After lunch we traveled to the nearby active volcanic area. While "active" can be relative, these volcanoes have erupted within the last 40 years. One had erupted in the 1990's. We were especially interested in Mt. Showa Shinzan, which had considerable amounts of steam issuing from it. Mt. Showa Shinzan formed between December 1943 and April 1944. Below is a description of it's formation (in English). Click on the image to make it larger.
Besides the gorgeous scenery of Lake Toya, many people come to this area for the onsen. An onsen is a public bathhouse with natural volcanic hot spring water. It is common for friends to go to an onsen together and just as common for multi-generations to bath together. And yes, just as you would bathe naked in the privacy of your own home, at an onsen you bathe naked. At our hotel males and females had separate onsens, but this is not always the case. The three of us did participate in this very traditional custom and enjoyed the hot water. In addition to the onsens within the hotels, there are several outside the hotels for soaking feet.
Our second night's stay also included a traditional Japanese dinner. Just as many plates and bowls, but a whole new set of foods to taste. We enjoyed all of our experiences in Hokkaido.
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