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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.593 views
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With buckets and water testing kits, they do their testing.579 views
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The 61st Sapporo Snow Festival was held during Feb. 5-11, 2010 in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Among the giant snow sculptures was Hawaii's Iolani Palace made of ice. It was the reason why I decided to see this festival again.492 views
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Yodobashi Camera store on west side of Sapporo Station.489 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.475 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450 views
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Daimaru Dept. Store on the west side. Notice the entrance sign celebrating the 5th anniversary of the new train station.436 views
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Yodobashi, Hokkaido's largest camera and electronics store.409 views
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Hakodate's main attraction and landmark is Mt. Hakodate-yama, accessible by ropeway.406 views
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Sapporo Snow Festival in Sapporo, Hokkaido is held for about a week in early Feb. These are photos of the 61st Sapporo Snow Festival held during Feb. 5-11, 2010. The main festival site is at Odori Park anchored on the east end by Sapporo TV Tower. 384 viewsI started exploring this site from here.
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Toya manhole showing the Ukimido temple and Nakajima islands. Hokkaido354 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.339 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338 views
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Built in 1888, the former Hokkaido Government Office Building is one of Hokkaido's most famous buildings at the heart of Sapporo. With its red brick walls, it stands out among Sapporo's more modern buildings.336 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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The Sapporo Ekimae-dori is the city's main drag running from Sapporo Station to the southern part of the city. This is what it looks like from Sapporo Station.332 views
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Sculpture: Anthem of the Sun, by Machiko Kodera 小寺 真知子「太陽の賛歌」328 views
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Sapporo Station, morning train for Otaru.322 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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Kitaichi Venetian Art Museum opened in 1988. Facade is modeled after the Palace of Grassi.312 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」307 views
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Sculpture: Light of the Moon, by Igor Mitoraj. イゴール・ミトライ「月の光」307 views
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It sort of looks like Kitanoumi...304 views
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JR Toya Station is on the JR Muroran Line. There are express trains going directly to/from Sapporo.303 views
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Ticket gate and entrance to Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill (Hitsujigaoka Tembodai). 500 yen admission is charged so someone from the ticket office boarded our bus to collect admission fees.301 views
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Way to Ekimae Sambashi Pier at Toyako Onsen Spa. A short walk from the bus terminal.296 views
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Sculpture: Anthem of the Sun, by Machiko Kodera. Lake Toya has many nude woman sculptures.291 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288 views
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Tanuki-koji shopping arcade288 views
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Showa-Shinzan closeup. Still steaming.287 views
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I could only wonder if these girls knew the significance of the sculpture they were performing in front of.286 views
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The new JR Sapporo Station is definitely the city's most noticeable change in recent years. It is a huge complex, a far cry from the old train station.285 views
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"Boys, Be Ambitious" This famous statue of Dr. William Clark was built in 1976 to mark Dr. Clark's 100th anniversary of his coming to Hokkaido, the 100th anniversary of Hokkaido University's founding, and the USA bicentennial.283 views
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1982 Sapporo Snow Festival Sayonara ceremony. Very low-key, with few people attending. Also see my Sapporo Snow Festival 2010 photos here.282 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.281 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.276 views
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Sculpture: At the Lake, by Akihiko Kurokawa 黒川 晃彦「湖畔にて」269 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.269 views
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Odori Park's most photographed sculpture shows three ballerinas near a water fountain. Sapporo, Hokkaido269 views
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In central Otaru, the Ironai-dori and Sakai-machi-dori streets are lined with numerous historic buildings. Architecture buffs will love this street. This is the Otaru Unga Terminal, formerly Mitsubishi Bank's Otaru Branch.266 views
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Girls in Hokkaido look healthy, thanks to Hokkaido's clean environment, wide-open spaces, and good food.266 views
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Onna (Woman) by Chizuko Sasado. 笹戸 千津子「女」261 views
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Inside JR Toya Station.259 views
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Rickshaw service available at the canal.259 views
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Entrance to the dome. 258 views
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One of the most famous lakes in Japan, Lake Mashu is a crater lake devoid of boats, resorts, and other tourist traps. In fact, people are prohibited from going to the lake. We can view it, but no touching. 257 views
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Swan nesting. Photos continue here as I head to northern Lake Toya...255 views
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Restaurant near Otaru Canal.254 views
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Girl and Sheep sculpture at Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, Sapporo, Hokkaido251 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)247 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.246 views
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Susukino Station subway train246 views
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Lake Toya's bald spot.245 views
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With a very impressive carving of animals, this was clearly the crowd favorite. "Zoo of the Northland" features endangered animals at the 61st Sapporo Snow Festival.245 views
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An impressive snow sculpture of Michael Jackson drew crowds.244 views
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Swans along Lake Toya, Sobetsu, Hokkaido243 views
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Elevated train tracks on west side.243 views
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Inside Sapporo Community Dome, nicknamed Tsu-dome.243 views
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Eastern Lake Toya, with Mt. Usu in the distance.242 views
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Wrecked car241 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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北海道美人240 views
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Nakajima islands, Lake Toya239 views
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Cherry blossoms and the Nakajima islands, Lake Toya. Early May 2008.239 views
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Former Hokkaido Government Office Building and tulips, Sapporo239 views
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Stretching for about 1.5 km east to west in central Sapporo, Odori Koen or Park is the city's oasis in the urban jungle. This is the heart of the park.239 views
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Otaru Orgel-do239 views
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Toyako Culture Center with G8 Summit flags238 views
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Makomanai site: Snow slides with Arare-chan, anime character popular in 1982.238 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.237 views
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Michael Jackson snow sculpture at the 2010 Sapporo Snow Festival. Coiled wiring is used for the hair dangling below his hat.237 views
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Lake Toya and swan, Hokkaido236 views
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Sobetsu Park and plum blossoms overlooking Lake Toya, Hokkaido.236 views
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Lake Mashu has two scenic points along the crater rim where tourists can see the lake. Old sign at a lookout point. 235 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.234 views
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One of the most unpolluted lakes in Japan or the world. The water transparency is one of the deepest in the world at 20 to 30 meters. Part of the Akan-Mashu National Park.233 views
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Heading back. Remember that the trail is not open during the winter months. For more info call 0142-75-4400.231 views
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The ocean beach near Toya Station.231 views
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Warehouse along the Otaru Canal230 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit Welcome sign in front of JR Toya Station.229 views
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Toya Station platform and local train.229 views
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Usuzan Ropeway terminal on the left.229 views
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Hakodate Red Brick Warehouses at night. Photo by Hokkaido Tourist Organization.229 views
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Dr. William S. Clark (1826-1886) was a professor from Massachusetts. The statue was made by a Japanese sculpturer and sponsored by the Sapporo Tourist Association. Hokkaido University has a bust of Dr. Clark which is also popular among tourists.228 views
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Kinkakuji Gold Pavilion in Kyoto, made of snow.228 views
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Iolani Palace, a giant ice sculpture at the 61st Sapporo Snow Festival during Feb. 5-11, 2010. During the day, it has a translucent, blue look. This block is officially called the Mainichi Shimbun Ice Square228 views
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Mt. Usu or Usuzan as seen from the lake.226 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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Sculpture: Recovery, by Rei Nibe 二部 黎「復活」225 views
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Susukino Station sign225 views
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This yosakoi soran group was from Hokkaido University.225 views
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Iolani Palace, a giant ice sculpture at the 61st Sapporo Snow Festival during Feb. 5-11, 2010. During the day, it has a translucent, blue look. It is the festival's largest ice sculpture. This block is officially called the Mainichi Shimbun Ice Square224 views
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On approach to New Chitose Airport on an Air Do Boeing 767.223 views
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Tanuki-koji shopping arcade222 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: T-shirts221 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.220 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sticker on a bus window in Sapporo.220 views
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The Iolani Palace ice sculpture was especially beautiful at night, lit up with colorful lights. It was built by over 250 members of the Japan Ice Sculpture Association, most of whom were chefs working at Sapporo hotels.219 views
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Snow leopard, very impressive.218 views
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Chibi Maruko-chan snow sculpture.218 views
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Official logo of the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit on the Toyako Culture Center.217 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)216 views
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Dinosaur snow sculpture at 1982 Sapporo Snow Festival.215 views
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Otaru Canal is a short walk from Otaru Station.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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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit Welcome banner on a building in Sapporo.213 views
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Done and almost like the real thing. The Iolani Palace is in Honolulu, Hawaii, originally built by King David Kalakaua in the 19th century when Hawaii was still an independent kingdom. It is now a major tourist attraction.213 viewsThis photo was published in a book called "The Companies We Keep 2," published in Hawaii by Bob Sigall in Jan. 2008. The book is a compilation of various tidbits and trivia about Hawaii (my home state).

This photo was also featured on Hawaii's TV talk show "Nighttime with Andy Bumatai." See the segment at YouTube here.
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Ukimido pagoda, Lake Toya, Hokkaido 浮見堂212 views
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Usuzan Ropeway car holds over 100 people.211 views
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Ramen menu210 views
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On the west side is Kinokuniya Bookstore.210 views
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Lake Toya and swans, Hokkaido209 views
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Right side of Ukimido pagoda, Lake Toya.209 views
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The new Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal209 views
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Welcome banner on train platform.209 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sticker on a bus window in Sapporo.209 views
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Passage at Fukuzumi Station, near Sapporo Dome209 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Pins208 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.207 views
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Inside Sapporo Station building206 views
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Toyako Town Hall, front side, festooned with G8 Summit flags.204 views
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Inside Otaru Orgel-do, full of music boxes of all kinds. 小樽オルゴール堂204 views
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A tourist village called Kazan-mura (Volcano Village) has developed at the foot of Showa-Shinzan. 火山村203 views
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The airport has a huge shopping area full of gift shops.203 views
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Nakajima islands and swan, Lake Toya, Hokkaido202 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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Behind the Date Kaitaku Kinenkan Museum is the former Mitobe house on display. It is a typical house of the first settlers of Date, Hokkaido. Based on Sendai-style (Miyagi Pref.) architecture. Important Cultural Property. 旧三戸部家住宅202 views
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Otaru Canal202 views
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Otaru Orgel-do (Otaru Music Box Hall) is one of the more famous buildings. Built in 1912. 小樽オルゴール堂、旧共成(株)202 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Confections sold at the train station kiosk.201 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.201 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.201 views
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G8 Summit sticker in bus201 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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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199 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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Urinal with a view in JR Tower197 views
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Next to Toya Station is the Toyako Town Hall, also with a G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign.196 views
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Neon lights of Susukino, at the main intersection.195 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.194 views
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Wrecked confection factory. A dramatic reminder of what volcanoes can do.193 views
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Some trains are decorated with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign.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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Susukino Station platform193 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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East end of Otaru Canal192 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.191 views
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Otaru Canal has a large walkway alongside.191 views
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Waiting area in Sapporo Station.190 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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Toilet with a view in JR Tower189 views
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The building was akin to Hokkaido's capitol where the governor's office was located. It was used for 80 years. Open 9 am - 5 pm, closed Dec. 29-Jan. 3. Free admission. Near Sapporo Station's south exit and visible from Ekimae-dori road.188 views
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Going up Hakodate-yama, Hakodate, Hokkaido.188 views
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We cannot climb Showa-Shinzan.187 views
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Otaru Canal187 views
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At night from Hakodate-yama is the Million-Dollar View.186 views
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Usuzan Ropeway, Lake Toya.185 views
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Another wrecked house.184 views
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Local students from Abuta High School help beautify Toya Station.184 views
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A bird's eye view of Hakodate from Hakodate-yama. The city is pretty compact. Easy to tour on bicycle.184 views
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There's a large parking lot full of tourists.183 views
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Ramen at Ramen Yokocho in Sapporo183 views
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Neon signs of Susukino, Sapporo183 views
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Miyako shopping arcade183 views
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Iolani Palace stage event. This photo was published in a book called "The Companies We Keep 2," published in Hawaii by Bob Sigall in Jan. 2008.183 viewsThis photo was also featured on Hawaii's TV talk show "Nighttime with Andy Bumatai." See the segment at YouTube here.
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The former fire station in the distance. The building still looks quite new.182 views
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Construction sign showing how the new underground pedestrian passage is being built from Sapporo Station to Odori Park. It is a 4-year project, scheduled to be completed in June 2010. I wonder what they will call it. I propose "Snow Town."182 views
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Sapporo Station train platform. The platform looks dark (black) since entire station is covered. The ceiling is black. The roof is also a parking lot.182 views
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Sobetsu Falls, Lake Toya, Hokkaido.181 views
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Leaving the ropeway terminal.181 views
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East end of Otaru Canal180 views
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Ticket office inside JR Toya Station with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit flags.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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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome poster.178 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.177 views
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Entrance to Pole Town, an underground passage and shopping arcade between Odori Station and Susukino.177 views
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Some artists show their work here.177 views
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A cutie poses with a fake salmon in front of the Northland sculpture.177 views
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Inside former fire station.176 views
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Toyako lookout deck on Mt. Usu, near the ropeway terminal. 洞爺湖展望台176 views
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Lookout deck on Mt. Usu, near the ropeway terminal.176 views
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Otaru Unga. "Unga" means canal.176 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Confections sold at the train station kiosk.175 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.175 views
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Susukino175 views
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This is Minami-guchi or the South Exit. On the far right is the JR Tower.175 views
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On New Year's Eve, a crowd gathers to hear the Clock Tower ring in the New Year.174 views
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Along the road to the former government building are display panels about Hokkaido's hisotry. Here's one about the early foreigners in Hokkaido.174 views
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Sapporo Station, North Exit.174 views
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Sapporo Station front and center on the south side.174 views
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Train platform in Sapporo Station. Well protected from snow.174 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.173 views
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Inside train to Otaru. It takes about 40 min. by regular train, and costs a mere 620 yen.173 views
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Tourist information office inside Sapporo Station. Very spacious with numerous racks or tourist pamphlets.172 views
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No. 1 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck for the most conspicuous crater, still emitting steam.171 views
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Glass door with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sticker.171 views
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Miniature golf course170 views
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Point Zero for Hokkaido's travel distances.170 views
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Sapporo Seibu dept. store. I think this used to be called Gobankan.170 views
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Miyako shopping arcade170 views
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My YouTube video of Iolani Palace at the Sapporo Snow Matsuri in 2010.170 views
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Leaving Toyako Onsen169 views
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Toyako Onsen Spa169 views
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Minami-Chitose Station169 views
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Sapporo Ekimae-dori as seen from Sapporo Station, left side. "Ekimae" means "front of the station." "Dori" means road.169 views
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Bus stops on the north side of Sapporo Station.169 views
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JR Tower lookout deck (temboshitsu) called JR Tower Observatory T38. JRタワー展望室169 views
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Mt. Usuzan Ropeway. I visited Showa-Shinzan and Mt. Usu on the next day. More photos of Mt. Usu here.168 views
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New Chitose Airport's Central Plaza168 views
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Aurora Town167 views
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Inside Kitaichi Venetian Art Museum with a real gondola once ridden by Prince Charles and Princess Diana.167 views
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Give back the Northern Territories167 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.166 views
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Showa-Shinzan gets smaller.166 views
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A working clock166 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.)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 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.165 views
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The non-toxic auto exhaust smells like tempura.165 views
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Sign promoting the Hokkaido Shinkansen to be built.165 views
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Giant aerial photo of Lake Toya.164 views
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G8 Summit welcome sign near the museum. Museum website: https://sobetsu-kanko.com/spot/kitanoumi164 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.164 views
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Biodiesel fuel tank connected to a gas pump.164 views
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View of Sapporo Station's north side from JR Tower.164 views
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The wrecked road.163 views
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Robinson's dept. store at Susukino's main intersection. This used to be York Matsuzakaya.163 views
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View of Sapporo Station's north side from JR Tower. Admission to JR Tower lookout deck on the 38th floor is 700 yen.163 views
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At the end of Chuo-dori is Unga Plaza which used to be Otaru Warehouse. Now find tourist info counter and gift shop.163 views
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Now for some entertainment in front of the Iolani Palace ice sculpture as the crowd waits.163 views
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Lake Toya in early May162 views
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Filling up the gas tank with biodiesel fuel.162 views
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Front entrance of the Clock Tower.162 views
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First floor corridor. Most of the rooms on the 1st floor are closed to the public.162 views
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Entrance to Aurora Town, an underground passage and shopping arcade between Odori Station and the Sapporo TV Tower.162 views
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