 Last additions - HOKKAIDO 北海道 |
May 20, 2008
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Toyako Enchi Park, a lakeside picnic area.May 20, 2008
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Finally, cherry blossoms near the lake water...May 20, 2008
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Aqua-blue water was almost like a tropical ocean...May 20, 2008
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Road to Mt. Showa-Shinzan.May 20, 2008
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Sculpture: Scene of a Portrait, by 湯川 隆「肖像のある風景」May 20, 2008
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Cherry blossoms and Lake Toya with the Nakajima islands.May 20, 2008
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Sculpture in Toyako Enchi Park: Ripple Dance, by 関 正司「漣舞・リップル・ダンス」May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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Sculpture: Ripple Dance, by 関 正司「漣舞・リップル・ダンス」May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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Nice cycling path goes quite far.May 20, 2008
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Sculpture: 峯田敏郎「記念撮影五月のかたち」May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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One thing I like about photographing human-figure sculptures is that they are very good at keeping still for my camera.May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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Carp fishMay 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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Sculpture: Posing for a Photo in May, by 峯田敏郎「記念撮影五月のかたち」May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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More cherry blossoms...May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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Love this transparent water. Makes you feel like canoeing or kayaking to the Nakajima islands.May 20, 2008
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Carp, they must love this clean lake.May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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Close-up of cherry blossoms. Doesn't look like the Somei-Yoshino type.May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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Cherry blossoms and the Nakajima islands.May 20, 2008
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Windsor Hotel in the distance.May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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The water is very transparent.May 20, 2008
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Swan boat too.May 20, 2008
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Cherry trees almost in full bloom.May 20, 2008
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It was pretty sunny, but I still used flash for this shot.May 20, 2008
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Sculpture: 秋山沙走武「薫風」May 20, 2008
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Sculpture: 秋山沙走武「薫風」May 20, 2008
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Rocky shoreMay 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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Sculpture: 中井延也「シグナル」 May 20, 2008
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Cherry blossoms and sculptureMay 20, 2008
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Cherry blossomsMay 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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Sculpture: 奥山喜生「回峰」 May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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Miniature golf courseMay 20, 2008
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Power generation machineryMay 20, 2008
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Kitanoumi souvenirs for sale.May 20, 2008
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Typical abode of early Hokkaido settlers who first came to this area in 1879.May 20, 2008
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Local wildlife exhibit, including the Ezo deer.May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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Natural history exhibitMay 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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Artifacts from the defunct local Iburi rail line discontinued in 1986. There was a Sobetsu Station.May 20, 2008
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Photos of other tournament champions. Six official 15-day sumo tournaments are held every year in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.May 20, 2008
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Sacred offerings buried in the dohyo before each tournament.May 20, 2008
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Artifacts of early Hokkaido settlers.May 20, 2008
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Referee costumes in the showcase.May 20, 2008
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The other half of the building is the Sobetsu History Museum. This panel shows how Lake Toya was formed.May 20, 2008
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Kitanoumi-beya stable sign at top, and various award certificates.May 20, 2008
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Tournament champion portrait. Kitanoumi retired in Jan. 1985 and started his own Kitanoumi Stable. In 2002, he became chairman of the Japan Sumo Association. We missed Kitanoumi, but another great Yokozuna from Hokkaido, Chiyonofuji, filled the void.May 20, 2008
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Scale model of a sumo drum towerMay 20, 2008
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Award from Czechoslovakia in 1978.May 20, 2008
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It looks kind of strange without his two attendants, the sword bearer and dew sweeper...May 20, 2008
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Kitanoumi's kesho mawashi set (ceremonial apron) on display.May 20, 2008
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And some of his trophies. Besides the Emperor's Cup (not displayed), the tournament champion receives numerous trophies and awards from various organizations and countries.May 20, 2008
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His Yokozuna "tsuna" rope belt.May 20, 2008
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Actual-size ringside seats are also on display.May 20, 2008
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Above is an actual tournament champion giant portrait which once hung in the Kokugikan.May 20, 2008
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He is doing the Unryu-style dohyo-iri.May 20, 2008
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It sort of looks like Kitanoumi...May 20, 2008
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Some photos are captioned with memorable quotes by Kitanoumi.May 20, 2008
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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, HokkaidoMay 20, 2008
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This is the main room of the Kitanoumi Memorial Hall. It includes half of a sumo ring (dohyo) with a mannequin.May 20, 2008
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Top row has miniature versions of the tournament champion portraits awarded to the wrestler and hung in the Ryogoku Kokugikan. Bottom row of photos show his best career moments.May 20, 2008
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The sumo ring is not made of real dirt.May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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This is what you first see. Photos of Kitanoumi growing up in Sobetsu town. Looks like any ordinary kid. Admission is 250 yen for adults, 100 yen for kids. Open 9 am to 5 pm, closed Jan. 1.May 20, 2008
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Little Kitanoumi. He was born in May 1953 in Sobetsu-cho town which includes the eastern shore of Lake Toya (Toyako). At age 13, he moved to Tokyo and entered the Mihogaseki Stable.May 20, 2008
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Today, Kitanoumi is a stablemaster and the chairman of the Japan Sumo Association. The front entrance of the Yokozuna Kitanoumi Memorial Hall which opened in May 1991..May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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Front of the Yokozuna Kitanoumi Memorial Hall, dedicated to Sobetsu's most famous son. Yokozuna Kitanoumi was one of sumo's greatest grand champions in modern times. "Kitanoumi" means "Lake of the North," and this refers to LakMay 20, 2008
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Right outside the Yokozuna Kitanoumi Memorial Hall are sumo banners. From left to right, they read, "Kitanoumi Stable," "Yokozuna Kitanoumi Memorial Hall," and "Sobetsu History Museum."May 20, 2008
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Toya Station platform and sign for outgoing passengers: "See you again!" (Mata no okoshi wo)May 20, 2008
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Toyako Town Hall, front side, festooned with G8 Summit flags.May 20, 2008
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Local students from Abuta High School help beautify Toya Station.May 20, 2008
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Next to Toya Station is the Toyako Town Hall, also with a G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign.May 20, 2008
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The ocean beach near Toya Station.May 20, 2008
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Glass door with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sticker.May 20, 2008
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Confections sold at the train station kiosk.May 20, 2008
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Confections sold at the train station kiosk.May 20, 2008
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Ticket office inside JR Toya Station. Notice the G8 Summit flags.May 20, 2008
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Bus stop in front of Toya Station with Toyako town's slogan: Town of greenery, lake waters, and heartful encounters.May 20, 2008
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Inside JR Toya Station.May 20, 2008
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Entrance to Toya Station from the train platform.May 20, 2008
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Ticket office inside JR Toya Station with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit flags.May 20, 2008
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Welcome banner on train platform.May 20, 2008
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Some trains are decorated with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign.May 20, 2008
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome poster.May 20, 2008
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Toya Station platform and local train.May 20, 2008
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit Welcome sign in front of JR Toya Station.May 20, 2008
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JR Toya Station is on the JR Muroran Line. There are express trains going directly to/from Sapporo.May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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Official logo of the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit on the Toyako Culture Center.May 20, 2008
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Toya manhole showing the Ukimido temple and Nakajima islands. HokkaidoMay 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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Mt. Usu Eruption Memorial Park on the west end of Toyako Onsen has more outdoor sculptures. 有珠山噴火記念公園May 20, 2008
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Sculpture: Muse, by Nobuyuki Akechi. 明地 信之「Muse」May 20, 2008
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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」May 20, 2008
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Lakefront promenade on the west end of Toyako Onsen Spa.May 20, 2008
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Birds around ToyakoMay 20, 2008
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Toyako Culture Center with G8 Summit flagsMay 20, 2008
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The new Toyako Onsen Bus TerminalMay 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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How Lake Toya was formed.May 20, 2008
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Sculpture: Light of the Moon, by Igor Mitoraj. イゴール・ミトライ「月の光」May 20, 2008
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Sculpture: SHOWEN, by Noriyoshi Matsumoto. 松本 憲宣「SHOWEN」May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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Giant aerial photo of Lake Toya.May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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Wrecked car on display. The main attraction is the Mt. Usu Volcanic Eruption Theater which shows an engrossing film about Usuzan's eruptions. 火山科学館May 20, 2008
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The Toyako Visitor Center also has the Volcano Science Museum (admission 600 yen). A room (seen on left) simulating the 1977 Mt. Usu eruption with a video and vibrating sound is a must-see.May 20, 2008
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Entrance to Toyako Visitor Center (free admission, but admission charged for the Volcano Science Museum).May 20, 2008
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Toyako Visitor Center and Volcano Science Museum (smaller building on left). 洞爺湖ビジターセンターMay 20, 2008
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Fishes in Lake ToyaMay 20, 2008
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Toyako Visitor CenterMay 20, 2008
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Nakajima islands, Lake ToyaMay 20, 2008
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Volcanic rock which you can touch. Toyako Visitor CenterMay 20, 2008
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign on the edge of Toyako Onsen hot spring.May 20, 2008
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit countdown at Toyako Visitors Center and Volcano Science Museum in Toyako Onsen Spa.May 20, 2008
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Toyako Visitor Center and Volcano Science Museum in Toyako Onsen Spa with G8 Summit welcome sign.May 20, 2008
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Sculpture: by Keiko Amamiya, 雨宮 敬子「洞照」May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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Cherry blossoms and the Nakajima islands, Lake Toya. Early May 2008.May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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Sculpture: At the Lake, by Akihiko Kurokawa 黒川 晃彦「湖畔にて」May 20, 2008
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Sculpture: At the Lake, by Akihiko Kurokawa. Perhaps the most humorous sculpture.May 20, 2008
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Sculpture: Anthem of the Sun, by Machiko Kodera 小寺 真知子「太陽の賛歌」May 20, 2008
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Sculpture: Anthem of the Sun, by Machiko Kodera 小寺 真知子「太陽の賛歌」May 20, 2008
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Nakajima islands, Lake ToyaMay 20, 2008
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Swan boats again.May 20, 2008
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Swan boats. You can pedal pretty far out in these things, but not to the Nakajima islands.May 20, 2008
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Swan boat and a real swan.May 20, 2008
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Sculpture: Anthem of the Sun, by Machiko Kodera. Lake Toya has many nude woman sculptures.May 20, 2008
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Sculpture: Onna (Woman) by Chizuko Sasado. 笹戸 千津子「女」May 20, 2008
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Lake Toya and cherry blossoms blooming in early May.May 20, 2008
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Onna (Woman) by Chizuko Sasado. 笹戸 千津子「女」May 20, 2008
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Windsor Hotel and lake cruise boat.May 20, 2008
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On the shore of Lake Toya is binoculars through which you can see the Summit venue, the Windsor Hotel.May 20, 2008
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Lake Toya sign and the Nakajima islands.May 20, 2008
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Sculpture: Traveling Person, by Yoshiro Mineta 峯田 義郎「旅ひとり」May 20, 2008
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Lakefront promenadeMay 20, 2008
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Sculpture: Traveling Person, by Yoshiro Mineta 峯田 義郎「旅ひとり」May 20, 2008
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Hot spring foot bath on the lakefront promenade. It's called "Toron no Yu." 足湯May 20, 2008
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The lakefront promenade goes for a good distance, passing in front of numerous hotels.May 20, 2008
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Hot spring foot bath is also popular with visitors.May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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Hot spring foot bathMay 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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Hot spring foot bath, great especially after taking a long walk.May 20, 2008
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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.)May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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Nakajima islands as seen from Toyako Onsen.May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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Toyako Onsen lakefront. There are a few cruise boat docks, motor boat docks, and swan pedal boats.May 20, 2008
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On this side of the lake, the waters are quite still.May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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The Nakajima islands in the center of Lake Toya. There are four islands. Most them have a conical shape.May 20, 2008
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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」May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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Lake Toya in early MayMay 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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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).May 20, 2008
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Signs in English near the bus stop.May 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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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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Cherry blossoms and Toyako Onsen in the distance.May 20, 2008
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Cherry blossoms and Nakajima islandsMay 20, 2008
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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.May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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Sculpture: Recovery, by Rei Nibe 二部 黎「復活」May 20, 2008
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More cherry trees.May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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Nakajima islands as seen from western Lake Toya.May 20, 2008
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Nesting swanMay 20, 2008
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Mt. Usu and Toyako Onsen in the distance.May 20, 2008
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May 20, 2008
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Inside Kannon hut.May 20, 2008
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Silo Lookout PointMay 20, 2008
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