Autumn Foliage! Railways! Power Spot! What Is “Kamui Kotan,” Steeped in Ainu Legend?

Located in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Kamui Kotan is a famous scenic spot that has long been considered a sacred place by the Ainu people. Today it is known as a location where you can enjoy beautiful scenery, but for the Ainu it was also once a place to be feared. Let’s explore what kind of place Kamui Kotan is, along with the intriguing legends and the best seasons to visit.

What Kind of Place Is Kamui Kotan?

Kamui Kotan features stunning views of the Ishikari River’s rapids framed by lush, mountainous greenery, and it is selected as one of the “Eight Views of Asahikawa.” A wooden bridge called Kamui Ohashi is built over the Ishikari River, allowing passage to the opposite bank.

The bridge carries a warning that “no more than 100 people can cross at one time.” As people cross, the wooden structure creaks and groans—a sound unique to wood—that adds a thrill to the experience. Yet the view from the bridge is truly beautiful, offering different scenic views according to the season.

The Legend of Kamui Kotan

There is an enduring legend at Kamui Kotan. The name “Kamui Kotan” comes from the Ainu language, where “kamui” means “god” and “kotan” means “settlement,” reflecting its status as a sacred place. However, it was also regarded as a fearsome place by the Ainu.

The reason lies in the geography of Kamui Kotan. The surrounding area features a narrow river with a strong current, and the water is deep – reportedly reaching up to 70 meters at its deepest point. In times past, when the area was less developed, this made the river a formidable obstacle for the Ainu.

Numerous accidents were attributed to the work of a demon known as Ninne Kamui. According to legend, Ninne Kamui – who tormented the Ainu – was eventually defeated by the mountain god Nupri Kamui and the heroic god Samai Kur.

It is said that the name “Kamui Kotan” was given in gratitude for being able to pass safely through this dangerous place. By recalling the legends of the various gods gathered at Kamui Kotan during your visit, you may be able to enjoy an entirely new perspective on the landscape.

A Must-See: The Natural Monument “Kamui Kotan Ouana Group”

When you visit Kamui Kotan, don’t miss the “Kamui Kotan Ouana Group,” designated as a Natural Monument. Stretching 1,200 meters from upstream to downstream of Kamui Ohashi, there are seven of these natural cavities. Their sizes and depths vary; one particularly large ouana – approximately 2 meters in diameter and 5 meters deep – is known as the “Demon’s Footprint.”

These ouana are formed when small stones enter cracks or depressions in the rock, and the flowing water gradually erodes the rock. As eddies form, the rock is worn down into a circular shape, while the small stones are abraded away.

However, when new stones are carried in, the process continues, enlarging the ouana. Although ouana can be found in various places in Japan, the ones at Kamui Kotan are notably large, making them of significant academic value.

Be Healed by the Breathtaking Views from Kamui Ohashi

Kamui Kotan is one of the Eight Views of Asahikawa, so the scenery from Kamui Ohashi is unmissable. The beautiful green trees and the Ishikari River create a stunning view that offers a refreshing escape from daily life. In winter, when snow blankets the area, the landscape becomes almost otherworldly. The view changes with the seasons, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.

Best Season: Autumn Foliage

Kamui Kotan is beautiful in every season, but it is especially renowned in autumn when the leaves burst into vibrant colors. It is one of Asahikawa’s famous autumn foliage spots. Various trees, including nanakamado, maple, and mizunara oak, turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a stunning contrast.

The view from Kamui Ohashi is already beautiful, but when combined with the white Kamui Ohashi and the autumn leaves stretching over the Ishikari River, the scenery becomes even more breathtaking. When visiting Asahikawa, be sure to make the trip to Kamui Kotan.

A Treat for Enthusiasts: Kamui Kotan Station and the Steam Locomotive (SL)

Another recommended spot in Kamui Kotan is the old Kamui Kotan station building. Once you cross Kamui Ohashi, the station building comes into view. The old station was part of the Hakodate Main Line, but it was closed on September 30, Showa 44 (1969). Recognized as one of the few remaining station buildings from the Meiji era, it was restored in Heisei 1 (1989) and now serves as a rest area along a cycling road.

Nearby, parts of the old railway bridge and tracks remain, offering a glimpse of the past. To the west of the old Kamui Kotan station, railway enthusiasts will be thrilled by an exhibit featuring three locomotives: the 29638 steam locomotive affectionately known as “Kyuroku,” the D51 6 steam locomotive known as “Degoi-ichi,” and the popular C57 201 steam locomotive nicknamed “Lady.” Even if you’re not a train buff, this display is sure to astonish you.

Also, a tunnel used by the locomotives still remains behind the exhibit. Now serving as part of a cycling road, it is a great spot to visit on a bicycle when you have the time.

Access

Once feared by the Ainu, Kamui Kotan is now a popular scenic spot selected as one of the Eight Views of Asahikawa. You can enjoy different landscapes in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, and railway enthusiasts will especially appreciate the old Kamui Kotan station building and locomotive displays. It’s a spot that offers enjoyment for both children and adults. If you’re driving to Kamui Kotan, there is convenient parking available. It takes approximately 40 minutes from JR Asahikawa Station and about 50 minutes from Asahikawa Airport. If you take the bus, board the “Fukagawa Private Hospital” bus from Asahikawa Station, then get off at “Kamui Kotan” and walk for about 5 minutes.