Rising from Sounkyo Onsen, the Kurodake Ropeway and subsequent chairlift carry visitors to the 7th Station (1,520 m) on the flank of Mount Kurodake (1,984 m), deep within Daisetsuzan National Park. The upper station sits in the alpine zone where dwarf pine, mountain birch, and cotoneaster provide a low-lying carpet of red, orange, and gold. On clear days the views extend over the Ishikari mountain ranges draped in layered autumn colour. Hardy hikers can continue to the Kurodake summit for a full Daisetsuzan panorama, while those less mobile can enjoy the sweeping views directly from the chairlift arrival point.
- Type
- Experience
- Category
- Autumn Leaves
- Season
- Autumn
- Month
- Mid-September to Early October
- Region
- Hokkaido
- Prefecture
- Hokkaido
- City
- Kamikawa (Sounkyo Onsen)
Highlights
- ◆Two-stage ropeway and chairlift to 1,520 m alpine koyo zone
- ◆Panoramic views over multiple Daisetsuzan peaks in autumn colour
- ◆Optional summit hike to Kurodake (1,984 m) for serious hikers
- ◆Operating base in Sounkyo Onsen allows easy combination with gorge walks
- ◆Early-season snowfall occasionally dusts the peaks while foliage still burns below