Event Announcement 📣 On Sunday, April 26th we will hold a one-day special cycling event across Horoka Pass, which links Lake Shikaribetsu and Lake Nukabira 😊 There are two starting points—Lake Shikaribetsu side and NukabiraGensenkyo side—so you can choose according to your level 🚴‍♀️ 1) From Lake Shikaribetsu (for beginner to intermediate riders) 14 km to the summit, 200 m elevation gain, and a gentle climb. Enjoy the relaxed beauty of the national park 🎵 2) From NukabiraGensenkyo (for those who like climbing) 8 km to the summit, 500 m elevation gain, with a series of steep slopes. The sense of accomplishment is unbeatable 🎶 Ride through the early-spring Taisetsuzan on your bike‼ We sincerely look forward to your entry 🤗 For registration and details, please check the Tokachi Cycle Network website. 📍Horoka Pass is part of the National Cycle Route Tokapuchi 400 🚵🚵‍♂️🚵‍♂️ http://tokachicyclenetwork.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-144.html...

Local TV Introduces New Village Residents At Nishiokoppe Village Hall there is a department responsible for the village network and IT equipment setup. They also handle event filming and produce a TV program broadcast only within the village. Its name is NCN. They call it that using the initials of Nishiokoppe Communication Network. I hadn't had many chances to visit the production site, but on April 1st I was able to attend the filming introducing new residents who started using municipal facilities this fiscal year. In Nishiokoppe Village, every newcomer is asked to give about a one-minute self-introduction, and those videos are broadcast on the village TV program. (I was filmed soon after I became a villager, too.) When you open the door marked "Studio," you find a room fully equipped for filming. New residents sit in front of the cameras and lights and talk about why they came to Nishiokoppe Village and their hobbies. That day several shoots overlapped, and three cameras surrounded the staff operating a video camera—a shoot full of cameras. NCN airs the same content for one week from Thursday through the following Wednesday. Not only in villagers' homes, but you can actually watch it in guest rooms at Hotel Rimu as well. You can also request and view past footage, so the broadcast helps people look back on their children's growth. When a large group gathers at someone's house, a nostalgic viewing party can suddenly start with footage from those days, which is always fun. Please continue to film around the village! #Village TV Broadcast #NCN #New Resident Introductions #TV Filming

Spring that seems within reach but never quite arrives. When you stretch out your hand it feels close enough to touch, yet it seems it would spill away the moment you did. I quietly preserved this fleeting moment.

Guide to JR Hokkaido’s Ōzora and Tokachi trains 😊 JR Hokkaido’s limited express trains Ōzora and Tokachi connect Sapporo with eastern Hokkaido (Obihiro and Kushiro). The journey from sapporo station to obihiro station takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes 🚊 From shinchitosekuukou station, take the Rapid Airport to minami chitose station and transfer to the limited express Ōzora or Tokachi. The travel time from shinchitosekuukou station to obihiro station is about 2 hours 30 minutes 🎵 Also, the trip from Kushiro Station to obihiro station on the Ōzora limited express takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes. All seats on the limited express Ōzora and Tokachi are reserved, so please make a reservation in advance 🤗 https://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/ekinet_jrticket/page.html#map...

From mid-April to May in early spring As the snow melts, Akan’s forests put on a show of flowers that delight the eye and richly color the woods. Why not take a walk along the boardwalk adjacent to the hot spring district and enjoy a picnic of wildflowers?

Today's Akanko Thanks to the rise in temperature, steam fog formed and created a magical scene. Some ice remains, but it is thin, so please do not go out onto the lake ice.

Introducing Our Sponsors – The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winners of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we presented prizes to each recipient. This Teshikaga photo contest is held with the cooperation of businesses based in Teshikaga. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported us. (In no particular order) This time, we introduce Kussharo Prince Hotel‼︎📝 Teshikaga Navi offers a wide range of information, so please take a look✨ Thank you very much to Kussharo Prince Hotel for supporting this event🙇❣️ We look forward to your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/k_princehotel/...

Would you like to visit Komu during Golden Week? At the Forest Museum Komu, we are holding the Golden Week Festival again this year🎉 The festival runs for three days from Sunday, May 3 to Tuesday, May 5. Activities change each day! - May 3 (Sun) Naruko (wooden clapper) workshop 🪚 These are the naruko used by dancers in the Yosakoi Festival. You will use a coping saw and hammer to make them, so please participate with a guardian. ① 11:00 AM / ② 1:30 PM Duration: about 30 minutes Capacity: 4 groups per session Fee: 500 yen; register on the day Location: Komu woodwork room - May 4 (Mon) 11:00 AM – Kihako Live♪ Location: Kim no Shima Kihako, who visited Komu in December 2024, returns! They plan to perform children’s songs and original pieces. You’re sure to be enchanted by Kihako’s gentle tones. - May 5 (Tue) Setoushi-kun coloring experience 🖍️ We offer several coloring sheets featuring Nishiokoppe Village’s character Setoushi-kun. The first 100 children (ages 3 to elementary school) will receive an original Setoushi-kun crayon as a gift! ① 10:00 AM–12:00 PM / ② 1:00 PM–2:00 PM A coloring area will be set up somewhere inside the Komu building. Entry and exit are free, so feel free to join anytime. - We look forward to your visit. - Forest Museum Komu Opening hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Closed: every Tuesday *During Golden Week the museum is open through Wednesday, May 6. It will be closed on Thursday, May 7. Admission fees: High school and older: 500 yen 4th grade to middle school: 300 yen Ages 3 to 3rd grade: 100 yen Under 3: free Inquiries: 0158-87-2600 #Forest Museum Komu #GW Festival #Komu

Information about the 4-day valid “New Nissho Peninsula Story Ticket” 😊 The “New Nissho Peninsula Story Ticket,” valid for four days and connecting Tomakomai and Obihiro, can be purchased and used on your smartphone 🎵 You can choose either Tomakomai or Obihiro as your starting point 😍 Within the bus free area (Obihiro–Hiroo–Shizunai), Tokachi Bus and JR Hokkaido Bus offer unlimited boarding and alighting (one-way travel only; backtracking is not allowed). The reserved limited-express Tomamu-go is also available 🚌 Plus, the ticket includes great benefits redeemable at more than ten facilities along the route, including Roadside Station Nakasatsunai‼ Leave your busy routine behind, relax with local flavors and scenery, and take a free-spirited trip to discover your own favorite spots. Use this for planning your trip 🤗 Model itineraries are also posted, so please check the Tokachi Bus website for details. https://www.tokachibus.jp/kankou/#kippu...

One-day unlimited ride pass for Obihiro City buses 😊 Ride all Tokachi Bus city routes all day with no limits‼ Get off wherever you like and transfer as many times as you want 🎵 This value pass is perfect for strolling the town or hopping between sweets shops and cafes 😍 Make it your go-to for sightseeing around Obihiro City 🤗 For details, please check the Tokachi Bus website below. *Please note that airport shuttle buses, intercity buses, and other temporary services are not eligible for use.* 🔶Sales locations: Obihiro Station Bus Terminal Tokachi Bus ticket counter, Tokachi Bus Head Office 🔶You can purchase and use this pass on your smartphone. Download a transit app to make use of it. https://www.tokachibus.jp/obihiro1day/...

The nanisaki (Naniwazu) flowers have begun blooming on the shores of Utonai-ko (Lake Utonai). Even though the snow has melted, the northern landscape still lacks much green, and the yellow blooms brighten it cheerfully. (Image provided by Lake Utonai Wildlife Center)

[Notice 📣] The Hokkaido Roadside Stations Stamp Rally 2026 is scheduled to start on Saturday, April 18, 2026 🚗✨ The digital stamp service “MichiRepo” will launch at the same time! The stamp rally book will also go on sale that day 📖 For details, please check the Hokkaido Roadside Stations website ✔️ And… the stamp at roadside station iwanai was renewed the year before last 🐟✨ When you stop by, please take a look at the shop inside the facility 🙏

For residents of Michihigashi: “Use and Revive” Kawayu Accommodation Discount 2026 plan goes on sale!! This spring, why not use and revive at Teshikaga Kawayu Onsen with a great deal? The weekday and Sunday-only “Use and Revive: Kawayu Accommodation Discount 2026” plan for residents of Michihigashi went on sale March 23, 2026 at three properties affiliated with the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association. With the snow melting and spring almost here, stay at Kawayu Onsen this season and revive both your mind and body. 🌸

Kawayu Onsen website 'News' updated 📝🆙 We introduce the Lake Mashu Ice Formation Project for fiscal 2025 and an ice formation forecast report‼︎ Please take a look✨ ※Teshikaga Town Promotion Corporation runs an annual Lake Mashu ice formation forecast campaign. This year’s campaign has ended. Please consider joining next year. https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/news/1134/...

Introducing Our Sponsors: The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the support of local businesses in Teshikagacho. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that support us. (Order is not indicative) This time we introduce Sogo Fuel Co., Ltd.! Teshikaga Navi carries a wide range of information, so please take a look. Thank you very much to Sogo Fuel Co., Ltd. for supporting this event. We appreciate it! We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

Introducing Our Sponsors: The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the support of businesses located in Teshikaga. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported us. (Order varies) This time we feature Teshikaga Ramen Sohonten‼︎📝Teshikaga Navi carries a wide range of information, so please take a look✨Thank you very much to Teshikaga Ramen Sohonten for supporting this event🙇❣️ We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and for Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

Onsen website "From the Information Desk" updated 📝🆙 The annual event report for "Forest Snow Park 2026 in Kawayu Onsen" has been updated ☃️✨ Although snow is already melting in Kawayu Onsen as spring approaches, please take a look.

This is a photo taken at a spot I came across while traveling in the Donan area. Bathed in soft light, it was a moment when my heart eased just a little. In the gentle spring air, ordinary moments felt special, and I felt a serene Japanese calm that made me want to cherish it somehow.

Guide to the Tokachi Obihiro Airport Shuttle Bus 😊 Tokachi Obihiro Airport, the gateway to the Tokachi region, offers regular flights connecting to Haneda Airport ✈️ From the airport to Obihiro city, two bus services operate: a shuttle to Obihiro Station and the city, and a circular route that stops at major hotels—use them when planning your trip 🚌 Please come and enjoy Tokachi, home to thriving agriculture and dairy farming 🤗 https://www.tokachibus.jp/airport/...

New Chitose Airport ⇔ Obihiro and TokachigawaOnsen Express Bus Information 😊 The Tokachi Milky Liner, an express bus linking New Chitose Airport and Obihiro–TokachigawaOnsen, operates six round trips daily. 🚌 For buses from TokachigawaOnsen to the airport, there are two morning departures at 8:30 and 11:00. From the airport (domestic terminal) to TokachigawaOnsen, three afternoon departures run at 13:00, 14:30, and 17:30. 📣 Please note that passengers boarding at TokachigawaOnsen must make a reservation at least one hour before departure.‼️ You can reach Tokachi and Obihiro, blessed with rich nature, from New Chitose Airport in about 2 hours 30 minutes, so please use this information when planning your trip. 🤗 https://www.obiun.co.jp/bus/index.html...

🟢🟢🟢 Manhole covers are local items with different designs across the country. At Lake Akan Onsen they distribute manhole cards. The design features marimo and the red-crowned crane, and two actual covers match the card design (they appeared as the snow melted). After getting a card, take a stroll around the onsen and be sure to look for them!

Asahikawa ⇔ Obihiro Intercity Bus Information 😊 A highway bus called the Northliner runs between Asahikawa and Obihiro. 🚌 The Karikachi Pass route operates five round trips per day, and the Mikuni Pass route operates one round trip per day. 🎵 You can travel from Asahikawa, Biei, Furano, Kamikawa, and the Sounkyo Onsen area to Tokachi and Obihiro, so please use this information when planning your trip. 🤗 https://www.takubus.com/%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82%E9%96%93%E9%AB%98%E9%80%9F%E3%83%90%E3%82%B9/%E3%83%8E%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%83%8A%E3%83%BC/...

Spring trips to Hokkaido are still possible. Special spring travel campaign running until April 5. 【Eligible stay period】 Wednesday, April 1, 2026 – Sunday, May 31, 2026 Make Kushiro your next destination. ▶ Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel...

[The gift shop corner has gone chic] Gift shop corner at Forest Museum “Mokumu” Did you notice the change in atmosphere? Mid-March. The walls that were white until recently have been repainted in a calm, dark hue. The wooden crafts and souvenirs on display now look even more appealing. Handmade Setoushi-kun mascots are displayed alongside Nishiokoppe goods. When you visit Komu, please take a look at the gift shop corner. - [Forest Museum “Mokumu”] ✨️From April the opening hours have been extended✨ Opening hours: 10:00–17:00 Closed: Every Tuesday Admission fees: High school students and older 500 yen 4th grade elementary to middle school students 300 yen Ages 3 to 3rd grade elementary 100 yen Under 3 years old Free Contact: 0158-87-2600 #Forest Museum Mokumu #Wall painting #Gift shop corner #Has gone chic

You can enjoy spring without worrying about sneezing or itchy eyes. Kushiro is a place where you can have that kind of "pollen-free stay." At Kushiro Prince Hotel, we offer special spring hospitality such as a high-floor upgrade plan to stay free from pollen and a herbal set. For details, check the link in our profile! ▶ Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel...

Sapporo ⇔ Obihiro Intercity Bus Information 😊 From April 1, 2026, the Potato Liner between Sapporo and Obihiro will add one round trip, making travel more convenient 🎵 Meanwhile, the New Star service is also operating, so please use these options when planning your trip 🤗 Here is a brief introduction to Tokachi 📣 Tokachi lies in southeastern Hokkaido and consists of Obihiro City and 18 towns and villages centered around Obihiro. In 2024, Hidaka Mountains Erimo Tokachi National Park was established, and the region is now surrounded by three national parks—Daisetsuzan National Park and Akan-Mashu National Park among them—creating a land rich in nature 🗻 Blessed with clean water and a cool climate, Tokachi thrives on primary industries such as agriculture and dairy farming 🐄 The area offers abundant nature-based activities and campsites, including horseback riding, canoeing, rafting, and hot air ballooning ⛺️ You can also visit observation points with sweeping views of the vast Tokachi plain and surrounding mountains, as well as gardens where seasonal flowers and wild plants bloom 🌷 Fresh vegetables, cheese, soft serve ice cream, and a variety of sweets are all readily available and delicious 😍 Come and soothe your everyday weariness—please visit us sometime 🤗 https://tokachibare.jp//

Event Announcement📣 Shintoku Town’s Takutetsukinoko Tan presents a Birch Sap Water Harvesting Experience😊 This short seasonal nature activity is best enjoyed after the snow melts and before the trees begin to leaf out🎵 You will receive a small share of the clear, natural sap water that trees draw up from the ground, and you can savor it while feeling nature’s vitality, enjoying a campfire and toasted marshmallows🤗 📍Period: Friday, April 3, 2026 – Sunday, April 19, 2026 (Closed on Tuesdays April 7 and 14, and Wednesdays April 8 and 15.) 📍Times: Morning session: 10:00; Afternoon session: 14:00 📍Location: Takutetsu Kinokotan (155 Takutetsu, Shintoku Town) 📍Participation Fee: Adults ¥2,500; Elementary school students ¥1,500 *If you wish to take sap water home, please bring one cleaned 500 ml PET bottle.* *Please note that sap may not flow or may be scarce depending on weather and temperature conditions.* 📞Applications and Inquiries Shintoku Tourism Association TEL: 0156-67-7567 (9:00–17:00) https://shintoku-town.net/2026%e7%99%bd%e6%a8%ba%e6%a8%b9%e6%b6%b2%e6%b0%b4%e6%8e%a1%e5%8f%96%e4%bd%93%e9%a8%93/...

Late spring has arrived in Hokkaido. Adonis ramosa and crocuses are blooming. There is still snow in shaded areas, but temperatures have been staying relatively warm, so cherry blossoms should bloom in late April.

The sky over Kushiro, said to be one of the world’s three great sunsets. After checking in, time slows as you take in the view beyond the window. You can’t know the ease of Kushiro until you experience it in person. Its silence and the feeling in the air turn every moment into something special. Enjoy a comfortable stay in pollen-free Kushiro. We also offer high-floor upgrade plans and Golden Week packages. ▶ Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/?hl=ja...

[Shooting Gallery and Clockmaking] Friday, March 20 (national holiday) Forest Museum “Mokumu” was buzzing with visitors. Wooden craft maker Sasaki Kogei held a clockmaking workshop on the final day of their exhibit. At the same time, visitors could try a shooting gallery using wooden toy guns. ⏱ ⏱ ⏱ At the clockmaking workshop, I was surprised by the wide variety of numbers and decorations to stick onto the dials. For some reason, mushrooms were especially popular among the boys. They glued parts together and hammered nails to secure them, and in about 30 minutes each child finished an original clock. With a battery set in the back, the clocks worked perfectly. One child hugged their finished piece protectively, saying they would hang it in their room. 🔫 🔫 🔫 Meanwhile, the toy guns in the shooting gallery performed impressively. They could load six rubber bands at once and fire in rapid succession. Children who wanted to take long-distance shots lay on a chair a short distance away to aim at the targets. They looked every bit like snipers. The small animal keychain prizes were adorable. Thank you to everyone who came! - [Forest Museum “Mokumu”] ✨️From April the museum has longer opening hours✨ Opening hours: 10:00–17:00 Closed: Every Tuesday Admission: High school students and older 500 yen 4th grade elementary to junior high 300 yen Ages 3 to 3rd grade elementary 100 yen Under 3 free Inquiries: 0158-87-2600 #Special Exhibition #Forest Museum Mokumu #Sasaki Kogei