Daisetsuzan and the Sounkyo Gorge 大雪山　層雲峡

Description

The Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group, which extends across the center of Hokkaido, is a varied and wild mountain environment with lakes, marshes, and stunning views. Thanks to its altitude and high latitude, it boasts a wealth of alpine flora. The Sounkyo Gorge is located in the north part of Daisetsuzan and is cloaked in virgin forest. It was here, in the Ishikari River basin, that the Kamikawa Ainu built their northernmost settlements ? the name Sounkyo comes from an Ainu word that means “river of many waterfalls.” In autumn the sheer walls of this spectacular gorge burst into vibrant color.