Kaleidoscope - Learn about nature at Mt. Showashinzan and Noboribetsu Bear Park

This area is part of a much larger expanse of Shikotsu-Toya National park (993 sq. km.) in central Hokkaido. Mt. Showashinzan, a small and active volcano is closely viewed from the compounds of Noboribetsu Bear Park situated in the forests of ‘Bear Mountain’ which is within the perimeters of the hot spring area of Noboribetsu.

Showashinzan literally means ‘Showa new mountain’. It is essentially a lava dome of a raw beauty, ‘freshly’ created during violent seismic activities in the area around 60 years ago. In the bear park, besides its zoo function offering education and entertainment to visitors, it is also a farm to observe, study and preserve brown bear population on the island. Both attractions have cultural significance to the local people.

Mt. Showashinzan was created - thrust upwards, at a time between 1944 – 45 during the reign of Emperor Hirohito known as the Showa Period. Its existence was initially kept secret because it was believed to be a bad wartime omen.

Japan surrendered in World War II after atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Until present day, the volcano still bellows smoke continuously.

Despite the constant reminder of caution from the juvenile volcano, the surrounding forests and mountains are scenic and environmental pleasures.

Pansies in heart-shaped formations cheering up the park in spring.

A giant brown bear - deceased and stuffed , at the entrance of the bear park proper. Besides the zoo, there is also a museum which showcases themed pieces and educational materials on the bears.

Young bears frolic in their pen.

Basking in the sun. Bear shows take place indoors throughout the year. They include soccer, basketball and mathematics!

A mature bear holding a stature of about 2 m tall. Brown bears are the largest in size of all the animal species in Hokkaido. Indigenous Ainu people once worshipped this animal as a god.