Lake Toya, Mt Usu and Mt Showa Shinzan are highlights of this area of Shikotsu-Toya National Park in Hokkaido. This area is beautiful but access by public transport is rather inconvenient especially during the winter season. Knowing the train and bus schedule in advance is necessary so as to plan ahead.
Lake Toya 洞爺湖:
This is a doughnut-shaped crater lake, containing 4 islets within the
lake. Along the lakeside lies Toya Spa, backed by the active volcanoes of
Mt Usu and Mt Showa Shinzan.
Mt Usu 有珠山:
The last eruption occurred in 31 March 2000. Mt Usu is still an active
volcano with steam oozing out from the crater. This photo is taken from
the viewing platform of Mt Usu where access is by way of ropeway.
Showa Shinzan 昭和新山:
This view is taken from the viewing platform of Mt Usu. Mt Showa Shinzan
started to sprout out of the ground in 1944. By the time it stop growing,
the mountain stood 405m high.
Showa Shinzan 昭和新山:
A closer view of Mt Showa Shinzan.
Noboribestu 登別
Famed for its Onsen (Hot Spring), Noboribetsu is Hokkaido's top hot spring location. You would not want to miss out Jigokudani (Hell Valley) where hot stream whizzed out of the ground.
Jigokudani 地獄谷:
This is a natural scene resulted by volcanic activities beneath the
ground.
Jigokudani 地獄谷:
Another view from the top.
Jigokudani 地獄谷:
Hot boiling water - the energy behind Noboribetsu's onsen.
Oyunuma 大湯沼:
Farther to the north of Jigokudani is Oyunuma, with a circumference of 1
km. This lake is filled with boiling dark grey water.
