 Last additions - Lake Toya Boat Cruise 洞爺湖遊覧船 |
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.May 20, 2008
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Mt. Usu or Usuzan as seen from the lake.May 20, 2008
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Toyako Onsen SpaMay 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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Mt. Showa-Shinzan as seen from Lake Toya.May 20, 2008
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Sea gull on the lake.May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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Showa-Shinzan is on the left, with Mt. Usu at center.May 20, 2008
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Leaving Oshima.May 20, 2008
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Oshima is the largest Nakajima island.May 20, 2008
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Ukimido near Benten islandMay 20, 2008
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Leaving the Nakajima islands.May 20, 2008
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Heading to Oshima island.May 20, 2008
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Oshima island, Nakajima islands.May 20, 2008
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Boat dock at Oshima island. This island has a small nature museum.May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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Kannon temple on Kannon island.May 20, 2008
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Benten temple on Benten islandMay 20, 2008
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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May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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Transparent waterMay 20, 2008
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Destination: Nakajima islandsMay 20, 2008
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Leaving Toyako OnsenMay 20, 2008
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Ukimido as seen from Benten islandMay 20, 2008
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Kannon island, so called because there is a Kannon temple. 観音島May 20, 2008
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Ezo deer on Benten island.May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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Upper deck is also very spacious.May 20, 2008
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Front of the boat.May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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Leaving Toyako OnsenMay 20, 2008
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Toyako Onsen as seen from the lake.May 20, 2008
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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May 20, 2008
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Way to Ekimae Sambashi Pier at Toyako Onsen Spa. A short walk from the bus terminal.May 20, 2008
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