SOUNKYO (HOKKAIDO)
click on the topo for current sounkyo/daisetzu weather conditions
Sounkyo is in the Daisetsuzan National Park which is dead centre of Hokkaido and known for its sub-zero temperatures. the good side is at those temperatures even quite large falls freeze with little afternoon melt. Put it all together and youve got easy access plus lots of hotels to choose from – which is great because at -25c camping in Hokkaido isnt so fun.
Sounkyo has all sorts of ice falls from good beginner stuff through to multi-pitch classics and world class mixed routes, and with the ice arranged along a well defined gorge its normal to snowshoe down then come back to your choice for the day.
Sounkyo is good for people already skiing in Hokkaido or those visiting for the ice festival. Being so cold camping is not really an option – which is fine as Sounkyo is famous for its hotsprings. Large, comfortable hotels fill the valley, and a few lodges in town all have good food, nice rooms and are friendly.
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