 Most viewed - Lake Toya (Toyako) 洞爺湖 |
Toyako Onsen Spa is Lake Toya's main town and tourist base on the southern shore. It is a cluster of hotels and ryokans offering hot spring waters.594 views
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With buckets and water testing kits, they do their testing.582 views
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JR Toya Station is the closest train station to Lake Toya. From this station, take a bus or taxi. There are also other buses going to Lake Toya from other places such as Sapporo and Date.476 views
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The Nishiyama Crater Trail (Nishiyama Kako Sansakuro) is accessible by car or bus from Toyako Onsen Spa or Toya Station. Get off at the Nishiyama Kako Kitaguchi which is in front of this former fire dept. station. 旧西胆振消防組合本部452 views
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Toya manhole showing the Ukimido temple and Nakajima islands. Hokkaido356 views
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The mannequin is a slightly larger-than-life likeness of Yokozuna Kitanoumi performing the Yokozuna Dohyo-iri (ring-entering ceremony). Yokozuna Kitanoumi Memorial Hall, Sobetsu, Hokkaido351 views
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After bicycling through eastern Lake Toya, I continue my trip around Lake Toya as I head north, entering Toyako town.340 views
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Lake Toya lookout deck on Mt. Usu, near the ropeway terminal. Showa-Shinzan clearly in sight. 洞爺湖展望台340 views
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Mt. Showa-Shinzan is a lava dome which arose in the middle of farm land in 1943-45. Lake Toya, Hokkaido.332 views
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Sculpture: Anthem of the Sun, by Machiko Kodera 小寺 真知子「太陽の賛歌」330 views
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Sculpture: by Keiko Amamiya, 雨宮 敬子「洞照」. One problem with the outdoor sculptures, especially human figures, are the birds. Their droppings create unsightly white streaks down the body.321 views
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Lake Toya is decorated with almost 60 outdoor sculptures along the shore all around the lake. This is the first one you will likely see. By Tando Saka. 坂 担道「湖渡る風」309 views
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Sculpture: Light of the Moon, by Igor Mitoraj. イゴール・ミトライ「月の光」308 views
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It sort of looks like Kitanoumi...305 views
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JR Toya Station is on the JR Muroran Line. There are express trains going directly to/from Sapporo.304 views
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Way to Ekimae Sambashi Pier at Toyako Onsen Spa. A short walk from the bus terminal.298 views
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Sculpture: Anthem of the Sun, by Machiko Kodera. Lake Toya has many nude woman sculptures.293 views
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Mt. Usu's Ginnuma Crater, one of the largest. It was created during the 1977 eruption. 銀沼大火口290 views
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Showa-Shinzan closeup. Still steaming.288 views
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Mt. Usu is on the left, Showa-Shinzan on the right. In the background is the conical Mt. Yotei. Between Usu and Showa-Shinzan is the tourist village and the Usuzan Ropeway terminal.282 views
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On the west end of Toyako Onsen are more sculptures and a park. Sculpture by Kan Yasuda. 安田 侃「意心帰」280 views
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Road to Showa-Shinzan. That's the Showa-Shinzan Youth Hostel on the right. Best way to get to Showa-Shinzan is by bus from Toyako Onsen bus terminal.279 views
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New Chitose Airport, Hokkaido's main gateway, is the first place you see G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome signs. As we get off (or get on) the plane.277 views
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Near the Toya Mizunoeki is Toya High School whose Environment Club regularly take water samples from Lake Toya to test the lake's water quality. They go behind the Toya Mozunoeki and take water samples with plastic buckets.271 views
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Sculpture: At the Lake, by Akihiko Kurokawa 黒川 晃彦「湖畔にて」270 views
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Onna (Woman) by Chizuko Sasado. 笹戸 千津子「女」263 views
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Inside JR Toya Station.259 views
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Entrance to Toya Station from the train platform.248 views
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Toya Station platform and sign for outgoing passengers: "See you again!" (Mata no okoshi wo)248 views
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If you want to bicycle around Lake Toya, do it in the counterclockwise direction from Toyako Onsen where you can rent a bicycle. It's easier slope-wise and you can see the lake better on the left side of the road.248 views
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Lake Toya's bald spot.246 views
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Eastern Lake Toya, with Mt. Usu in the distance.245 views
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Swans along Lake Toya, Sobetsu, Hokkaido245 views
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Wrecked car243 views
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The Nakajima islands in the center of Lake Toya. There are four islands. Most them have a conical shape.241 views
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Nakajima islands, Lake Toya241 views
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Cherry blossoms and the Nakajima islands, Lake Toya. Early May 2008.240 views
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Toyako Culture Center with G8 Summit flags239 views
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The summit welcome sign in front of JR Toya Station also lists environmental activities by local groups. Converting waste vegetable oil to diesel fuel, using snow for refrigeration, etc.238 views
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Sobetsu Park and plum blossoms overlooking Lake Toya, Hokkaido.238 views
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Lake Toya and swan, Hokkaido237 views
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Sculpture: by Aiko Miyawaki, 宮脇 愛子「うつろひ」 This is at the western edge of Toyako Onsen. It was past 5 pm when I got back to Toyako Onsen by bicycle.235 views
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The ocean beach near Toya Station.234 views
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Heading back. Remember that the trail is not open during the winter months. For more info call 0142-75-4400.232 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit Welcome sign in front of JR Toya Station.231 views
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Toya Station platform and local train.231 views
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Usuzan Ropeway terminal on the left.230 views
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Mt. Usu or Usuzan as seen from the lake.228 views
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Sculpture: Recovery, by Rei Nibe 二部 黎「復活」227 views
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More dramatic terrain. There's no threat of further eruptions in this area, so don't worry about getting caught in a shower of hot lava and volcanic ash while walking around here.226 views
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Bus stop in front of Toya Station with Toyako town's slogan: Town of greenery, lake waters, and heartful encounters.222 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sticker on a bus window in Sapporo.222 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: T-shirts221 views
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Official logo of the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit on the Toyako Culture Center.219 views
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Next to the former fire station is this small pond, called Nishiyama Kako-numa, created by the eruption and blocking the road. 西山火口沼(西新山沼)218 views
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Ukimido pagoda, Lake Toya, Hokkaido 浮見堂214 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit Welcome banner on a building in Sapporo.214 views
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Espoir is the name of this lake cruise boat shaped like a medieval European castle. Can't get more gimmicky than that.213 views
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Ticket office inside JR Toya Station. Notice the G8 Summit flags.213 views
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Usuzan Ropeway car holds over 100 people.212 views
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Right side of Ukimido pagoda, Lake Toya.211 views
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The new Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal210 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sticker on a bus window in Sapporo.210 views
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Lake Toya and swans, Hokkaido209 views
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Welcome banner on train platform.209 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Pins209 views
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The fire dept. building was damaged by the eruption, so it is no longer used by the fire dept. However, you can enter it and see some display panels.208 views
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Nakajima islands and swan, Lake Toya, Hokkaido207 views
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Toyako Town Hall, front side, festooned with G8 Summit flags.207 views
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A tourist village called Kazan-mura (Volcano Village) has developed at the foot of Showa-Shinzan. 火山村204 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Confections sold at the train station kiosk.203 views
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The Usuzan Ropeway terminal has gift shops selling a variety of G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise. T-shirts, bags, candy, etc.203 views
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Toyako Onsen bus stop. "Toyako" means Lake Toya, and "Onsen" means hot spring. Lake Toya is within the municipalities of Toyako-cho town and Sobetsu-cho town (east shore).202 views
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The Yokozuna Kitanoumi Ki'nenkan or Memorial Hall looks like a miniature version of the Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo arena in Tokyo. Although it's near Lake Toya, it's off the main tourist road. There is a bus stop nearby, but I rented a bicycle.202 views
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Ekimae Sambashi Pier at Toyako Onsen Spa. The lake cruise fare is 1,320 yen for adults and 660 yen for kids. (Slightly more expensive during Nov.-April.) 駅前桟橋201 views
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201 views
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Distance-wise, Showa-Shinzan is not very far. But the killer slope will get you... At least the return bike ride was a thrill and very quick.200 views
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Another cruise boat. The cruise boats leave every 30 min. from 8 am to 4:30 pm during April-Oct. During Nov.-April, it operates every hour from 9 am to 4 pm.197 views
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A short bus ride from Toyako Onsen is the Nishiyama crater trail. Highly recommended. A series of craters can be seen up close. More photos here.197 views
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Next to Toya Station is the Toyako Town Hall, also with a G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign.197 views
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Road blocked by the pond. The Nishiyama Craters are part of Mt. Usu. They are on the west side of Usuzan and were formed by the March 2000 eruption.195 views
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Some trains are decorated with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign.194 views
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The Espoir returns to Toyako Onsen. The cruise takes 50 min. if you don't get off to visit the Nakajima islands. Otherwise, allow at least 30 min. for any island visits.193 views
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Wrecked confection factory. A dramatic reminder of what volcanoes can do.193 views
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Buses from Toyako Onsen don't run very often, so check the bus timetable beforehand. I opted to rent a bicycle and rode to Showa-Shinzan. Unless you like to push a bicycle up a very long slope for about 30 min., take a bus.193 views
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Lake Toya and cherry blossoms. Shikotsu-Toya National Park192 views
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This box of cookies show all the G8 Summit leaders bathing in a hot spring and scrubbing each other's backs. They also say, "Ii yu!" (great hot spring) which is pronounced "EU" as a pun.192 views
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The north entrance to the Nishiyama Crater Trail (Nishiyama Kako Sansakuro Kitaguchi). Open from April 20 to Nov. 10 during 7 am - 6 pm. Free admission, but donations accepted.189 views
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Signs in English near the bus stop.189 views
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Another wrecked house.187 views
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We cannot climb Showa-Shinzan.187 views
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Usuzan Ropeway, Lake Toya.185 views
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Local students from Abuta High School help beautify Toya Station.184 views
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There's a large parking lot full of tourists.184 views
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The former fire station in the distance. The building still looks quite new.183 views
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Sobetsu Falls, Lake Toya, Hokkaido.182 views
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Ticket office inside JR Toya Station with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit flags.181 views
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Leaving the ropeway terminal.181 views
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Windsor Hotel, G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit venue. It would've been great if it were shaped a like a mountain-top castle.179 views
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Park at the foot of Showa-Shinzan which means "New Mountain of the Showa Period." Showa-Shinzan is adjacent to Mt. Usu.179 views
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Toyako lookout deck on Mt. Usu, near the ropeway terminal. 洞爺湖展望台179 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome poster.178 views
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Inside former fire station.177 views
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Lookout deck on Mt. Usu, near the ropeway terminal.177 views
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When I got to the museum, the parking lot was quite full. It seemed that the museum was really popular. But most of them were there to play at the miniature golf course next to the museum.176 views
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Inside the Espoir lake cruise boat. This is the lower deck. The boat is obviously available for hire for private parties and cruises.175 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Confections sold at the train station kiosk.175 views
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No. 1 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck for the most conspicuous crater, still emitting steam.173 views
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Glass door with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sticker.172 views
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Toyako Onsen Spa171 views
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Leaving Toyako Onsen170 views
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Miniature golf course170 views
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Going toward the lake. On the right is where you can rent a bicycle for 1000 to 1500 yen. On the left is the tourist office.167 views
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This cruise boat, called Espoir, looks like a medieval European castle. It's a double-hulled boat. The lake cruise fare is 1,320 yen for adults and 660 yen for kids. (Slightly more expensive during Nov.-April.)167 views
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The ropeway distance is 1370 meters. It takes only 6 min. to reach Mt. Usu. The roundtrip ropeway fare is 1,450 yen for adults, 730 yen for kids.166 views
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Showa-Shinzan gets smaller.166 views
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Giant aerial photo of Lake Toya.165 views
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After a long walk uphill with a bicycle, Showa-Shinzan is in sight. Showa-Shinzan is in the town of Sobetsu.165 views
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Statue of Masao Mimatsu, a post office worker who observed and documented the development of Showa-Shinzan. His records are valuable.165 views
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Statue of Masao Mimatsu.165 views
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The wrecked road.164 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign at Usuzan Ropeway terminal.164 views
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The walking trail becomes a nice wooden boardwalk on rough terrain.162 views
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Lake Toya in early May162 views
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Toyako Onsen has a nice lakefront promenade for pedestrians. Cars no longer travel here so it's pleasant for a stroll.162 views
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His Yokozuna "tsuna" rope belt.162 views
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An adjacent crater contains water and emits some steam.161 views
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Hot spring foot bath is also popular with visitors.160 views
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Toyako Onsen lakefront. There are a few cruise boat docks, motor boat docks, and swan pedal boats.158 views
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The closest we can go is this park at the foot.158 views
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Mt. Showa-Shinzan as seen from Mt. Usu.158 views
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The trail starts with a bumpy asphalt road.156 views
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Apparently there weren't any cars on the road when this happened since everyone had been evacuated before the eruption occurred.156 views
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Sign explaining the deformed road.156 views
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He is doing the Unryu-style dohyo-iri.156 views
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Destination: Nakajima islands155 views
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Mt. Usu Crater lookout deck on the top of the hill. 有珠山火口原展望台155 views
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Ezo deer on Benten island.153 views
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Going further along the crater trail.153 views
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View from the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck153 views
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Hot spring foot bath153 views
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Sculpture: Anthem of the Sun, by Machiko Kodera 小寺 真知子「太陽の賛歌」153 views
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Sculpture: SHOWEN, by Noriyoshi Matsumoto. 松本 憲宣「SHOWEN」153 views
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Upper deck is also very spacious.152 views
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There are four Nakajima islands. Each one has a name. On the far right is the smallest island, named Manjujima island. Also nicknamed Snake Island since they say it has many vipers. 饅頭島152 views
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Kitanoumi as a young sumo wrestler. Even as Ozeki, he already had the aura of a Yokozuna. He had an ideal sumo physique, quiet dignity, and awesome sumo technique and power. He was a shoo-in to be a yokozuna.152 views
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On the eastern shore of Lake Toya in Sobetsu town, there's an uphill road off the lakeside road. It goes up to Sobetsu Park, a hillside park full of plum trees.152 views
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Most of the passengers were Chinese tourists. I came across Chinese tourists quite often in Hokkaido. They are certainly helping to support Japan's tourist industry.151 views
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Nishiyama Crater Trail151 views
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One of the largest and most active Nishiyama crater. There are about 30 craters in the area, and this one emits the most steam.151 views
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View of Lake Toya from the ropeway car.151 views
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No. 1 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck150 views
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Sculpture: Traveling Person, by Yoshiro Mineta 峯田 義郎「旅ひとり」150 views
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The Toyako Visitor Center is spacious with a giant aerial photo of Lake Toya and various exhibits introducing the lake which is within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park.150 views
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Lava dome on Mt. Usu. This volcano has erupted four times in the 20th century: 1910, 1943-45, 1977-78, and 2000 (on the west side called Nishiyama).150 views
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Toyako Onsen Spa tourist information office with a G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign. Near the bus terminal and center of town.149 views
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Sculpture: Muse, by Nobuyuki Akechi. 明地 信之「Muse」149 views
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Lake Toya as seen from Mt. Usu.149 views
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Ezo deer sculpture and the Nakajima islands in the lake. The sculptures are called Toyako Gurutto Chokoku Koen (Lake Toya Circular Sculpture Park). The sculpture project started in 1984.148 views
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Ukimido near Benten island147 views
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Broken telephone pole.147 views
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Lake Toya is a caldera lake, or crater lake. The mountain blew its top forming a huge crater. Later, volcanos erupted at the center to form smaller mountains which are now islands in the water-filled crater.147 views
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Hot spring foot bath on the lakefront promenade. It's called "Toron no Yu." 足湯147 views
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Mt. Usu Crater lookout deck on the top of the hill. 有珠山火口原展望台147 views
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The trail passes by a wrecked confection factory.146 views
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Sculpture: Onna (Woman) by Chizuko Sasado. 笹戸 千津子「女」146 views
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Lava dome on Mt. Usuzan146 views
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Benten temple on Benten island145 views
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Leaving the Nakajima islands.145 views
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Heading back to the ropeway terminal.145 views
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Boat dock at Oshima island. This island has a small nature museum.144 views
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In July 1974, he became the youngest sumo wrestler to be promoted to Yokozuna at age 21. His 18-year sumo career included 24 tournament championships.144 views
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Ropeway terminal144 views
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Another hiking trail goes closer to Ginnuma Crater for a better view.144 views
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Toyako Onsen as seen from the lake.143 views
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View of the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck143 views
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Lake Toya and cherry blossoms blooming in early May.143 views
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Lake Toya as seen from Mt. Usu.143 views
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The island on the left is Kannonjima island which is connected to Bentenjima island on the right via a sandbar. The islands are not accessible during winter.142 views
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The trail goes to the Minami-guchi (South entrance) of the crater trail.142 views
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Sea gull on the lake.141 views
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View from the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck141 views
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Hot spring foot bath, great especially after taking a long walk.141 views
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Windsor Hotel and lake cruise boat.141 views
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This lookout point is for viewing the Ginnuma Crater.141 views
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Path to Ginnuma Crater141 views
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Kannon temple on Kannon island.140 views
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Heading to Oshima island.140 views
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Flowers from the asphalt cracks.140 views
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These pictures show what you will see when you cycle east from Toyako Onsen. I did it during cherry blossom time in early May. You can cycle around in 3 hours, but it took me all day due to sightseeing and shooting photos.140 views
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Front of the boat.139 views
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The trail continues to more dramatic landscapes.139 views
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During Nov.-April, it operates every hour from 9 am to 4 pm. The cruise takes 50 min. if you don't get off to visit the Nakajima islands. Otherwise, allow 80 min. if you want to get also step foot on the Nakajima islands.139 views
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Sculpture: 奥山喜生「回峰」139 views
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View of Lake Toya from the ropeway car.139 views
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Going back down on the Usuzan Ropeway.139 views
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Oshima island, Nakajima islands.138 views
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The Ekimae Sanbashi Pier, almost front and center along Toyako Onsen's lake shore, has cruise boats leaving for lake cruises to the Nakajima islands every 30 min. from 8 am to 4:30 pm during April-Oct.138 views
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During the last eruption in 2000, Toyako Onsen was damaged by the debris. But no one died because everyone had been evacuated. A series of tell-tale earthquakes prompted the evacuation.138 views
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Leaving Toyako Onsen137 views
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The lake cruise boat heads back to shore as the Windsor Hotel (G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit venue) can be seen on the hill above. More boat cruise photos here.137 views
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Ropeway terminal137 views
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Kannon island, so called because there is a Kannon temple. 観音島136 views
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Oshima is the largest Nakajima island.136 views
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Mt. Showa-Shinzan as seen from Lake Toya.136 views
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From the ropeway terminal is a path to another hill which has another lookout point.136 views
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View of Date city and the ocean.136 views
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It takes about 40 min. to walk the crater trail one way. So allow at least 90 min. for a round-trip.135 views
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Crater bottom.135 views
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View from the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck135 views
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View of the Nakajima islands from eastern Lake Toya.135 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit sign inside the former Hokkaido Government Building.135 views
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The lakefront promenade goes for a good distance, passing in front of numerous hotels.134 views
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Kitanoumi souvenirs for sale.134 views
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Inside the refrigerated warehouse. There are two large rooms, one is filled with snow (seen in the back wall) and the other has the produce.134 views
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Ukimido as seen from Benten island133 views
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Lake Toya sign and the Nakajima islands.133 views
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On the shore of Lake Toya is binoculars through which you can see the Summit venue, the Windsor Hotel.133 views
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You can see the road (and youth hostel) where you turn right to reach Showa-Shinzan.133 views
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During early to mid-May, the plum blossoms bloom.133 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit countdown at the former Hokkaido Government Building.133 views
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View from the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck. On the right is the crater of the initial eruption occurring in March 2000.132 views
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Another crater which is dry.132 views
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Cherry blossoms132 views
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The hiking trail goes along the rim of Ginnuma Crater. Most people don't go that far. 銀沼大火口132 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit countdown in front of Sapporo Station.132 views
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Showa-Shinzan is on the left, with Mt. Usu at center.131 views
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On this side of the lake, the waters are quite still.131 views
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Nakajima islands, Lake Toya131 views
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Sculpture in Toyako Enchi Park: Ripple Dance, by 関 正司「漣舞・リップル・ダンス」131 views
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Cherry blossoms and plum tress. They bloom almost at the same time in Hokkaido.131 views
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Leaving Oshima.130 views
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Sculpture: Traveling Person, by Yoshiro Mineta 峯田 義郎「旅ひとり」130 views
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Sculpture: At the Lake, by Akihiko Kurokawa. Perhaps the most humorous sculpture.130 views
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Actual-size ringside seats are also on display.130 views
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Sculpture: 秋山沙走武「薫風」130 views
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The road is too steep to ride a bicycle, but short enough to walk it. You will be sweating though.130 views
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