Sounkyo Onsen, in Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido, is holding its "Canyon Fire Festival" this summer, a signature seasonal event featuring Ainu-inspired rituals, spirited performances, and fireworks that resound through the gorge.
Festival Highlights
On Saturday, July 25, 2026 only, the festival opens with a performance by a Japan Self-Defense Forces band, alongside a powerful Fire Festival Taiko drum performance and a fireworks display. Then, from Sunday, July 26 through Saturday, August 15, fireworks are launched every night, lighting up the night sky above the gorge. Beyond the visual display, the sound of each burst echoes repeatedly off the surrounding rock walls, creating a soundscape unique to the canyon setting.
To let guests enjoy the festival further, two local hotels — Choyotei (252 rooms) and Sounkyo Onsen Choyo Resort Hotel (200 rooms), both located in Aza Sounkyo Onsen, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido — are offering special stay plans timed to the festival period.
Choyotei: Gibier Shabu-Shabu Plan
Choyotei's plan includes a shabu-shabu course featuring three kinds of gibier sourced from Hokkaido's natural surroundings — Ezo deer, wild boar, and pheasant — at no additional charge.
Choyo Resort Hotel: Yukata & All-You-Can-Drink Plan
At Choyo Resort Hotel, guests can borrow a colorful women's yukata and a hand lantern, and enjoy all-you-can-drink with dinner, making it easy to take in the Canyon Fire Festival dressed in yukata for a memorable summer evening.
Stay Period
Saturday, July 25, 2026 – Saturday, August 15, 2026
Reservations:
- Choyotei: https://book.noguchi-g.com/booking/result?code=f26a04f5c37ba85f90aba754c58fc6f2&is_including_occupied=true&hotel_plan_code=14471934&search_type=undated
- Choyo Resort Hotel: https://book.noguchi-g.com/booking/result?code=8fbd1a4b43d5ed2dd3b1e33291cec4b3&is_including_occupied=true&hotel_plan_code=18826294&search_type=undated
This stretch of summer at Sounkyo, when the gorge's scenery and Hokkaido's clear night sky meet with fireworks blooming high above, offers a memorable seasonal escape.
