A 40-minute bus ride from Asahikawa Airport, the journey starts from Asahikawa Station. The building was renovated in 2011, designed by renown architect Hiroshi Naito. Its concept is "a station with a river", and it is not just a place used for transportation. The whole station, including the walls, ceilings, and handrails, are built using thousands of local Ash wood which fills the air with the scent of wood and makes you feel like you've wandered into a forest. The lingering scent after you've left the station and the warmth of the wood that comes from the walls and handrails will surely refresh you from your travel fatigue.

Step out of the station from the South Exit and you will be greeted by the Asahikawa Kitasaito Garden, where you can see the Chubetsu River and the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range. There is no other city like Asahikawa where such nature awaits you right outside the station. The garden, which is right by a river and acts as the local's oasis, is home to flowers of each season. During the summer, the warm wind gently blows lavender and echinaceas, while in the winter the ground is covered by snow, turning it into a winter wonderland. Take a 15-minute stroll accompanied by the soothing sound of the river; the crisp and fresh air of Hokkaido will surely refresh your body and mind.

As you reflect on the memories of the day, return to your hotel with a pleasant sense of fulfillment. On Day 2, leave the city behind and head for Sounkyo Gorge, surrounded by the vast wilderness of Daisetsuzan National Park. There, in striking contrast to today's lively atmosphere, you'll discover tranquil landscapes and breathtaking scenery shaped by the passage of time over countless years.

Take the Dohoku Bus Sounkyo Line from Asahikawa Station towards Kamikawa and Sounkyo Gorge. During the 2-hour bus ride, the scenery from the window is nothing short of incredible. Stretching along the Ishikari River, the massive rock walls known as columnar joints form a true work of natural art that changes its beauty every season. In spring and summer, they are framed by vibrant fresh greenery, while in autumn, the gorge is set ablaze with brilliant fall colors. During the winter, the scene transforms into a majestic, ink-painting–like landscape of snow.

After a 1 hour and 25 minutebus ride from Asahikawa Station on the Dohoku Bus Kamikawa-Sounkyo Line, get off at Kamikawa Mori no Terasu Bus Touch stop. From there, a free shuttle bus takes you on a 15-minute ride to Daisetsu Mori no Garden which is set on a highland plateau at an elevation of approximately 650 meters. The cool presence of the forest and the sweet fragrance of flowers in full bloom provides natural aromatherapy; an experience where all five senses invites a deep, refreshing breath. The garden is part of the renowned Hokkaido Garden Road, but stands apart from other destinations in one decisive way: its overwhelming sense of openness and elevation. Before you lie the majestic peaks of the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range. Then turn around, and a vast sky stretches endlessly, making it feel as though one is strolling through a flower garden floating above the clouds.

The garden is divided into two areas, the "Forest Flower Garden" and the "Forest Guesthouse." In the "Forest Flower Garden," nearly 900 varieties of plants bloom throughout the seasons. Spring brings delicate dogtooth violets, early summer welcomes Ezo corydalis, summer showcases striking alliums, and autumn paints the landscape with vibrant foliage. The carefully planted flowers blend seamlessly with wild species that originally grew here, creating a landscape so natural and harmonious that it’s easy to forget you’re walking through a cultivated garden.

Venture further into the grounds to reach the "Forest Guesthouse" area. Here, you’ll find spaces designed like a living room in the forest, perfect for quiet relaxation. With birdsongs as background music, sway gently in a hammock or tap on a wooden xylophone nestled among the trees. One recommended experience (available during special events) is the "Forest Bar." Sip herb-infused water made from plants harvested in the garden, and simply gaze at the sunlight filtering through the leaves above. This quiet luxury of doing nothing slowly loosens the tension built up by everyday life, leaving your mind light and at ease.

Operating Period: Late April to Mid-October. Closed during the winter season.
Operating Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Last admission 4:00 p.m.) Closure: No closure during the summer operating season.

When you start to feel hungry after your stroll through the garden, visit the villa and restaurant FRATELLO DI MIKUNI.

After a 15-minute ride on the free shuttle bus, transfer to the Dohoku Bus Kamikawa-Sounkyo Line from the Kamikawa Mori no Terasu Bus Touch stop to Sounkyo Gorge, which is a 30-minute ride. Here is tonight’s destination, Sounkyo Onsen. Before checking in, there’s one place not to miss, the Kurodake Ropeway. Board the ropeway from Sounkyo Gorge Onsen and ascend to the 5th Station at an elevation of 1,300 meters in just about 7 minutes. As the gondola climbs higher, the deep gorge of Sounkyo opens up below, while the rugged rock faces of Mount Kurodake loom closer ahead. The "Kurodake Kamui no Mori Terrace," located at the top of the fifth station, offers a spectacular viewpoint. Sit back on a bench, take a deep breath, and enjoy the views of the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range, including its highest peak, Mount Asahidake. If you have the time and energy, continue onto the seventh station by lift. At this altitude, patches of lingering snow can sometimes be seen even in the summertime, along with delicate alpine flowers in bloom. If lucky, visitors may encounter cute Hokkaido chipmunks or the elusive pika, who peek out adorably from behind the rocks. Their brief appearances are sure to melt away any travel fatigue in an instant. It can feel cool even in the summer, so be sure to bring a light jacket.

Tickets for the bus ride from Kamikawa Mori no Terasu Bus Touch to Sounkyo Gorge can be purchased online in advance, which helps ensure a smooth and stress-free trip.