
Kamuikotan Gorge
Experience the raw beauty of the Ishikari River carving through Kamuikotan Gorge, with unique stones and a historic railway.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, great light

Kamuikotan Gorge
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, great light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the raw beauty of the Ishikari River carving through Kamuikotan Gorge, with unique stones and a historic railway.
"Quiet place, no tourist, just us. Very nice scenery."

🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Trails are narrow, rocky, and overgrown. Proper footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
🐻 Be Bear Aware
Wildlife, including bears, inhabits the area. Consider carrying bear spray for your safety.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ishikari River Rapids
Ishikari River
Witness the powerful Ishikari River carving through the gorge, with unique 'Kamuikotan Oana' stones deposited by the rapids.

The Historic Bridge
Kamuikotan Gorge Bridge
A scenic bridge offering panoramic views of the gorge and river, a popular spot for photos and reflection.

Abandoned Railway Track
Former railway line
Explore the remnants of an old railway line, offering a unique perspective and a sense of history amidst nature.

Kamuikotan Shrine Hike
Near the train area
Hike to a shrine nestled in the hills for rewarding views, though be prepared for challenging terrain.
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Planning Your Visit
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Trails are narrow, rocky, and overgrown. Proper footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
🐻 Be Bear Aware
Wildlife, including bears, inhabits the area. Consider carrying bear spray for your safety.
📸 Capture the Train
This spot is known for the chance to photograph passing trains, offering a unique scenic element.
🚶♀️ Explore the Shrine Trail
The hike to the shrine offers great views, but be prepared for a challenging, animal-like path.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Trails are narrow, rocky, and overgrown. Proper footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
🐻 Be Bear Aware
Wildlife, including bears, inhabits the area. Consider carrying bear spray for your safety.
📸 Capture the Train
This spot is known for the chance to photograph passing trains, offering a unique scenic element.
🚶♀️ Explore the Shrine Trail
The hike to the shrine offers great views, but be prepared for a challenging, animal-like path.
🚗 Free Parking Available
There's a convenient free parking spot and restroom facilities for visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kamuikotan Gorge is praised for its dramatic natural beauty, particularly the Ishikari River rapids and the scenic bridge. Visitors appreciate the quiet, uncrowded atmosphere and the unique historical remnants like the abandoned railway. However, the challenging and overgrown trails require careful preparation, and some find the area's history to be somber.
"This place is awesome... It would be great if there were no bears in the area and then you could cycle along the abandoned track"
Brett Bennett
"Very nice scenery.
the bridge and river
Place where you can take picture of the train(2 train)
A hiking spot im guessing up to a shrine near the train area, went half way and came back down as not prepared for it.
Narrow, rocky, overgrown grass and spider webs which my friend wasnt liking it
Finally the tunnel, didnt go in but its cool"
newbie G
"Quiet place, no tourist, just us"
Romeo Kp
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kamuikotan Gorge is accessible by car, with free parking available on-site. It's located between Takikawa and Fukagawa. Public transport options might be limited, so driving is often the most convenient way to reach this scenic spot.
While there's an abandoned railway track, it's described as narrow, rocky, and overgrown, making it challenging for casual cycling. It's more suited for hiking.
The best way to explore Kamuikotan Gorge is on foot. There are hiking trails, including the 'Kamuikotan Iwa' and 'Kamuikotan Hiking' courses, offering different levels of difficulty and scenic rewards.
Kamuikotan Gorge is situated along the Ishikari River, connecting areas like Takikawa and Fukagawa. The former station also hints at historical railway connections.
Roads leading to the gorge are generally accessible by car. However, the trails within the gorge itself are described as narrow and rocky, requiring careful navigation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kamuikotan Gorge is a natural attraction and typically does not have an entrance fee. Access to the trails and scenic spots is generally free for visitors.
As a natural gorge, Kamuikotan is generally accessible at all times. However, for safety and the best experience, visiting during daylight hours is recommended.
No advance booking is necessary as there are no admission tickets for Kamuikotan Gorge. It's a natural area open to the public.
While generally open, visitors should be mindful of the natural environment and potential wildlife. It's advised to stay on marked trails and be prepared for challenging terrain.
Information suggests there are basic facilities like a restroom and free parking, but a formal visitor center is not prominently mentioned.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The bridge over the Ishikari River offers stunning views for photography. The abandoned railway track and the river rapids themselves are also popular subjects.
Yes, there are hiking trails like 'Kamuikotan Iwa' and 'Kamuikotan Hiking' courses. Be prepared for narrow, rocky, and overgrown paths.
Expect a dramatic gorge carved by the Ishikari River, featuring rapids, unique stones, a historic bridge, and remnants of an old railway line.
Reviews suggest it can be a quiet place with few tourists, offering a peaceful experience.
The area has a history as a former station connecting Takikawa and Fukagawa, and tragically, it's also known for past incidents of people jumping from the bridge.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early mornings offer soft light and a serene atmosphere, ideal for capturing the natural beauty. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful lighting for the gorge and river.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive gorge and river views. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details on the rocks or distant landscapes. Consider a tripod for stable shots in lower light.
Don't miss capturing the dramatic Ishikari River rapids, the historic bridge, and the intriguing abandoned railway tracks. The 'Kamuikotan Oana' stones are also unique subjects.
Experiment with different angles from the bridge, or venture carefully onto the less-trafficked parts of the old railway line for a more adventurous perspective.
While the train is a scenic element, always prioritize safety. Be aware of train schedules and maintain a safe distance from the tracks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents should be particularly mindful of wildlife, including bears, and consider carrying bear spray. The historical context of the gorge, including past tragedies, might also be something to consider when discussing the area with children. However, for families with older, adventurous children who enjoy nature and a bit of a challenge, the gorge can offer a memorable outing with stunning scenery.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers & Hikers
It's crucial for solo visitors to be extra prepared. This includes wearing appropriate hiking boots, carrying sufficient water and snacks, and informing someone of your hiking plans. Given the potential for wildlife encounters, carrying bear spray is highly recommended. The solitude of the gorge can be a major draw, offering a chance for introspection amidst dramatic natural beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
The 'Kamuikotan Iwa' route is described as harder but more rewarding, offering better views from the summit. It's crucial to be well-equipped and aware of your surroundings, especially given the area's natural state. While the challenge is part of the allure for some, it's important to assess your fitness and preparedness before embarking on longer hikes.
Despite the challenging conditions, the rewarding summit views and the unique experience of traversing these less-trodden paths make the effort worthwhile for many visitors seeking an authentic natural encounter.
The Gorge's History and Atmosphere
However, the gorge is also associated with tragic events. Visitors mention that the bridge has been a site where people have tragically ended their lives by jumping. This history contributes to a feeling that the place can be 'creepy and haunted' at night, a stark contrast to its daytime appeal as a hiking spot.
Despite these darker undertones, many find the gorge to be a quiet place with few tourists, offering a sense of solitude and reflection. The combination of dramatic natural scenery and its poignant past creates a unique and memorable experience for those who visit.





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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit