 Most viewed - Lake Toya (Toyako) 洞爺湖 |
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.584 views
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With buckets and water testing kits, they do their testing.564 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.465 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442 views
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Toya manhole showing the Ukimido temple and Nakajima islands. Hokkaido342 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, Hokkaido339 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.330 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326 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.321 views
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Sculpture: Anthem of the Sun, by Machiko Kodera 小寺 真知子「太陽の賛歌」318 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.308 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」297 views
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Sculpture: Light of the Moon, by Igor Mitoraj. イゴール・ミトライ「月の光」297 views
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JR Toya Station is on the JR Muroran Line. There are express trains going directly to/from Sapporo.294 views
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It sort of looks like Kitanoumi...293 views
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Way to Ekimae Sambashi Pier at Toyako Onsen Spa. A short walk from the bus terminal.287 views
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Sculpture: Anthem of the Sun, by Machiko Kodera. Lake Toya has many nude woman sculptures.281 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275 views
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Showa-Shinzan closeup. Still steaming.274 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.271 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.270 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」268 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.265 views
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Sculpture: At the Lake, by Akihiko Kurokawa 黒川 晃彦「湖畔にて」261 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.259 views
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Inside JR Toya Station.251 views
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Onna (Woman) by Chizuko Sasado. 笹戸 千津子「女」250 views
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Entrance to Toya Station from the train platform.237 views
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Toya Station platform and sign for outgoing passengers: "See you again!" (Mata no okoshi wo)236 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.236 views
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Swans along Lake Toya, Sobetsu, Hokkaido233 views
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Lake Toya's bald spot.233 views
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Wrecked car232 views
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The Nakajima islands in the center of Lake Toya. There are four islands. Most them have a conical shape.232 views
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Cherry blossoms and the Nakajima islands, Lake Toya. Early May 2008.232 views
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Nakajima islands, Lake Toya230 views
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Eastern Lake Toya, with Mt. Usu in the distance.230 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.229 views
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Toyako Culture Center with G8 Summit flags228 views
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Lake Toya and swan, Hokkaido227 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.225 views
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Heading back. Remember that the trail is not open during the winter months. For more info call 0142-75-4400.223 views
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The ocean beach near Toya Station.223 views
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Toya Station platform and local train.222 views
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Sobetsu Park and plum blossoms overlooking Lake Toya, Hokkaido.222 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit Welcome sign in front of JR Toya Station.221 views
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Usuzan Ropeway terminal on the left.218 views
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Sculpture: Recovery, by Rei Nibe 二部 黎「復活」217 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.217 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.215 views
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Mt. Usu or Usuzan as seen from the lake.214 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: T-shirts211 views
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Official logo of the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit on the Toyako Culture Center.209 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sticker on a bus window in Sapporo.207 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)206 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.203 views
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Ticket office inside JR Toya Station. Notice the G8 Summit flags.203 views
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Ukimido pagoda, Lake Toya, Hokkaido 浮見堂202 views
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Usuzan Ropeway car holds over 100 people.202 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit Welcome banner on a building in Sapporo.202 views
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The new Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal201 views
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Lake Toya and swans, Hokkaido199 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.198 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Pins198 views
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Welcome banner on train platform.197 views
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Right side of Ukimido pagoda, Lake Toya.196 views
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Toyako Town Hall, front side, festooned with G8 Summit flags.196 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sticker on a bus window in Sapporo.196 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).194 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.193 views
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192 views
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192 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191 views
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Nakajima islands and swan, Lake Toya, Hokkaido191 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.191 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.191 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Confections sold at the train station kiosk.190 views
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A tourist village called Kazan-mura (Volcano Village) has developed at the foot of Showa-Shinzan. 火山村190 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.189 views
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Next to Toya Station is the Toyako Town Hall, also with a G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign.187 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.186 views
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Some trains are decorated with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign.186 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.185 views
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Wrecked confection factory. A dramatic reminder of what volcanoes can do.184 views
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Lake Toya and cherry blossoms. Shikotsu-Toya National Park184 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.184 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.182 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.182 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.181 views
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Signs in English near the bus stop.180 views
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Local students from Abuta High School help beautify Toya Station.177 views
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We cannot climb Showa-Shinzan.177 views
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Usuzan Ropeway, Lake Toya.176 views
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Another wrecked house.175 views
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The former fire station in the distance. The building still looks quite new.174 views
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There's a large parking lot full of tourists.172 views
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Leaving the ropeway terminal.170 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome poster.169 views
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Sobetsu Falls, Lake Toya, Hokkaido.169 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.168 views
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Ticket office inside JR Toya Station with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit flags.168 views
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Inside former fire station.167 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Confections sold at the train station kiosk.167 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.167 views
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Toyako lookout deck on Mt. Usu, near the ropeway terminal. 洞爺湖展望台166 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.165 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.165 views
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Lookout deck on Mt. Usu, near the ropeway terminal.165 views
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No. 1 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck for the most conspicuous crater, still emitting steam.163 views
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Glass door with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sticker.161 views
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Miniature golf course159 views
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Toyako Onsen Spa158 views
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Leaving Toyako Onsen156 views
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Giant aerial photo of Lake Toya.156 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.156 views
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Showa-Shinzan gets smaller.156 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.155 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.)155 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.155 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.154 views
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Statue of Masao Mimatsu.154 views
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The wrecked road.153 views
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Lake Toya in early May153 views
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The walking trail becomes a nice wooden boardwalk on rough terrain.152 views
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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.152 views
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His Yokozuna "tsuna" rope belt.152 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign at Usuzan Ropeway terminal.152 views
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An adjacent crater contains water and emits some steam.151 views
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Hot spring foot bath is also popular with visitors.150 views
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The trail starts with a bumpy asphalt road.148 views
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He is doing the Unryu-style dohyo-iri.148 views
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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.146 views
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Sign explaining the deformed road.146 views
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The closest we can go is this park at the foot.146 views
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Mt. Showa-Shinzan as seen from Mt. Usu.146 views
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Toyako Onsen lakefront. There are a few cruise boat docks, motor boat docks, and swan pedal boats.145 views
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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144 views
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Sculpture: Anthem of the Sun, by Machiko Kodera 小寺 真知子「太陽の賛歌」144 views
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Sculpture: SHOWEN, by Noriyoshi Matsumoto. 松本 憲宣「SHOWEN」144 views
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View from the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck143 views
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Hot spring foot bath143 views
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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.143 views
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View of Lake Toya from the ropeway car.143 views
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Mt. Usu Crater lookout deck on the top of the hill. 有珠山火口原展望台143 views
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Destination: Nakajima islands142 views
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On the eastern shore of Lake Toya in Sobetsu town, there's an uphill road off the lakeside road. It goes up to Sobetsu Park, a hillside park full of plum trees.142 views
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Ezo deer on Benten island.141 views
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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.141 views
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Going further along the crater trail.141 views
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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.141 views
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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.140 views
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No. 1 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck140 views
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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 1984.140 views
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Sculpture: Traveling Person, by Yoshiro Mineta 峯田 義郎「旅ひとり」140 views
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Upper deck is also very spacious.139 views
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139 views
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Nishiyama Crater Trail139 views
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The trail passes by a wrecked confection factory.139 views
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Sculpture: Muse, by Nobuyuki Akechi. 明地 信之「Muse」139 views
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Leaving the Nakajima islands.138 views
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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.138 views
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Hot spring foot bath on the lakefront promenade. It's called "Toron no Yu." 足湯138 views
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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.138 views
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Broken telephone pole.137 views
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Lake Toya as seen from Mt. Usu.137 views
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Lava dome on Mt. Usu. This volcano has erupted four times in the 20th century: 1910, 1943-45, 1977-78, and 2000 (on the west side called Nishiyama).137 views
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Benten temple on Benten island136 views
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Ukimido near Benten island136 views
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136 views
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Mt. Usu Crater lookout deck on the top of the hill. 有珠山火口原展望台136 views
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Ropeway terminal136 views
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Sculpture: Onna (Woman) by Chizuko Sasado. 笹戸 千津子「女」135 views
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Lava dome on Mt. Usuzan135 views
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View of the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck134 views
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Lake Toya and cherry blossoms blooming in early May.134 views
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Flowers from the asphalt cracks.133 views
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The trail goes to the Minami-guchi (South entrance) of the crater trail.133 views
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133 views
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Another hiking trail goes closer to Ginnuma Crater for a better view.133 views
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Toyako Onsen as seen from the lake.132 views
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Front of the boat.132 views
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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.131 views
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Boat dock at Oshima island. This island has a small nature museum.131 views
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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.131 views
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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.131 views
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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.131 views
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This lookout point is for viewing the Ginnuma Crater.131 views
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Going back down on the Usuzan Ropeway.131 views
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Heading back to the ropeway terminal.131 views
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Kannon temple on Kannon island.130 views
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Heading to Oshima island.130 views
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The trail continues to more dramatic landscapes.130 views
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View from the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck130 views
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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.130 views
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Windsor Hotel and lake cruise boat.130 views
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Lake Toya as seen from Mt. Usu.130 views
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Sea gull on the lake.129 views
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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.129 views
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Hot spring foot bath, great especially after taking a long walk.129 views
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Sculpture: 奥山喜生「回峰」129 views
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Leaving Toyako Onsen128 views
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Path to Ginnuma Crater128 views
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During the last eruption in 2000, Toyako Onsen was damaged by the debris. But no one died because everyone had been evacuated. A series of tell-tale earthquakes prompted the evacuation.128 views
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Mt. Showa-Shinzan as seen from Lake Toya.127 views
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Oshima island, Nakajima islands.126 views
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Oshima is the largest Nakajima island.126 views
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View from the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck126 views
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The lakefront promenade goes for a good distance, passing in front of numerous hotels.126 views
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From the ropeway terminal is a path to another hill which has another lookout point.126 views
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Crater bottom.125 views
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View of Lake Toya from the ropeway car.125 views
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Ropeway terminal125 views
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Kannon island, so called because there is a Kannon temple. 観音島124 views
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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.124 views
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On this side of the lake, the waters are quite still.124 views
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View of the Nakajima islands from eastern Lake Toya.124 views
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View of Date city and the ocean.124 views
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Inside the refrigerated warehouse. There are two large rooms, one is filled with snow (seen in the back wall) and the other has the produce.124 views
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124 views
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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 2000.123 views
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On the shore of Lake Toya is binoculars through which you can see the Summit venue, the Windsor Hotel.123 views
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Cherry blossoms123 views
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During early to mid-May, the plum blossoms bloom.123 views
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Another crater which is dry.122 views
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122 views
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Kitanoumi souvenirs for sale.122 views
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You can see the road (and youth hostel) where you turn right to reach Showa-Shinzan.122 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit sign inside the former Hokkaido Government Building.122 views
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Ukimido as seen from Benten island121 views
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Showa-Shinzan is on the left, with Mt. Usu at center.121 views
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Nakajima islands as seen from Toyako Onsen.121 views
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Sculpture: At the Lake, by Akihiko Kurokawa. Perhaps the most humorous sculpture.121 views
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121 views
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Toyako Visitor Center and Volcano Science Museum in Toyako Onsen Spa with G8 Summit welcome sign.121 views
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Sculpture: 秋山沙走武「薫風」121 views
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121 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit countdown in front of Sapporo Station.121 views
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Leaving Oshima.120 views
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Sculpture: Traveling Person, by Yoshiro Mineta 峯田 義郎「旅ひとり」120 views
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Lake Toya sign and the Nakajima islands.120 views
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120 views
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Nakajima islands, Lake Toya120 views
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Actual-size ringside seats are also on display.120 views
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Sculpture in Toyako Enchi Park: Ripple Dance, by 関 正司「漣舞・リップル・ダンス」120 views
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The hiking trail goes along the rim of Ginnuma Crater. Most people don't go that far. 銀沼大火口120 views
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Cherry blossoms and plum tress. They bloom almost at the same time in Hokkaido.120 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit countdown at the former Hokkaido Government Building.120 views
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