🛩️ 【Limited Event】 Departing from Kushiro Airport! Space Walk Tour 🌌 A special tour featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the airport and a special sightseeing flight has been confirmed! 📅 Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026, only ⏰ Time: Gather at 09:00 / Scheduled to disperse at 13:15 💰 Price: Adults 28,800 yen / Children 26,800 yen 【Experience Menu for the Day】 Viewing ground handling operations & thrilling takeoff observation Tour of the airport's dedicated "chemical fire truck" Approximately 70-minute special sightseeing flight✈️ (Over Mt. Taisetsuzan, Hidaka Mountain Range, and Hokkaido Spaceport "HOSPO") 🎁 Bonus: Collaboration-exclusive original goods & boarding certificate gift! For details and reservations, check the tour details page of Rado Tourism👇 https://www.rado.co.jp/network/fda/quick-trip/fda_hokkaidoss/?CK_MEDIA=157...

Introduction of Tsuba from Wakeido Model Number: T380709 Title: Setsurin baijyu karigane sukashi Tsuba Signature: Mumei Daigoro Certification: N.B.T.H.K. Hozon Tousougu Size: Length 84.8mm Width 84.4mm Thickness 3mm Period: Middle of Edo School: Kyo Sukashi Explanation Kyo Sukashi refers to the ground-sukashi tsuba made in Yamashiro Province, famous alongside Owari, Kanayama, and Akasaka tsuba. Similar to other sukashi tsuba, the technique is believed to have developed in the late Muromachi period, and during the Edo period, Kyo tsuba contrasts with the robust and powerful construction of Owari tsuba, being elegant and delicate. The patterns are refined and sophisticated, reflecting the culture of Kyoto. Among them, the tsuba handled by the tsuba merchant, Daimonji Gorobei, during the middle of the Edo period are particularly well-crafted and refined, collectively known as Daigoro tsuba.

Introduction to Rental Bicycles 🚴🚴🚴 How about casually exploring the hot air balloon town of Kami Shihoro with a rental bicycle in a "Chari-bura" style? From leisurely cycling around the town to tackling the challenging climbs and descents of a real hill climb, you can enjoy it in your preferred style 🎵🎵 Bicycles are available for rent at three locations: "Michinoeki Kamishihoro" and "Kamishihoro Town Transportation Terminal" in the city center, and "Higashi-Taisetsu Nature Center" in the Nukabira area! Additionally, on the two selectable 22km courses between "Higashi-Taisetsu Nature Center" and "Michinoeki Kamishihoro," a drop-off service is also available. If you start from the "Higashi-Taisetsu Nature Center" in Nukabira Gensenkyo, you can enjoy a comfortable downhill ride, mainly downhill‼ On the other hand, for those who want to test their stamina, the uphill-focused hill climb course on the reverse route is recommended. 🚵‍♀️🚵‍♀️ Tailor your ride to your fitness level and enjoy a breezy journey through the great outdoors 🤗 https://kamishihoro.info/rentalcycle/...

It took a year to finally complete it. I took photos of Doctor Yellow in the vicinity of Omi Nagaoka Nishiyama Castle Ruins throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter. In spring, there are cherry blossoms; in summer, a blue sky; in autumn, the foliage; and in winter, snow.

At the Akagi Kogen Service Area on the downbound side of the Kanetsu Expressway, there is a park behind the shops. In spring, there are spots where tulips and other flowers are planted. On clear days, you can see the snow-capped Mt. Komagatake and Mt. Hotaka. While walking in the park, I spotted the snow-covered Mt. Komagatake between the red and white cherry blossoms.

This is the Taushubetsu River Bridge in Kamishihoro Town, Hokkaido. It has a unique presence reminiscent of an ancient ruin. In the past, it was accessible freely, but now the gates are closed. You need to either reserve a key from the roadside station or join a tour from places like the Higashitaisetsu Nature Guide Centre to visit. You can park your car before the forest road gate and walk or bike there, but it's a rough 4-kilometer gravel road. Also, it's out of mobile service range, so there’s no way to contact anyone in case of trouble. Additionally, this area is a habitat for brown bears, so all actions are at your own risk. Every year, the bridge sinks into the lake after autumn and freezes in mid-winter, leading to weathering and collapse in various places. Some parts also crumbled during the spring earthquake. It won't be long before it can no longer maintain its complete arch.

A clear morning in Azumino, where you can see Omachi and Hakuba The village of Azumino is now filled with melting snow from the Northern Alps 😄

The local sake 'Daisekkei' is beloved in Azumino. This regional sake features a rich flavor and crisp dryness, using meltwater from the Northern Alps as its brewing water. From everyday favorites enjoyed during casual evening drinks to high-class varieties highly rated at tasting competitions, there is a wide selection available. At the directly managed store 'Hanamon Daisekkei,' which has been renovated from an old traditional house from the late Edo period, you can enjoy tastings and shopping in a calm atmosphere.

The snow shape of Mt. Chogatake can be seen from Azumino.😀 On the left shoulder of Mt. Chogatake, the snow shape resembling a butterfly, which inspired its name, is visible. Due to the recent heat, the snow is melting quickly, and before I knew it, it has become quite different from its original butterfly shape…💦

[Winter Wildlife Class] A wildlife class for elementary school students in the village. Adults knowledgeable about hunting and the mountains served as staff and provided opportunities for the children to connect with the nature around them. This time there were two activities: making candles from Ezo deer fat and a winter forest walk. The staff had simmered the Ezo deer fat in advance. We examined materials to see how it had cooled and solidified into white and what it had looked like before that change. While reheating the fat, the children decorated small jars with stickers. After finishing the outer decorations, they shaved crayons into small pieces and put them into the jars to color the candles. The warmed, clear Ezo deer fat gave off its distinctive scent as it returned to the classroom. They poured the fat into jars with a hanging cotton string, stirred so the crayon bits would melt, and left them to set. 🦌 🦌 🦌 After a restroom break, we set off for Miyanomori. The road snow had melted and frozen into a slick surface, but the children, who walk this route to and from school every day, moved along with ease. When we reached the torii gate, we did thorough warm-ups and put on snowshoes. Following the footprints of the staff who had walked the trail the day before, we lifted our snowshod feet high and climbed step by step. The snowshoes, the heavy snow, and the sunlight worked up a good sweat. Along the way we observed animal tracks and the buds on branch tips. When we reached a more open area, we took a break and then began a game of hide-and-seek in the snow. We tried hiding in the shade of trees and behind mounds of piled snow. Two university student staff members did their best to search for us. 🦌 🦌 🦌 Back in the classroom after taking off our snowshoes, the candles had cooled and solidified nicely. Their colors had shifted slightly from when they were hot, and that was beautiful too. It will be fun to try them at home. This concludes this year’s wildlife class. Thank you to the children who participated and to all the staff! #Wildlife Class #Candles #Snowshoes

Ski Festival The children of Nishiokoppe Elementary School held their annual ski festival to showcase what they learned in ski lessons ⛷ The recent warmth had turned the snow into a hard, crunchy surface. There were worries it might be difficult to ski on, but the participating students steadily warmed up and skied smoothly. Once everyone was ready, the younger grades started their runs. Their names were announced along with each child’s stated goal for how they wanted to ski, and then they set off. When the younger children skied, instructors sometimes skied alongside them to provide close guidance. Even on less-than-ideal snow, the instructors skied backward with poise and stability. Impressive work. - As a side note, it was a clear, sunny day. The sun was just above the slope when you looked up, and many parents wore sunglasses 😎 Not only the children skiing but also the staff filming for the village broadcast were bathed in sunlight. - As the grades went up, more children skied at faster speeds. After finishing their runs, the children cheered from the bottom of the slope for those coming down. The final skiers, the sixth graders, came down with such momentum that they stopped just at the edge of the area where their juniors were seated, kicking up snow in a dramatic display. You could hear bright yellow cheers. When everyone had finished skiing, we enjoyed cocoa prepared by the parents. The cocoa, warmed in a pot, warmed us through with its deliciousness. Well done to the children, the teachers, and all the parents. #Ski Festival #Ski

Crystals of light dancing in Taisho-era romance ■Location Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture ■Background and thoughts behind the work Ginzan Onsen sits quietly in the deep mountains of Yamagata. On a night when snow piled softly on the streets steeped in Taisho-era romance, I attempted something for the first time. I used the built-in flash to capture the “expressions of snow invisible to the eye.” Until then I had cherished natural light, but that evening I felt a strong urge to make each drifting snowflake shine like a jewel. The instant the flash fired, pure white snow crystals appeared against the dark, and the warm orange glow of the gas lamps contrasting with the cold snow created a dreamlike scene. In the subzero cold I kept shooting until my fingertips went numb, and when I saw the glittering snow on the preview screen, I felt an indescribable emotion. Through my first strobe shoot, I rediscovered the beauty of movement dwelling within frozen time. This photograph is an unforgettable and precious image for me.

<Scenic Night 2026 in Kimobetsu is coming!> Scenic Night 2026 in Kimobetsu, an event that lights the town with snow candle glow, will take place. We have planned children’s games, snow candle making, and a midwinter fireworks display, so please come dressed warmly! At the midwinter food court we will sell pork miso soup and takoyaki, and at the midwinter beer garden we will offer draft beer, pork skewers, chicken skewers, and more. We look forward to seeing you. Date and time: Saturday, February 21, 2026 13:30 Children’s games registration 15:00 Snow candle making, midwinter food court, and midwinter beer garden open 17:00 Snow candle lighting 18:30 Midwinter fireworks display 20:00 Scheduled end (Program may change due to weather or other reasons) Location: Around Hotto Kimobetsu Roadside Station, Kimobetsucho Organizer: Kimobetsu Scenic Night Executive Committee, NPO Kimobetsu WAO

Event Announcement📣 On Sunday, February 15, 2026, Makubetsu’s Churui will host the 43rd Nauman All-Hokkaido Sled Competition 😊 Alongside the general division—where participants race on homemade cardboard sleds and are judged on sled craftsmanship and finish time—there will be an elementary school speed division and a parent-and-child speed division 🎵 Other activities include a “Treasure Hunt” inspired by the buried-gold legend of Churui Maruyama and a photo-movie contest for sharing fun memories from the sled competition ✨ 📍Date and Time: Sunday, February 15, 2026 📍Venue: Churui Hakugindai Ski Area 📞Contact: Tournament Office 01558-8-2111 http://www.makubetsu.jp/kankobussankyokai/?p=8682...

Event Announcement 📣 From February 11 to February 14, 2026, Nakasatsunaimura will host “Snow Art Village Nakasatsunai 2026” for four days 😊 You can view the expansive snow art that local snow artist and AOILO Inc. representative Tomohiro Kajiyama creates on the snowy plain from a special 8-meter-high yagura viewing platform 🎵 Please enjoy this snow-made art that you can only see in the art village of Nakasatsunai 🤗 📍Dates: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 ▶ Saturday, February 14, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM *Canceled in severe weather; event dates may change depending on snowfall conditions 📍Venue: Nakasatsunai Cultural Creation Center and surrounding special event sites 🔶 Indoor Event Venue (Nakasatsunai Cultural Creation Center) 📍 Snow Art Video Screening We will screen past snow art works and footage of the making process. 📍 Snow Art Panel Exhibition (Entrance) A collection of past works shot by drone will be on display 🎶 Explore the history of Snow Art Village Nakasatsunai! https://kankou-nakasatsunai.com/event-list/page-3619/...

The winter forest is muddy Miyanomori, which rings the ski area, can be climbed and descended in about an hour to the shelter at the summit. On a warm day with temperatures around 0°C, the old man who lives opposite Miyanomori says he sometimes climbs it twice a day. With that reliable old man, I climbed Miyanomori too. - Thanks to the previous day’s warmth, the snow had melted, and on the packed snowshoe tracks the snow seemed walkable in rubber boots. ※Snowshoe: a device attached under boots to prevent sinking deeply into snow. Also called kanjiki. Once I bravely started walking in rubber boots, trouble began. Looking sideways and up, my feet slipped off the packed tracks and I plunged into the snow. Apparently, when your feet get caught in snow it’s called “nukareru” (to sink in). Seeing me struggle so much, the old man walked ahead for me. He climbed at a surprisingly quick pace. Out of shape from lack of exercise, I couldn’t catch up, so I climbed at my own pace without rushing. I snapped a photo of his back along the way. The old man would wait a short distance on and tell me things like, this tree died because deer ate its bark, or, it’s rare to see a vine this thick. Traces where deer had raced across slopes too steep for people, and deer prints beside the snowshoe tracks. It was a walk through this quietly snow-covered forest, feeling the presence of living creatures. 📷️ 📷️ 📷️ There are said to be over 30 stone monuments in Miyanomori. Even the old man doesn’t know why they’re there. Perhaps villagers once placed them to protect the forest. Snow perched atop a tree. Someone on social media had called a cornice “like braised pork,” and I remembered that. I saw several large katsura trees. Their branch tips twist and curl. Behind the direction signboard, the disturbed snow marks a deer trail. Something like a nut lay on the snow. From the shelter you can take in a panoramic view of the town. Just then, a ski class was in full swing at the ski area below. 📷️ 📷️ 📷️ Here are scenes from a winter walk in Miyanomori. #Miyanomori #Walk

Azumino’s breathtaking viewpoint – Mount Nagamine summit From here you can enjoy views of the Northern Alps♪ I gazed out over Azumino, dyed entirely in white!!

February 8th Snowy landscape at Daio Wasabi Farm Japan’s largest wasabi field is also wrapped in snow Perhaps because the snow absorbs sound, a quiet world spreads out

February 8th Snowy Scenery in Azumino The snow that fell steadily since last night has turned Azumino into a sea of white.

February 8th Hotaka Station on the JR Oito Line, the gateway to Azumino sightseeing It snowed last night, and Azumino is blanketed in white Visitors should take care with their footing!!

We visited the Otaru Snow Festival on a day when the snowfall felt almost unreal, layers upon layers of snow covering everything in sight. The cold was intense, yet the spirit of the people was even stronger—unshaken, cheerful, and welcoming. Despite the heavy snow, they warmly invited us to become part of the festival, as if we belonged there all along. Though the air was biting, the kindness and smiles around us filled the atmosphere with joy. As evening fell, the sight of countless candles glowing softly along the canal was nothing short of magical—the gentle light reflecting on the snow and water turned Otaru into a living winter dream.

February 3rd In the morning, snowflakes drifted over Azumino The sky cleared and the Northern Alps stretched into the distance as far as Hakuba The OitoLine runs toward Hakuba

Event Announcement📣 The 7th Shimizu Shakkoi Festival will be held🎵 This year we plan to bring back the ever-popular Snow Treasure Hunt game and candy toss😊 There will also be festival stalls offering target shooting and raffle draws, plus food trucks😍 We promise a fun day and look forward to welcoming everyone🤗 🔶Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026 🔶Time: 9:30 AM–3:00 PM (canceled in severe weather) 🔶Venue: Shimizu Central Park and Shimizu Town Cultural Center 📞Inquiries: 0156-62-2208 (Shimizu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry) https://www.town.shimizu.hokkaido.jp/section/08/details/post_75.html...

January 26th Azumino was broadly clear today The Northern Alps, thickly capped with snow, could be seen

Event Announcement 📣 The 63rd Obihiro Ice Festival runs from January 30 to February 1. 😊 With the theme of bringing warmth and joy to the northern winter, the festival offers a wide variety of attractions. 🎵 The venue features ice-focused works: ice carvings, ice and snow sculptures, and ice masks made by elementary school students. Families can also enjoy popular attractions like rotating sleds, tube sliders, ice slides, and snow rafting. 😍 Workshops for building snowmen and creating sparkling snow domes let visitors fully experience snow and ice over these three days. 🤗 📍Date and Time: Friday, January 30, 2026 – Sunday, February 1, 2026, 10:00–20:00 (Final day closes at 5:00 PM) 📍Location: Midorigaoka Park 📞Contact: Obihiro Festival Promotion Committee TEL: 0155-22-8600 https://obihiro-icefes.com//

[Sky and Frost-Covered Trees] Last Friday (January 23) I went to Gokase Highland Ski Resort. The sky was clear that day, making it not only perfect for skiing but also ideal for photography. I warmed my freezing hands as best I could and protected my camera from the cold while shooting. I plan to share these images unedited. The Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram photo contest “Winter in Gokase 2026” is still accepting entries, so please consider submitting your work!

January 26th Azumino the day after it snowed The western foothills of the Northern Alps had accumulated snow, but the eastern side was only lightly dusted I looked out over Azumino from the summit of Mount Nagamine The summit had less snow than I had expected

Event Announcement📣 On Sunday, January 25, 2026, Roadside Station Nakasatsunai will host the Nakasatsunai Winter Festival 😊 Enjoy a full lineup of snow activities, including snow rafting, a snow treasure hunt, and a snowy slide! Make the most of the cold winter day and have fun! Food trucks will also be on site, so you can enjoy tasty treats 🎵 📍Program Highlights ・Snow rafting (one ride 100 yen, limited to the first 250 participants) ・Stamp rally (limited to the first 100 children in elementary school or younger) ・Snow treasure hunt (for elementary school children or younger) ・Sledding 🛷 (free sled rentals available) ・Marshmallow roasting (3 pieces for 50 yen; available while supplies last) ・Hot milk served (limited to the first 100 people) 📍Date and Time: Sunday, January 25, 2026, 10:00–12:00 📍Location: Roadside Station Nakasatsunai South Side Special Venue Bring your family and friends and come to Roadside Station Nakasatsunai 🤗 https://michinoeki-nakasatsunai.jp/post_event/post_event-1311/...

Event Announcement 📣 Lake Shikaribetsu, sitting at 800 meters above sea level and famed nationwide for its clarity, freezes over in winter. On the frozen surface, a magical village called shikaribetsu lake kotan appears only during the winter months. Kotan is the Ainu word for "village." 😊 This is a world created by people who gather at Lake Shikaribetsu, using the lake’s great natural power. 🎵 You can enjoy an "ice bar" serving drinks amid a world of snow and ice, an "open-air bath on the ice" where you can soak while taking in snowy scenery, and many other experiences such as making ice glasses, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing!! 📍Date and Time: Saturday, January 24, 2026–Sunday, March 15, 2026 📍Location: Lakeside of Lake Shikaribetsu (Shikaribetsu, Shikaoi, Kawato-gun, Hokkaido) 📍Admission: Season Pass 500 yen (elementary school age and up) 📞Contact: shikaribetsu lake kotan Executive Committee TEL: 0156-69-8181 (inside shikaribetsu lake nature center)

January 11th MtJonen summit sending up plumes of drifting snow Around noon today a trough of low pressure began passing over Azumino, turning a calm morning into fierce winds… The ridgeline of the Northern Alps visible from Azumino also turned white as snow plumes rose.