Hakodate's port at night. This beautiful night view gives the impression of a glittering cityscape, but the streets of Hakodate are not so bustling at night, and it has a peaceful charm. Of course, the real "star" of the show in Hakodate is not the port, but the Goryokaku. It feels incredible to find an advanced iteration of the the European star forts perfected under Vauban appearing unexpectedly in northern Japan. Fascinating history!

Window Art at Kamu
On display until around noon on Friday, December 26th!

📍Roadside Station Nishiokoppe Kamu

Throughout December,
the windows inside the facility are filled with drawings.🖍

With a Christmas and sweets theme,
children from the nursery, elementary and junior high students, and adults have decorated the windows.

The windows beside the karakuri organ
feature impressive works by five villagers!

We hope you enjoy seeing how each piece combines Christmas and sweets.


#Nishiokoppe Village
#Hokkaido
#window art
#Roadside Station
#Kamu
#winter
#Christmas
#sweets
#drawing

Winter break travel to Akanko!
⁡
Akanko dedicated booking site & Marimo Pay
As an opening commemorative campaign
While Marimo Pay normally offers up to 5% points back
we are offering an incredible 10% back for stays during the campaign period!!!!
⁡
With Christmas, New Year and other events packed into winter break
why not spend it at Akanko??
⁡
Book from the link in our profile!!
https://lake-akan.com/marimopay/

Akanko Winter Illumination Giveaway Campaign!!
Today between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Post a photo of the illumination on any social media and show your post to the tourism association counter staff to receive an immediate prize by lottery♪
We do not require any specific hashtag for social media posts, but if you would like to add one, please use
#Akanko Marimo Gate
.

“Midwinter!” Yamabiko Falls Viewing Event—Applications open from Monday, December 8th!

Experience the winter form of Yamabiko Falls, a sight shaped by nature—see it for yourself.

Event dates: Sunday, January 18th, 2026 (Application deadline: January 8th)
Sunday, February 8th, 2026 (Application deadline: January 30th)

Eligibility: Elementary school students and older (Each day limited to 30 participants; minimum number to hold the event: 5)
*Elementary school students must be accompanied by a guardian*

Participation fee: Adults 600 yen; elementary, junior high, and high school students 300 yen

How to apply: Use the QR code on the flyer
(Applications by email, fax, or phone are also accepted)

Inquiries: Engaru Town Board of Education Maruseppu Education Center

TEL 0158-47-2456
FAX 0158-47-3817
e-mail m-kyoui@engaru.jp

We hope you’ll join us♪

Recently, part of Utonai-ko (Lake Utonai) froze over. A swan standing on the ice flaps its wings✨🦢
Roadside Station Utonai Lake, which posts many stunning photos on social media, is open in winter from 9:00 to 17:00.
It offers plenty of delicious local food and goods, so please stop by for a break during winter road trips.
(Image provided by Roadside Station Utonai Lake)

Wakasho Market, a sightseeing spot you can reach in a 5-minute walk.
A popular place within walking distance of Kushiro Prince Hotel.
One of the joys of a trip is creating your own katte-don (original seafood bowl) with your favorite seafood.
Enjoy the distinctive flavors of this port town that bring a smile with every bite.
Finish your visit with a Hokkaido gacha to take home a little travel memory.
https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kushiro/experience/
Reservations can be made from the profile.
【Instagram】
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/


Wakasho Market, one of Kushiro’s must-visit spots, is just a 5-minute walk from Kushiro Prince Hotel.
Here, you can enjoy the fun of creating your own Katte-don—a custom seafood bowl made with your favorite fresh toppings.
Savor the flavors of this charming port town, a taste that’s sure to bring a smile with every bite.
And don’t forget to finish your visit with a Hokkaido Gacha for a memorable little souvenir of your trip.
Reservations are available through the link in our profile.
【Instagram】
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/


Wakasho Market, a sightseeing spot reachable in a 5-minute walk.
You can easily visit this favorite attraction from Kushiro Oji Grand Hotel.
The most popular offering is katte-don—the original seafood bowl you assemble with the seafood you like.
In the fresh flavors unique to a port city, each bite makes you smile without thinking.
Finally, don’t forget to try the Hokkaido capsule toy for a cute memento of your trip.
Reservations can be made via the link in the profile.
【Instagram】
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/


Wakasho Market, a sightseeing spot 5 minutes on foot.
It’s a popular spot easily reached on foot from Kushiro Prince Hotel.
The custom seafood bowl made with your preferred seafood—Katte-don—is a major delight of the trip.
The fresh flavors unique to a port city spread a smile the moment you take a bite.
Finally, spin a Hokkaido gacha to leave a travel memory.
Reservations are available from the profile link.
【Instagram】
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/

The winning entries from the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest are now on display at Kushiro Prince Hotel—come together and enjoy them 📸✨

Period: Today through the end of February
Location: Kushiro Prince Hotel, 1st floor lobby

We are also actively seeking entries for the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest. We look forward to your participation‼︎ (For details, please see Teshikaga Navi)

An update from the “Information Dispatch Bureau” on the Kawayu Onsen website 📝🆙

The Lake Kussharo Trout Fishing Tournament, held on November 15 and 16, took place on the Wakin Peninsula. This report covers how 100 anglers gathered and competed, capturing the excitement of the event. A must-see for fishing enthusiasts! 🎣 Please take a look ✨

Start your special day from the morning at our top-floor restaurant.
Relax and unwind with a seafood bowl or a buffet while taking in the breathtaking views.
Please help yourself to your favorite seafood and create your perfect bowl.
https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kushiro/plan/top_kushiro/breakfast2025/

You can make reservations from the profile URL.
【Instagram】
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/


Start your special day with a morning at our top-floor restaurant.
Relax and unwind as you take in the breathtaking views, accompanied by a seafood bowl or a delightful buffet.
Create your own perfect dish by selecting and arranging your favorite seafood.
Reservations are available through the link in our profile.
【Instagram】
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/


Start a special day from the top-floor restaurant.
Enjoy a relaxing time as you savor a seafood donburi or the buffet while admiring the stunning scenery.
Feel free to mix and match your favorite marine flavors to craft your own delicious plate.
Reservations can be made via the link in our profile.
【Instagram】
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/


Start your special day in the morning at our top-floor restaurant.
Enjoy the overwhelming panoramic view with a seafood rice bowl or the buffet and let your mind unwind.
Fill your bowl freely with the seafood you want and complete your own unique meal.
Reservations are available via the profile link.
【Instagram】
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/

https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kushiro/plan/top_kushiro/breakfast2025/

Nature Encounter Event This Weekend!
On Saturday, December 6th, Professor Nakagawa from Hokkaido University will give a lecture at Kawayu Visitor Center.
You can enjoy learning about how volcanic activity has shaped the landscapes and vegetation of Akan-Mashu National Park through engaging research.
We hope you will join us!

Teshikaga Hikari Request ended on November 30.

Thank you so much to everyone who joined us! ✨ Winners will be announced by shipment.

Stay tuned to the official LINE for future event news and lovely updates. ☺️❣️

We are seeking participants for the “Yamabiko Falls Phantom Night Tour”! Applications open Monday, December 15.
Enjoy the magical sight of the frozen falls in midwinter, illuminated by lights.♪

Dates: Saturday, January 17, 2026; Saturday, February 7, 2026; Saturday, February 14, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM–6:30 PM
Capacity: 40 people per day
Participation fee: Adults (junior high school students and older) ¥2,000
Children (elementary school students) ¥1,000

How to reserve: Reservations will be accepted by phone at Engaru Town Maruseppu General Branch.
Reservations open Monday, December 15, 2025, at 8:45 AM

Inquiries / Applications
Engaru Town Maruseppu General Branch
TEL 0158-47-2211

CAPO Marche
We visited Ooyachi CAPO in March,
and we’re going again this month!

The CAPO Marche runs for four days from Friday, December 12th to Monday, December 15th.

On the first two days, booths will feature Rausucho, Makubetsu, Shibecha, Rankoshicho, Shikaoicho and Nishiokoppe Village.

On the last two days, delicious products will arrive from Toyoura-cho, Kembuchicho, Shimokawacho, Nayoro City, Moseushi Town and Shibetsu City.

Opening hours vary by day, so please check the announcements.

From Nishiokoppe Village, we’ll bring popular items from last time such as milk and cheese, wild vegetables, and canned venison and bear meat.

Four days filled with proud specialties from around Hokkaido.
Come to Ooyachi CAPO.

#Nishiokoppe Village
#Hokkaido
#Ooyachi CAPO
#CAPO Marche
#Delicious
#Winter

[Winter Version of Pochi Bags Arrives]
Pochi bags produced by Nishiokoppe Uenshiri Daiko
featuring illustrations of Setoushi-kun.

This winter, poch i bags themed for Christmas and New Year will be displayed at facilities around the village.

One member of the drum team designed motifs inspired by Christmas and the New Year.

Each design is sold in a set of three.
The price is 200 yen.

All three bags in a set have different illustrations, so we hope you enjoy the moment of deciding who to give them to.

The regular versions we have produced and sold so far—five-piece and three-piece sets—remain available.

Why not use a pochi bag to give a small amount of money or a message?

On sale at Hotel Rimu, Roadside Station Kamu, and Komu – Forest Art Museum.

We also welcome performance requests for Nishiokoppe Uenshiri Daiko.

For inquiries, please contact ni.uentaiko2488 at mark gmail.com.


#Nishiokoppe Village
#Hokkaido
#Setoushi-kun
#Pochi bags
#Nishiokoppe Uenshiri Daiko
#Winter
#Christmas
#Otoshidama

<Taiki Town urban area, the season’s first snowfall has arrived>

Last night’s snow left a light dusting across the town center.
This view comes from the newly completed Mt. Moiwa observation deck.
You can still drive to the observation deck parking lot, but the forest road is not plowed, so deeper snow will make the site inaccessible by car.

Notice: 2026 Wakasagi (Pond Smelt) Fishing Season (Reiwa 8)
The wakasagi fishing season is here!
The season is planned from Monday, January 5, 2026 to Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (National Holiday).
(Although the season usually runs until mid-March, to protect wakasagi stocks, this season will be limited to approximately one month. We appreciate your understanding.)

Please note that the opening date may change depending on ice conditions and weather.
Please check the association's social media for updates.
Fishing hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please follow the posted times and rules.

Equipment rental and sales are available at the reception desk, so tourists and first-time anglers can join with confidence 😊
We look forward to welcoming you!

Tomoya Kaneko Solo Live in Nishiokoppe
Born in Shimokawacho,
Tomoya Kaneko is active not only as a singer-songwriter but also as a radio host and variety show personality.

In Nishiokoppe Village,
there was someone who attended the same high school and belonged to the same soft tennis club as Kaneko.

That person invited Kaneko and organized the live event.

As part of Nishiokoppe Village’s 100th anniversary celebrations,
the concert used village subsidies and received support from the organizing committee members as well as many villagers and people from outside the village.

At the entrance and in front of the hall at Hotel Rimu, the live venue, life-size (slightly smaller) panels of Kaneko and a welcome board greeted guests.

Inside the venue,
Tomoya Kaneko fans’ uchiwa fans were placed on each table, and the stage featured illuminated letters reading KANEKO TOMOYA.

Kaneko’s humor-filled talk and passionate singing electrified the audience.

During the show,
as people approached to take photos, a sweaty Kaneko was nearby.

Standing alone on stage in front of 110 guests,
he shone as he entertained the crowd.

He joyfully responded to segments that brought children onstage,
and the excited children, even when they weren’t onstage, stood toward the back of the hall
and swayed happily.

Thank you to everyone who helped with video production and the raffle,
and to all who came to the venue.

Tomoya Kaneko, thank you for coming!!

#Nishiokoppe Village
#Hokkaido
#Tomoya Kaneko
#Live
#Setoushi-kun
#100th Anniversary of Village Founding
#Music
#Live

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video—nice to meet you!
This is the Mizu No Kamui Kankoken, where pristine nature, protected since ancient times, still breathes.

On the official SNS account for this Cool Japan Video, we share the vast landscapes, seasonal changes, and small local charms centered on Akanko, Lake Mashu, and Kushiro Shitsugen, bringing you the sights and timely information unique to Eastern Hokkaido.
We aim to post discoveries that spark travel plans and information that lets you feel the atmosphere on site.

Please follow us and enjoy the present face of Eastern Hokkaido together!

[Event Closed Announcement📢]

The “Teshikaga Hikari Request” ended on November 30.

To everyone who participated,
thank you so much!✨

Winners will be notified by shipment instead of a public announcement.

On our official LINE,
we will continue to share event updates and delightful news!
We appreciate your continued support of the Lake Mashu Tourism Association☺️

Dance, Dance, Dance
Dance is closer to strength training than I thought…!
I realized that when I joined a dance lesson held in Nishiokoppe Village.

The instructor who taught us was Toshimasa Miya, a teacher at EOS DANCE STUDIO in Asahikawa City.

This was the second time Miya came to Nishiokoppe Village.

I couldn’t attend the first lesson,
but when I heard a second session would be held, I went to loosen my exercise-starved body.

As soon as the lesson began, music started playing.
I was surprised and thought, “Are we already dancing?” but we began with stretches set to the music.

It seems they teach you to get into the habit of moving to the rhythm from the stretching stage.

They say dance isn’t about moving your body as fast or as much as possible; what matters is moving to the rhythm.

They also explained that if you get better at moving specific parts of your body,
you can express more delicate whole-body movements in dance.

The smaller the movements, the more your muscles and mind work.
To keep your center steady while making various motions, you also need to strengthen your core.

Not being a regular dancer, I moved my arms and legs with all my might and ended up soaked in sweat.

It’s hard to move smoothly like the teacher or snap into sharp motions at times,
but when you move your body fully and use your limbs the way you imagined, it feels great.

While learning dance basics, people from elementary school age to adults enjoyed trying out dance.

A dance lesson is scheduled again after the New Year.

If you’ve been waiting for a chance to get moving,
or if you want to feel soothed watching people move joyfully,
come and join the next lesson.

#Nishiokoppe Village
#Hokkaido
#dance
#dance lesson
#EOS DANCE STUDIO
#Asahikawa
#winter
#exercise

The Tokachigawa Onsen Kohaku Night and Marche runs at Roadside Station Gardens Spa Tokachigawa Onsen through Sunday, December 7.

Centered on the amber color of the mall hot spring, the event features a symbolic tree inspired by Tokachi’s nature, Tokachi sake and snacks, and daily-changing markets and live music.

Come and visit us! 😊

Kohaku Night and Marche
Period: November 1, 2025 – December 7, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM–9:00 PM
Admission: Paid from 6:00 PM
Adults: ¥1,500; Elementary school children: ¥600

🎄✨ Higashikawa Christmas Market 2025 ✨🎄
Held Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, 2025!

This weekend, Higashikawa will be decked out in Christmas cheer 🎅
About 100 vendors will gather across three venues—Sentopia I and II, Kyosei Plaza Sorairo, and Higashikawa Town Cultural Gallery—offering pastries and bread, Christmas goods and gifts, a furniture & interior exhibition, workshops, and more!

A free, Christmas-themed shuttle bus will operate between the three venues 🎁
*At certain times, regular vehicles may be used.*

📅 Schedule
Dec 6 (Sat) 9:00–17:00
Dec 7 (Sun) 9:00–16:00

📍 Venues
• Sentopia I and II
• Kyosei Plaza Sorairo
• Higashikawa Town Cultural Gallery

Two days to enjoy winter in Higashikawa ❄️
We look forward to welcoming you!

Enjoy Japanese cuisine paired with panoramic views from the top floor.
https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kushiro/restaurant/

In a quiet, reservation-only setting,
each carefully prepared course invites a moment of calm that soothes the heart.

Make a special night truly memorable.

More details
【Instagram】
＠kushiroprincehotel
___________________________________________
Enjoy exquisite Japanese cuisine with breathtaking views from the top floor.

In our reservation-only dining room, you’ll find moments that gently unwind your heart.

Within this serene and exclusive space,
each dish crafted with the blessings of Hokkaido
guides you into a truly memorable and luxurious experience.

More information
【Instagram】
＠kushiroprincehotel
________________________________________
Enjoy refined Japanese cuisine while taking in the views from the top floor.

In our fully reservation-only Japanese dining room, spend a relaxing time that eases body and mind.

In this tranquil, special space,
each dish made from Hokkaido's abundant ingredients
leads you into an unforgettable, luxurious experience.

For details
【Instagram】
＠kushiroprincehotel
＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

Enjoy a special Japanese dining experience accompanied by the panoramic views from the top floor.

At our fully reservation-only Japanese dining,
feel a comforting time that relaxes the heart.

In a quiet, special space,
each plate crafted from Hokkaido-sourced ingredients
will guide you through a memorable, extraordinary time.

For more information
【Instagram】
＠kushiroprincehotel
＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿
https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kushiro/restaurant/

Introducing the second round of Sake Tourism tours 😊

On Saturday, December 13, we will host “An Adult Winery Tour: Behind-the-Scenes Visit and Mini Course of Fine Food and Drink.”

At Tokachigaoka Winery, you will tour areas of the winery that are not usually open to the public and compare two carefully crafted wines paired with cheese 🍷

At Ikeda Wine Castle, we will show you the winery and distillery production sites and give special access to areas normally closed to visitors 🎵

After the tours, enjoy a luxurious mini-course lunch ✨
You will taste small pours of wines paired with each dish and savor the marriage of food and wine 😍

This tour lets you “see, drink, and taste” winemaking and experience the depth of wine culture 🤗


https://tokachibare.jp/sake-museum/news/taxi-tour02-04/

The glossy salmon roe reflecting the sunset. A dining experience imbued with the spirit of Japanese cuisine.
https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kushiro/restaurant/top_wasyoku/

At Kushiro Prince Hotel, we offer a variety of dining options.

Our Japanese cuisine uses ingredients from Hokkaido,
bringing you a moment that satisfies both body and soul.

In addition to in-house dinner,
we provide Osechi (traditional New Year dishes) during the New Year season.

For more details
【Instagram】
＠kushiroprincehotel
＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

The glow of salmon roe reflecting the sunset—
a dining experience filled with the spirit of Japanese cuisine.

At Kushiro Prince Hotel,
we offer a variety of dining options.

Our Japanese cuisine features ingredients sourced from Hokkaido,
bringing you a moment that satisfies both body and soul.

In addition to in-house dinner,
we also offer traditional Osechi dishes during the New Year season.

For more details
【Instagram】
＠kushiroprincehotel
＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

The glossy salmon roe reflecting the sunset—
expressing the essence of Japanese cuisine.

Kushiro Oji Grand Hotel offers a variety of dining choices.

Our Japanese dishes also use Hokkaido-grown ingredients,
presenting a moment that fills both body and soul.

Besides in-house dinners,
we provide Osechi for the year-end and New Year period.

For details
【Instagram】
＠kushiroprincehotel
＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

The salmon roe sparkling in the sunset light—
a meal infused with the heart of Japanese cuisine.

At Kushiro Prince Hotel,
we provide a range of dining options.

Our Japanese cuisine uses Hokkaido-sourced ingredients,
offering a time that fills both body and mind.

In addition to evening dining in the hotel,
we also offer Osechi dishes for the New Year period.

【Instagram】
＠kushiroprincehotel
＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿
https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kushiro/restaurant/top_wasyoku/

"The 40th Anniversary Yubetsu Primeval Field Okhotsk Cross-Country Skiing Tournament"
Scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2026!

This cross-country skiing event takes place across the Yubetsu Primeval Field, spanning Engaru Town and Yubetsu Town in Hokkaido's Okhotsk region.
Courses range from the longest 80 km Yubetsu Primeval Field Course, which winds through vast natural scenery, to a beginner-friendly 5 km course, welcoming participants of all ages from adults to children.

Registration period: Monday, December 1, 2025 – Friday, January 9, 2026

For details and registration, visit the official website

https://www.okxc.jp/

[Nishiokopper Live]
GA.KOPPER Event Announcement📢

Friday, December 19
Doors open at 6:30 PM / Show starts at 7:00 PM
At GA.KOPPER Guesthouse, Nishiokoppe Village

Nishiokopper Live is coming up!

This event is organized by villagers of Nishiokoppe Village who call themselves "Nishiokopper," and it's for the Nishiokopper community.

Enjoy both light-hearted and wholehearted performances that will warm your body and soul on a cold winter night.

Drinks and light snacks will be available for purchase.
Free admission.

For inquiries, please call 090-6446-7689 (Asano).

#NishiokopperLive #Nishiokopper #GAKOPPER #Guesthouse #Nishiokoppe #Hokkaido #Christmas #Winter

A viewing deck has been completed at Moiwa yama Forest Park.

A viewing deck has been completed near the summit of Mowa-yama, located on the northern side of Taiki Town. Because snow removal does not take place during winter, your last chance to enjoy the panoramic views of the Hidaka Mountain Range is before the snowfall begins.
Be sure to pay a visit!

A frosty morning
Is this the remains of a ranch?
I greeted the sunrise at an abandoned farmhouse with a silo.

Most of the fields have been harvested
and soon snow will be piling up.