Hokkaido Hidden Gem: Beat the Crowds with a Summer Escape to Daisetsuzan & Sounkyo – Views, Vibes & Hot Springs!

この記事は英語苦手野郎が旅のネタなら勉強しながら書けるだろうとどうにか書いている記事です。この記事の日本語版はこちらで公開中↓✍

Hokkaido in summer is full of amazing places—but if you’re not into crowds and just want a chill, peaceful trip, this one’s for you. ✍

It’s not as famous as Furano or Biei, but this area’s got it all—powerful waterfalls, wide open nature, cool mountain air, and super relaxing hot springs. A low-key gem that only the real ones know about.

In this post, I’m sharing all the good stuff I learned from actually going there:

  •  must-see scenic spots
  •  how to enjoy it without the crowds
  • a chill recommended route to follow     etc……

Whether you’re craving some healing nature time or just wanna avoid the touristy hustle, I’m pretty sure you’ll love this.
Let’s take a deep breath and dive into the peaceful side of Hokkaido’s summer 🧳✨

Tokachi Shinmura Farm

There’s an eat-in area at Tokachi Shinmura Farm, so you can relax and enjoy your treats on-site.They come with house-made scones and milk jam. So good, I could eat them every day.You can also feed the goats! Cute and fun, especially if you’re with kids (or just love animals like me).

Taushubetsu Arch Bridge

タウシュベツ橋梁

Taushubetsu Arch Bridge

This concrete arch bridge is a remnant of the old Japan National Railways’ Shihoro Line, located at Lake Nukabira.Depending on the season, the bridge appears and disappears with the water level—pretty wild, right?I took this photo in August 2019. Apparently, the water level was lower than usual that year, so the whole bridge was visible.
There was a bear warning sign, and honestly… it kinda felt like one could pop out at any moment (lol).If you go, bringing a bear bell or some kind of noise-maker is probably a smart idea.

Mikuni Pass

三国峠

Mikuni Pass

Mikuni Pass is the highest national highway pass in Hokkaido.From the top, you get an amazing panoramic view of the sea of trees and the winding road below.
Sadly, it was cloudy when I visited… 😢
It’s actually one of the first places in Japan where you can see the autumn colors!

三国峠のリス

chipmunk

If you’re lucky, you might spot a chipmunk too—they’re super cute 🐿☺✨

Ginga & Ryusei Falls (Sounkyo Gorge)

This waterfall is one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls—definitely a must-see spot!

銀河の滝

Ginga & Ryusei Falls (Sounkyo Gorge)

Checked in at Sounkyo Onsen!

Sounkyo Onsen is a hot spring town nestled in a scenic gorge in the Daisetsuzan Mountains.
And one thing you absolutely have to enjoy at Sounkyo is…

That’s right—the starry night sky! ✨

層雲峡の星空

the starry night sky! ✨

層雲峡の星空

the starry night sky! ✨

The air in Sounkyo Onsen is super crisp, and the stars look absolutely stunning at night.After a delicious dinner, taking a little walk outside is such a nice way to end the day.Just a heads-up—most shops close pretty early, so it gets really dark out there at night. Bring a flashlight if you can!

In summer, the “Sounkyo Gorge Fire Festival” takes place at Sounkyo Onsen.
If your trip lines up with the timing, you might even catch a fireworks show! 🎆
 

Catching the sea of clouds by ropeway in the early morning? Highly recommend! 💡

If you’re staying overnight in Sounkyo, don’t miss the chance to see the sea of clouds—un-kai in Japanese.
Just a short walk from Sounkyo Onsen, hop on the Kurodake Ropeway and head up to catch the magical view ☺✨They even run early morning ropeway rides only in summer—but be sure to check the schedule in advance!

雲海

Unkai (Sea of Clouds)

If you’re just going to see the unkai (sea of clouds), you don’t need full-on hiking gear—no worries!You can even ask your hotel to push breakfast to a bit later and make it a peaceful morning walk plan.

It gets pretty chilly up there, so definitely bring a long-sleeved jacket or something warm.
 

Your Crowd-Free Summer Escape: A Scenic & Relaxing Route Through Daisetsuzan and Sounkyo

  • Tokachi Shinmura Farm
  • Naitai Highland Farm – Japan’s Largest Pasture! 🐄
  • Taushubetsu Arch Bridge
  • Mikuni Pass (with a coffee stop at Mikuni Pass Café) ☕️🐿
  • Ginga Falls
  • Check in at Sounkyo Onsen
  • Sounkyo Fireworks Festival (if the timing’s right!) 🎆
  • Catch the morning unkai (sea of clouds) via the Kurodake Ropeway
この記事を書いた人
旅人ぺこさん

旅が大好きすぎて、学生時代から日本中を旅していました。
47都道府県は現在2周目!
青春18きっぷから車までいろいろな手段で旅をします。 人混みが嫌いすぎて、人の少ない場所をめぐることが好きです(笑)
人の少ない場所を攻めすぎた結果、最近は登山にもハマっています。

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