All Reviews of Mt. Showa-Shinzan

We drove to Mt. Showa-Shinzan, and from a distance we could already see the distinctive shape of this volcanic wonder. Just standing on the grass by the wooden signs reading “Mt. Showa-Shinzan” and “Miracle of Showa” and looking ahead, the mountain’s bare rock face and volcanic terrain, occasionally emitting white smoke, were quite impressive. It was also surrounded by autumn trees beginning to turn yellow.
We slowly followed the trail toward the Mt. Usu Crater Basin Observation Deck. A long red staircase stretched downward, with lush green slopes on both sides and other visitors strolling along. From the observation deck, we could take in the deep blue waters of Lake Toya in the distance and the rolling mountains surrounding it.
There was also a stone compass marker engraved with the locations of the surrounding area, making it easy to identify the nearby towns and mountains. Walking through the entire park was relaxing and comfortable, with none of the pressure of rushing through an itinerary. We got to fully enjoy both the unique volcanic landscape and the expansive lake and mountain scenery at once.

Mt. Showa-Shinzan is a very unique volcano. Seeing its towering shape and reddish-brown rocks in person made me feel that nature is truly fascinating. While walking around and enjoying the scenery, you can see the spectacular traces left by the volcano. It's completely different from the mountains you usually see. This visit left a deep impression on me and gave me an even greater sense of the power of Hokkaido's natural landscape.

Seeing it in person is really pretty mind-blowing. The fact that a whole mountain just popped up like that is wild.

I arrived a bit late, so all the souvenir shops nearby were already closed. In the evening, there were a bunch of crows in the sky, which looked a little scary.

You can see all of Showa Shinzan in about 10 minutes. There's a ropeway station nearby that takes you up to Mt. Usu, and you can also see Lake Toya from there.

This is a very young mountain that's still smoking. It feels like it could erupt at any moment.