Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Witness the awe-inspiring power of nature at Kamui Kotan, where massive stone basins up to 5 meters wide tell a story of ancient floods and Ainu mythology. 

Over a stretch of 1,200 meters along the Ishikari River, you will find a mysterious landscape designated a Natural Monument by the City of Asahikawa and included in the Japan Heritage designation. These "potholes" are cylindrical hollows carved into the riverbed’s bedrock over countless millennia. They were formed as swirling river currents spun pebbles in rocky crevices, slowly grinding away the stone to create deep, smooth basins. In Ainu folklore, these dramatic formations are said to be the "footprints" left behind by the malevolent deity Ninnekamuy as he was pursued by the heroic god Samaykur. Standing before these giant depressions, some reaching 5 meters in diameter, you can feel the raw energy of the wild intertwined with the world of myth. 

While the potholes are best viewed from the riverside walking paths and observation points, the surrounding gorge engages all your senses. From the Kamui-ohashi Bridge, look down at the deep, emerald waters of the Ishikari River and listen to the thunderous roar of whitewater crashing against the rugged cliffs. Feel the cool, crisp breeze of the gorge against your skin and breathe in the earthy, rich scent of the damp forest soil. As you explore, keep an eye out for other unique rock formations believed to resemble the demon’s head or sword scars. These natural sculptures, shaped by the passage of time, quietly remind visitors that they stand upon the “Stage of the Gods.”