On September 23, 2015, was an exceptional day for climbing Mt. Kurodake.
Located near Sounkyo Onsen, Mt. Kurodake is renowned as a year-round destination. Accessible via a combination of ropeway and chairlift to the fifth station, followed by a scenic 1 hour and 20-minute hike to reach the summit.
From Asahikawa, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car via Route 39 to reach Sounkyo Onsen, renowned for its stunning scenery. This area attracts visitors keen to experience autumn foliage and climb Mt. Kurodake.
On weekends, the parking areas can become crowded with cars and buses. If the parking lot is full, you can park along the roadside near the Ropeway station without worry.
Access
After your climb, why not relax in a hot spring? There are numerous onsen ryokans and hotels in the area offering not only overnight stays but also day-use hot springs.
This is the Sounkyo Visitor Center, where you can gather information about climbing and hiking in the Daisetsuzan mountain range, as well as discover various hot springs in the area.
After a 7-minute ride on the ropeway, you will arrive at the fifth station known as Mt. Kurodake Station. From there, you can transfer to a chairlift to reach the sixth station.
After a 15-minute chairlift ride, you will reach the sixth station. From there, it takes another 80 minutes of walking and climbing to reach the beautiful scenery known as ‘Kamui Mintara’.
‘Kamui Mintara’ translates to “Playground of the Gods” in Ainu, depicting places and gardens where the Ainu deities are believed to play.
This is the peak of Mt.Kurodake.
The route for Rock house and Mt.Asahidake or other mountains.
There is the rock house in the middle. You can stay there for going other mountains such as Mt.Asahidake.
Ainu says these place Kamui Mintara. It is the vast garden where the gods live and play. Indeed, I agree with them.
