Day 19 on to Honshu!

Mt. Usu to Honshu

The forecast called for thunderstorms in the morning so we canceled our planned hike. As a results we began our final day in Hokkaido with the Konpira Crater Disaster Remains walk at Mt. Usu. This active volcano has erupted four times since 1900—in 1910, 1944–45, 1977 and 2000. The trail passes craters and remains left by the 2000 eruption, making the destructive power of the volcano very real.

Seeing this landscape gave us a better understanding of the uncertainty Japanese people live with in such a geologically volatile country. Earthquakes, eruptions and tsunamis are not simply historical events, but continuing possibilities.

We then enjoyed Ōnuma Park, along with a local mascot whose official meaning was rather different from our imaginative interpretation. Cindy ordered coffee and received what may have been Japan’s smallest cup!

Returning the rental car less than an hour early brought another surprise: a partial refund for return the car 45 minutes early - something we have never experienced before. After beef curry for Phil and sausages, mustard and cheese on rolls for Cindy at the train station, we boarded the Shinkansen, said goodbye to Hokkaido and travelled beneath the sea to Hachinohe on Honshu.Read more