Flying from Tokyo to Memambetsu, on the north-east of Hokkaido (the northern island of Japan) took almost two hours. The Golden Week takes place in early May, and offers an unusually large number of holidays to Japanese workers. It is also a very busy time for travelling, and almost all planes and trains are fully booked weeks in advance. However, since the number of planes reaching Hokkaido - especially the eastern part - is limited, this destination is an attractive alternative to the too crowded places that Japanese usually visit. On the other hand, it would be uncorrect to believe that spring has already reached Hokkaido at this time of the year! We left Tokyo and its 28 degrees to found ourself under the snow, with the thermometer barely reaching 10 degrees.

Our first stop was lake Akan, in the Akan National Park, the biggest of Japan. This location is rather mysterious, usually surrounded by fog. We were very lucky to have a rather clear weather for our two first days there. Our hotel had a beautiful view on the still partially frozen lake:

(click to enlarge, as for all other pictures)

One of the goal of this trip was to discover some of the onsen of Doutou (east Hokkaido). In this area, very active geothermic activities are encountered, and many rotenburo (open-air bath) can be found. Some are very famous - and crowded - and some are accessed only with difficulties, especially in winter / spring. Including Onneto onsen, located about 20 km from lake Akan. Note the signs on both sides of the road: they help to remove the snow in winter, when it is not even possible to see the road!

Lake Onneto was almost completely frozen...

Leaving the car close to the lake, we followed a small path completely covered by snow. The journey was quite difficult, and it took us more than 35 minutes for a 1.6 km distance.

But it was really worth it! When we reached the small waterfall, we notice that the snow completely disappeared! In fact, the waterfall itself is quite warm, and the snow of the area completely melted. At the bottom of the fall, a small pool was built. From this rotenburo, a great view on the surroundings, as well as on the waterfall, could be seen. Nobody came to the place while we were soaking in the hot water, and we could enjoy the onsen for both of us only. Unfortunately, since the bath had obviously not been washed since the previous fall, there was some... vegetation (probably partially decomposed) in the bottom of the bath. Slightly unpleasant, but still a great experience.