Understand

Sounkyo Onsen, located deep within a national park and named "Cloudy Gorge," may disappoint some visitors who expect untouched natural beauty. The curse of development has left its mark, with a modern town adorned with multi-story concrete hotels that may not appeal to everyone's aesthetic preferences. Additionally, the constant stream of tour groups through the gorge can detract from the wonders of nature. However, if visitors adjust their expectations, Sounkyo Onsen does deliver on its promise as a hot spring resort. The town is enveloped in cool mountain air, and steam gently rises from vents in the streets. It serves as an excellent base for embarking on treks through the national park, with the added advantage of starting or ending a journey there. Recently, much of the town's center has also received a pleasing makeover, incorporating a mildly Swiss-flavored touch that enhances its overall charm.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Sushi: Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice served with various toppings, typically fish or seafood. The rice is usually accompanied by a small piece of nori (seaweed) and sometimes features a dab of wasabi, pickled ginger, or soy sauce. There are many variations, including nigiri (hand-pressed sushi), maki (rolled sushi), and sashimi (slices of raw fish).

Ramen: Ramen is a widely popular soup dish in Japan that includes Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth. It is often garnished with ingredients such as pork, dried seaweed, menma (fermented soybean paste), scallions, and miso paste. The dish can be found in various styles, including tonkotsu (pork bone broth), shoyu (soy sauce broth), and miso.

Tempura: Tempura is a deep-fried dish where seafood, vegetables, or mushrooms are battered and then cooked in hot oil. The light, crispy batter turns golden brown and creates a contrast with the soft textures of the ingredients inside. Traditional tempura elements include shrimp, sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach, and green beans. It is typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, Mirin, and dashi.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing