October 12, 2013
Day 9 - Onuma Park
Designated as a quasi national park and located only twenty kilometers north of Hakodate, Onuma Park (大沼公園, Onuma Kōen) is known for its picturesque, island dotted lakes and its majestic dormant volcano, Mount Komagatake.
The park's most attractive area is located between the two lakes of Onuma (large lake) and Konuma (small lake), and it can be explored entirely on foot. Attractive walking courses let you explore the lakes' peninsulas and islands, several of which are connected with each other by small bridges.
|
|
|
Onuma Park
Yesterday I spent the night at Hotel Banso in Hakodate, a great onsen hotel. The baths are huge and were exactly what I needed after a rainy day driving.
I woke up early and went to Onuma park, 30 minutes away from Hakodate. It’s a really wonderful place - lots of tiny islands on two lake.
 View of Onuma park with mount Komagatake - a dormant volcano- in the back
There are a lot of bridges between the little islands so you can go for great walks for 2-3 hours. Or you can also rent paddle or motor boats. It was very windy today so we stuck to walking. I was joined by two local people, ans we had a great time exploring the meanders of the park.
 My fellow walkers!
 For a less windy day!
On the park's main square we saw a pumpkin contest - this is the winner, nearly 300 kg!
 The monster
After a quick ramen lunch, I drove to Hakodate city, where I visited the old motomachi district, a part of town with strong foreign influences. Hakodate was the first Japanese port opened to foreign trade. It became very important on an international level and as a result the motomachi district still bears the signs of that time: a British consulate, a handful of churches including a Russian orthodox one, “fusion” architecture - very pretty and colourful houses with Japanese and European features. It’s a wonderful place to wander and get lost.
 View of Hakodate from motomachi - with the Russian chruch in the foreground
 The streets of Motomachi
Hakodate is also very famous for the night view from its mountain. However when I was there, the summit was covered by clouds. My initial plan was to hike up, but sadly I might have to do it next time I come. I’ll try tomorrow morning if the weather is better.
 Motomachi town hall and mount Hakodate
For my last night in Hokkaido, I checked into Daikokuya Ryokan. A traditional ryokan with great onsen. My room is exactly what I needed - calm, peaceful colours, and enough room for a pre-onsen yoga session followed by what I’m sure will be a wonderful dinner.
 My wonderful room at Daikokuya Ryokan
|
|
The deadline for answering the quiz question for day 9 has passed.
The volcano towering over Onuma Park is named Mount Komagatake; however, it is not the only mountain in Japan with that name. How many other mountains in Japan are named Komagatake?
|
11%
|
About 6
| |
|
81%
|
About 18
| |
|
3%
|
About 30
| |
|
0%
|
About 46
| |
|
6%
|
None of the above
| |
|
The correct answer is: About 18
About 18 mountains across Japan are named Komagatake.
Current Standings: (after 30 days)
|
28 Points:
|
Csabba, AlexanderStankov
|
|
27 Points:
|
gladhiola, almoehi, , mikaelus, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
|
|
26 Points:
|
Rabbityama, Proxy707
|
More about the quiz
|
|
|
