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National Park & Nature

Showa Shinzan

📍 Shōwa-shinzan, Sōbetsu, Usu District, Hokkaidō, Japan
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★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
Japan
Category
National Park & Nature
Duration
About 1–2 hours
Address
Shōwa-shinzan, Sōbetsu, Usu District, Hokkaidō, Japan
Coordinates
42.5426, 140.8644

Introduction

Shōwa-shinzan rises on the eastern flank of Mt Usu on the south shore of Lake Tōya, in Sōbetsu, Hokkaidō, Japan. Between 1943 and 1945 a wheat field here was pushed upward and a lava dome grew to about 398 m; named for the Shōwa era of its birth, it was designated a Special Natural Monument in 1957. Through the earthquakes and steady uplift, the local postmaster Masao Mimatsu measured the swelling ground day after day and plotted its growth, producing the celebrated 'Mimatsu diagram' that remains a prized field record in world volcanology; his notebooks and instruments are displayed at the Mimatsu Masao Memorial Museum at the foot. The dome is still bare rust-red rock with steam venting from its cracks, and as an active volcano it is closed to climbers, so visitors admire the shape from the base plaza. The Usuzan ropeway lifts you to a crater-rim deck taking in Shōwa-shinzan, the Usu crater and the islands of Lake Tōya — a vivid lesson in living alongside volcanoes.

✨ Highlights

1
Field became mountain
New volcano, 1943–45.
2
Special Monument
Nationally designated 1957.
3
Mimatsu diagram
Daily growth measurements.
4
Steaming dome
Rust rock, active vents.
5
Usuzan ropeway
Crater deck over Lake Tōya.
6
Memorial museum
Notebooks and eruption history.

🛈 Practical Info

→Location：Sōbetsu, Usu, Hokkaidō
→Suggested visit：About 1–2 hours
→Best season：May–Oct, fine in autumn
→Transport：25 min bus from Tōya Stn
→Opening Hours：Base plaza viewable year-round (no climbing); Usuzan ropeway ~8:15–17:30, museum 9:00–17:00
→Transportation：Sōbetsu, Usu District, Hokkaidō; ~25 min Dōnan bus from JR Tōya Stn

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
AdultFree

Viewing free, parking about ¥500; Usuzan ropeway round trip ~¥1,800, museum ~¥300

💡 Tips

• Private land and active volcano: climbing banned.
• Ropeway stops in high wind or storms; check status.
• Volcanic gas smells; sensitive lungs take care.
• Combine with Tōya onsen and Usu ruins trail.
• Icy winter roads; winter tyres essential.
• A bear park at the base suits families.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Showa Shinzan?

Base plaza viewable year-round (no climbing); Usuzan ropeway ~8:15–17:30, museum 9:00–17:00

How much is the admission for Showa Shinzan?

Adult: Free; Viewing free, parking about ¥500; Usuzan ropeway round trip ~¥1,800, museum ~¥300

Any practical tips for visiting Showa Shinzan?

Private land and active volcano: climbing banned. Ropeway stops in high wind or storms; check status.

How long should I spend at Showa Shinzan?

A typical visit takes About 1–2 hours.

Information here is compiled from public travel resources. Hours, fees, access and weather change; verify with the attraction's official notices and local authorities before travel.