Facility information
Established to bring people into contact with Daisetsuzan National Park’s natural environment, Sounkyo Visitor Center is a core facility that serves to help visitors study and experience nature and to promote its preservation.
This facility is illuminated by natural sunlight and LED lighting to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
Hours & Days closed
Hours
June to October 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
November to May 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Days closed
June to October Open every day
November to May Mondays
Year-end and New Year holidays (December 31 to January 5)
Floor map
The center presents four representative nature observation courses for visitors to Daisetsuzan National Park. Here, visitors can obtain real-time information on the natural environment and places to see before venturing into the great outdoors.
Differences in Daisetsuzan’s alpine environments provide opportunities to see a variety of flower fields and mountain butterflies. This section describes the main plants that can be found in windswept rock communities, Pinus pumila communities, snowfield communities, and snow-moistened communities as well as the mountain butterflies that live there.
Available videos show:
The seasons of Daisetsu: “Winter,” “Spring,” “Summer,” and “Fall”,
The “secrets” of Sounkyo Gorge.
A topographic model shows the Daisetsuzan area and remaining snowy gorges as they appear in early July. It can be used to find main mountains, trails, huts and campsites, hot springs, and other features with sightseeing points.
Here, visitors can gather around the table for a discussion of nature, plants, and animals, or step outside onto the terrace to view Sounkyo Gorge. They can even use a computer to retrieve information helpful for learning more about the natural environment and using facilities throughout the entire park.
This room is used for special projects and thematic displays, such as photo exhibits, crafts classes, slide shows, and plays performed with visitor participation.
Free multilingual exhibit guides
Free guides that provide multilingual explanations of the center’s exhibits and displays are available. Please ask for one at the office.
Available languages: English, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Korean, Thai
