 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.619 views
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With buckets and water testing kits, they do their testing.605 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.557 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.497 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472 views
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Toya manhole showing the Ukimido temple and Nakajima islands. Hokkaido394 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, Hokkaido376 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374 views
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Sculpture: Anthem of the Sun, by Machiko Kodera 小寺 真知子「太陽の賛歌」373 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.370 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.363 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.362 views
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Sculpture: Light of the Moon, by Igor Mitoraj. イゴール・ミトライ「月の光」351 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」343 views
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Sculpture: Anthem of the Sun, by Machiko Kodera. Lake Toya has many nude woman sculptures.336 views
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JR Toya Station is on the JR Muroran Line. There are express trains going directly to/from Sapporo.333 views
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It sort of looks like Kitanoumi...329 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329 views
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Showa-Shinzan closeup. Still steaming.325 views
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Way to Ekimae Sambashi Pier at Toyako Onsen Spa. A short walk from the bus terminal.322 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」316 views
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Onna (Woman) by Chizuko Sasado. 笹戸 千津子「女」310 views
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Sculpture: At the Lake, by Akihiko Kurokawa 黒川 晃彦「湖畔にて」310 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.301 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.296 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.296 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.290 views
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Inside JR Toya Station.285 views
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Lake Toya's bald spot.283 views
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Nakajima islands, Lake Toya282 views
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Swans along Lake Toya, Sobetsu, Hokkaido280 views
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The Nakajima islands in the center of Lake Toya. There are four islands. Most them have a conical shape.279 views
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Eastern Lake Toya, with Mt. Usu in the distance.279 views
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Lake Toya and swan, Hokkaido278 views
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Sobetsu Park and plum blossoms overlooking Lake Toya, Hokkaido.278 views
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Cherry blossoms and the Nakajima islands, Lake Toya. Early May 2008.275 views
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Entrance to Toya Station from the train platform.274 views
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Toya Station platform and sign for outgoing passengers: "See you again!" (Mata no okoshi wo)268 views
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Mt. Usu or Usuzan as seen from the lake.265 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.263 views
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Wrecked car261 views
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Toyako Culture Center with G8 Summit flags261 views
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Toya Station platform and local train.256 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.254 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit Welcome sign in front of JR Toya Station.254 views
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The ocean beach near Toya Station.252 views
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Sculpture: Recovery, by Rei Nibe 二部 黎「復活」249 views
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Heading back. Remember that the trail is not open during the winter months. For more info call 0142-75-4400.249 views
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Usuzan Ropeway terminal on the left.249 views
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Lake Toya and swans, Hokkaido246 views
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Nakajima islands and swan, Lake Toya, Hokkaido245 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.245 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.244 views
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Ticket office inside JR Toya Station. Notice the G8 Summit flags.242 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)240 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: T-shirts240 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sticker on a bus window in Sapporo.240 views
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Official logo of the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit on the Toyako Culture Center.239 views
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Ukimido pagoda, Lake Toya, Hokkaido 浮見堂233 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit Welcome banner on a building in Sapporo.233 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.232 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.231 views
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Welcome banner on train platform.231 views
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Usuzan Ropeway car holds over 100 people.230 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sticker on a bus window in Sapporo.230 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Pins229 views
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Toyako Town Hall, front side, festooned with G8 Summit flags.228 views
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The new Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal227 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Confections sold at the train station kiosk.226 views
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Right side of Ukimido pagoda, Lake Toya.225 views
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A tourist village called Kazan-mura (Volcano Village) has developed at the foot of Showa-Shinzan. 火山村224 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).223 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.223 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222 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.222 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.221 views
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Next to Toya Station is the Toyako Town Hall, also with a G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign.219 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.218 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.218 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.216 views
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Some trains are decorated with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign.215 views
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Lake Toya and cherry blossoms. Shikotsu-Toya National Park215 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.212 views
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Wrecked confection factory. A dramatic reminder of what volcanoes can do.212 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.212 views
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Signs in English near the bus stop.211 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.211 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.209 views
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Local students from Abuta High School help beautify Toya Station.207 views
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There's a large parking lot full of tourists.207 views
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Another wrecked house.206 views
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We cannot climb Showa-Shinzan.205 views
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Ticket office inside JR Toya Station with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit flags.204 views
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Sobetsu Falls, Lake Toya, Hokkaido.203 views
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Usuzan Ropeway, Lake Toya.202 views
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The former fire station in the distance. The building still looks quite new.201 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome poster.200 views
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Leaving the ropeway terminal.200 views
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Lookout deck on Mt. Usu, near the ropeway terminal.200 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Confections sold at the train station kiosk.198 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.198 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.197 views
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Toyako lookout deck on Mt. Usu, near the ropeway terminal. 洞爺湖展望台197 views
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Inside former fire station.196 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.196 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.195 views
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No. 1 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck for the most conspicuous crater, still emitting steam.192 views
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Toyako Onsen Spa191 views
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Glass door with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sticker.191 views
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Miniature golf course190 views
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Leaving Toyako Onsen188 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.188 views
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Lake Toya in early May188 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.)188 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.187 views
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Statue of Masao Mimatsu.187 views
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The wrecked road.186 views
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Giant aerial photo of Lake Toya.185 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.185 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.184 views
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Showa-Shinzan gets smaller.184 views
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Hot spring foot bath is also popular with visitors.182 views
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His Yokozuna "tsuna" rope belt.182 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign at Usuzan Ropeway terminal.182 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.181 views
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An adjacent crater contains water and emits some steam.179 views
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Toyako Onsen lakefront. There are a few cruise boat docks, motor boat docks, and swan pedal boats.179 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.178 views
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The walking trail becomes a nice wooden boardwalk on rough terrain.178 views
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Sign explaining the deformed road.177 views
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Sculpture: SHOWEN, by Noriyoshi Matsumoto. 松本 憲宣「SHOWEN」176 views
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He is doing the Unryu-style dohyo-iri.176 views
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The closest we can go is this park at the foot.176 views
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Mt. Showa-Shinzan as seen from Mt. Usu.175 views
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Destination: Nakajima islands174 views
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The trail starts with a bumpy asphalt road.174 views
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View from the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck174 views
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Hot spring foot bath174 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174 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.173 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172 views
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Sculpture: Anthem of the Sun, by Machiko Kodera 小寺 真知子「太陽の賛歌」172 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.172 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).172 views
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Ezo deer on Benten island.171 views
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Nishiyama Crater Trail171 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.171 views
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Going further along the crater trail.171 views
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Sculpture: Traveling Person, by Yoshiro Mineta 峯田 義郎「旅ひとり」171 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.171 views
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Upper deck is also very spacious.170 views
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No. 1 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck170 views
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View of Lake Toya from the ropeway car.169 views
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Lake Toya as seen from Mt. Usu.169 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.168 views
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Sculpture: Muse, by Nobuyuki Akechi. 明地 信之「Muse」168 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.167 views
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Broken telephone pole.166 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 1984.166 views
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Sculpture: Onna (Woman) by Chizuko Sasado. 笹戸 千津子「女」166 views
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Leaving the Nakajima islands.165 views
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Ukimido near Benten island165 views
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Sea gull on the lake.165 views
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The trail goes to the Minami-guchi (South entrance) of the crater trail.165 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.165 views
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Lava dome on Mt. Usuzan165 views
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Toyako Onsen as seen from the lake.164 views
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Benten temple on Benten island164 views
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Windsor Hotel and lake cruise boat.164 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164 views
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Boat dock at Oshima island. This island has a small nature museum.163 views
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The trail passes by a wrecked confection factory.163 views
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View of the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck163 views
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Hot spring foot bath on the lakefront promenade. It's called "Toron no Yu." 足湯163 views
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Another hiking trail goes closer to Ginnuma Crater for a better view.163 views
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Heading back to the ropeway terminal.163 views
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Kannon temple on Kannon island.162 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.162 views
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Lake Toya as seen from Mt. Usu.162 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.161 views
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Flowers from the asphalt cracks.161 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.161 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.161 views
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Lake Toya and cherry blossoms blooming in early May.161 views
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This lookout point is for viewing the Ginnuma Crater.161 views
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Ropeway terminal161 views
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Front of the boat.160 views
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Leaving Toyako Onsen160 views
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The trail continues to more dramatic landscapes.160 views
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Sculpture: 奥山喜生「回峰」160 views
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Hot spring foot bath, great especially after taking a long walk.159 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.159 views
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Path to Ginnuma Crater159 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.159 views
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Going back down on the Usuzan Ropeway.159 views
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Oshima island, Nakajima islands.158 views
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Heading to Oshima island.158 views
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View from the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck158 views
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View of Lake Toya from the ropeway car.158 views
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Ropeway terminal158 views
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Oshima is the largest Nakajima island.157 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.157 views
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Lake Toya sign and the Nakajima islands.157 views
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Kannon island, so called because there is a Kannon temple. 観音島156 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.156 views
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The lakefront promenade goes for a good distance, passing in front of numerous hotels.156 views
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View from the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck155 views
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View of the Nakajima islands from eastern Lake Toya.155 views
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View of Date city and the ocean.155 views
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During early to mid-May, the plum blossoms bloom.155 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit countdown in front of Sapporo Station.155 views
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Crater bottom.154 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」154 views
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Mt. Showa-Shinzan as seen from Lake Toya.153 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 2000.153 views
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Sculpture: Traveling Person, by Yoshiro Mineta 峯田 義郎「旅ひとり」153 views
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Sculpture: At the Lake, by Akihiko Kurokawa. Perhaps the most humorous sculpture.153 views
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The sumo ring is not made of real dirt.153 views
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Sculpture: 秋山沙走武「薫風」153 views
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From the ropeway terminal is a path to another hill which has another lookout point.153 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.153 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit sign inside the former Hokkaido Government Building.153 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit countdown at the former Hokkaido Government Building.153 views
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Ukimido as seen from Benten island152 views
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On this side of the lake, the waters are quite still.152 views
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Kitanoumi souvenirs for sale.152 views
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Cherry blossoms152 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152 views
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On the shore of Lake Toya is binoculars through which you can see the Summit venue, the Windsor Hotel.151 views
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Cherry blossoms and plum tress. They bloom almost at the same time in Hokkaido.151 views
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Showa-Shinzan is on the left, with Mt. Usu at center.150 views
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Nakajima islands, Lake Toya150 views
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You can see the road (and youth hostel) where you turn right to reach Showa-Shinzan.150 views
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Another crater which is dry.149 views
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Aqua-blue water was almost like a tropical ocean...149 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.149 views
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Leaving Oshima.148 views
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