It is a chamber of commerce in Hokkaido Niikappu, a city of "records", "music" and "racehorses". Niikappu is a town with a population of about 5,000 facing the Pacific Ocean in the central part of Hokkaido. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the vast nature that spreads all over the four seasons. The Chamber of Commerce Niikappu is working to enliven the Niikappu known as the Record, Thoroughbred Town, and for the development of the town. In COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, we will introduce the activities of our Niikappu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the appeal of Niikappu. First of all, I would like to introduce the popular winter events of Niikappu. Every December, the Youth Division of the Niikappu Chamber of Commerce and Industry holds the Niikappu Illumination Festa. Around the roadside station "Thoroughbred Road Shinkaku", 26,000 light bulbs such as an illuminated tunnel and a 5-meter-high Christmas tree are displayed, making it an event that is appreciated by many townspeople as a winter tradition. Due to Coronavirus pandemic, the event was held by live streaming in 2020 and 2021, but last year in 2022, it was held normally for the first time in three years. A popular event in spring is the carp streamers swimming gracefully in the Niikappu sky! Every year before Children's Day on May 5, about 60 carp streamers donated to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry are installed along the road of "Children's Garden de Re Mi" in Niikappu. Bright cute carp streamers handmade by the Women's Division of the Niikappu Chamber of Commerce and Industry with patterns and colors painted by kindergarten children also swim in the Niikappu breeze. The event venue is full of smiles from children. In addition, in 2021, the work experience project "Niikappu Mirai Quest" was held, where second-year junior high school students in the Niikappu were taught the content, appeal, and motivation of their work, and they actually experienced work. We will continue to send out information on Niikappu events, the activities of the Niikappu Chamber of Commerce, and attractive new tourist spots, so thank you!

How do you do. Niikappu Tourism Association. Located in the central part of the Hidaka area in southern Hokkaido, Niikappu is an attractive town where you can enjoy the beautiful nature of the four seasons, unique sightseeing spots, and delicious gourmet food. Niikappu is also known as a production area for famous horses such as "Hi Seiko" and "Narita Bryan", and it is also a cultural town where horses and music live together. In COOL JAPAN VIDEOS's first post, we will introduce the charm of the thoroughbred and music town of Niikappu. First of all, the weather in Niikappu is refreshing and pleasant in summer, and bitterly cold in winter, but there is relatively little snow. In the four seasons of nature, you can refresh your mind and body. At the Niikappu, you can enjoy fresh seafood and dishes made with local vegetables. Please try local specialties such as peppers and asparagus, which boast the highest shipment volume in Hokkaido. The bell pepper soft-serve ice cream sold at "Roadside Station Thoroughbred Road Niikappu" is also very popular. In addition, the roadside station sells boxed sweets, cute horse goods, and handmade goods that are perfect for souvenirs, so you can experience the local taste and culture. There are hotels in Niikappu where you can stay comfortably while watching the beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Please spend a relaxing time in a quiet environment surrounded by nature. There are also plenty of campsites, so you can enjoy the great nature of Hokkaido. In particular, at the Judgekankan Forest Park, you can enjoy not only a campsite surrounded by nature, but also various activities such as Cape Judge with a view of the Pacific Ocean, a promenade, and field athletics. In addition, the "Les Cords Museum", a tourist attraction that is irresistible for music lovers, exhibits antique records and musical instruments with historical value, and you can feel the historical value. At the observation room of Yujun Tower in the center, you can enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean and the city from a height of 25 meters above the ground while drinking coffee and other drinks, and spend a relaxing time by looking at exhibits such as souvenirs of racehorses produced in the Niikappu. We will deliver information on Niikappu's attractive sightseeing spots, gourmet food, hotels, nature, etc. to everyone.

⛺Let’s go camping!!🔥 Auto Resort Tomakomai Arten, a campsite and hot spring facility, is one of Hokkaido’s largest auto campgrounds, offering activities such as canoeing and golf for everyone to enjoy!!⛳🎾🛶🥩 The campground also has cottages of various sizes, so even beginners can use the facilities with peace of mind!!💁‍♀️ At the hot spring facility Yunomi no Yu, you can bathe in a free-flowing natural hot spring🛀 Why not take your time to sweat it out and relax! [Auto Resort Tomakomai Arten (Arten)] ・Address: 421-4 Tarumae, Tomakomai City, Hokkaido 059-1265 ・Contact: Campsite TEL. 0144-67-2222 Yunomi no Yu TEL. 0144-61-4126 Rest House TEL. 0144-67-2245 ・Hours (Yunomi no Yu) 10:00–22:00 (Closed: third Wednesday of the month) ※ Business hours and closed days may change, so please check with the facility before visiting.

The 68th Tomakomai Port Festival Tomakomai City's major summer event "Tomakomai Port Festival" will be held for 3 days from Friday, August 4 to Sunday, August 6, 5 Reiwa The charm of such a Tomakomai Port Festival is... 1. About 100 stores are lined up at the main venue Central Park, and you can enjoy Tomakomai's specialties and the taste unique to the festival! 2. You can enjoy many stage events such as traditional performing arts, song stages, and character shows popular with children! 3. You can enjoy a lot of colorful fireworks that color the summer night sky! 4. In addition to the "Tomakomai Citizens' Odori" where Tomakomai citizens come together as one, you can enjoy watching the "Marching Festival" and "Port Carnival" where you walk around Tomakomai City playing musical instruments! Please come to the charming Tomakomai Port Festival!

Early Morning Hot Air Balloon Experience I took part in the hot air balloon experience run by Tokachi Nature Center! It was an anchored flight of about five minutes. The view from 30 meters up felt like a different world! The crisp early morning air was refreshing, and it felt truly wonderful.✨ The experience runs only in the early morning until December 10. For details, contact Tokachi Nature Center. Contact Tokachi Nature Center 0155-32-6116

This is the Canadian World in Ashibetsu City, Hokkaido, which recreates the world of the classic "Anne of Green Gables". The scenery of Prince Edward Island that appears in the story, such as Green Gables Anne's house, Anne's church, and the house of her best friend Diana, and the buildings are highly reproduced. In addition, the park is large, rich in nature, and the sky feels so high that you will forget yourself. A wonderful place where you can dress up as your favorite Anne of Green Gables, blend in with the world of the story, and have happy dreams. Recommend ☺️

Spectacular Views! Perfect for a Drive 🚗 Naitai Highland Ranch Located in KamiShihoro, this is Japan’s largest public ranch, covering about 1,700 ha—equivalent to 358 Tokyo Domes! The scenery is overwhelmingly vast and breathtaking 😲 If you time it well, you can see grazing cows up close 🐄 A stylish terrace serves soft-serve ice cream and dishes made with Naitai Wagyu beef ✨ Highly recommended for a sunny day drive! About a 1-hour drive from Tokachigawa Onsen 128-5 KamiOtofuke, Kamishihoro Town, Kawato-gun, Hokkaido Gate open period: late April to October

✨🦐 Introducing Seafood Rice Bowls 🍚✨ Today, 'Mezamashi TV' featured seafood rice bowls from Nijo Market, but Tomakomai City also offers an abundance of seafood dishes!! 💁‍♀️ You can find seafood rice bowls made with the Tomakomai-linked surf clam (hokkigai), whose pleasantly crunchy texture is addictive🤤 Beyond the photos, there are many places where you can enjoy seafood cuisine🐡 Why not taste a fresh, flavor-packed seafood rice bowl in Tomakomai? 1. Marutoma Shokudo ・Address: 〒053-0012 Tomakomai City Public Wholesale Market, 1-1-13 Shiomicho, Tomakomai City, Hokkaido ・TEL: 0144-36-2023 ・Hours: 5:00–13:30 (Closed: Sunday) 2. Puratto Shokudo ・Address: 〒053-0004 Inside Puratto Minato Market, 2-2-5 Minatomachi, Tomakomai City, Hokkaido ・TEL: 0144-35-6662 ・Hours: April–December: 7:00–16:00; January–March: 9:00–16:00 Wednesday: 11:00–14:00 (No regular closing days) 3. Toriaezu Aumi ・Address: 〒053-0004 Inside Puratto Minato Market, 2-2-5 Minatomachi, Tomakomai City, Hokkaido ・TEL: 050-8883-6644 ・Hours: 7:00–16:00 (No regular closing days) ※ Hours and regular closing days may change, so please check with the restaurant before visiting. ※ In Tomakomai City, the Tomakomai Fisheries Cooperative has designated May and June as a closed fishing season.

River Crossing the Heavens Where was it filmed Biei Biei is also famous as a spot for starscape photos, but in fact, you can see such a beautiful Milky Way anywhere you go a little away from the city. This place was also taken in a place where it is a 15-minute walk from Biei Station. In other words, various places become "hidden gem spots" for starscape photos. ※ Biei is called "hill town" and fields are spreading everywhere. In other words, it's private property. It's hard to see when it's dark, but please never go into the field.

[Hell Valley Demon Fireworks 2023 Begins! ] 】 It is the first regular event after Corona! After the opening ceremony on Thursday, June 1, Surprise fireworks are also launched. We opened 💥 the 2023 season Dates: June 1 Thu ~ July 6 Thu every Monday and Thursday 　　　　　July 13 Thu ~ July 27 Thu every Thursday Time: From 8 p.m. Please note: Due to safety measures, the number of visitors is limited. 　　　　　The first 2,000 people will attend.　Please note.

Would you like to cool off by playing in the water? Tomakomai City offers many places to splash and play in the water. You can try canoeing on the river or enjoy water play at parks. At Lake Utonai, which also serves as a Roadside Station, you might be lucky enough to see various wild birds and animals playing in the water…!! Bibi River Canoe Contact River Division, Road and River Section: 0144-32-6495 Roadside Station Lake Utonai Address: 156-30 Uenae, Tomakomai City, Hokkaido 059-1365 Phone: 0144-58-4137 Utonai Lake Wildlife Protection Center Address: 156-26 Uenae, Tomakomai City, Hokkaido 059-1365 Phone: 0144-58-2231

On Sunday, June 4, we held the 2023 safety prayer ceremony for MtMeakan. This year about 30 people attended, including related organizations and members of the public, and everyone prayed for safety on the mountain. After the ceremony, we led a mountain climb with those who had registered in advance. Light rain fell at times and very strong winds blew near the summit, so the weather was not favorable, but participants appeared to enjoy the climb in their own ways.

The lilies of the valley are now in full bloom at Suzuran Park in Otofuke! Lilies of the valley are also the town flower of Otofuke.✨ But these delicate lilies of the valley are actually poisonous.😲 They are often mistaken for mountain garlic (gyoja ninniku). Please enjoy the viewing safely and take care.♬

Noboribetsu City is a beautiful hot spring town surrounded by the rich nature of Hokkaido. Noboribetsu City is dotted with many wonderful spots that continue to fascinate visitors. This time, we will introduce in detail the most popular tourist spots in Noboribetsu City and the charm of Noboribetsu Onsen. We hope that it will be an opportunity for many tourists to visit Noboribetsu City. First of all, we will introduce the popular sightseeing spots in Noboribetsu City. "Noboribetsu Bear Park" is one of the largest bear farms in Japan, and about 70 Ezo brown bears live there. In the park, you can observe the bears spending their time up close and enjoy feeding them. Next up is "Noboribetsu Jigokudani". This is the remains of a crater with a diameter of about 450 meters formed by the eruptive activity of Mt. Hiyori. It is a spot where you can feel the mystery of the earth, and while walking along the promenade, you can enjoy the powerful scenery of Jigokudani and the moment when hot springs gush out. Noboribetsu Marine Park Nix, a popular tourist spot introduced at the end of this article, is an aquarium with the theme of "Nordic romance and marine fantasy" where you can interact with marine life such as sea lions, penguins, and dolphins. The dolphin show and sea lion show held regularly are popular events that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. There is also a penguin walk and an experience where you can interact with dolphins. There are still many popular sightseeing spots in Noboribetsu City, so I will introduce them in a future post. One thing you can't miss when sightseeing in Noboribetsu City is Noboribetsu Onsen. The historic onsen town, which has spread since the Edo period, is still loved by many people. It is characterized by the spring quality containing sulfur and salt, and can be expected to have relaxation effects and skin beautifying effects. It is also said to be effective in improving neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, and sensitivity to cold. Noboribetsu Onsen has various types of hot spring inns and day-trip hot spring facilities, so visitors can enjoy the hot spring that suits them. There are a variety of options available, including inns where you can enjoy open-air baths and indoor baths, inns with family baths, and accommodations that offer elaborate private baths. You can also enjoy hot springs and foot baths. Access to Noboribetsu City is about one hour by JR from New Chitose Airport and about one and a half hours by car from Sapporo City, making it very convenient to access from within Hokkaido. There are also plenty of bus tours and car rentals to explore the city. Souvenirs that cannot be missed when sightseeing in Noboribetsu City include the local beer "Oni Legend" and the "Noboribetsu Toro~ri Pudding" made with Noboribetsu milk. Please check it out as a souvenir for your family and friends. What do you think? Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido is a tourist destination full of various attractions such as nature, hot springs, history, and souvenirs. In particular, Noboribetsu Onsen has a wide range of attractions such as spring quality, efficacy, and diversity of facilities, and is ideal for those who are looking for a relaxation effect that heals daily fatigue and a beautiful skin effect. Noboribetsu Onsen is surrounded by beautiful nature in each of the four seasons, and you can feel nature while enjoying the hot springs. Please visit Noboribetsu City once and experience its charm. After fully enjoying the splendor of the hot springs and tourist spots, enjoy the local delicacies and souvenirs. You will enjoy Noboribetsu Onsen and spend a relaxing trip both physically and mentally.

Unlimited ride pass "VISIT TOKACHI PASS" for tourists living in Japan For those who visit Tokachi for sightseeing, we are selling an unlimited route bus pass [VISIT TOKACHI PASS] that allows you to enjoy the charms of Tokachi such as Banei Racecourse, Tokachigawa Onsen, Lake Shikabetsu, Nukabira Gensenkyo, and the former Japanese National Railways Kofuku Station and Aikoku Station. 【Target Group】Those who live in Japan and visit Tokachi for sightseeing * It is also available to those who live overseas. * Those who live within the jurisdiction of the Tokachi General Promotion Bureau are not eligible for sales. Please note. 【Applicable routes】 All routes in the Tokachi area of Hokkaido Takushoku Bus and Tokachi Bus including Obihiro Airport Shuttle Bus * Intercity express buses, regular sightseeing buses, and community buses of each city and town cannot be boarded. 【Sales period】 Available all year round 【Sales location】 1 Obihiro Station Bus Terminal Hokkaido Takushoku Bus Counter, Tokachi Bus Counter 2 Tokachi-Obihiro Airport Information Center Tokachi Bus Counter 3 Sales site 【Type / Amount】 One-day ticket 2,000 yen [Elementary school students 1,000 yen] Price revised from April 1 2023 Reiwa 5 2-day ticket 3,000 yen [Elementary school students 1,500 yen] Price revised from April 1 2023 Reiwa 5 ※#Available only on the date of purchase. Two-day tickets can be used on the day of purchase and the day after. 【Contact】 Hokkaido Takushoku Bus Co., Ltd. Tokachi Bus Co., Ltd. 【How to use】 1 Fill out the application form at the sales counter and purchase a pass non-refundable or reissued * Along with an ID that shows your current address driver's license, My Number card, etc. at the time of purchase, we will check your train ticket, air ticket, etc. mobile is also acceptable when you come to Tokachi. 2 Take the route bus * Please be sure to take a numbered ticket for the usage section survey※ 3 When you get off the bus, put the numbered ticket in the fare box and show the side with the date of the pass to the driver. ★One pass cannot be used by more than one person. ◆Please note◆ ★ Not available to those who live in the Tokachi area. ★ You may also be asked to show your ID or travel ticket. ★ If it is found that you live in the Tokachi area, this Pass will be invalid and you will be charged a separate fare. #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Tokachi Bus #Takushoku Bus #Bus Travel

How do you do! Obihiro Tourism and Convention Association. We will introduce plenty of the charms of Obihiro City, Hokkaido, so thank you! Obihiro City, Hokkaido is a city with a population of about 170,000 located in the center of the Tokachi Plain in central Hokkaido. In this area rich in nature created by the rich land and climate, you can enjoy the beautiful nature of each season, such as fresh greenery in spring, cool summer, beautiful autumn leaves in autumn, and pure white snowscape in winter. First of all, we will introduce popular sightseeing spots that you should never miss when you visit Obihiro City for sightseeing! At Banei Tokachi Obihiro Racecourse, located about a 7-minute drive from Obihiro Station, you can enjoy the world's only Banei Horse Race, where horses weighing more than 1 ton compete for power, speed, and endurance by pulling a heavy iron sled. In the Meiji period, when horses were indispensable for transportation and transportation in Hokkaido, "Banei horse racing" began by comparing power as the value of agricultural horses. The historic and powerful race has been certified as a Hokkaido Heritage Site and is a popular tourist spot in modern times. Please watch the powerful run for yourself and experience the feeling of elation and unity! In addition, it is conveniently located 15 minutes by bus from Obihiro Station, and you can see about 70 kinds of animals at Obihiro Zoo, the second long-established zoo built in Hokkaido. You can also play with large playground equipment such as a Ferris wheel and a merry-go-round, so it is a popular tourist spot that everyone from children to adults can enjoy. Next, we will introduce two sightseeing spots where you can enjoy the flowers and trees of the four seasons of Obihiro. A 15-minute drive from Obihiro Station, Manabe Garden is located in Obihiro City. It is a historic park boasting a vast site of 25,000 tsubo, and the strolling garden where you can see three types of gardens at once, such as a Japanese garden, a Western-style garden, and a landscape garden, is popular. Visitors say "It's like coming to a fairyland!" Next, at the Shichiku Garden, a 15,000-tsubo flower garden that spreads out on the vast grounds of the Tokachi Plain, which is 35 minutes by car from Obihiro Station, about 2,500 kinds of flowers and trees are in full bloom, and you can enjoy them throughout each of the four seasons. At the restaurant in the park, you can enjoy dishes using pesticide-free vegetables grown in the garden and fresh ingredients from Tokachi. It is also recommended to start the day of sightseeing with a breakfast buffet where you can feel the refreshing breeze! Next, we will introduce popular gourmet foods that you should definitely try when sightseeing in Obihiro. Obihiro City's most popular local gourmet and specialty dish "Pork Bowl" is grilled pork marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce and placed on rice. This exquisite cuisine has become a specialty gourmet loved not only by Obihiro citizens but also by tourists. In addition, Tokachi is the largest dairy kingdom in Japan in terms of raw milk production, and many cheese artisans make their own cheese from this fresh raw milk. Please heal your fatigue when sightseeing in Obihiro at the hot spring. Obihiro City has many hot springs, and you can enjoy them at about 20 unique facilities. There are also many day-trip hot spring facilities, and there are also facilities where you can soak in the hot springs and see the scenery of nature. Find your favorite hot spring spot and spend time relaxing while taking a break. Obihiro City full of highlights! Once you visit, you are sure to be drawn in by its charm. We will regularly send out information on nature, sightseeing spots, gourmet food, and other attractions of Obihiro City, so thank you!

Today the weather is beautiful and it’s perfect for a picnic 🌞 Here are scenes from Tokachi Ecology Park. Sunlight filtering through the trees sparkled and looked lovely! Starting today, June 1st, the Soft Serve Rally 2023 is said to begin! Eighty-five shops across the Tokachi area! How many can you try~ 🍦

From today, June 1st, the Onneto National Campsite and UPI Onneto open for this fiscal year. Come and visit us!

On May 31st, together with related organizations, we carried out trail maintenance on MtMeakan. Many people have already been hiking there, but when you visit please make thorough preparations and gather information, and climb with awareness that it is an active volcano. For precautions and other information, please see our association’s website.

Today three staff members from the tourist association had their first lunch gathering! The venue was “Daichi no Takumi” A hamburger made from 100% Tokachi brand beef. I had the 300g portion, and it was so delicious it felt drinkable 😂 They also offer many yakiniku and steak dishes using Tokachi beef! The terrace view was lovely ✨ If you visit Tokachigawa Onsen, be sure to stop by!

🧗‍♂️ This time, we introduce one of the area’s major landmarks, Mt. Tarumae!! 🌋 Mt. Tarumae stands at 1,041 meters and is famed as a rare triple-vent active volcano. You can hike the trail that circles the crater, known as the “ohachi meguri.” Nearby is Mt. Fuppushi, and you can traverse between the two peaks. 🥾 It takes about 60 minutes by car from the city to the 7th Station parking lot, and about 50 minutes to reach the summit from the 7th Station, making it a great choice even for beginners!! 💁‍♀️ The mountain is beloved for alpine plant observation and sweeping views of Lake Shikotsu and the Pacific Ocean, offering an accessible taste of serious mountaineering. 🥰 The municipal road between the Mt. Tarumae 5th Gate and the 7th Station parking lot, “Shido Tarumae-san Kanko Dosen,” had been closed for winter, but it was finally reopened on Friday, May 26 at 5:00 p.m. 🎉✨ The adjacent parking lot is free to use and holds about 70 cars. 🚙 Why not work up a sweat on Mt. Tarumae this summer? 🥵 [ Mt. Tarumae address ] 059-1265 Tarumae, Tomakomai City, Hokkaido [ Parking lot address ] 066-0283 Morappu, Chitose City, Hokkaido ⚠ Attention ⚠ ※ When climbing, prepare thoroughly before you start (and don’t forget to file a mountain-climbing notification!). The current eruption alert level is 1, but there is strong volcanic gas emission and some ground heating. Also, parts of the trail are slippery, so please take care. ※ The “Shido Tarumae-san Kanko Dosen” is a narrow gravel road—drive slowly and yield to oncoming vehicles. ※ The parking lot can fill up early on holidays. Please be aware of this in advance.

This evening a sudden downpour left the grass and trees smelling wonderfully fresh. Here is yesterday’s sunset. Speaking of sunsets, the Tokachigaoka Observation Deck is a popular spot, but I also love watching the sun sink low from Tokachigaoka Park.

🌜This time we introduce "Kirakira Park," also recommended as a night-view spot! 🌟 Kirakira Park is a five-minute drive from Tomakomai West Port Ferry Terminal and has free parking available.🚙 You can see berthed ships up close, and they are lit up at night.✨ The moonlight and the ship lights glitter so beautifully that the scene feels romantic.😊 Yesterday, the German cruise ship Hanseatic Nature also called here, and a ceremony was held.🚢🎊 In addition to being a walking course, the park is used as an event venue and for TV location shoots.💁‍♀️ Why not take your time and enjoy the sea breeze? [ Address ] 053-0003 3-1 Irifunecho, Tomakomai City, Hokkaido, Japan

Otofuke’s power spot Otofuke Shrine This verdant shrine feels like a deep forest. Ezo squirrels live here, and you can watch them eat and dash about energetically. Visiting cleanses the heart, so do consider paying a visit.

Nice to meet you! We are the Kimobetsu Tourism Association. We would like to share the many charms of Kimobetsucho in Hokkaido with everyone watching Cool Japan videos. This is our first post, so we will briefly introduce Kimobetsu’s history, sightseeing spots, and local specialties. In future posts we will provide detailed information on events and hidden gem attractions, so please stay tuned. Kimobetsu has a long history and retains strong influences from Ainu culture. The town’s name comes from the Ainu word Kim-o-pet, meaning “river with many mountains.” As the name suggests, Kimobetsu is crossed by 41 rivers of various sizes, including the Shiribetsu River and Kimobetsu River. The town lies at the foothills of MtYotei, a 1,898-meter peak nicknamed Ezo Fuji for its resemblance to Mt. Fuji, and is a nature-rich town about a 1 hour 30 minute drive from Sapporo City. The annual average temperature is a relatively cold 5.9°C, and the area receives heavy snowfall—sometimes nearly 150 cm. The large day–night temperature swings create a fertile environment for agriculture, and crops grown here are shipped across Japan. Kimobetsu has developed into one of Hokkaido’s leading agricultural regions. In particular, asparagus is known as one of the places where commercial cultivation began in Japan. Its generous size, crisp yet tender texture, and natural sweetness are exquisite, so be sure to try it. Other recommended souvenirs include high-quality Baron potatoes and sweet corn. At Nakayama Pass, Roadside Station Boyou Nakayama offers specialties like age-imo (deep-fried potato) and a restaurant serving dishes made with local ingredients, as well as a shop selling regional products. From Kimobetsu Town Park you can view both MtYotei and MtShiribetsu and fully experience Kimobetsu’s great outdoors. Kimobetsu also actively operates an empty house bank as part of municipal initiatives to encourage relocation. This program makes effective use of vacant homes in town and is available to people hoping to move here, settle permanently, or stay regularly, contributing to local revitalization. If you are considering relocating to a place with abundant nature, please check Kimobetsu’s official website. Kimobetsu combines rich nature, tourist attractions, and history, and offers a sense of slow, peaceful time. You can find a pleasant respite away from the daily hustle and bustle. Unknown beautiful landscapes, new experiences, and fresh encounters await you in Kimobetsu, Hokkaido. We will continue to share Kimobetsu’s charms, so please come and visit Kimobetsu!

Nice to meet everyone who watched the COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! Shibecha is the Tourism Association. Since this is my first post, I would like to introduce the Shibecha first. As for how to read "Shibecha", it is read as "shibechacho". The name of the town is derived from "Sipecha", which means "on the banks of a large river" in the Ainu language. With a population of 7,163 as of February 2023, Hokkaido Shibecha is located in Kawakami District, 40 kilometers northeast of the center of Kushiro City, and is the sixth largest town in Japan. It has an inland climate with hot summers and cold winters, and the annual temperature difference is larger than that of neighboring Kushiro City. The Shibecha is divided into "Tawadaira Area", "Nijibetsu area", "urban area", and "Toro and Kayanuma area". Here are some popular sightseeing spots in each area. 【Tawadaira Area】 ・Tawahei Observatory It is an observatory overlooking the 360-degree horizon. You can also enjoy camping, so it is convenient as a base for riders touring Hokkaido. ・Shibecha breeding farm Cows are raised by grazing on a vast ranch, and you can see cows and sheep playing peacefully in the surrounding area. 【Nijibetsu Area】 ・Mt. Nishibetsu It is an 800-meter-high mountain that is easy to climb even for beginners, which is visited by about 30,000 climbers a year. You can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Nekushi Plateau and precious alpine wildflowers. ・Lake Schwanbetsudam It is a popular lake for auto camping and rainbow trout fishing. You can catch large rainbow trout from summer to autumn. 【Urban Area】 ・Kushiro River Shibecha Ryokuchi Park It is a park located on the riverbed about 10 minutes on foot from JR Shibecha Station, and there is a park golf and event square, making it a spot that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. 【Toro / Kayanuma Area】 ・Shibecha Museum "Nitai To" It exhibits the history of Shibecha from the Jomon period to the modern era and natural materials such as insect specimens. In Shibecha, you can also enjoy leisure activities such as canoeing on the Kushiro River, smelt fishing on Lake Toro, lure and fly fishing on the Kushiro River, and cycling on the promenade of the Kushiro Marshland. There are plenty of accommodations, hot spring inns, and hotels, so please spend one day enjoying these sightseeing spots and leisure to the fullest! Access to the Shibecha is about 1 hour by train from Kushiro Station. Between Kushiro Station and Shibecha Station, you can also come to Shibecha on Japan's slowest train "Marsh Norokko-go" that runs slowly and leisurely during the summer, and the "SL Winter Marsh" that runs through the Shirogane Kushiro Marshland from January to March. We will continue to send out attractive Shibecha information, so thank you!

Today the high is 28°C, and the warm weather makes short sleeves comfortable during the day! Right now, baby grapes are growing well in the guide center garden vineyard ☺ They say harvest will be around autumn. I wonder if they will become a delicious wine?

Hello! I’m Mōru-chan, the local mascot of TokachigawaOnsen! She’s a girl with a bean-shaped body patterned like a cow, a pig’s nose, and corn-shaped horns♡ She’s packed full of Tokachi’s charms 😍 This one was apparently made by a staff member of Otofuke town hall using small building blocks from a 100-yen shop! There’s also a hot-spring-steam version.

Tomorrow, Thursday, May 25, the German cruise ship Hanseatic Nature will call at Tomakomai West Port. 🚢✨ ・Estimated arrival: 5:30–6:00 ・Welcome ceremony: 11:00–11:30 ・Estimated departure: 22:30–23:00 For details, contact the Port and Business Promotion Division, Corporate Policy Office, Industrial and Economic Department, Tomakomai City. Phone: 0144-32-6438

Bibai Tourism and Products Association. "Bibai City, Hokkaido" is visited by many tourists for its abundant nature, mild climate, and delicious food. From now on, I would like to introduce the charm of Bibai City in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! First of all, Bibai City is read as "Bibaishi" and is located between Sapporo City and Asahikawa City, and is located within about one hour from both cities. Bibai City is served by National Route 12 connecting Sapporo and Asahikawa, and the section from Bibai City to Takikawa City is a straight road that continues all the way, and there is a road that boasts the longest straight-line distance in Japan. As for the weather and climate of Bibai City, a refreshing breeze blows through in spring, a cool climate continues in summer, and beautiful snowscapes spread out in winter. You can enjoy the atmosphere of the four seasons, and the beauty of each season brings new discoveries every time you visit. Introducing popular tourist spots in Bibai City! First of all, Miyajima Swamp is one of the world's leading spots where you can see migratory birds such as geese and swans. It is located about 30 minutes by bus from JR Bibai Station, and every year about 70,000 birds come from Russia far north of Hokkaido in spring and autumn. Especially in the early morning and evening, when you can see the herd, the sight of the sky and swamps filled in black is a masterpiece. In addition, the "Coal Mine Memorial Forest Park" is a tourist attraction not to be missed. Bibai City once flourished from coal mining. In this park, which was built on the site of the former coal mine, you can see a tower that transports coal from deep underground, and a raw coal pocket for storing coal. As a valuable tourist spot where the memories of the coal miners of the past coexist with the nature of the present, it was 2007 Heisei 19 selected as an "Industrial Heritage of Modernization". Next is "KAN YASUDA SCULPTURE MUSEUM ARTE PIAZZA BIBAI". The works of world-renowned sculptor Kan Yasuda are exhibited here. His works blend in with the surrounding landscape, as if they were one with nature, providing peace and emotion to visitors. At Tomei Park, a vast park located in a hilly area, 2,000 cherry trees bloom during the cherry blossom season, and the "Bibai Cherry Blossom Festival" is held, and it is a popular tourist spot where you can enjoy the illuminated cherry blossoms at night. And at the "Bibai City Experience Exchange Center", even first-time visitors can easily experience pottery such as pottery and painting, and can be enjoyed by both children and adults. The last thing I would like to introduce is "Sorachi Shrine". This shrine is watched over by an old tree that is over 900 years old, and you can experience "making bangle protection" from natural stone. On your trip to Bibai City, please enjoy delicious meals. In particular, Bibai City's "Bibai Yakitori" is a local gourmet that you can't miss. It is one of the seven major yakitori in Japan, and is made by skewering chicken, chicken liver, inner eggs, gizzards, and onions. As a local soul food, it is a popular gourmet for a wide range of generations from children to adults. Please try it when you come to Bibai. And "Torimeshi" It is a local dish that has been passed down for more than 100 years, and because rice, stir-fried meat, and motsu are cooked with soy sauce, sugar, and sake, and almost no other ingredients or seasonings are used, the aroma and taste have a strong chicken flavor, and it has a taste different from other mixed rice. We look forward to welcoming you with rich natural scenery, sightseeing spots where you can feel history and culture, delicious food, and warm hospitality! Stay tuned for future posts!