Kamui Kotan, one of Asahikawa's Eight Scenic Views, looks like a landscape straight out of a fairy tale

After enjoying ice cream at Lake Hill Farm, we began our drive back toward Asahikawa to visit Kamui Kotan, one of the Eight Scenic Views of Asahikawa. Known for its steep gorge and unusual rock formations, Kamui Kotan was once an important transportation route for the Ainu people, who traveled through the area by dugout canoe.

After about three hours of driving, we parked at the free parking lot near Kamui Kotan and headed across the bridge to the opposite bank. A stone monument near the entrance bears inscriptions related to ferries, railways, and journeys, reflecting the area’s historical significance as a major transportation hub.

As we walked across Kamui Bridge, a grasshopper rested quietly on the bridge deck, a reminder of the rich ecosystem that thrives here. The bridge itself is stable and easy to walk across. Looking down from the bridge, we could see dramatic rock formations and clusters of potholes carved into the riverbed.

They reminded me of the famous potholes along Taiwan’s Keelung River. Here, however, they were formed by the powerful currents of the Ishikari River, which has sculpted a spectacular landscape of rapids and rocky cliffs.

This unique scenery is one of the reasons Kamui Kotan is included among Asahikawa’s Eight Scenic Views. We visited in summer, but I imagine the area becomes even more beautiful in autumn when the surrounding maple trees turn brilliant shades of red and gold.

In the distance, we spotted a display of a steam locomotive and a Western-style building. Surrounded by lush green forests and charming signposts, the walking trails felt as though they belonged in a fairy tale. Nearby stands a monument commemorating the poems of Takeko Kujo, adding a touch of cultural and historical significance to the area.

We then entered the former Old Kamui Kotan Station, a distinctive Western-style wooden building dating back to the Meiji era. This beautifully preserved structure has been designated as an important cultural property of Asahikawa and remains one of the area’s most popular attractions.

The neighboring SL steam locomotive was the sight I had been most eager to see. It evoked a strong sense of nostalgia. Although it now sits on display, surrounded by trees and greenery, it almost felt as if it were still running through the forest. For a moment, it seemed to come back to life.

After admiring the steam locomotive, I wanted to walk through the nearby tunnel to explore the scenery on the other side. Unfortunately, as I approached the tunnel, a flying insect kept buzzing very close to me. I could hear the persistent humming sound near my ears, but I couldn’t actually see the insect. The experience gave me goosebumps. Eventually, I had no choice but to turn back. Later, my family told me that a bee had been hovering around me the entire time, almost as if it were inspecting me. So we returned to our car and reluctantly left behind the beautiful fairy-tale landscape of Kamui Kotan.