There are many ways to enjoy Lake Toya. One of them is a swan boat ride. It is really fun!

Our family chose a pedal boat and embarked on an adventure.

The water was blue and shiny.

It was windy and the waves were a little rough. Sometimes, the boat went in the direction we were not expecting. At other times, it didn’t proceed at all but just swayed from side to side. The ride was thrilling. I can’t wait for the next ride!

Lake Kuttara is a caldera lake in Shiraoi Town. It is the roundest lake in Japan. It is about 2.5km in diameter and its circumference is about 8km.

Because the lake has no rivers flowing in or out, the water is crystal clear. It has a transparency of 19m.

It is believed that kappa (water imps) live in Lake Kuttara. So there is a Yield sign on the road so that kappa can cross it safely.

Near Jigokudani, there is a large pond called Oyunuma. This pond was formed by the eruptions of Mt. Hiyoriyama. The mountain is an active volcano. Smoke is still being released from its slopes and its top.

The water of Oyunuma Pond is 130°C at the bottom. The color is gray-black. It has a sulfurous smell.

There is another pond near Oyunuma. It is much smaller, though. It is called Oku no Yu Pond. The surface temperature of the pond is about 80°C. It is too hot for a bath, but it is relaxing just to watch steam rising from the pond.

My family loves visiting Jigokudani or Hell Valley. It is full of energy. Because of its dynamic nature, it is believed that Oni (demons) live there.

Jigokudani is the largest source of the Noboribetsu Hot Spring. The valley was formed by phreatic eruptions of Mt. Hiyoriyama.

While walking along the deck, you can see steam rising from fumaroles here and there. The air is filled with the smell of sulfur.

On the surface, you can see a variety of colors created by chemical reactions.

Gray-black water runs through the valley like a brook.

At the end of the deck lies a geyser. It is interesting to see the water boiling vigorously in a sporadic manner.

The valley looks totally different at night. It is quite mysterious.

During the summer nights, you can enjoy Oni hanabi or Demons’ fireworks show. Six Oni launch their fierce hand-held fireworks by turns, while the other Oni play the traditional Japanese drums calmly and rationally. Their collaborative performance creates a surrealistic atmosphere.

Tiffany liked Oni. He was very kind.

If you visit Hakodate, I highly recommend having the time to experience the night view of Hakodate. The cable car will take you to the top of Mt. Hakodate in three minutes.

As you go higher, the city lights start to twinkle.

The night view from the top of Mt. Hakodate is just spectacular. Some people compare it to a jewelry box. I’m sorry my photo doesn’t express it enough, but I hope you can imagine every single light glittering.

I also liked how the moonlight was reflected on the sea.

My family was looking at the Tsugaru Strait from Cape Tachimachi. Then, wild dolphins appeared.

At first, I couldn’t believe my eyes because I didn’t know they were visible to the naked eye from the cape. However, a kind gentleman told us that they were dolphins, so we started dolphin-watching.

As time went on, we got better and better at finding dolphins. First, we learned to notice typical splashes made by dolphins, and then learned to recognize their fins. We took their photos.

I still cannot forget the beautiful sea where animals were living in harmony. The dolphins were playful, considerate, and cooperative. Just thinking about them makes me happy.

Cape Tachimachi is the southeastern tip of Mt. Hakodate. It faces the Tsugaru Strait.

My family walked uphill, hearing bush warblers singing and feeling the sea breeze.

We got to Cape Tachimachi.

There is a tanka monument of Hiroshi and Akiko Yosano, who visited Hakodate in 1931. I remember my husband and I were delighted to find OUR names when we came here before.

The cape commands a magnificent view of Hakodate.

The other side is a steep cliff.

You can see Aomori Prefecture across the Tsugaru Strait.

On the rocks, there were many birds, including black-tailed gulls and cormorants.

We enjoyed looking at the sea. It was quiet but full of life. We could never get tired of looking at it.

Goryokaku is a star-shaped fort designated as a national special historic site. It was built in the last years of the Edo period and completed in 1866. It was Japan’s first western-style fort. Now it is open to the public as a park.

My family got off the train at JR Goryokaku Station. We enjoyed riding this old train car.

On arriving at the park, I was stunned by the gorgeous azalea flowers alongside the moat.

We crossed the bridge with excitement.

Then, we walked through a beautiful wisteria tunnel.

In the center of the park sits the Former Magistrate’s Office. It was the shogunate’s administrative center in Hokkaido. The original building was demolished in 1871, but it was restored and opened to the public in 2010.

We enjoyed strolling in the park. It was fun to walk along the bank of the moat. While walking, we were not sure we were really on the perimeter of a star shape. If you see the park from the observation deck of the Goryokaku Tower, you can see the entire star shape.

Coming down from the bank, we took a nice rest in the shade of trees.

We found a pretty daisy field. Tiffany liked it. It was really peaceful.