In Hokkaido, Japan, within the embrace of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, lies a captivating sight: Lake Toya (洞爺湖, Tōya-ko⭐⭐), a volcanic caldera lake formed over 110,000 years ago by a mighty eruption. Crystal-clear waters, fed by hot springs and hidden underground streams, fill this nearly circular lake, which stretches 10 kilometers east to west and 9 kilometers north to south. Mount Usu, a stratovolcano gracing the southern rim, adds a dramatic touch to the landscape.
In the heart of the lake lies Nakajima Island, home to the fascinating Tōya Lake Forest Museum. Numerous parks, walking trails, and onsen (hot spring baths) pepper the lakeshore, while the Toya Long Run Fireworks Festival explodes with color for a mesmerizing 187 days, from April 28th to October 31st.
Toya Nonokaze Resort: Immerse yourself in the splendor and elegance of Hokkaido (YouTube link)
Photo Gallery
Between April 18th and 20th, 2024, I visited Lake Toya after spending time in Noboribetsu (登別). The weather during my stay was mostly cloudy, obscuring the peak of Mount Yōtei (羊蹄山), also known as Ezo Fuji (蝦夷富士) or 'Hokkaido's Mount Fuji'.
A lake cruise departed from the Toyakokisen ferry terminal during my visit, but it didn't stop at the Tōya Lake Forest Museum on those days. While many tourist groups opted for the cruise, I decided to explore the lakeshore for its scenic views and relaxation.
Numerous sculptures dot the lakeshore, adding artistic flair to the scenic view
Seen against the backdrop of Nakajima Island, the lake cruise offered a sense of the lake's immensity
The hotel lobby displayed a photo showcasing the full grandeur of Mount Yōtei
The clouds cleared, letting the setting sun peek through briefly
Like a shy maiden, Mount Yōtei veiled itself in clouds, revealing only a sun-dappled shoulder
A Quiet Day in a Berlin Park, 1933 In the early 1930s, Takehisa Yumeji's studio became a hub for artists, inspiring ventures like the Mt. Haruna Art Research Institute. In 1931, Yumeji began a journey to the United States and Europe, supported by exhibitions of his work. While in the U.S. for 16 months, he continued to paint, creating pieces like Nude on the West Coast. Afterward, Yumeji taught in Berlin until the school was closed by the Nazis. He returned to Japan in 1933, his overseas experiences shaping his final works. His last exhibition was held in Taipei that year. Yumeji passed away from tuberculosis in 1934, leaving behind a legacy of beauty and cultural exchange. Read more: Prints in Collection—Takehisa Yumeji (1884-1934) Kuronosuke 黒の助: a Legacy Little Black Cat (YouTube link ) Photo Gallery The Yumeji Art Museum in Okayama exhibits many black cat paintings because the artist, Yumeji Takehisa , frequently featured them in his work, particularly in his bij...
Hagi City , Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its maritime and historical significance, particularly from the Edo period and Meiji Restoration . This coastal town captivates with its well-preserved samurai districts, pine-lined roads, clear waterways, and serene ambiance, evoking a nostalgic journey back in time. Historical figures like Yoshida Shoin and Shinsaku Takasugi shaped its legacy. Cycling, boat trips, temple visits, and local specialties like summer tangerines and Hagi ware highlight Hagi’s charm. Hidden gems like Tokoji Temple make it a must-visit for an authentic, enriching experience. Japan’s Timeless Beauty – 2 Days in Hagi, a World Heritage Town (YouTube link ) Things to Do Boat Trip: A 40-minute sightseeing boat tour provides a unique perspective of Hagi, with reflections on the town’s historical significance during the ride. Bicycle Rental: You can rent a bike at the station, which is a recommended way to explore Hagi. C...
This is a passageway leading to Nankai-Namba Station. Be aware that underground passages in Japan can be quite complex for visitors. When you arrive at Kansai International Airport (symbol: KIX) and try to reach your destinations via trains, sometimes you need to make connections at Namba Station (see Fig. 2). Namba Station is one of the main connection points (the other two are Umeda and Tennoji Stations). But, Namba Station actually means 4 different stations on Google map (see Fig. 3&4) : Namba Station (Subway): This station provides access to the Osaka Metro lines: Midosuji (see Fig. 4), Sennichimae , and Yotsubashi . These lines can take you to popular destinations like Osaka Station, Koreatown, Honmachi, and Nippombashi. JR-Namba Station: This smaller station has only four tracks and two platforms. It's located within the Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) building, and the entrance can be easy to miss. Thankfully, it's connected to the ...
