Shōwa-shinzan

What it is

• A volcanic lava dome formed between 1944 and 1945 in Sobetsu, Hokkaido
• A designated Special Natural Monument of Japan within a UNESCO Global Geopark
• Private property owned by the Mimatsu family and composed of dacite lava
• A 398-meter mountain documented during its growth by local postmaster Masao Mimatsu

What to see

• The active volcanic peak which is strictly prohibited for climbing or public entry
• The Mimatsu Masao Memorial Hall located at the foot of the mountain
• The Mimatsu Diagram which records the mountain's rapid growth and development

When to go

• The International Yukigassen snowball fighting tournament held annually at the base

Getting there

• The site is accessible by car from the Date Interchange

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.