Sōunkyō is a string of gorges 15km long formed by the Ishikari-gawa, the very same Ishikari River that empties out into the Sea of Japan just north of Sapporo. A few kilometres southeast of town on Rte 39, there's a popular viewing station where you can see the waterfalls Ryūsei-no-taki (流星の滝; Shooting Stars Falls) and Ginga-no-taki (銀河の滝; Milky Way Falls). Well worth a detour if you're driving.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
28.85 MILES
Otokoyama, one of Japan's oldest and most esteemed breweries, was founded in Hyōgo prefecture centuries ago but since 1899 its sake has been made here in…
-
25.07 MILES
Known Japan-wide, the country's northernmost zoo attracts visitors with its stars from cold climates: polar bears and penguins. More interesting to…
Nearby Hokkaidō attractions
25.07 MILES
Known Japan-wide, the country's northernmost zoo attracts visitors with its stars from cold climates: polar bears and penguins. More interesting to…
2. Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum
28.85 MILES
Otokoyama, one of Japan's oldest and most esteemed breweries, was founded in Hyōgo prefecture centuries ago but since 1899 its sake has been made here in…