly escape, even in summer.

The Kurodake Ropeway

Daisetsuzan National Park covers a vast area, and Kurodake is as popular as Asahidake for autumn foliage viewing in Hokkaido. The gorge spreading at the foot of Kurodake, with its approximately 24-kilometer-long cliffs along the Ishikari River, is the famous Sounkyo Gorge, a well-known hot spring destination in Hokkaido. Even before climbing Kurodake, you can see the volcanic rock cliffs behind the Sounkyo Hot Springs adorned with colorful autumn leaves. Nearby, there are also the Momijidani Valley, the Ginga Waterfall, and the Ryusei Waterfall. With the well-developed Sounkyo Hot Springs town offering a variety of amenities, this area provides a one-stop destination for enjoying autumn leaves, dining, shopping, and more.

Layered Cloud Gorge Galaxy Waterfall and Meteor Waterfall

🌈Attraction Features: In the canyon of Layered Cloud Gorge, there are many waterfalls hanging from the columnar patterned cliffs, among which the most famous are the Galaxy Waterfall and Meteor Waterfall. These two waterfalls hang straight down from the cliffs, with an extraordinary momentum. People refer to the Galaxy Waterfall and Meteor Waterfall collectively as the 'Couple Waterfalls', and both are listed in the 'Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan'. 🕐️Opening Hours: Open all day, no admission fee required 🚗Transportation Strategy: Charter a car🚗 💗Other tips: Across from the mountain trail, at an elevation of about 430 meters, there is a 'Twin Falls Platform' viewing deck. Standing on it, you can not only have a panoramic view of both waterfalls but also capture both waterfalls in your camera lens.

Sounkyo's Autumn Symphony Beckons Again

#2024wish In 2018, my unforgettable trip to Sounkyo in Hokkaido, Japan, left me mesmerized by the enchanting beauty of autumn. The vibrant foliage adorned the gorges of Sounkyo, creating a breathtaking tapestry of reds, yellows, and oranges against the majestic cliffs. Exploring the area's waterfalls and indulging in the soothing onsen resorts added a touch of serenity to the adventure. As I gazed at the layers of clouds drifting over the landscape, I felt a profound connection to nature. The Ainu-inspired name, Souunbetsu, echoed with the melody of countless waterfalls. In 2024, I wish to go there again, hoping to relive the magic that Sounkyo bestowed upon me during that unforgettable autumn journey.

Kurodake's November Symphony: Nature's Waltz

#2024wish Amidst the enchanting landscapes of Kamikawa, Hokkaido, my mid-November hike to Mt. Kurodake left an indelible mark on my memory. The trail unfolded beneath a tapestry of fiery autumn hues, with crisp air and a faint scent of pine accompanying each step. As I ascended, the panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows revealed the true splendor of the region. Reaching the summit of Mt. Kurodake, I marveled at the serene beauty that surrounded me. The memory of that breathtaking vista, juxtaposed with the tranquil stillness of the mountains, etched itself into my soul. In 2024, I wish to go there again, to relive the magic of that November hike and embrace the untamed allure of Mt. Kurodake.

Winter Whispers at Chubetsu Lake

#2024wish In November 2019, I embarked on an unforgettable journey to Chubetsu Lake in Kamikawa District, Hokkaido. The pristine lake, embraced by snow-draped landscapes, cast a mesmerizing reflection of the surrounding mountains. Silence reigned, broken only by the occasional crunch of snow beneath my boots. The air was crisp, carrying the pure essence of winter. As I stood by the frozen lake, time seemed to stand still, and the tranquility enveloped me. Each snowflake whispered tales of the serene beauty that lay before me. Now, in 2024, the memories echo vividly, and a yearning stirs within me. In 2024, I wish to go there again, to relive the magic of Chubetsu Lake and create new chapters in its snowy embrace.

Mount kurodake easy to hike with gandola

The paradise of gods in Hokkaido - Sounkyo

Sounkyo Gorge is located in Daisetsuzan National Park. It is a canyon in Kamikawa Town, Hokkaido, Japan. It is a 24-kilometer long cliff along the Ishikari River. It is the main tourist attraction of Daisetsuzan. The native people of Hokkaido call Daisetsuzan "Kamui Mintara (the recreation garden of the gods)". Located at the foot of the mountain, Sounkyo Gorge has vast mountains and valleys unique to Hokkaido. The charm of Sounkyo Gorge is that it can Enjoy the vast scenery of Hokkaido, each with its own characteristics. When you arrive in winter, you can enjoy the gorgeous snow-covered mountains. #New Year’s Good Place#Japan Travel #Hokkaido #Hot Springs #Sounkyo

Watch out for bears!

北海道嘅大雪山溫泉酒店、氣氛環境一流。萬里無雲嘅天空、爽！ Located away from the city, it’s one of the most relaxing area in Hokkaido. With beautiful clear night skies, you can easily enjoy the stars ✨ The foods are amazing, it’s buffet style but you can enjoy beef and assorted tempura, price is only $1500hkd for 2 person. Onsen is relaxing and definitely worth coming again! #awesomepic #passionpassport #溫泉

Xia Guanyun, autumn forest, plus hot springs; Diyun Gorge has become a tourist destination in Japan, and a recognized red leaf name. Because the latitude is higher in late September, the forest is full, and the autumn is full. But if you want to enjoy more autumn colors in the layer of the Yunyun Gorge, you can try to turn over the Shibei card, through the Daxue Lake, the double waterfall platform, and the roaming of the Yunyunxia all the way, there will be a surprise all the way.

Autumn in Hokkaido is short-lived, because summer and winter are so beautiful, so people tend to overlook the fall, Hokkaido is only a month in October, just a month, maybe it will snow in November Depart from Sapporo, stayed for one night and then set off for the road to the east. The road is very far away. It is estimated that there are about 6 hours, so we are going to collect the earliest red leaves in Japan, which is - The Hossein Gorge in Hokkaido is a Grand Canyon that has been formed by the Ishikari River flowing from the Snowy Mountains. It is also one of Japan's most famous scenic spots for viewing red leaves, from Chiyue Silver Spring Terrace in mid-September and Black Mountain in late September. In the Hongye Valley in the first ten days of October, all the way is limited to red leaf color, and you can enjoy 360 degrees in the air by taking the cable car. In the hidden valley, you can also sip secret soup, hike to see the magnificent cliffs, rivers and waterfalls. The red leaf season can also be used on the Red Leaf Valley Promenade, which is open from June to early November each year. From late September to mid-October, the overwhelming red leaves and yellow leaves are amazing and not like the Hongye District near the city. It is full of people. If you look carefully enough, you can see the little squirrel from the outside of the cable car.