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Apr 02, 2022
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Kogesawa Bairin plum grove at Takao Baigo, Hachioji, Tokyo.Apr 02, 2022
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Kogesawa Bairin plum grove at Takao Baigo, Hachioji, Tokyo.Apr 02, 2022
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Kogesawa BairinApr 02, 2022
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Kogesawa BairinApr 02, 2022
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Kogesawa BairinApr 02, 2022
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Kogesawa BairinApr 02, 2022
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Walking path near the Chuo Expressway.Apr 02, 2022
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Another nice spot for a picnic.Apr 02, 2022
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The grove is near the mountains, so there's a nice backdrop.Apr 02, 2022
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Some plum trees with pruned branches. May they flower again someday.Apr 02, 2022
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Kogesawa Bairin hillside walking path.Apr 02, 2022
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Steps going down hill of plum trees at Kogesawa Bairin.Apr 02, 2022
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Looking down the hillside of white plum trees.Apr 02, 2022
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Apr 02, 2022
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Plum trees also have lichens growing on the trunk and branches. These lichens form on plum trees in rural areas. We don't see them on plum trees in the city because exhaust fumes from vehicles kill them. So if you see these lichens on plum trees, it means the surrounding environment is very clean. (Parmotrema tinctorum ウメノキゴケ)Apr 02, 2022
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Top of Kogesawa Bairin. Plum tree branches seem to grow in random directions, but the tree always maintains its balance.Apr 02, 2022
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Top of Kogesawa Bairin. Apr 02, 2022
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Apr 02, 2022
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Top of Kogesawa Bairin.Apr 02, 2022
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Top of Kogesawa plum grove hill has this small area for picnickers. A few benches and tree stumps to sit on. Good idea to bring takeout food. Pleasant to have lunch here.Apr 02, 2022
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Top of Kogesawa Bairin with benches and picnic area near the plum trees. Apr 02, 2022
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Top of Kogesawa Bairin with benches and picnic area near the plum trees. Apr 02, 2022
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On the top of Kogesawa Bairin, there are benches and picnic area near the plum trees. Apr 02, 2022
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The plum grove has walking paths across the slope.Apr 02, 2022
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Kogesawa Bairin is on a hillside.Apr 02, 2022
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Walking up to the top of Kogesawa Bairin along this path on the periphery.Apr 02, 2022
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Kogesawa Bairin is on a hillside with walking paths along the trees. Mostly white plum blossoms, but a few red and pink flowers too. ("Bairin" means "plum grove.")Apr 02, 2022
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Gate to Kogesawa Bairin. All the plum groves have free admission. Kogesawa Bairin is open to the public only when the flowers are on bloom. Otherwise, it's closed to the public (surrounded by a fence).Apr 02, 2022
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Kogesawa Bairin near the Chuo Expressway overhead.Apr 02, 2022
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Walking to Kogesawa Bairin near the Chuo Expressway overhead. (木下沢梅林)Apr 02, 2022
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Walking to Kogesawa Bairin.Apr 02, 2022
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From the Oshimo bus stop, walking to Kogesawa Bairin. A short walk.Apr 02, 2022
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Bus stops between the two nearest train stations and Takao Baigo.Apr 02, 2022
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If you want to see the largest plum grove first (Kogesawa Bairin), get off here at the Oshimo stop (大下). Takes about 20-30 min. from Takao Station.Apr 02, 2022
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You can see the plum groves either from the start of the road or from the end of the road where the largest plum grove is located. I took the bus to the end and walked back toward the train station.Apr 02, 2022
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When I took the bus from Takao Station in mid-morning, it was packed even on a weekday during peak bloom.Apr 02, 2022
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Buses run only once an hour on weekdays and two or three times per hour on weekends. Take the bus going to Kobotoke (小仏).Apr 02, 2022
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From the north exit,go left to the bus stops to catch a us to Takao Baigo. Otherwise, it's a 15-min. walk. Apr 02, 2022
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JR Takao Station. Get out the north exit (Kitaguchi).Apr 02, 2022
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JR Takao Station. Takes a little over an hour from Tokyo Station on the JR Chuo Line.Apr 02, 2022
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Takao Baigo is near JR Takao Station and Keio Line Takaosanguchi Station. JR Takao Station has this giant tengu mask on the platform. Mt. Takao, which has long been a sacred mountain, supposed to be where one of the major tengu dwells. So the tengu is a local symbol.Apr 02, 2022
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Red plum blossoms really stand out.Apr 02, 2022
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Takao Baigo was established in 1964 by a local tourist group. They happened to have multiple plum groves in this area, so they decided to market them together as a tourist attraction named "Takao Baigo" (Takao Plum Blossom Area).Apr 02, 2022
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Takao Baigo is in the area of the famous Mt. Takao. Plum blossoms here bloom in March, so if you were too busy to see plum blossoms in Feb., you can still see the ume blossoms in mountainous western Tokyo.Apr 02, 2022
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Takao Baigo is in the area of the famous Mt. Takao. It's an area with several plum blossom groves mainly along a road called Kyu-Koshu Kaido (旧甲州街道) near JR Takao Station and Keio Line Takaosanguchi Station. Apr 02, 2022
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Back to the visitor's center.Apr 01, 2022
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Apr 01, 2022
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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.Apr 01, 2022
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Sulphur mining ended altogether in Hokkaido in 1963.Apr 01, 2022
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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.Apr 01, 2022
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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.Apr 01, 2022
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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.Apr 01, 2022
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Mt. Io, Hokkaido. You can get quite close to the sulphur vents.Apr 01, 2022
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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.Apr 01, 2022
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Mt. Io is Kawayu Onsen's hot spring source. It was also a sulphur mine from 1877 to 1896. At the time, sulphur was widely used in cigarette matches and gunpowder. Apr 01, 2022
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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 anApr 01, 2022
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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. Apr 01, 2022
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Apr 01, 2022
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Trail to a scenic lookout point on Lake Mashu.Apr 01, 2022
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Beautiful shades of blue.Apr 01, 2022
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Lake Mashu and Kamuishu island.Apr 01, 2022
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View from Scenic Lookout 3.Apr 01, 2022
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Sunlight peeking through the clouds is reflected on the lake surface.Apr 01, 2022
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Lake Mashu in eastern Hokkaido is my favorite lake in Japan.Apr 01, 2022
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View of Lake Mashu from Scenic Point 1.Apr 01, 2022
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Too bad it was a cloudy day. Lake Mashu has no outflowing river.Apr 01, 2022
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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Apr 01, 2022
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Newer Lake Mashu sign at a lookout point. Apr 01, 2022
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Lake Mashu has two scenic points along the crater rim where tourists can see the lake. Old sign at a lookout point. Apr 01, 2022
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One of the most unpolluted lakes in Japan or the world. The water transparency is one of the deepest in the world at 20 to 30 meters. Part of the Akan-Mashu National Park.Apr 01, 2022
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One of the most famous lakes in Japan, Lake Mashu is a crater lake devoid of boats, resorts, and other tourist traps. In fact, people are prohibited from going to the lake. We can view it, but no touching. Apr 01, 2022
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Mar 31, 2022
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The Suigo boat ride in waterways connected to Lake Biwa and Nishinoko is a major tourist attraction in Omi-Hachiman. Mar 31, 2022
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Lots of reeds, essential for the lake's ecosystem. They cleanse the water among other things.Mar 31, 2022
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It's called "Suigo Meguri" (waterway cruise). Following the boat driver/captain.Mar 31, 2022
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Shintoku Ski Grounds as seen from the train in autumn. The lawn is decorated with しんとく (Shintoku).Mar 30, 2022
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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.Near JR Shintoku Station (JR Nemuro Line).Mar 30, 2022
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The ocean seen from the JR Nemuro Line going to Kushiro.Mar 30, 2022
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Lake Penketo's water flows to Panketo and ends up in Lake Akan. ペンケトーMar 30, 2022
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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Mar 30, 2022
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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Mar 30, 2022
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Akanko Ainu Kotan Ainu village. 阿寒湖アイヌコタンMar 30, 2022
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Ainu home (no longer here) was also in the Ainu village. 阿寒湖アイヌコタンMar 30, 2022
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Akanko Ainu Kotan gifts.Mar 30, 2022
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Akanko Ainu Kotan gift shop.Mar 30, 2022
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Akanko Ainu Kotan is an Ainu village lined with gift shops and Ainu attractions. The path still had dirt when I visited, but it's now completely cobblestones. 阿寒湖アイヌコタンMar 30, 2022
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Bunk beds in Akan-Kohan Youth Hostel. 阿寒湖畔ユースホステルMar 30, 2022
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Akan-Kohan Youth Hostel was once here too. Not here anymore. 阿寒湖畔ユースホステル（既に閉館）Mar 30, 2022
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Lake Akan at sunset.Mar 30, 2022
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Lake Akan at sunset.Mar 30, 2022
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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.Mar 30, 2022
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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Mar 30, 2022
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Part of Akan-Mashu National Park, Lake Akan (Akanko) is a serene crater lake in Hokkaido. In winter, the entire lake freezes over to enable ice skating and other winter sports. Winter festival is also held.Mar 30, 2022
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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Mar 30, 2022
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Bihoro Pass Scenic Point has two lookout points a short walk from each other. This is from the second lookout point. Both have similar views of Lake Kussharo. Bihoro Pass is within Akan-Mashu National Park in Hokkaido. Mar 30, 2022
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Lake Kussharo as seen from Bihoro Pass.Mar 30, 2022
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Bihoro Pass is within Akan-Mashu National Park. Mar 30, 2022
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Bihoro Pass wooden marker at the scenic point. 美幌峠の標柱Mar 30, 2022
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Bihoro Pass (Bihoro Toge) is on Route 243 going through the mountains on the border of Bihoro (north) and Teshikaga (south) Towns. Major tourist stop with great panoramic views of Lake Kussharo, Japan's largest caldera lake. The island in the lake is named Nakajima.Mar 30, 2022
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Niseko Moiwa ski run. We skiied here at night. ニセコモイワMar 29, 2022
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Niseko Moiwa was near our lodge. ニセコモイワMar 29, 2022
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Views from Niseko Annupuri. ニセコアンヌプリMar 29, 2022
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Views from Niseko Annupuri at close to sunset.Mar 29, 2022
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Niseko Annupuri.Mar 29, 2022
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Skiing on Niseko Annupuri, Hokkaido.Mar 29, 2022
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Views while skiing on Niseko Annupuri. ニセコアンヌプリMar 29, 2022
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Views while skiing on Niseko Annupuri, Hokkaido. ニセコアンヌプリMar 29, 2022
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Views while skiing on Niseko Annupuri. ニセコアンヌプリMar 29, 2022
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Skiing on Niseko Annupuri. ニセコアンヌプリMar 29, 2022
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Niseko Annupuri Mar 29, 2022
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Niseko Annupuri is another famous ski resort in Niseko. This was another large area with long ski runs. ニセコアンヌプリMar 29, 2022
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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Mar 29, 2022
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Niseko Hirafu ski lift. ニセコ ヒラフMar 29, 2022
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Niseko Hirafu ski lift. ニセコ ヒラフMar 29, 2022
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Niseko Hirafu has both easy and steep (moguls) slopes. ニセコ ヒラフMar 29, 2022
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Niseko Hirafu. ニセコ ヒラフMar 29, 2022
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Yotei-zan as seen from Niseko Hirafu. ニセコ ヒラフ・羊蹄山Mar 29, 2022
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Mt. Yotei-zan can be clearly seen from Niseko Hirafu. Hokkaido's Mt. Fuji. ニセコ ヒラフ・羊蹄山Mar 29, 2022
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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Mar 29, 2022
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Mt. Yotei as seen from Niseko Hirafu, Niseko's largest ski grounds. Yotei-zan is dubbed as Hokkaido's Mt. Fuji. ニセコ ヒラフ・羊蹄山Mar 29, 2022
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Aerial photo of Manazuru Peninsula from 1983. Cape Manazuru is clearly visible.Copyright © National Land Image Information (Color Aerial Photographs), Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and TourismMar 27, 2022
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Old map of Manazuru Peninsula.Mar 27, 2022
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School of small fish. Most of my underwater photos were shot too close and came out blurry.Mar 27, 2022
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Scuba diving at Manazuru Peninsula. Lots of seaweed on the bottom.Mar 27, 2022
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Scuba diving at Manazuru Peninsula. We went down as deep as 20 meters.Mar 27, 2022
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Scuba divers taking a break on shore at Manazuru Peninsula. Stoney shore, no sandy beach.Mar 27, 2022
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Manazuru Peninsula is also a popular scuba diving spot (Kotogahama), especially for beginner divers training to receive their diving license. Divers can just enter the water from shore, no need for a boat. Cars can also be parked nearby.Mar 27, 2022
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Fishing boat sailing past Manazuru Peninsula.Mar 27, 2022
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Fishing boat sailing past Manazuru Peninsula.Mar 27, 2022
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Mitsu-ishi (三ツ石) rocks bound by a shimenawa sacred rope.Mar 27, 2022
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Cape Manazuru tip with Mitsu-ishi (三ツ石) or Rock Trio. Two of the pointy rocks are bound by a shimenawa sacred rope. It's a noted spot for watching the New Year's first sunrise which rises between the two roped rocks.Mar 27, 2022
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The tip of Manazuru Peninsula has this slim, rocky shoal called Cape Manazuru (真鶴岬).Mar 27, 2022
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At low tide, you can walk to Cape Manazuru whose tip has Mitsu-ishi (三ツ石) or Rock Trio.Mar 27, 2022
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The bridge going to Manazuru Peninsula is on Route 135.Mar 27, 2022
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Manazuru Peninsula is a small, scenic spit of rocky and hilly land jutting into Sagami Bay, western Kanagawa. The forest on the peninsula is one of Japan's Top 100 Forests (森林浴の森100選) as designated by Japan's Forestry Agency.Mar 27, 2022
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Mar 05, 2022
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Old Hokuriku Line train at Yogo Station in winterMar 05, 2022
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Train at Yogo Station.Mar 05, 2022
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Yogo Station and train.Mar 05, 2022
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Yogo's most famous tree, the swan maiden tree in winter.Mar 05, 2022
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Maybe cherry trees.Mar 05, 2022
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Snowed-over parkMar 05, 2022
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Finally the road is cleared. This is near civilization so the road was cleared of snow. It made walking a lot easier.Mar 05, 2022
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Tree fallen by the weight of snow.Mar 05, 2022
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A patch of road under the snow.Mar 05, 2022
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Snow trail only on this side of the lake. It took me a total of 3 hours to walk around the lake, including picture-taking time.Mar 05, 2022
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Dead end. Right after the lodge, the road was closed due to snow. But I decided to walk over the snow in order to walk around the entire lake. I knew there were some great shots to be had on the other side of the lake. But it almost froze my feet.Mar 05, 2022
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Great view from the Yogoko-so lodge 国民宿舎 余呉湖荘からの景色Mar 05, 2022
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Lunch at Yogoko-so lodge: Eel (unagi) and udon noodles. I think it was 700 yen or so.Mar 05, 2022
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Dining room at Yogoko-so lodge. This is where I took a lunch break. Great place to warm up (especially your feet). 国民宿舎 余呉湖荘Sadly, this pension closed in Sept. 2013 due to aging facilities.Mar 05, 2022
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Yogoko-so Kokuminshuku lodge at the southern tip of the lake. It affords a scenic view of the lake. This is a national pension so prices are affordable. 国民宿舎 余呉湖荘Sadly, after 40 years in business, this pension closed in Sept. 2013 due to aging facilities that were too expensive to repair.Mar 05, 2022
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Ice and waterMar 05, 2022
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