Sounkyo Gorge Autumn Leaves: Peak Time, Illumination, Access & Crowds

Overview

A gorge and hot spring area running for about 24 km along the upper Ishikari River at the foot of the Daisetsuzan mountains. The autumn leaves start at the peaks of the Daisetsuzan range and take more than a month to come down to the hot spring town, so with the Kurodake Ropeway you can chase the front line of color according to the time of year.

Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 078-1701
Closed: Kurodake Ropeway suspended for maintenance 11/9–11/30, 2026
Time needed: About 2 hours to walk the hot spring town and Momijidani. Add 1–2 hours if you take the ropeway
Official website: https://sounkyo.net/

Area weather

Asahikawa & BieiWeather and what to wear in Asahikawa & Biei →

Tours & tickets for this areaPR

Peak Time

When to See the Leaves

Typical peakUsually early to mid-October (around Sounkyo Onsen town)

September

October

November

December

As a guide, the summit of Mt. Kurodake colors in early September and the fifth station in late September, moving down from the top of the mountain. Progress varies from year to year

Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.

Highlights

Autumn leaves color the gorge, with its cliffs of columnar joints and cascading waterfalls. The tourism association recommends the Momijidani walking path, within walking distance of the hot spring town, as a spot with beautiful red maples.

📷 Best views

Momijidani walking path

About 30 min one way from the hot spring town to a waterfall amid autumn leaves. Open June to early November, free

Kurodake Ropeway

About 7 min from the base station at 670 m to the fifth station at 1,300 m, looking down on the colors higher up

Hours

Opening hours

Kurodake Ropeway (10/1–15)7:00–17:00

Kurodake Ropeway (10/16–11/8)8:00–16:00

Suspended for maintenance 11/9–30

Kurodake chairlift (10/1–15)7:30–16:30

Suspended for maintenance from 10/16

Hours can change by season and for events. Check the official website before you go.

Admission

Kurodake Ropeway round tripAdults ¥3,000, elementary school students ¥1,500

One way: adults ¥1,800, elementary school students ¥900

Kurodake chairlift round tripAdults ¥1,200, elementary school students ¥600

One way: adults ¥800, elementary school students ¥400

Momijidani walking pathFree

Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.

Tips

Tips for travelers

✓The higher you go, the earlier the colors arrive, so depending on the timing, decide whether to ride the ropeway to the fifth station or enjoy the leaves in the hot spring town

Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop: Sounkyo bus stop (Dohoku Bus)5 min walk to the Kurodake RopewayAbout 30 min from JR Kamikawa Station
From major stations & airports: Asahikawa: Car via National Route 39 (About 1 hr 30 min)
Asahikawa Airport: Car (About 1 hr 30 min)
By car & parking: Free parking in Sounkyo (200 spaces). The Momijidani walking path parking lot has only 5 spaces

Open in Google Maps ↗

Crowds

Crowds & best times

Busiest: The Kurodake Ropeway parking lot can fill up in the autumn leaves season
Quieter times: Weekday mornings

Weather

Temperature & what to wear

Typical temperatures: October normals for Asahikawa: high 14.9°C, low 4.4°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). Sounkyo is in the mountains, and the fifth station at 1,300 m is even colder
What to wear & bring: Mornings and evenings are close to winter cold. Bring warm clothes such as a down jacket, and gloves. Wear comfortable walking shoes on the trails

☁ Hokkaido weather by month

January February March April May June July August September October November December

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Sounkyo GorgePR

PRSee more places to stay near Sounkyo Gorge on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Events

Events & festivals in Asahikawa & Biei

January–March

Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival

Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei

Usually late January to early March (about 6 weeks)

February

Asahikawa Winter Festival

Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei

Usually about 6 days in early to mid-February (around the same time as the Sapporo Snow Festival)

2027 (68th): Feb 6 – Feb 11

December–March

Asahiyama Zoo Penguin Walk

Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei

Usually held daily from mid- to late December (once there is enough snow) until around mid-March

See all events →

Attractions

Attractions in Asahikawa & Biei

Zoo

Asahikawa City Asahiyama Zoo

Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei

Run by the City of Asahikawa, this zoo is famous for its “behavioral exhibits,” which let animals show off their natural movements and abilities. It opens in separate summer and winter seasons, with closure periods in spring and autumn.

See all attractions →

Autumn Leaves