10 Things to Do in Kamikawa

10 Things to Do in Kamikawa

Kamikawa (上川町) is a town in the Kamikawa Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. The name of the town kami (上) means upper and kawa (川) means river. It comes from the fact that it is located upstream of the Ishikari River.

For those planning to visit the town of Kamikawa to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Kamikawa:

Kamikawa manhole cover

1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Kamikawa. So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover. It is commonly seen around town.

Ogamigawa Shrine

2. Visit the Ogamigawa Shrine (大上川神社). It is the main shrine of the town. You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. Don’t forget to avail of the shrine’s goshuin if you collect them.

Kamikawa Heritage Museum

3. Visit the Kamikawa Heritage Museum (上川町郷土資料館・ふる里たいせつ館) and learn about the past of the town with the numerous Showa period displays. The entrance is free.

Kamikawa Park

4. Stroll around and enjoy the fresh air at Kamikawa Park (上川公園). If you time your visit in spring, the park is a popular spot for Hanami or Sakura blossom viewing. You can also see the panoramic view of the town from several viewing areas in the park. 

Ginga Falls

5. Check out the beautiful Ginga Falls (銀河の滝). You might need to walk several meters from the parking area to reach it but it’s totally worth it.

Kurodake-no-Yu Public Onsen

6. Take a dip and relax at the onsen of Kurodake-no-Yu Public Onsen (黒岳の湯). It’s very affordable. It costs only 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for kids. Sadly, it’s a bathing-only facility and you can’t stay overnight.

Bell of Espoir

7. Head to Bell of Espoir (エスポワールの鐘) located on a hill in the northern part of town. It’s a unique-looking observatory with a panoramic view of Kamikawa.

Daisetsuzan Soukyo Kurodake Ropeway

8. Ride the Daisetsuzan Soukyo Kurodake Ropeway (大雪山層雲峡・黒岳ロープウェイ＆リフト) and enjoy the view from the ropeway. If you plan to hike Mt. Kurodake, you need to transfer to Kurodake Chair Lift to bring you to the trailhead.

Hokkaido Ice Pavilion

9. Visit the Hokkaido Ice Pavilion (北海道アイスパビリオン) and experience winter even in summer. You can try the ice slide inside and even the goat-feeding activity.

Mt. Kurodake 

10. Hike Mt. Kurodake (黒岳) via the Sounkyo Route. If you have the energy, you can continue to reach the summit of Mt. Asahi, the highest peak of Hokkaido.


I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Kamikawa gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this scenic town in central Hokkaido.

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