Abuta District in Hokkaido reveals its volcanic history through traces that remain: the Nishiyama Crater Trail features buildings and roads damaged during the 2000 eruption of Usu. Another way to explore the history of volcanoes is the Konpira Crater Trail, which preserves remnants of an eruption to convey its energy. The two trails offer different perspectives: damaged structures in one place, remnants of a volcanic eruption in the other.
Understanding Volcanic History
The Nishiyama Crater Trail is in Izumi. A bus runs from JR Tōya Station to the north entrance; the journey takes 15 minutes. Check the current bus timetable before your visit. In Toyako Onsen, the Konpira Crater Trail passes through preserved remnants of an eruption. Both trails give the natural history a tangible setting, so you do not have to simply look at the landscape.
At Lake Tōya, the Visitor Center and Volcano Science Museum add to these impressions. Photos, models and videos explain the history of Usu, how volcanic eruptions work, the damage they cause and disaster-prevention measures. The subject thus extends from the visible legacy along the trails to an explanation of how eruptions happen and what their effects are.
Art and Collections at Lake Tōya
The Lake Tōya Sculpture Park stretches along the lakeshore in Toyako Onsen and features 58 sculptures in total. For a different perspective on art, the small Lake Tōya Museum of Art in Toya features works including sculptures from the Toya Village International Sculpture Biennale, works by Bikki Sunazawa and photographs by Banri Namikawa. The Hokkaido-Toyako Summit Memorial Museum displays the round table used for discussions at the Hokkaido-Toyako G8 Summit, along with souvenirs presented to the heads of state and government and items from the participating countries.
The history of the area around Kutchan can also be explored at the Kutchan Fudokan. The comprehensive museum opened in 2002 and introduces the nature and history of the surrounding area. The Irie-Takasago Shell Mound Museum in Takasago displays around 200 finds from the Irie and Takasago shell mounds. The two museums focus on different subjects: one on the natural and local history around Kutchan, the other on archaeological finds.
Views, the Lake and Landscapes
A sightseeing boat trip on Lake Tōya offers views of the lake’s natural scenery; check the timetable in advance. From the Silo Observatory, panoramic views extend across Lake Tōya, Usu and Shōwa-Shinzan. Those interested in the history of a place will find another special connection at Moonura Forest Nature Park: it was created on the grounds of the former villa of Viscount Yasuaki Katō and is suitable for forest bathing. At the Yuhigaoka park golf course in the History Park, you can play with views of the sea and Usu.
Spring Water, Local Impressions and Activities
At Fukidashi Park in Kyogoku, spring water continuously emerges from the connection between nature and Mount Yōtei. The park is known for its famous water and is open 24 hours a day, year-round. In Makkari, Yotei Spring is a place where you can collect spring water; the delicious water is also used to make tofu. Makari River Park features the singing Hosokawa Takashi Memorial Statue. The park is considered a tourist attraction in Makkari.
Niseko View Plaza roadside station is at the intersection of National Route 5 and Iwanai-Toya Prefectural Road. Its three buildings include an information building, an area with a farm shop and takeaway snacks, and a restroom building that is open 24 hours a day. Visitors can find tourist information, regional specialties and souvenirs there; the range of products may change.
In Niseko, the Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area has six lifts, including a gondola and quad chairlifts, as well as 13 runs. Lift and run configurations may change; check the latest information before making plans. Summer activities there include mountain biking, hiking and hot-air balloon rides. Rusutsu Resort offers rafting, canoeing, trekking, horseback riding, fishing and hot-air balloon rides in summer. Seasonal programs may also change, so it is worth checking the current offerings.
You can tailor your search to the discoveries you want to make the focus of your trip.
Discover more destinations: Niseko, Kutchan, Kyogoku, Rusutsu, Iwanai District, Yufutsu District, Kasai District, Shari District.
For the main travel overview: Hokkaido.
