 Last additions - Nishiyama Crater Trail 西山火口散策路 |
Wrecked carMay 20, 2008
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Wrecked confection factory. A dramatic reminder of what volcanoes can do.May 20, 2008
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Heading back. Remember that the trail is not open during the winter months. For more info call 0142-75-4400.May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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The trail goes to the Minami-guchi (South entrance) of the crater trail.May 20, 2008
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Another wrecked house.May 20, 2008
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View from the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deckMay 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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View of the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deckMay 20, 2008
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The trail passes by a wrecked confection factory.May 20, 2008
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Another crater which is dry.May 20, 2008
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Going further along the crater trail.May 20, 2008
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View from the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deckMay 20, 2008
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Crater bottom.May 20, 2008
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Close-up of Nishiyama's first crater formed during the March 2000 eruption.May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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View from the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deckMay 20, 2008
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Sign explaining the deformed road.May 20, 2008
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No. 1 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deckMay 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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The wrecked road.May 20, 2008
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Nishiyama Crater TrailMay 20, 2008
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The trail continues to more dramatic landscapes.May 20, 2008
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An adjacent crater contains water and emits some steam.May 20, 2008
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Broken telephone pole.May 20, 2008
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No. 1 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck for the most conspicuous crater, still emitting steam.May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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Flowers from the asphalt cracks.May 20, 2008
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The walking trail becomes a nice wooden boardwalk on rough terrain.May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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The former fire station in the distance. The building still looks quite new.May 20, 2008
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The trail starts with a bumpy asphalt road.May 20, 2008
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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May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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Inside former fire station.May 20, 2008
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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)May 20, 2008
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