 Most viewed - HOKKAIDO 北海道 |
View from the top floor of Matsumae Castle's main tower. The castle grounds have 10,000 sakura trees, making it one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. 日本さくら名所100選7 views
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Matsumae Castle's Honmaru Gomon Gate, the castle's only surviving, original structure.7 views
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From the 1990s, further excavations were conducted and pieces of castle roof tiles and stone wall remnants were discovered.7 views
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Bust of Chiyonofuji.7 views
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The fence also has quiz questions like "What's the difference between the male and female crane?" The answer is behind the sign.7 views
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Hakodate manhole with a cuttlefish design.7 views
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Approaching Matsumae Castle within Matsumae Park. Hokkaido's one and only Japanese-style castle. Nearest train station is Kikonai Station from where you take the Hakodate Bus and get off at "Matsushiro."6 views
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Go upstairs to the upper floors.6 views
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6 views
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View from the top floor of Matsumae Castle's main tower.6 views
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Matsumae Castle's Honmaru Gomon Gate.6 views
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Map of Matsumae Park. In spring, the park is noted for cherry blossoms.6 views
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Matsumae Town Hall is near the castle. The previous building caught fire in 1949 which spread to the castle's main tower.6 views
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Side view of Yokozuna Chiyonoyama and Chiyonofuji Memorial Hall.6 views
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Yokozuna-no-Sato Fukushima Roadside station for local gifts and produce next to the sumo museum..6 views
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I walked all the way to the end and found this dead-end. This is also a bird sanctuary where they treat injured cranes. The park has done a lot to help preserve and multiply the cranes. 6 views
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Walked back and checked every crane on display.6 views
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At Kushiro City Red-Crowned Crane Natural Park, baby red-crowned crane. You can see baby cranes at the park from April to June.6 views
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Red-crowned cranes, Kushiro City Red-Crowned Crane Natural Park, Hokkaido. 6 views
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"Why do they have a red crown?"6 views
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Kushiro Japanese Crane Reserve6 views
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Kushiro Japanese Crane Reserve crane feeder. They also feed the cranes in the morning. It would be neat to see if you're there.6 views
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Crane skeleton.6 views
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Panel displays explaining about the cranes and problems.6 views
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Cleaning up a crane that fell into a slurry pool.6 views
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Crane dolls.6 views
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North Nippon Works (Muroran) steel plant as seen from Mt. Sokuryo. 北日本製鉄所 室蘭地区6 views
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Hakodate manhole with a Goryokaku Castle design.6 views
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Bunk beds in Akan-Kohan Youth Hostel. 阿寒湖畔ユースホステル5 views
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The top floor has good views of the area. This is Matsumae Castle's selfie spot. The main tower was a National Treasure until it was destroyed by fire.5 views
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After the Edo Period, much of Matsumae Castle was dismantled except for the main tower which was a National Treasure. Unfortunately, the main tower caught fire from embers from the burning Matsumae Town Hall nearby in 1949.5 views
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View from the top floor of Matsumae Castle's main tower.5 views
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About Chiyonofuji. His sister used to be the museum director.5 views
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Various awards.5 views
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Small statue of Chiyonofuji performing the dohyo-iri ring-entering ceremony.5 views
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Chiyonofuji's yokozuna rope belt.5 views
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At Kushiro City Red-Crowned Crane Natural Park, we also saw a baby crane, about a month old. (Born in mid-May 2022.) Here he/she is with dad and mom5 views
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At Kushiro City Red-Crowned Crane Natural Park, baby red-crowned crane in mid-June 2022. 5 views
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Red-crowned crane, Kushiro City Red-Crowned Crane Natural Park, Hokkaido.5 views
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Life cycle of Japanese red-crowned cranes. For wildlife photographers, the most popular time is Jan.-March in winter when the cranes dance in the snow for their mating ritual.5 viewsAsian mainland has about 1,600 red-crowned cranes, and Japan (eastern Hokkaido) has 1,200 cranes.
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What cranes eat. Small fish, insects, and more.5 views
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Adult males, fully grown on the left and 6 months old on the right still with brown feathers.5 views
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About the Kushiro Japanese Red-Crowned Crane Reserve.5 views
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History of the Kushiro Japanese Crane Reserve.5 views
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Across Muroran Port is the huge North Nippon Works (Muroran) steel plant.5 views
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4 views
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Matsumae Castle's Honmaru Gomon Gate.4 views
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Approaching Yokozuna Chiyonoyama and Chiyonofuji Memorial Hall.4 viewsFrom JR Kikkonai Station, take a bus to Matsumae and get off at Fukushima bus stop. Takes alomst an hour. Open 9 am–5 pm. Admission ¥500. Cloeed Dec. 1 to March 15. https://be-happy-fukushima.com/attractions/yokozuna-kinenkan/
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4 views
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Chiyonofuji's topknot is also displayed. His topknot was cut off on his retirement day in Feb. 1992 by his then Kokonoe stablemaster and former Yokozuna Kitanofuji.4 viewsChiyonofuji's topknot is also displayed.
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Chiyonofuji's motto: Shin-gi-tai or Mind, Technique, and Body. 心技体4 views
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The museum also has a replica of Chiyonofuji's Kokonoe sumo stable ring. 4 views
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Photo of actor Sylvester Stallone visiting Kokonoe Stable and Chiyonofuji practicing.4 views
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The cages also have signs indicating the names, birthdates, and birthplaces of the paired cranes.4 views
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The fence also has a covered hole for taking pictures.4 views
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Red-crowned cranes, Kushiro City Red-Crowned Crane Natural Park (Kushiro Japanese Crane Reserve).4 views
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The park also has a small crane museum.4 views
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Baby cranes grow very quickly. Left one is 39 days old, middle is 5 days old. They reach adult size in 3 months. Their brown feathers also turn black and white.4 views
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View of Muroran Port with the steel works on the left and Muroran Ferry Terminal on the right.4 views
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Mt. Sokuryo also has beautiful night views.4 views
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Mashu Maru bridge is also open to visitors on the 4th floor.4 views
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Third-class cabin, the cheapest accommodations on Mashu Maru.4 views
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Yotei-zan as seen from Niseko Hirafu. ニセコ ヒラフ・羊蹄山3 views
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Niseko Hirafu. ニセコ ヒラフ3 views
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Lake Kussharo as seen from Bihoro Pass.3 views
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When I visited in autumn years ago, a few Ainu dressed in colorful costumes were at the Bihoro Pass scenic point posing for photos for paying tourists. アイヌ3 views
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Lake Akan at sunset.3 views
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Akanko Ainu Kotan gift shop.3 views
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Ainu home (no longer here) was also in the Ainu village. 阿寒湖アイヌコタン3 views
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Near Lake Akan are two other small lakes, Lake Penketo (foreground) and Lake Panketo in the rear (not really visible due to fog). From Sokodai Scenic Point. 双湖台、ペンケトー3 views
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The ocean seen from the JR Nemuro Line going to Kushiro.3 views
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The small island in the lake is named "Kamuishu." It's the tip of a lava dome. View of Lake Mashu from Scenic Point 1. カムイシュ島3 views
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Too bad it was a cloudy day. Lake Mashu has no outflowing river.3 views
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Lake Mashu and Kamuishu island.3 views
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Sulphur mining ended altogether in Hokkaido in 1963.3 views
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Wakoto Peninsula has this free outdoor hot spring bath on the lake shore. Open to both men and women, most bathers wear a swimsuit.3 views
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Nearest train station is JR Kawayu Onsen Station. Take the Akan Bus to Kawayu Onsen to reach Lake Kussharo.3 views
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In front of Yokozuna Chiyonoyama and Chiyonofuji Memorial Hall, statues of Chiyonofuji and Chiyonoyama.3 views
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Chiyonofuji was one of the greatest grand champion (yokozuna) sumo wrestlers of all time. And one of the most popular of all time. 3 viewsFor a sumo wrestler, his physique was relatively small and lightweight, but he compensated for it with his muscular strength, agility, and expert technique.
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Statue of Chiyonoyama.3 views
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Scissors used to cut Chiyonofuji's hair on his retirement day.3 views
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About Chiyonofuji.3 views
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Outstanding Father Award for Chiyonofuji.3 views
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About Chiyonoyama.3 views
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Chiyonoyama opened the Kokonoe Stable and recruited Chiyonofuji.3 views
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Chiyonoyama's trophy room.3 views
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After retiring, Chiyonofuji took over Kokonoe sumo stable from former Yokozuna Kitanofuji.3 views
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The video screen showed noted sumo matches such as between Chiyonofuji and Kitanoumi.3 viewsKitanoumi also has an impressive sumo museum near Lake Toya in Hokkaido: https://photoguide.jp/pix/thumbnails.php?album=664
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Photo of Olympic gold medalist wrestler Yoshida Saori and Chiyonofuji.3 views
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Chiyonofuji's motto: Shin-gi-tai or Mind, Technique, and Body. 心技体3 views
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Chiyonofuji's Kanreki (age 60) yokozuna rope belt in red.3 views
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Small fishing port in Matsumae.3 views
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3 views
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North Nippon Works (Muroran) steel plant operated by Nippon Steel. The works opened in 1909. Employs over 1,000. 北日本製鉄所 室蘭地区3 views
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Points of interest from Mt. Sokuryo.3 views
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Points of interest from Mt. Sokuryo.3 views
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Hakucho Bridge can be seen with Mt. Yotei in the background on the right.3 views
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Mt. Yotei as seen from Mt. Sokuryo in Muroran. Hakucho Bridge in the foreground.3 views
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Daikoku Island 大黒島3 views
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The second floor is the Hakucho Bridge Memorial Museum. One large room with exhibits about the bridge. 白鳥大橋記念3 views
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Charatsunai scenic point チャラツナイ展望台3 views
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Tokkarisho scenic point トッカリショ展望台3 views
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Charatsunai scenic point チャラツナイ展望台3 views
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Rear of Mashu Maru where the train cars were loaded/unloaded.3 views
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3 views
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Mashu Maru funnel.3 views
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JR Hakodate Station is right next to Hakodate Port because train ferries used to dock and bring the trains to the station. 3 views
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JR Hakodate Station entrance.3 views
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Inside the South Hokkaido Line train.3 views
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Some sushi restaurants inside Hakodate Morning Market.3 views
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Map for area in front of Hakodate Station.3 views
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Niseko Hirafu ski lift. ニセコ ヒラフ2 views
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Views while skiing on Niseko Annupuri. ニセコアンヌプリ2 views
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Niseko Annupuri.2 views
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Bihoro Pass wooden marker at the scenic point. 美幌峠の標柱2 views
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Lake Akan's average air temperature is a low 3.7˚C. Winter temps can go as low as -17˚C. In summer, it can be as warm as 16˚C or 17˚C.2 views
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Akanko Ainu Kotan gifts.2 views
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Akanko Ainu Kotan Ainu village. 阿寒湖アイヌコタン2 views
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Sunlight peeking through the clouds is reflected on the lake surface.2 views
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Trail to a scenic lookout point on Lake Mashu.2 views
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The mining operations here and in other nearby mountain quickly developed local industry in eastern Hokkaido which had been largely undeveloped.2 views
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In 1887, a railway was built from Mt. Io to Shibecha, 41 km away. It was Hokkaido's second railway to be built after the railway between Sapporo and Otaru.2 views
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Back to the visitor's center.2 views
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Boating on Lake Kussharo, Hokkaido.2 views
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The lake circumerence is 57 km. Deepest point is 125 meters. In the middle of the lake is Nakajima island, a volcano. Japan's largest island in a lake. The island is uninhabited by humans.2 views
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Boats for rent at Sunayu, Lake Kussharo, Hokkaido. In winter, the lake freezes over.2 views
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Wakoto Peninsula east side.2 views
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Road signs in Fukushima, Matsumae point the way to Yokozuna Chiyonoyama and Chiyonofuji Memorial Hall.2 views
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Road signs in Fukushima, Matsumae indicate you're in a Yokozuna town.2 views
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In front of the museum is a statue of Chiyonofuji (left) and his stablemaster/recruiter Chiyonoyama.2 views
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Museum floor plan. Two floors.2 views
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Biography of the two yokozuna.2 views
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Chiyonofuji's trophy room, filled with trophies, awards, and mawashi ceremonial aprons.2 views
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2 views
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Chiyonofuji's topknot was cut off on his retirement day in Feb. 1992 by his then Kokonoe stablemaster and former Yokozuna Kitanofuji.2 views
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Chiyonofuji's golf clubs.2 views
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Chiyonoyama's trophy room.2 views
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Chiyonoyama's trophy room.2 views
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Photo portrait of Chiyonofuji for his tournament victory. Sadly, Chiyonofuji died of cancer in 2016 at age 61. Major loss of a beloved, sumo legend.2 views
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Also nearby is the Seikan Tunnel Museum. Possible to buy a combo discount ticket to see both the sumo and tunnel museums.2 views
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Cape Chikyu (also spelled Chikiu) is on the southernmost tip of Muroran on Etomo Peninsula, making it a popular spot to see the sunrise especially on New Year's Day. It overlooks the deep blue Pacific Ocean. 2 views
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Poem about Cape Chikyu. Although the original name is Chikiu (チキウ岬) coming from the Ainu word "Chikepu" (チケプ) meaning cliff. It has been Japanized into "Chikyu" (地球) meaning Earth.2 views
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Cape Chikyu has a lookout deck. From JR Bokoi Station, 35-min. walk or 10-min drive. By bus, get off at the Chikyu-Misaki Danchi stop.2 views
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Lookout deck on Cape Chikyu, one of Hokkaido's Top 100 scenic spots. "Chikiu" comes from the Ainu word "Chikepu" (チケプ) meaning cliff. The name morphed into Chikiu (チキウ), and then "Chikyu" (地球) meaning Ear2 views
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On Cape Chikyu is the Cape Chikiu Lighthouse built in 1920. One of Japan's Top 50 Lighthouses. チキウ岬灯台2 views
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Across the bay is Hakodate.2 views
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Mt. Sokuryo (elevation 199.6 m) is another scenic point on Etomo Peninsula with panoramic views. "Sokuryo" means "measurement" because it was used as a base point in surveying the distance between Muroran and Sapporo in 1872. 2 views
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Mt. Sokuryo is also on the migratory path of birds like the falcon. Great for bird watchers. Signboard about Mt. Sokuryo.2 views
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This is another lookout deck on Mt. Sokuryo, at the foot of an antenna. You can walk around it. Best views of Muroran Port and the steel plant.2 views
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Mt. Sokuryo has a clear view of Muroran Port. The mountain is a 50-min. walk or 10-drive from JR Muroran Station. It's uphill, so going by car/taxi is recommended.2 views
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Mt. Sokuryo is also noted for abundant flora and fauna including birds (including migratory birds), animals, insects, and plants.2 views
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測量山展望台2 views
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Looking northward toward Uchiura Bay from Mt. Sokuryo. The small island is Daikokujima.2 views
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Part of Etomo-Rinkai Park can be seen.2 views
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Mt. Komagatake can also be seen.2 views
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Mt. Komagatake as seen from Mt. Sokuryo in Muroran.2 views
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Sculpture on Mt. Sokuryo.2 views
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Central Muroran is on Etomo Peninsula which has numerous scenic points and places of interest. One is Etomo-Rinkai Park.2 views
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Map of Shukuzu Shinsui Greenbelt Park.2 views
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Daikoku Island 大黒島2 views
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Miniature golf course.2 views
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Etomo Peninsula has power-generating windmills.2 views
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Hakucho Bridge, Muroran. Built in 1998. 白鳥大橋2 views
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Roadside Station Mitara Muroran has a gift shop and restaurant on the first floor. The second floor is the Hakucho Bridge Memorial Museum. カナスチールみたら室蘭(白鳥大橋記念館)2 views
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Welcome to Muroran! Local tourist sights.2 views
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Balcony with views of Hakucho Bridge.2 views
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Boat ticket office.2 views
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Etomo Peninsula is quite famous for its dramatic coast including Tokkarisho scenic point. トッカリショ展望台2 views
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Charatsunai scenic point チャラツナイ展望台2 views
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From Charatsunai scenic point2 views
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Mashu Maru is now a museum ship at Hakodate Port's new Wakamatsu Dock. It was moved here in Feb. 2020. This dock is also used by luxury cruise ships. (Nippon Maru is on the left.)2 views
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First go up the stairs to the 3rd floor.2 views
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Photos of all 55 Seikan ferries since 1908. Many are named after famous Hokkaido and Aomori sights like Yotei, Ishikari, Hakkoda, and Matsumae.2 views
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Top deck.2 views
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Japanese-style Third-class cabin, the cheapest accommodations on Mashu Maru. Just lie down on the carpet. Third Class also had seats.2 views
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Descriptions of different class of accommodations. First Class to Third Class.2 views
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First Class and Second Class cabins.2 views
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Reference corner to view Seikan ferry timetables, etc.2 views
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Approaching Hakodate Port at the heart of Hakodate. The port used to bring train ferries to connect trains to Hakodate Station.2 views
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Hakodate Port's Wakamatsu Dock where cruise ships dock next to the Mashu Maru museum ship.2 views
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Monument for Commodore Perry's visit to Hakodate.2 views
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Inside JR Hakodate Station.2 views
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Floor map of JR Hakodate Station terminal building.2 views
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Train lines in Hakodate.2 views
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Hakodate Morning Market 函館朝市2 views
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Inside Hakodate Morning Market 函館朝市2 views
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Hakodate Ekimae Station on the tram.2 views
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For many years, even before Niseko became popular among overseas skiers, Niseko was long known in Japan as offering the best powder snow. There are multiple ski resorts in Niseko and I skiied on three of them. This is Niseko Hirafu. ニセコ ヒラフ1 views
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Niseko Hirafu has both easy and steep (moguls) slopes. ニセコ ヒラフ1 views
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Niseko Hirafu ski lift. ニセコ ヒラフ1 views
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Niseko Annupuri ski grounds has a different view of Mt. Yotei compared to Hirafu. ニセコアンヌプリ1 views
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Niseko Annupuri 1 views
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Views while skiing on Niseko Annupuri. ニセコアンヌプリ1 views
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Views from Niseko Annupuri at close to sunset.1 views
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Views from Niseko Annupuri. ニセコアンヌプリ1 views
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Niseko Moiwa ski run. We skiied here at night. ニセコモイワ1 views
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Bihoro Pass is within Akan-Mashu National Park. 1 views
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On the southern shore is Akanko Onsen hot spring with hotels and inns. Boat cruises also operate. These photos were taken years ago, so a few buildings might look different today. 阿寒湖温泉1 views
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Only part of Lake Penketo can be seen from the road. Part of the Akan Volcanic Complex. ペンケトー1 views
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Shintoku Ski Grounds as seen from the train in autumn. The building is the ski lodge where you buy lift tickets, etc.1 viewsNear JR Shintoku Station (JR Nemuro Line).
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Newer Lake Mashu sign at a lookout point. 1 views
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View of Lake Mashu from Scenic Point 1.1 views
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View from Scenic Lookout 3.1 views
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Beautiful shades of blue.1 views
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Mt. Io, meaning "Sulphur Mountain," is a lava dome spewing steam and sulphur gases. Tourists can walk and easily see the sulphur and steam vents. 1 views
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Literally nicknamed "Sulfur Mountain," Mt. Io is a convenient, steaming tourist attraction between Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu. The mountain's Ainu name is "Atosa-nupuri," meaning "naked mountain" since it hardly has an1 views
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Since there was no machinery in those days, mining operations were done manually with a pick and shovel. Prison labor was used for the mining. The sulphur was then loaded on horseback and boats to Kushiro.1 views
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After the mining operation closed in 1896, the Hokkaido government bought the railway. Today, this railway is connected to JR Senmo Line which opened in 1931.1 views
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Note that there are other mountains named Mt. Io (Io-zan). This one is near Kawayu Onsen hot spring in Hokkaido.1 views
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Lake Kussharo has two tourist areas. One is here at Sunayu. 砂湯1 views
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Lake Kussharo was also known for the "Kusshi" legend similar to the Loch Ness Monster, "Nessie." Credible sightings of Kussi were widely reported from 1973-1974, but stopped after the 2000s.1 viewsThis is an old statue displayed at JR Bihoro Station. Newer statue is at Sunayu near the lake shore.
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Boats can be rented at Sunayu. In May 1938, the Kussharo Earthquake had sulfates seep into the lake from the lake bottom, making the water too acidic (pH4) for fish which got wiped out. 1 views
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By the 2000s, the water acidity decreased enough to introduce fish which could endure the acidity. Only small stocks of rainbow trout, Kokanee, and Masu salmon are now in the lake. The lake has no fishing industry.1 views
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Wakoto Peninsula's west side.1 views
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Wakoto Peninsula1 views
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