Kamikawa is a laid-back mountain town surrounded by rugged peaks and smoking volcanoes. The town is a launchpad to Daisetsuzan National Park, where you explore one of the best-preserved wilderness areas in Japan. It’s also a popular base to visit the Sounkyo Onsen hot springs and raft along the Ishikari River.
Things to do in Kamikawa
Discover a wonderland of active volcanoes, thick forests and cobalt-blue lakes in Daisetsuzan National Park. The hidden gem is amazingly undeveloped and protects a vast pocket of Hokkaido wilderness. A scenic ropeway takes you from the foot of Mount Asahidake to the summit trailhead. From here, it’s a 2.5-hour hike to the top. Winter transforms Daisetsuzan National Park into a snow sports hub.
Soak your muscles in the steaming hot springs of Sounkyo Onsen. The picturesque resort town is nestled in a narrow gorge and framed by 100-metre-tall cliffs. Stroll around the postcard-perfect village and relax at the public bathhouse. Paying an admission fee grants you access to more intimate baths in ryokan guesthouses.
Strap on a helmet for an exhilarating rafting tour on the Ishikari River. You’ll love bouncing along the foamy rapids fed by snowmelt from the surrounding mountains. Family-friendly tours navigate calmer sections of the river and are great for kids.
Dig into a bowl of the town’s famous Kamikawa ramen. The local specialty is served at “shokudo” restaurants and features vegetables, meat and bamboo shoots cooked in a rich broth. The local spring water is coveted across Hokkaido and strikes a perfect balance of salts and minerals. Taste the difference at the Kamikawa Taisetsu Sake Brewery, which uses local spring water to make the famous Japanese rice wine.
Getting around Kamikawa
Kamikawa is compact and easy to get around on foot. Sekihoku Main Line trains run between Kamikawa and Asahikawa in one hour, while express trains connect Kamikawa with Abashiri and Sapporo. New Chitose Airport is a three-hour drive away.