Picturesque Scenery That Violent and Resistant God Lived -Kamuikotan in Asahikawa-

Kamuikotan (神居古潭) is a picturesque scenery in the suburbs of Asahikawa city. A combination of meandering and rocks is beautiful scenery. Originally this place is known as a sacred place for Ainu people, and Kamuikotan means "God lives" in Ainu language. Kamuikotan Ninne Kamui (カムイコタンニッネカムイ * violent and resistant god) lived here in Ainu period and watned to destroy the Ainu people once, but he was brought down by Samaikuru (サマイクル * guardian deity). Because there were a lot of strangely shaped rocks and mysterious stones and this was a difficult spot for crusing, Kamuikotan was called a village of violent and resistant god. A look of Kamui Bridge is very nice. There are the Kamui Bridge (神居大橋), Steam Locomotives, former Kamuikotan Station (旧神居古潭駅舎) and a monument in memory of Takeko Kujo (九条武子) in the site. Kamuiiwa Rock (神居岩) can be looked. Free admission and a parking lot is free of charge.

The Steam Locomotives were displayed when I crossed the bridge, and there was the former Kamuikotan Station, and a cycling road was built on old tracks. The Kamuikotan Station was built in 1901 and was designated as a cultural property in 1991. Everbody can enter freely. By the way, the cycling road was closed to traffic because of a landslide, and Unfortunately I could not come close to the Steam Locomotives.

There is Minamiyama Shoten (南山商店) near the Kamui Bridge, and they sell a perilla juice as a local speciality of Kamuikotan. The price is JPY 100 per cup. It was a good old taste like Ume Gum and the sour was comfortable in a hot summer.

The Kamuikotan is famous as a sightseeing spot for fall foliage, too. Rugged rocks along the Ishikari river go well with the fall foliage. The best time to see is from early October to late October.

Atmosphere of Kamuikotan Can Be Watched on Youtube

Movie of Kamuikotan

Accommodations

Refer to following websites for the accommodations around Kamuikotan.

Irumu-no-Oka Youth Hostel(イルムの丘ユースホステル)	HP		Jalan

Booking.com

A page of Asahikawa is here