Daisetsuzan Sounkyo-Kurodake Ropeway and chairlift opened on June 29,1967, as the climber's gateway the Daisetsu Mountains, and also to enable visitors tosee the magnifcent views from above the Sounkyo Gorge. The splendor of natural environment can be enjoyed throughout the year on Mt.Kurodake(1984m),Daisetsu Mountains' highest peak with the mountain greenery budding amid the snow melt in June, the commnunities of aipne plants in summer, the colorful leaves in autumn, and skiing and snowshoeing in winter. ●Kamuy-Mintara● The Daisetsu Mountains, where Mt.Kurodake is located, are known as Kamuy-Mintara(the garden where gods play) in the Ainu language. The area boasted over 300 virieties ob alpine plants, and the magnificent scenery can indeed be said to be "a paradise above the clouds".