What is a Ryokan? Ryokans are the best way to experience Japanese culture and enjoy the true comforts of Japanese hospitality and service.
Hot springs have a very long history in Japan, and they are an intimate part of Japanese culture. There are over 3,000 "onsen" ,or hot springs, in Japan. Many can be found at the ryokans available on Japanese Guest Houses.
Asahikawa is near Daisetsuzan National Park which has a wide range of hot springs, gorges, and mountains including Asahidake which is Hokkaido's tallest mountain. At the northeast side of the park lies Sounkyo Onsen (Sounkyo Hot Spring) which is the most developed section of the park. The resort town of Sounkyo Onsen is populated with restaurants and several very large hotels. However, the Sounkyo Gorge is the main attraction of this area. Sounkyo Gorge is located at the foot of Mount Daisetuzan in the center of the park, and this 20 kilometer (12.4 mile) gorge contains spectacular 100 meter (328 foot) jagged cliffs and gorgeous waterfalls. Sounkyo Onsen is a very popular tourist area and attracts over 3 million visitors a year.
