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Born from the Earth's Energy: The Mystery of Showa-shinzan, a Special Natural Monument
In the town of Sobetsu, Usu District, stands a mountain known as the "Miracle of the Showa Era." Located near Lake Toya, Showa-shinzan is a popular tourist spot that attracts visitors from all over Japan. But what exactly happened here during the Showa era? The story involves a natural phenomenon that is almost hard to believe. Let's delve into its history.
Sobetsu, the home of Showa-shinzan, was originally a region known for its thriving agriculture. In 1943, its vast wheat fields were suddenly transformed. An earthquake struck, and the land began to rise with a thunderous roar. For four long months, earthquakes occurred frequently, and explosions repeated time and again. The land that was once farmland continued to swell.
The cause of this land uplift was highly viscous dacite lava that had solidified underground. The Earth's energy pushed this lava upward, eventually creating a 402-meter-high lava dome volcano. This is the story of Showa-shinzan's birth.
The formation of Showa-shinzan dammed the Sobetsu River, which originally flowed through the area, creating a pond. This became Shinzan-numa Pond, which now features the Shinzan-numa Observatory Park, delighting tourists with its seasonal beauty. Additionally, the uplift raised the piers and abutments of the former JNR Iburi Line railway. You can still see these remaining piers today in the Showa-shinzan Railway Bridge Remnants Park.
Furthermore, volcanic activity from 1977 to 1982 caused more crustal deformation, leading to the collapse of a nearby hospital. The collapsed building and its surroundings have been preserved as the Volcano Remnants Park. The entire area around Showa-shinzan has been designated as the "Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark," and Showa-shinzan itself is designated as a Special Natural Monument of Japan.
The idea of the Earth's energy causing the ground to rise is an incredible story. But Showa-shinzan stands today as magnificent proof, a towering figure still venting steam.
Why not visit this precious place where you can feel the mystery and dynamism of nature? You are sure to experience its overwhelming power.
＜With cooperation from＞
NPO Sobetsu Tourism Association
Location: 384-1 Takino-cho, Sobetsu-cho, Usu-gun, Hokkaido (inside Roadside Station Sobetsu Information Center i)
Phone: 0142-66-2750
Official Website: https://sobetsu-kanko.com
Sobetsu, the home of Showa-shinzan, was originally a region known for its thriving agriculture. In 1943, its vast wheat fields were suddenly transformed. An earthquake struck, and the land began to rise with a thunderous roar. For four long months, earthquakes occurred frequently, and explosions repeated time and again. The land that was once farmland continued to swell.
The cause of this land uplift was highly viscous dacite lava that had solidified underground. The Earth's energy pushed this lava upward, eventually creating a 402-meter-high lava dome volcano. This is the story of Showa-shinzan's birth.
The formation of Showa-shinzan dammed the Sobetsu River, which originally flowed through the area, creating a pond. This became Shinzan-numa Pond, which now features the Shinzan-numa Observatory Park, delighting tourists with its seasonal beauty. Additionally, the uplift raised the piers and abutments of the former JNR Iburi Line railway. You can still see these remaining piers today in the Showa-shinzan Railway Bridge Remnants Park.
Furthermore, volcanic activity from 1977 to 1982 caused more crustal deformation, leading to the collapse of a nearby hospital. The collapsed building and its surroundings have been preserved as the Volcano Remnants Park. The entire area around Showa-shinzan has been designated as the "Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark," and Showa-shinzan itself is designated as a Special Natural Monument of Japan.
The idea of the Earth's energy causing the ground to rise is an incredible story. But Showa-shinzan stands today as magnificent proof, a towering figure still venting steam.
Why not visit this precious place where you can feel the mystery and dynamism of nature? You are sure to experience its overwhelming power.
＜With cooperation from＞
NPO Sobetsu Tourism Association
Location: 384-1 Takino-cho, Sobetsu-cho, Usu-gun, Hokkaido (inside Roadside Station Sobetsu Information Center i)
Phone: 0142-66-2750
Official Website: https://sobetsu-kanko.com
Writer Profile
Hokkaido Tourism Camera-Writer
Team Buchineko
We are "Team Buchineko," and we have many connections to tourist spots and facilities in Hokkaido. Even things that seem ordinary to us living in Hokkaido are wonderful resources. We will continue to share the charm of this wonderful Hokkaido.
