Image search results - "toyako-cho" - JAPAN PHOTOS by Philbert Ono

Image search results - "toyako-cho"

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

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.

Inside former fire station.

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)

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.

The former fire station in the distance. The building still looks quite new.

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.

The trail starts with a bumpy asphalt road.

The wrecked road.

The walking trail becomes a nice wooden boardwalk on rough terrain.

Apparently there weren't any cars on the road when this happened since everyone had been evacuated before the eruption occurred.

Flowers from the asphalt cracks.

The trail continues to more dramatic landscapes.

Sign explaining the deformed road.

Broken telephone pole.

No. 1 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck for the most conspicuous crater, still emitting steam.

No. 1 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck

One of the largest and most active Nishiyama crater. There are about 30 craters in the area, and this one emits the most steam.

An adjacent crater contains water and emits some steam.

Nishiyama Crater Trail

It takes about 40 min. to walk the crater trail one way. So allow at least 90 min. for a round-trip.

View of the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck

View from the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck

View from the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck. On the right is the crater of the initial eruption occurring in March 2000.

Close-up of Nishiyama's first crater formed during the March 2000 eruption.

Another crater which is dry.

Crater bottom.

The trail passes by a wrecked confection factory.

The trail goes to the Minami-guchi (South entrance) of the crater trail.

Wrecked confection factory. A dramatic reminder of what volcanoes can do.

Going further along the crater trail.

Another wrecked house.

Wrecked car

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.

Heading back. Remember that the trail is not open during the winter months. For more info call 0142-75-4400.

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.

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).

Signs in English near the bus stop.

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.

Toyako Onsen Spa tourist information office with a G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign. Near the bus terminal and center of town.

Lake Toya in early May

Toyako Onsen has a nice lakefront promenade for pedestrians. Cars no longer travel here so it's pleasant for a stroll.

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」

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.

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.

The Nakajima islands in the center of Lake Toya. There are four islands. Most them have a conical shape.

On this side of the lake, the waters are quite still.

Nakajima islands as seen from Toyako Onsen.

Photos of my visit to the Nakajima islands here.

Toyako Onsen lakefront. There are a few cruise boat docks, motor boat docks, and swan pedal boats.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

Hot spring foot bath on the lakefront promenade. It's called "Toron no Yu." 足湯

Hot spring foot bath is also popular with visitors.

Hot spring foot bath

Hot spring foot bath, great especially after taking a long walk.

Lake Toya sign and the Nakajima islands.

Lakefront promenade

The lakefront promenade goes for a good distance, passing in front of numerous hotels.

Sculpture: Onna (Woman) by Chizuko Sasado. 笹戸　千津子「女」

Onna (Woman) by Chizuko Sasado. 笹戸　千津子「女」

Sculpture: Traveling Person, by Yoshiro Mineta 峯田　義郎「旅ひとり」

Swan boat and a real swan.

Swan boats. You can pedal pretty far out in these things, but not to the Nakajima islands.

On the shore of Lake Toya is binoculars through which you can see the Summit venue, the Windsor Hotel.

Sculpture: Anthem of the Sun, by Machiko Kodera 小寺　真知子「太陽の賛歌」

Sculpture: Anthem of the Sun, by Machiko Kodera. Lake Toya has many nude woman sculptures.

Lake Toya and cherry blossoms blooming in early May.

Nakajima islands, Lake Toya

Swan boats again.

Sculpture: by Keiko Amamiya, 雨宮　敬子「洞照」

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.

Sculpture: At the Lake, by Akihiko Kurokawa 黒川　晃彦「湖畔にて」

Sculpture: At the Lake, by Akihiko Kurokawa. Perhaps the most humorous sculpture.

G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign on the edge of Toyako Onsen hot spring.

Nakajima islands, Lake Toya

Cherry blossoms and the Nakajima islands, Lake Toya. Early May 2008.

Cherry blossoms (almost in full bloom) and the Nakajima islands, Lake Toya. More photos of cherry blossoms and Lake Toya here in eastern Toyako.

Toyako Visitor Center and Volcano Science Museum (smaller building on left). 洞爺湖ビジターセンター

Entrance to Toyako Visitor Center (free admission, but admission charged for the Volcano Science Museum).

G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit countdown at Toyako Visitors Center and Volcano Science Museum in Toyako Onsen Spa.

Toyako Visitor Center and Volcano Science Museum in Toyako Onsen Spa with G8 Summit welcome sign.

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.

Giant aerial photo of Lake Toya.

Toyako Visitor Center

Volcanic rock which you can touch. Toyako Visitor Center

How Lake Toya was formed.

Fishes in Lake Toya

Birds around Toyako

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.

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

On the west end of Toyako Onsen are more sculptures and a park. Sculpture by Kan Yasuda. 安田　侃「意心帰」

Lakefront promenade on the west end of Toyako Onsen Spa.

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

Sculpture: Muse, by Nobuyuki Akechi. 明地　信之「Muse」

Sculpture: Light of the Moon, by Igor Mitoraj. イゴール・ミトライ「月の光」

Sculpture: SHOWEN, by Noriyoshi Matsumoto. 松本　憲宣「SHOWEN」

Windsor Hotel, G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit venue. It would've been great if it were shaped a like a mountain-top castle.

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.

The new Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal

Toyako Culture Center with G8 Summit flags

Official logo of the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit on the Toyako Culture Center.

Toya manhole showing the Ukimido temple and Nakajima islands. Hokkaido

Welcome sign in front of JR Toya Station, the closest train station to Lake Toya.

Ticket office inside JR Toya Station. Notice the G8 Summit flags.

Ticket office inside JR Toya Station with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit flags.

Glass door with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sticker.

Next to Toya Station is the Toyako Town Hall, also with a G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign.

Toyako Town Hall, front side, festooned with G8 Summit flags.

Toyako Onsen Spa tourist information office with a G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign.

On the shore of Lake Toya is binoculars through which you can see the Summit venue, the Windsor Hotel.

The Windsor Hotel, G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit venue is on a hill overlooking the lake. Below is a lake cruise boat.

The lake cruise boat with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign.

By early May, police already started to invade the Lake Toya area.

G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign on the edge of Toyako Onsen hot spring.

Toyako Visitors Center and Volcano Science Museum in Toyako Onsen Spa.

G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit countdown at Toyako Visitors Center and Volcano Science Museum in Toyako Onsen Spa.

Official logo of the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit on the Toyako Culture Center.

Toyako Culture Center with G8 Summit flags.

G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign on entrance of Toya Mizunoeki, a shopping and rest house in northern Lake Toya.

G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign on window of Toya Mizunoeki in northern Lake Toya.

Personal computers for public use inside Toya Mizunoeki in northern Lake Toya. Notice the G8 Summit flags.

G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome banner at a gas station in northern Lake Toya.

G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome poster.

Environmental poster.

G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Key chains for all the G8 Summit countries.

G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Pins

G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: T-shirts

G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Eco-bag

G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Manju

G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Confections sold at the train station kiosk

G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit confection

G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit potato confection.

Way to Ekimae Sambashi Pier at Toyako Onsen Spa. A short walk from the bus terminal.

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

Espoir is the name of this lake cruise boat shaped like a medieval European castle. Can't get more gimmicky than that.

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.

Inside the Espoir lake cruise boat. This is the lower deck. The boat is obviously available for hire for private parties and cruises.

Upper deck is also very spacious.

Leaving Toyako Onsen

Toyako Onsen as seen from the lake.

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.

Leaving Toyako Onsen

Front of the boat.

Destination: Nakajima islands

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

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.

Kannon island, so called because there is a Kannon temple. 観音島

Ezo deer on Benten island.

Benten temple on Benten island

Kannon temple on Kannon island.

Ukimido as seen from Benten island

Transparent water

Heading to Oshima island.

Oshima is the largest Nakajima island.

Oshima island, Nakajima islands.

Boat dock at Oshima island. This island has a small nature museum.

Leaving Oshima.

Sea gull on the lake.

Ukimido near Benten island

Leaving the Nakajima islands.

Mt. Showa-Shinzan as seen from Lake Toya.

Mt. Usu or Usuzan as seen from the lake.

Showa-Shinzan is on the left, with Mt. Usu at center.

Toyako Onsen Spa

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.

After bicycling through eastern Lake Toya, I continue my trip around Lake Toya as I head north, entering Toyako town.

Toya Shonen Shizen no Ie (Toya Nature House for Youth) is a lodging and seminar facility. 道立洞爺少年自然の家

Nakajima islands

Vinyl house

Northern Lake Toya includes the Takarada Nature Footpath along the lake shore. 財田自然観察道

Nakajima islands as seen from northern Lake Toya.

Takarada Nature Footpath along the lake shore. 財田自然観察道

How the lake was formed.

Northern Lake Toya

Pier

Reeds barely grow here.

Takarada Nature Footpath along the lake shore.

Take home your trash!

Sculpture: Dreamy Lake View, by Masafumi Maita 眞板　雅文「湖景夢想」

Nakajima islands as seen from northern Lake Toya. They seem to look the same from whichever direction. Totally conical islands.

G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit Welcome sign on window of Toya Mizunoeki in northern Lake Toya.

Outside Toya Mizunoeki fronting Lake Toya.

The sculpture on the right: Wave Play, by Kyuzaemon Orihara 折原　久左ェ門「波遊」

View of Lake Toya behind Toya Mizunoeki.

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.

The students do various tests, each one does a specific task. 洞爺高等学校

With buckets and water testing kits, they do their testing.

One girl takes notes as the others give her their test results.

Color charts are used to assess the water quality. This is for phosphoric acid.

For nitrate.

For Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD).

After the water testing is done, they throw back the water into the lake.

The lake shore behind the Toya Mizunoeki also has swans.

Nakajima islands and swan, Lake Toya, Hokkaido

Lake Toya and swan, Hokkaido

Lake Toya and swans, Hokkaido

G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome banner at a gas station in northern Lake Toya.

Sculpture: I was…I will, by Masaru Bando 坂東　優「I was（過去）…I will（未来）」

Another major sight in Lake Toya is the Ukimido pagoda in northern Lake Toya.

Ukimido pagoda juts out into the lake on a narrow islet connected by a stone bridge.

Ukimido means "floating view temple."

Cherry blossoms and Ukimido pagoda.

Well-placed sculpture at Ukimido: Dream Toya, by Mitsuaki Sora, 空　充秋「夢洞爺」

Ukimido Park

The Ukimido is the focal point of the lakeside Ukimido Park.

A path of stones lead to the Ukimido.

Around 1912, a Buddhist priest traveling north reached Toya village and rested at the Matsuhashi home. He gave a statue of Prince Shotoku Taishi to the family and said that they and the village shall prosper by taking care of it.

The Matsuhashi family later moved away from Toya village and entrusted the statue to a local temple.

Upon the wishes of the local people, they built the Ukimido pagoda in 1937 and put the Shotoku Taishi statue on the altar inside. They also started the annual Shotoku Taishi Festival every July.

However, on Oct. 15, 2003, the Ukimido was struck by lightning and both the building and Shotoku Taishi statue were lost in the fire.

Local residents then launched a project to rebuild the Ukimido and through numerous donations, a new Ukimido and Shotoku Taishi altar statue was completed in July 2004.

Ukimido pagoda, Lake Toya, Hokkaido 浮見堂

Right side of Ukimido pagoda, Lake Toya.

Left side of Ukimido pagoda, Lake Toya

Behind Ukimido pagoda, Lake Toya

The Ukimido houses a small statue of Prince Shotoku Taishi. Inside, it still looks quite new.

View from the Ukimido's tiny balcony.

View behind the Ukimido pagoda, with the Nakajima islands.

Ukimido

Sculpture: Alveolus, by Goro Kakei 掛井　五郎「胞」

Silo Lookout Point

Silo Lookout Point in western Lake Toya is not on the lakeside road. It is on a highway running almost parallel to the lakeside road. Not really accessible by bicycle.

Silo Lookout Point

Near the Silo Lookput Point is this large refrigerated warehouse for vegetables operated by the Toya JA agricultural cooperative. 野菜貯蔵用雪蔵（雪エネルギー利用)

This refrigerated warehouse for vegetables uses winter snow as the coolant, reducing the electricity bill.

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.

Snow in the refrigerated warehouse. In winter, they use a snow plow/blower to shoot the snow into the room. The temperature is adjusted by ceiling fans and the wall shutters which can open or close.

Another nesting swan.

291 files on 2 page(s)