層雲閣 Overview
Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Soun-kyo Onsen and saw the Sounkaku () 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.
Guest Reviews
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.
Good location - near Kurodate Ropeway station. Very good spread for buffet breakfast and dinner.
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...
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,...
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...
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...
Wide room and nice spa
What could be improved: No good food
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...
Lovely outdoor onsen. Room was huge and very comfortable
What could be improved: Nothing
great location at the foot of Mt Kurodake, great food
層雲閣 Rooms
Choose from 2 accommodation options
Twin Room
Superior Twin Room
Facilities & Amenities
Everything you need for a comfortable stay
General 6
- Designated smoking area
- Heating
- Lift
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
Kitchen 1
- Refrigerator
Bathroom 10
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Services 6
- Vending machine (drinks)
- Luggage storage
- Wake-up service
- Fax/photocopying
- 24-hour front desk
- Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge
Wellness 6
- Public Bath
- Open-air bath
- Hot spring bath
- Massage Additional charge
- Spa and wellness centre Additional charge
- Sauna
Activities 4
- Badminton equipment Additional charge
- Karaoke Additional charge
- Table tennis Additional charge
- Games room
Food & Drink 2
- Bar
- Restaurant
Accessibility 1
- Upper floors accessible by elevator
Languages spoken 3
- English
- Japanese
- Chinese
Safety & security 1
- Safety deposit box
Media & Technology 2
- Telephone
- TV
Most popular facilities 8
- 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). 1
- Street parking
層雲閣 Location
078-1701 Hokkaido, Kamikawa, Sounkyo, Japan
What's nearby
Ski lifts
Closest airports
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