Kamikawa: Kurodake and Momijidani

When planning a trip to Kamikawa, two nature experiences differ in how you get around: at Kurodake, the ropeway continues with a double chairlift to higher stations; on the Momijidani hiking trail, you walk to Momijidaki Waterfall. Other highlights include Ryūsei and Ginga waterfalls, as well as a view from the gondola of the Ishikari River and a gorge. These differences can help you plan activities and your hotel stay around a specific focus.

Kurodake: Ropeway, Chairlift and Panoramic Views

From Sōunkyō Onsen, the Kurodake Ropeway goes up to the fifth station. The ride connects Sōunkyō Station at 670 metres with Kurodake Station at 1,300 metres and takes about seven minutes. The Kurodake double chairlift then continues up to the seventh station at an elevation of 1,984 metres. The ropeway and lift therefore provide access to different sections of the route and mark two elevation levels to consider when planning.

A natural terrace with 360-degree panoramic views is located on the roof of Kurodake Station at the fifth station. Access to the terrace may vary depending on ropeway operations. If this viewpoint is part of your plans, check operating information before your visit. Kurodake Ski Resort is also accessible from Sōunkyō Onsen via the Kurodake Ropeway. The ski season and operating conditions may vary; take these into account when planning if the ski resort is important to your trip.

Momijidani: Hiking Trail to the Waterfall

The Momijidani hiking trail starts at the car park east of Sōunkyō Onsen and leads to Momijidaki Waterfall. The walking time is about 30 minutes each way. This gives you an estimate for the one-way walk; your plans will depend on how much of the trail you want to walk. You can see columnar joints up close along the trail, with the waterfall at the end. The geological formations give the trail its own focus, while Momijidaki is its clearly defined endpoint.

Unlike the ropeway and lift connection at Kurodake, Momijidani is a walking route with an approximate duration for each direction. The time estimates therefore refer to different activities and sections of the route: about seven minutes for the ropeway ride between the two stations and about 30 minutes each way on the hiking trail. They are not the total time for a day trip. When arranging your activities, you can use these distinctions to choose between panoramic views and high-altitude stations or a hike to a waterfall.

Waterfalls and Scenic Views

Ryūsei and Ginga waterfalls are regarded as representative scenic attractions of Sōunkyō Onsen and are among Japan’s “100 Famous Waterfalls.” The two names thus represent a different way of experiencing waterfalls from Momijidaki, which lies at the end of the Momijidani hiking trail.

The Kurodake Ropeway gondola offers another perspective on the landscape: from there, you can see the Ishikari River flowing through the forest and a vast gorge. When choosing between the outings, you can therefore consider the specific kind of experience you want: a ride with views of the river and gorge, a panoramic terrace, or a hike to a waterfall. The places and activities mentioned offer different ways to decide what to focus on during your trip to Kamikawa.

Discover more destinations: Abashiri District, Nayoro, Rebun District, Furano, Teshikaga, Shakotan District, Obihiro, Shintoku

For the broader travel overview: Hokkaido.