Lake Shikotsu, as seen from our first hire car. Apart from the inconvience
of the indicator lever being on the left side of the wheel (we were
constantly turning on the windscreen-wipers in the blazing sunshine!),
our first driving experience passed smoothly.


María in her camoflage outfit!


We couldn't go any nearer than this due to the sulphurous fumes.


View from the top, clearly showing the vegetetive succession on the side
of the volcano - varying autumn colours with altitude to boot.




Lake Shikotsu, about 50kms from Sapporo. Due to its depth (360m) it
never freezes over (despite normal winter temperatures of minus 20
degrees celsius).


A 180 degree panoramic view!
(this requires Macromedia Flash Player to view - if you don't have it, all
you will see is a blur!)
Download the last free Flash Player version here.