Sounkyo Choyotei

Set on a hill in Sounkyo Onsen and surrounded by canyon scenery, this inn is framed by a series of columnar-jointed cliffs, with a starry sky overhead at night. On the top floor are the panoramic large public bath “Kurodake” and the open-air “Asahiyama,” where you can admire the canyon through wide glass windows or enjoy an outdoor soak with the ridgeline of Mt. Asahi and the striking columnar rock face right before your eyes. Another highlight is that the men’s and women’s baths switch by time of day, so you can enjoy different views. The indoor large public bath “Keigetsu” offers a calm, softly lit setting, and its high-temperature hot spring water—drawn from the source “Sasa-no-Yu”—warms you to the core. The water is rich in metasilicic acid, known as a skin-beautifying mineral, and it’s a nice bonus that your skin feels moisturized after bathing.

Dining options range from a Japanese/Western/Chinese buffet to the “Hayamomiji” dining teahouse featuring ingredients from northern Hokkaido, as well as “Kitabanya,” where you can enjoy kaiseki cuisine. With several styles to choose from, it’s easy to pick what best fits your tastes and travel plans. There’s also the souvenir shop “Hanakago,” where you can browse local sweets and folk crafts associated with the Daisetsuzan area. Seasonal events are held in collaboration with sister properties, adding even more to enjoy during your stay.

Guest rooms include Western-style and Japanese-Western options, many with views of Sounkyo’s natural scenery. Located at the foot of Daisetsuzan National Park, it’s also a convenient base for experiencing the area year-round—whether you’re here for hiking, fall foliage, or the winter Ice Waterfall Festival.