層雲閣
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 281 reviews
Sounkaku Mountain Resort 1923 sits on the rim of Sounkyo Valley within the Daisetsuzan National Park corridor, carrying a hospitality tradition that dates back to the early twentieth century. The property offers a large, multi‑storey layout of traditional tatami rooms where guests sleep on futons and enjoy valley or mountain views; guest accommodation is arranged to preserve privacy while accommodating single travellers, couples and groups. Public areas include a spacious reception, a small shop with local specialties and seasonal gardens that frame views of alpine flora in summer and vivid foliage in autumn, while winter brings the locally celebrated ice sculptures and festival displays.
The resort’s bathing facilities are a central feature, with a mixture of indoor and open‑air hot spring baths and ancillary wellness spaces that include a sauna and public bathing areas designed for communal relaxation. Dining is anchored by several on‑site restaurants, one of which operates a buffet with an open kitchen concept that highlights seasonal produce from Hokkaido; additional dining rooms serve more formal Japanese preparations. Recreational amenities extend to a games area and basic indoor leisure options, and the hotel manages services to support luggage and guest logistics to and from regional transport points.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: 層雲閣
Positive Reviews
Helpful, friendly staff and good service
Multiple reviews praise polite, attentive staff who are welcoming and helpful, with several mentions of very amiable service at reception and during meals.
Attractive onsens with great views
Guests frequently highlight the onsen experience—especially the outdoor onsen with a scenic view—as a major plus, calling the baths lovely and relaxing.
Generous food offerings and free drinks/snacks
Breakfast and dinner buffets are described as varied and of good quality by many guests; the lobby/lounge offers complimentary drinks and snacks or an extensive happy hour included with half‑board packages.
Excellent location for exploring the park and surroundings
The hotel’s location is repeatedly noted as very convenient for accessing hiking areas, ropeways and national park attractions, making it a good base for excursions.
Spacious rooms, comfortable beds and pleasant public spaces
Several reviewers mention large, comfortable rooms and beds, a smart renovated main wing, and an appealing lobby (with a fireplace) that adds charm and a comfortable communal area.
Negative Reviews
Rooms and bathrooms feel dated and need refurbishment
Many guests report that bedrooms and especially bathrooms are old or worn, with calls for room refits and updated fixtures despite some renovated public areas.
Cleanliness and maintenance issues in parts of the property
There are recurring comments about poorly maintained corridors, musty odors, visible dust, unclean bathroom vents, and outdoor onsen areas with dirt or debris; at least one guest reported unresolved maintenance (a broken toilet).
Buffets crowded and affected by large tour groups
Several reviews point out crowded, noisy buffets dominated by tour groups, with dining capacity sometimes insufficient and guests describing the atmosphere as busy and lacking refinement.
Inconsistent meal quality and perceived poor value
While many praise the buffet variety, others note uneven food quality (e.g., frozen items presented as fresh) and feel the price can be high relative to what is offered; some guests expected more dining options than were available.
Wi‑Fi, language barriers and occasional service gaps
A number of guests experienced slow or unstable in‑room Wi‑Fi; some staff have limited English; and a few reported service lapses or slow responses from staff during problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sounkaku has 166 rooms with a total capacity of around 500 guests, offering rooms for singles, couples and families.
The property offers indoor public baths, an outdoor gorge-facing rotenburo and a sauna; multiple natural hot spring sources supply the baths.
Check-in is generally from 15:00 and check-out is typically by 10:00; please confirm exact times with the ryokan at booking.
Day-use onsen is available with set hours (commonly mid-afternoon to early evening); contact the ryokan to confirm availability and timings for the date you plan to visit.
No regular airport shuttle is listed; most visitors arrive by bus or car and transfer to Sounkyo Bus Terminal before walking to the ryokan.
Sounkaku is about a five-minute walk from Sounkyo Bus Terminal, which is served by highway and local buses connecting the area to regional transport hubs.
Staff languages listed include Japanese, English and Chinese, though the level of English may vary by staff member.
The hotel houses multiple restaurants and a large buffet-style dinner and breakfast service featuring Japanese, Western and Chinese dishes, plus on-site snack and beverage services.
A private onsen is not prominently listed among standard facilities; guests should contact the ryokan directly to request private-bath or family-bath options if needed.
Pets are not listed as a standard offering—please confirm with the property before bringing animals; the hotel has an on-site shop and vending machines, while full supermarkets in the immediate Sounkyo Onsen area are limited so plan accordingly.