層雲閣

078-1701 Hokkaido, Kamikawa, Sounkyo, Japan

Guest reviews: 8.2

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Soun-kyo Onsen and saw the Sounkaku (層雲閣) tucked into that dramatic gorge setting, I wasn’t quite prepared for how the whole scene would hit you. I mean, you’re driving through what feels like the middle of nowhere in Hokkaido, then suddenly these massive rock walls just swallow you up, and there’s this substantial hotel sitting right in the heart of it all. The building itself is classic Japanese resort style – nothing flashy, but it has that solid, established feel that makes you think they’ve been getting things right here for decades.

What really got me though was stepping inside and realizing how they’ve managed to balance the whole traditional onsen experience with actually decent modern comfort. The lobby has these huge windows that frame the gorge walls perfectly, and you know what? They don’t try to compete with that view – they just let it do the talking. The staff immediately walked me through the onsen etiquette (which, honestly, I needed since hot spring culture can be intimidating), and I appreciated that they didn’t make it feel like a big production. The rooms are clean and comfortable – not luxury by any stretch, but the tatami floors and low tables give you that authentic Japanese inn vibe without feeling like you’re camping. Actually, the best part might be how quiet everything gets at night. No city noise, just the sound of the river running through the gorge below.

But here’s the thing that makes Sounkaku work – it’s the hot springs themselves and how they’ve positioned them to take advantage of the scenery. The outdoor baths (rotenburo) are essentially carved into the landscape, so you’re soaking in naturally heated mineral water while staring up at these towering canyon walls. In autumn, when the leaves change, it’s pretty spectacular. Winter’s a whole different experience – there’s something surreal about being chest-deep in hot water while snow is falling around you. The indoor baths are solid too, especially when the weather’s not cooperating outside. Fair warning though: if you’re here during peak foliage season (late September, early October), expect crowds and book way ahead. The summer hiking season gets busy too since Sounkyo is the gateway to some serious mountain trails in Daisetsuzan National Park. I’d actually recommend late spring or early winter if you want a more peaceful experience – the onsen experience is just as good, and you’ll have more space to yourself. It’s not going to be the fanciest place you’ve ever stayed, but if you want to understand what the whole Japanese hot spring resort thing is actually about, Sounkaku delivers exactly what it promises.

HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS

Image 2 of 層雲閣Image 3 of 層雲閣

Reviews

Staff: 8.7

Comfort: 8.5

Location: 8.5

Free WiFi: 9.4

Facilities: 8.4

Cleanliness: 8.5

Value for money: 8.0

Kevin from Japan (8 October 2024)

9/10

I love the location of the hotel. I love both its onsens as well as their breakfast and dinner buffets. The staff were very nice and supportive.

What could be improved: There were not a lot of outlets in the room.

Yin from Singapore (15 November 2024)

9/10

Good location - near Kurodate Ropeway station. Very good spread for buffet breakfast and dinner.

Amanda from Australia (15 October 2024)

8/10

The friendly staff/ good location / on site parking/ good Onsen/ good variety of choice for dinner buffet- being a Western tourist would have liked more cereals/ variety of bread than sweet brioche / rolls/ nice having filtered coffee available in lounge throughout day What could be improved: Room quite old/ stained cupboards / although very...

Amanda from Australia (15 October 2024)

8/10

The friendly staff/ good location / on site parking/ good Onsen/ good variety of choice for dinner buffet- being a Western tourist would have liked more cereals/ variety of bread than sweet brioche / rolls/ nice having filtered coffee available in lounge throughout day

What could be improved: Room quite old/ stained cupboards / although very clean - was in the old wing- modern new lounge/ lobby didn’t match rooms
We were there for 3 nights and breakfast and dinner buffet exactly the same each day

David from Australia (5 October 2024)

9/10

Large hotel with two onsens, I only tried the indoor one which was excellent with 4 baths and a sauna. The room was spacious and comfortable. Staff are very helpful. The room was good value. What could be improved: The room was on half board basis, however the dinner and breakfast meals were buffets. As this hotel is very popular with groups,...

David from Australia (5 October 2024)

9/10

Large hotel with two onsens, I only tried the indoor one which was excellent with 4 baths and a sauna. The room was spacious and comfortable. Staff are very helpful. The room was good value.

What could be improved: The room was on half board basis, however the dinner and breakfast meals were buffets. As this hotel is very popular with groups, there was quite a rush at meal times. The food, however, was only average quality except for the desserts which were delicious.

Benjamin from Australia (18 September 2024)

9/10

This place is incredible. If your plan is to find a nice spot to use as a base to explore Daisetsuzan, this is it. The staff were so super friendly, which gave the entire hotel a really nice, warm and welcoming vibe. I drove here and was always greeted by a staff member when I would park my car. My room was nice and big, and was always well...

Benjamin from Australia (18 September 2024)

9/10

This place is incredible. If your plan is to find a nice spot to use as a base to explore Daisetsuzan, this is it. The staff were so super friendly, which gave the entire hotel a really nice, warm and welcoming vibe. I drove here and was always greeted by a staff member when I would park my car. My room was nice and big, and was always well equipped with amenities. The hotel provides all guests with yukatas to wear, and most guests (including myself) wore them. The food here is also exceptional. Huge buffets for breakfast and dinner with a wide variety of options. There's a full gift shop in the lobby, and you can order soft serve ice creams from the reception, as well as alcoholic drinks and teas to enjoy by the fire. The property has two onsens, one MASSIVE one on the ground floor (which spans two levels), and another outdoor one. After a full day of trekking, it was great to soak my muscles in the onsen. This hotel has so much on offer, and Sounkyo as a location is breathtaking. I had an excellent stay here.

What could be improved: Couldn't flaw it!

Kim from Australia (12 September 2024)

9/10

The room was massive and beautiful! The outdoor onsen, omgosh- loved it. The entire venue was beautiful, thoughtfully put together and so homley- especially liked the fire place. The buffet was good, alot of food, seafood bar remained decently stocked (flavour wasn't amazing but hey, who complains about unlimited snowcrab). The staff were very kind...

Kim from Australia (12 September 2024)

9/10

The room was massive and beautiful! The outdoor onsen, omgosh- loved it. The entire venue was beautiful, thoughtfully put together and so homley- especially liked the fire place.
The buffet was good, alot of food, seafood bar remained decently stocked (flavour wasn't amazing but hey, who complains about unlimited snowcrab).
The staff were very kind and helpful, even thoughhi couldn't speak Japanese (and not all staff spoke english)- they always made sure I got what I wanted.
Would return!

Youngyun from South Korea (20 July 2024)

8/10

Wide room and nice spa

What could be improved: No good food

Bufeng from Singapore (6 July 2024)

8/10

Food was excellent: not every item was good, but there were plenty of delightful ones. The room was very clean and comfortable, and the baths were clean, including the small but enjoyable outdoor bath. The hotel lobby was very clean and modern, with a cosy wood fireplace to sit at. Staff were attentive and cheerfully helpful. Motorcycle parking was...

Bufeng from Singapore (6 July 2024)

8/10

Food was excellent: not every item was good, but there were plenty of delightful ones. The room was very clean and comfortable, and the baths were clean, including the small but enjoyable outdoor bath. The hotel lobby was very clean and modern, with a cosy wood fireplace to sit at. Staff were attentive and cheerfully helpful. Motorcycle parking was under shelter. There is a small coin laundry.

What could be improved: It's not really a problem I think, and I have very little experience visiting onsens, but I felt a little less close to nature than I had hoped.

Anne from Australia (13 June 2024)

9/10

Lovely outdoor onsen. Room was huge and very comfortable

What could be improved: Nothing

Mark from United States (13 June 2024)

9/10

great location at the foot of Mt Kurodake, great food

SURROUNDINGS

What's nearby:

  • Daisetsuzan National Park: 10 km*

Ski lifts:

  • Kurodake Pairlift: 1 km
  • Taisetsuzansounkyo Kurodake Ski Area: 1 km

Closest airports:

  • Asahikawa Airport: 71 km

ROOMS

  • Estimated price from: $151. Twin Room with 2 single beds for 1 - 1 guests
  • Estimated price from: $181. Superior Twin Room with 2 single beds for 1 - 1 guests
Image 4 of 層雲閣Image 5 of 層雲閣

FACILITIES

General:

  • Designated smoking area
  • Heating
  • Lift
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Air conditioning

Kitchen:

  • Refrigerator

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bidet
  • Bath or shower
  • Slippers
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower

Services:

  • Vending machine (drinks)
  • Luggage storage
  • Wake-up service
  • Fax/photocopying
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge

Wellness:

  • Public Bath
  • Open-air bath
  • Hot spring bath
  • Massage Additional charge
  • Spa and wellness centre Additional charge
  • Sauna

Activities:

  • Badminton equipment Additional charge
  • Karaoke Additional charge
  • Table tennis Additional charge
  • Games room

Food & Drink:

  • Bar
  • Restaurant

Accessibility:

  • Upper floors accessible by elevator

Languages spoken:

  • English
  • Japanese
  • Chinese

Safety & security:

  • Safety deposit box

Media & Technology:

  • Telephone
  • TV

Most popular facilities:

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • 3 restaurants
  • Free parking
  • Spa and wellness centre
  • Free WiFi
  • Family rooms
  • Bar
  • Superb breakfast

Parking Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).:

  • Street parking
Image 6 of 層雲閣Image 7 of 層雲閣

HOUSE RULES

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Smoking:

  • Smoking is not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 15:00

Check-out:

  • Until 10:00

Cancellation/prepayment:

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.

HOTEL ADDRESS

078-1701 Hokkaido, Kamikawa, Sounkyo, Japan

Send Us a Message

Fill out the form below, and one of our concierge specialists will get back to you promptly.