[Shimekazari-style Arrangement ②] Works I couldn’t fully introduce 🌿 Shimenawa Decoration Shimekazari-style Arrangement Lesson

Shimenawa-style arrangements completed They turned out absolutely lovely We created shimenawa-style arrangements! A workshop was held to decorate shimenawa with dried flowers, foliage, and berries. Mr. Sato drove all the way from Kitahiroshima to onesmanorgarden, braving winter roads once again. He brought a large supply of materials, so it was fun just to look and fun to choose. While making them, people worried and struggled when things didn’t go as planned, but it was still enjoyable. Seeing a neighbor’s piece, you’d think, “That arrangement works too!” or “That color combination is amazing!”—reactions that escaped everyone’s lips. Even before finishing, imaginations ran wild with thoughts like, “Next time I’d like to try making it this way.” There were three lessons over two days: early afternoon, evening, and the next morning. A total of 18 people took part. Thank you very much 🌿 The next time we’ll see Mr. Sato will be next year――― I wonder when that will be. We’re looking forward to what he’ll create next and what flowers and foliage we’ll encounter… Can’t wait! shimenawa decoration arrangement lesson dried flowers year-end New Year

＊＊＊＊🎄 Akanko on December 23 A thin film of ice had just begun to form The wonderful winter season at Akanko is about to fully kick in We look forward to welcoming you But we have a request The ice is still very, very thin Do not step onto it under any circumstances "Watch for falling through ⚠️" Please stay safe and enjoy Akanko to the fullest♪

Kawayu Visitor Center "Mori no Palette" linking nature and people Kawayu Visitor Center is a facility that clearly introduces Kawayu Onsen, the surrounding beautiful nature, history, and sights. The center features a craft corner and a variety of exhibits that delight not only adults but also young children. The interior makes generous use of wood, creating an open, airy atmosphere. On the first floor you will find a lounge with a fireplace, a relaxed space for reading while looking out over a forest of Picea glehnii (akanezomatsu), and a kids’ corner. It’s perfect for resting before or after a walk. On the second floor there is also a cafe space, CAFE SOFTWOOD, where you can enjoy tea time while gazing through large windows. The center provides clear explanations about the surrounding natural environment, safety notices, exhibits on cultural heritage, and reports of bear sightings, offering important safety information. Outdoor clothing and gear are available for rent, making it convenient if you decide on a spur-of-the-moment walk. Kawayu Visitor Center 2-2-6 Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido 015-483-4100 Closed days Closed every Wednesday (if Wednesday is a national holiday, closed the following day) Open daily from the third week of July through August 31 Closed during the New Year holidays (December 29–January 3) Opening hours April–October: 8:00–17:00 November–March: 9:00–16:00

Lantern lighting has begun at Kawayu Onsen! 🏮 Lanterns now hang outside accommodations, restaurants, souvenir shops and other stores within the kawayu group facility district of Akan-Mashu National Park. Follow the gentle glow of the lanterns and enjoy Kawayu Onsen town at night. 💡 https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/889/...

A tiny bird even smaller than a sparrow, with round, charming eyes—the subspecies of long-tailed tit known as the shiraneaga (shimaenaga). Found only in Hokkaido, this wild bird is beloved by birdwatchers and nicknamed the "snow fairy." In winter it grows a fluffy, pure-white plumage and looks just like a snowball! It mainly lives in forests and woodlands; with leaves gone in winter it becomes easier to spot, and it is often seen along the Lake Utonai lakeside. (Image courtesy of Roadside Station Utonai Lake)

🏮 Lantern illumination begins in the Kawayu Onsen area‼︎ The lantern illumination at Kawayu Onsen uses the Kawayu Onsen logo created through Teshikaga Town’s design and branding project. It aims to foster momentum for revitalizing the onsen district among local residents and others, while offering visitors a unified, thoughtfully staged welcome that enhances guest satisfaction. The lanterns hang from the eaves of lodging facilities, restaurants, souvenir shops, and other stores within the Kawayu Group Facility Area of Akan-Mashu National Park. Follow the gentle glow of the lanterns and enjoy Kawayu Onsen district at night♨️💡

Tourist spot in Kushiro: Fisherman’s Wharf MOO 🐟 A 5-minute walk from Kushiro Prince Hotel! You can enjoy sightseeing and gourmet food all in one place✨ There’s also a Botanical Garden, a relaxing spot beloved by locals. The building’s high-design architecture, inspired by Kushiro’s nature, town, and industries, is a highlight. Reservations are available from the profile URL. https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

The "From the Information Desk" section on the Kawayu Onsen website has been updated 📝🆙 "Calm your mind and take a fresh look. Autumn at Kawayu Onsen." has been updated. With poor weather across Hokkaido right now, take a breather and have a slow peek 👀✨ You might rediscover how to enjoy the soothing Kawayu Onsen. https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/autumn/...

Advance reservation required. “Teshikaga Eco Passport” will run again in winter 2026🚌💨 The Mashu–Kussharo sightseeing loop bus, Teshikaga Eco Passport, visits scenic spots around Teshikaga and offers 2-day and 3-day passes, so please make a reservation in advance and make use of it. It’s recommended for those who feel unsure about driving and for anyone who wants an easy way to enjoy sightseeing in Teshikaga❣️ For details, see Teshikaga Navi✨ https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/2025winterecopassport/...

Introducing the fourth in our Sake Tourism series 😊 On Saturday, January 24, 2026, we will host “A Farm Lunch Tour to Savor Tokachi’s Wines × Sake × Local Vegetables,” celebrating the agricultural heartland of Tokachi 😊 At Memuro Winery, four farmers each make wine from their own vineyards. You will learn directly from the winemakers about the characteristics of the wines each farmer produces and the barrel-aging process, and experience the depth of wine shaped by Tokachi’s terroir 🍷 At Kono Farm in Memuro Town, Chef Sugimoto will showcase his skills as you enjoy a farm lunch 😍 Taste a special menu featuring local vegetables paired with wines from Memuro Winery 🎵 The tour finale takes place at Hekiungura with a brewery tour and a sake tasting experience comparing three types of sake 🍶 This luxurious tour lets you enjoy Tokachi’s wines and sake all at once 🤗 https://tokachibare.jp/sake-museum/news/taxi-tour02-04/...

Sure to delight visitors of all kinds. Lake Kussharo formed inside one of Japan’s largest calderas. Traces of a prehistoric mega-eruption remain visible today. Just pondering that history can make a day fly by— that’s what time feels like when you stay at Kussharo Prince Hotel. Why not spend a special time alongside Lake Kussharo, born from one of Japan’s largest calderas? You can book from the profile URL. https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/... Winter season (limited) January 19, 2026 (Monday) – March 7, 2026 (Saturday)

Winter in Tomakomai often makes both sidewalks and roads icy and slippery. Shoes with non-slip soles—such as those with glass fiber reinforcement, built-in spikes, or wraparound spike bands—are essential. Use sand where available and pay attention to how you walk.

At Kussharo Prince Hotel, Kussy welcomes you. Step into the elevator and you are moments away from the spectacular view of Lake Kussharo, the country’s largest caldera. We offer six room types. All rooms face the lake, letting you savor the Kussharo Caldera scenery in the morning, afternoon, and evening. You can make a reservation from the profile URL. https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/... Winter season (limited) January 19, 2026 (Monday) to March 7, 2026 (Saturday)

Around Kushiro Prince Hotel, you can fully enjoy Kushiro’s gourmet food🍴 When it comes to Hokkaido, seafood is the star. You can’t miss Kushiro’s local specialty robata (hearth-cooked dishes)🔥 Atka mackerel, Pacific saury, squid, scallops… Don’t forget buttered potatoes and a salmon roe rice bowl✨ Spend your evenings savoring the flavors of Kushiro. You can make a reservation from the profile URL. https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

Enjoying Teshikaga — Sweets Edition, Part 2 Teshikaga is full of great finds and tasty treats. Of course, that includes the sweets everyone loves… When you visit Teshikaga, be sure to check out the local sweet spots. This time, we continue introducing town spots where you can pick up those delicious treats‼︎ There’s still a Part 3 to come, so stay tuned 🍰✨ *Watanabe Experience Farm has finished its operations for this season. Please look forward to next year’s opening❣️

#019 Long time no post! This time, I will introduce two municipalities connected to Tsunocho. I will touch on how those relationships came about, each town’s characteristics, recommended spots, and local foods. [Sister City – Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture] Itoman City sits at the southern tip of Okinawa Main Island. Its population is about 60,000. The city tree is the banyan (gajumaru), and the city flowers are periwinkle (nichi-nichi-so) and bougainvillea. Tsunocho’s bond with Itoman City deepened during wartime (after 1944), when 82 parents and children from Itoman Town (now Itoman City) were evacuated as a group to Tsunocho. Forty years later, people who had been elementary school students at the time visited Tsunocho, which sparked further exchanges, and on December 1, 1993, Itoman City and Tsunocho concluded a sister-city agreement. Exchanges between various organizations continue to this day. [Specialties of Itoman City] ⦿ Seiika (common name: Sodeika) This squid is widely caught around Okinawa Prefecture and ranks among the largest edible squids, reaching about one meter in length and around 20 kilograms in weight. Its texture is pleasantly chewy, and it is used for sashimi as well as fried dishes. ⦿ ITOMAN / S craft beer This happoshu (low-malt beer) features label art meant to match fish dishes and luxuriously uses fruits produced in Itoman. The lineup includes Taman, a salt-lemon beer with fruity flavor and a sharp finish; Akamachi, a tropical beer with rich aroma and bitterness; and Irabucha, a spice beer that balances spiciness with citrus freshness. [Places to Visit in Itoman City] ⦿ Himeyuri Peace Museum Opened on June 23, 1989, the museum preserves the horrors of war and the importance of peace for future generations. Exhibits include belongings of the Himeyuri students, photographs, survivor testimony videos, and dioramas recreating part of the Nanjo army hospital cave and the interior of the Ihara Third Surgical Cave. Many visitors still come to offer prayers for peace. Postal code 901-0344 671-1 Ihara, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture ⦿ Roadside Station Itoman The seventh roadside station in Okinawa Prefecture and one of the largest in the prefecture. The site houses the Itoman City Product Center, a farmers’ market, the Itoman Fishing Cooperative Fish Center, and the Itoman City Tourism Association, bringing together sea and mountain specialties from Itoman. Shoppers from across the prefecture flock here for fresh vegetables and seafood from Itoman. Recommended for food lovers. Postal code 901-0306 4-19-1 Nishizaki, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture [Why Itoman Is Great] In February this year I visited Itoman for the first time as part of an exchange program. What struck me was the warmth of the people. Even strangers felt easy to talk to with no barriers. At the Itoman fair, people knew Tsunocho as if it were natural, and sometimes used dialects so strong I couldn’t fully understand them — yet even that felt warm. During the three-day visit we had welcome parties every night. I had worried about that beforehand, but those worries turned out to be unnecessary. The people of Itoman treated us without formality, offered hospitality, and showed a communal spirit and warmth I had not experienced in Miyazaki, making me want to return. [Friendship City – Saromacho, Hokkaido] Saromacho lies almost at the center of the Okhotsk General Subprefecture and faces Lake Saroma to the north. Its total population is about 4,600. The town tree is the large-leaved linden (Oobabodaiyu) and the town flower is the Ezo-murasaki azalea. Tsunocho and Saromacho began exchanges in 1993 through ties created by Toyo Tire test courses located to the south and north, and various organizations, including chambers of commerce, have deepened friendship through events and booths. In June 2014 they formally concluded an economic exchange partnership, and today each town’s roadside stations sell the other’s specialties. Especially popular is Saromacho’s young scallops, sold at Roadside Station Tsuno — they sell out almost immediately after restocking. [Specialties of Saromacho] ⦿ Scallops from Lake Saroma Scallops harvested in Saromacho, which has Hokkaido’s largest Lake Saroma, have firm flesh, a pleasant texture, and sweetness. As the birthplace of scallop aquaculture in Hokkaido, Lake Saroma scallops grow large and are shipped for raw consumption as shell-on scallops or raw adductor muscle. Processing facilities also make smoked oil–marinated scallops and dried adductor products, which are exported worldwide. These large, delicious scallops even converted me from someone who couldn’t eat scallops to someone who can! ⦿ Pumpkins Pumpkins are rich in vitamins, highly nutritious, and popular as a low-allergen food. At the JA Saroma pumpkin processing plant, pumpkins collected from growers are stored and sorted into fresh produce, winter-solstice pumpkins, and decorative pumpkins for Halloween. They also produce powdered, flaked, and frozen pumpkin paste as processed products. Decorative pumpkins are several times larger than ordinary pumpkins and turn orange through ripening rather than staying green. Their products contain no additives and are used even for baby weaning foods, making them popular as safe, versatile items. [Places to Visit in Saromacho] ⦿ Lake Saroma Observatory Horoiwa Mountain, at 376 meters, sits nearly at the center of Lake Saroma’s coastline. Because no tall mountains surround it, the view from here is outstanding. The Lake Saroma Observatory near the summit is the only place from which you can see the entire lake. You can see the sandbar separating the lake and the sea, the Sea of Okhotsk in the distance, and even the Shiretoko Mountains on the horizon. Enjoy this vast panorama that you can see only here. Postal code 093-0421 Naniwa, Saromacho, Tokoro District, Hokkaido ⦿ Roadside Station Saroma Lake and Bussankan Minori Along Japan National Route 238 facing Lake Saroma, you’ll find the roadside station and product center. The building is designed to evoke the town’s core dairy industry with imagery of a cowshed and a silo. The facility offers rest spaces for tourists and drivers and serves as a gateway for visitors to Lake Saroma. The product center sells local specialties and processed goods such as scallops and pumpkins from Saromacho, making it a hub for souvenirs from eastern Hokkaido. Shipping nationwide is available. The soft-serve ice cream made from local pumpkins is reportedly the shop’s most popular item. Postal code 093-0421 121-3 Naniwa, Saromacho, Tokoro District, Hokkaido [Why Saroma Is Great] First, Saroma’s great natural environment. I went to Hokkaido for the first time last year. What moved me then was the richness and vastness of Saroma’s nature. When people think of Hokkaido, they usually picture tourist spots like Sapporo or Otaru, but I want to recommend Saroma. Major tourist spots have their charms, of course. As someone who loves nature, I found Saroma extremely comfortable. I only stayed two days, but it felt livable enough to consider moving there. Roads are wide, grasslands are expansive, and everything feels huge. It was impressive. Above all, the food is delicious. The scallops that even I, who once disliked seafood, learned to enjoy are from Saroma, and the miso ramen made with Sapporo miso was superb. I also felt the kindness of the people. Perhaps their atmosphere reminded me of Tsunocho, which resonated with me. *I wanted to write more, but I ran out of characters…

The other day the weather was nice, so I went to the Avenue of white birch trees. The contrast of the blue sky, the snow, and the white birches is beautiful, isn’t it! You can enjoy the beauty of the Avenue of white birch trees in every season, so do visit and see for yourself 😊

"Roadside Station Engaru Mori no Okhotsk" is celebrating its 6th anniversary thanks to everyone's support! To show our gratitude, we will hold a Special Anniversary Fair on the dates below. Event dates: Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21 (two days) At the fair, customers who spend 2,000 yen or more can enter a one-time lottery, and select items in the shop, food court, and experiences will be offered at special prices! Please come visit "Roadside Station Engaru Mori no Okhotsk" this weekend♪ Roadside Station Engaru Mori no Okhotsk 150-1 Nogami, Engaru Town, Mombetsu District, Hokkaido 099-0344 Phone: 0158-42-4536 https://engaru-mori-no-okhotsk.jp//

【Advance Reservation Required】 Winter 2026 “Teshikaga Eco Passport” Town Sightseeing Bus Now Running!
We are announcing the Winter 2026 operation schedule for the Mashu–Kussharo Sightseeing Loop Bus, which visits the main scenic spots around Teshikaga.
The loop bus ticket, the “Teshikaga Eco Passport,” is available again this year in two options: a 2-day pass and a 3-day pass. Please make a reservation in advance and take advantage of it. It is recommended for those who are uneasy about driving or who want to enjoy sightseeing around Teshikaga with ease. For details, check the link “Teshikaga Navi.”


Operation Period
Saturday, January 24, 2026 – Sunday, March 1, 2026


Fares
Adult Child
2-day pass (2 days) 2,000 yen 1,000 yen
3-day pass (3 days) 3,000 yen 1,000 yen


Contact
Mashu Lake Tourism Association
3-3-1 Mashu 3-chome, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido 088-3201, Japan
TEL: 015-482-2200
Email: masyu_as@peace.ocn.ne.jp

Tsukatte Fukkatsu ♨️ Soak in the highly acidic waters of Kawayu Onsen, strong enough to even melt nails, and melt away everyday frustrations and bad ties with a cleansing bath for severing ties!! The Kawayu Onsen tie-severing bath tour plan is on sale at Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu, Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura, and Kawayu Koshyu Yokujo Yukichi‼︎🎶 If you don’t have time for that, we also offer a day-trip ema (votive plaque) for 2,000 yen✨Refresh both your mind and body with the tie-severing bath tour—give it a try! 💪♨️

Locomotive and VIP coach lit up! ✨🚂✨ This year marks the 30th anniversary since the Oji Light Railway (commonly called the Yamasen Line), which had been on display in Tokyo, returned to Tomakomai. About three thousand LEDs light up the Yamasen Line at Oji Acacia Park. Symbol Street Terrace has also started ✨ Enjoy exploring a variety of unique shops while taking in this special winter light scene ✨

[Announcement of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest] The annual Teshikaga Photo Contest will be held again this year. Submissions are invited under the theme "Experience the volcanoes, forests, and lakes through the four seasons of Teshikaga," and the winners will be announced on the tourism information portal Teshikaga Navi. Please check Teshikaga Navi for the contest entry guidelines and details. We look forward to your participation. "Call for Entries: 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest" Entry Period November 1, 2025 (Saturday) to January 20, 2026 (Tuesday); postmarked by this date Categories Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Open Prizes Grand Prize 1 entry…30,000 yen plus supplementary prizes (accommodation vouchers, Mashu Melon, etc.) Excellence Awards 3 entries…10,000 yen plus supplementary prizes / Honorable Mentions 5 entries…supplementary prizes / Special Prize and Tourism Association Prize: several awards ■ Thanks to the cooperation of local businesses, many supplementary prizes such as accommodation vouchers, meal vouchers, and local products are available. Organizer: Mashu Lake Tourism Association (local DMO) Supported by: Teshikaga Town, Teshikaga Town Board of Education, Lake Mashu Agricultural Cooperative, Teshikaga Town Promotion Corporation, Teshikaga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association, Mashu Onsen Ryokan Association, Mashu Melon Producers Association, Hokkaido Shimbun, Kushiro Shimbun, Ministry of the Environment Akan-Mashu National Park Management Office https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/15photocon/...

[Advance Reservation Required] Winter 2026 “Teshikaga Eco Passport” Town Sightseeing Bus Now Running! We are announcing the Winter 2026 operation schedule for the Mashu–Kussharo Sightseeing Loop Bus, which visits the main scenic spots around Teshikaga. The loop bus ticket, the “Teshikaga Eco Passport,” is available again this year in two options: a 2-day pass and a 3-day pass. Please make a reservation in advance and take advantage of it. It is recommended for those who are uneasy about driving or who want to enjoy sightseeing around Teshikaga with ease. For details, check the link “Teshikaga Navi.” Operation Period Saturday, January 24, 2026 – Sunday, March 1, 2026 Fares Adult Child 2-day pass (2 days) 2,000 yen 1,000 yen 3-day pass (3 days) 3,000 yen 1,000 yen Contact Mashu Lake Tourism Association 3-3-1 Mashu 3-chome, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido 088-3201, Japan TEL: 015-482-2200 Email: masyu_as@peace.ocn.ne.jp https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/2025winterecopassport/...

【Event Information】 ❄️Enjoy winter in Higashikawa-cho! The “Higashikawa Ice Festival” is here❄️ 🗓Date and Time: Saturday, January 17 and Sunday, January 18 📍Venue: Hagoromo Park and surrounding areas ✨A showcase of ice and snow artistry returns this year! ・Features the 12th Hokkaido Ice Carving Higashikawa Competition entries and ice and snow sculptures by general participants ・Rainbow slope and tube sliding — plenty of snowy play for all ages! ・A fireworks display lighting up the night sky🎆 ・Enjoy local gourmet food and hands-on experiences like ice glass and igloo making ・A rally game tournament (fee required) will also be held ❄️Packed with winter-only fun experiences! Bring your family and friends and come join us✨ 📄For details, please see the flyer.

An article about the traditional Kawayu Onsen Caravan, held on November 26—"Good Bath Day"—and organized by the Kawayu Onsen Caravan Executive Committee, has been posted 🆙. The caravan, wearing happi coats of the hot-spring source faction and carrying Kawayu Onsen lanterns, ran across eastern Hokkaido; we present scenes of their journey 🏃‍♀️💨 Please take a look ✨ https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/889/...

An update from the "Information Broadcast Bureau" on the Kawayu Onsen website has been posted📝🆙 An article about the traditional Kawayu Onsen Caravan (organized by the Kawayu Onsen Caravan Executive Committee), held on November 26—"Good Bath Day"—is now up💡♨️ The article introduces scenes of the caravan, wearing hanten coats of the hot spring source faction and carrying Kawayu Onsen lanterns as it races across Michihigashi🏃‍♀️💨Please take a look✨ 🔗 https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/889/...

A direct transfer from Kushiro Airport to Kushiro Prince Hotel. Unwind in your room and luxuriate in a view of one of the world’s three greatest sunsets. Stroll across Nusamai Bridge and visit Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO to soak up Kushiro’s charm, then enjoy the local cuisine “robata” for dinner. ✨ Start your morning at Top of Kushiro, where an interactive buffet begins a lavish day. We look forward to welcoming you at Kushiro Prince Hotel. Book through the profile URL. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

The "From the Information Desk" section on the Kawayu Onsen website has been updated 📝🆙 "Calm your mind and take a fresh look. Autumn at Kawayu Onsen." has been posted. With poor weather across the prefecture right now, take a breather and have a slow look 👀✨ You may rediscover how to enjoy the healing waters of Kawayu Onsen. https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/autumn/...

Winter is here! Snow has piled up, turning the landscape pure white. This road runs from Mt. Io to Kawayu Onsen town, and it’s beautiful in every season. On clear days, the distant mountains visible in the background stand out sharply. Why not take a winter drive yourself? Of course, snowy roads are dangerous, so put safety first. 🙇‍♂️🚨