Sounkyo Ropeway and Canyon Hiking

Went to a little town called Sounkyo Onsen that is famous for its hot springs (is there a town in Japan that is not famous for its hot springs?), waterfalls in the gorge and Mount Kuro-dake above the ropeway.

Met a French girl named Sophie on the bus into town and we spent the next couple days hiking around Sounkyo.

Day one, we took the ropeway to the midpoint of Kurodake and hiked up the trail. I use the verb hiked loosely, perhaps post-holing up to my thigh is more appropriate... I was a little under dressed to say the least. We turned back before reaching the top because of blowing snow, but it was beautiful!

Ropeway:


Hiking:


So we contented our frozen selves with hot cocoa, hot ramen soup, and a soak in the hot onsen.

Day two, we hiked up the gorge to see the waterfalls and even with the majority of fall foliage gone, there are still some splashes of color clinging to branches.



A place to return for rock-climbing in the Summer, fall colors in Autumn and skiing down from the ropeway in Winter. Flowers in the Spring, who needs them.