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