【Clear skies today ☀️ The Northern Alps look beautiful 🏔】 On February 14th, Valentine’s Day, Omachi City enjoyed clear weather, and the snow-capped Northern Alps stood out against the blue sky ✨ I took photos from Omachi Park through Mikkamachi, across Renge Ohashi Bridge, and behind Omachi City Culture Hall 📱 The temperature rose into the teens Celsius, making the day feel like the first hint of spring 🌱

【✨Spectacular View from Omachi Park 🏔️】 On February 4, the first day of spring in the traditional calendar, the Northern Alps were visible beautifully from many spots across the city area 🏔️ So we headed to Omachi Park, a small hilltop park on the city’s east side. Omachi Park is an easy-to-reach scenic spot by car ✨ With no obstructions, you can take in a sweeping view of the town and the snow-capped Northern Alps 😊 If you happen to be nearby, this is a view you should enjoy ✨ ⭐️For more details about Omachi Park, see below 🔽🔽🔽 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/spot/omachipark/...

[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!

Northern Alps Foothills🏔️ Omachi City December 19 — The sky is clear today☀️ and the snow-capped Northern Alps stand out against the blue sky🏔 So, I went around Omachi City to visit the best Northern Alps viewpoints😊 1. Omachi Park 2. Mikamachi Kita signal crossing 3. Kannon Bridge 4. Asahi-cho Pedestrian Bridge 5. On the Shinano-Ōmachi Station overpass Spots 1–3 are reachable by car from shinanooomachi station, and spots 4–5 are within a 10-minute walk😌 I would be happy if you could stop by when you visit🥰 🏂 Shinano-Ōmachi Navi🏔 https://www.kanko-omachi.gr.jp//

Gokase Highland Ski Resort OPEN ✨ Today (12/19), the southernmost ski resort in Japan, Gokase Highland Ski Resort, opened ❄ An opening ceremony was held from 10:00, and skiers and snowboarders who had been eagerly awaiting this day attended 🎿🏂 The slopes are limited to about half their usual width, but the snowpack is solid 💡 As temperatures drop and more snow accumulates, the slopes should reach even better conditions 😊 Come and visit Gokase Highland Ski Resort this winter 😍⛄

Kyushu’s snowy mountain and winter vistas are here! ❄️ Gokase Highland Ski Resort Japan’s southernmost spot for supreme powder snow, Gokase Highland Ski Resort, opens on Friday, December 19th! As shown in the video, nothing beats the exhilaration of carving under a blue sky and the breathtaking sight of the frost-covered trees—snow monsters—that leave you speechless🏔️✨ With runs designed for everyone from beginners to experts and a sweeping panorama visible from the slopes, Gokase Highland offers a unique appeal!! Warm up your chilled body with the cozy dishes at the lodge🍜! This winter, enjoy the ultimate snowy mountain experience at Gokase Highland Ski Resort⛄

【⛄️Snow-Dusted Omachi City❄️】 After yesterday’s snow, fukujusō flowers in the Shinko area of Miasa were nestled in the snow❄️The yellow blooms peeking out from the white snow create a lovely contrast🌼A few photographers were taking pictures📷✨The cityscape visible from Omachi Park also showed a light dusting of snow⛄️After the chill through yesterday, today’s sunlight feels pleasantly gentle☀️A few sunny days look likely😌That said, it may still be a little while before true spring arrives in Omachi City😌 🌼Spring Flower Update 2025🌼 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/news/88859/... 🌸Last Year’s Cherry Blossom Report🌸 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/news/88713/...

🎿 Ski Resort Final Event 🏂 Sunday, March 9 was the last day of operations for Gokase Highland Ski Resort ❄️ Under a clear sky, a big prize drawing took place from 11:00 AM 🎁 Cheers erupted each time the winning numbers for lavish prizes were announced, and the drawing ended in great excitement 😆✨ After the drawing, visitors immediately enjoyed the last runs of the season on the slopes 🎿 Gokase Highland Ski Resort, revived this season ❄️ Thanks to everyone, we were able to operate safely through today 😊 Thank you very much 🥰 We look forward to seeing you again next season!!

How many snow patterns can you see from Shinano-Omachi? Today's quiz! We had an enormous amount of snow this winter. On mornings when I have to dig my car out before commuting, I feel completely drained from the start of the day. This morning the snow glittered, each flake shining like a crystal. The temperature dropped sharply and the air itself seemed to sparkle. When spring comes and the mountain snow begins to melt, snow patterns appear on the slopes. In Hakuba, where I grew up, there are patterns like the rice-transplanting horse and the Takeda crest on Goryu, but I learned that Azumino has many other snow patterns too! How many do you know? How many snow patterns can be seen from Omachi City? As always, find the answer on our blog! Please come visit us. We also introduce station-to-hike courses that start in April. https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/blog/90844/... The Omachi City Tourism Association's Instagram logo has been refreshed! We mainly introduce activities in Shinano-Omachi. Please follow and like our page! Likes make us very happy and encourage us a lot. https://www.instagram.com/omachi_activitybook/... Thank you for always reading!

🎆 The 23rd Omachi Onsenkyo Yume Fireworks and Sound Festival 🎵 The annual “23rd Omachi Onsenkyo Yume Fireworks and Sound Festival 2025” returns this year✨ A festival of sound and light that fills the midwinter air of Omachi Onsenkyo 🎆 On Saturday nights throughout February 2025, enjoy powerful taiko drumming and dreamlike fireworks displays as the festival takes place again this year. On the opening night, Saturday, February 1, the traditional sankuro (dondoyaki) fire ritual will be held🔥 You can also enjoy stage performances by Tsugaru shamisen group Fuzoroi no Ringo-tachi and the Omachi Yabusame Taiko ensemble 😌 🎆 Omachi Onsenkyo Yume Fireworks and Sound Festival 🎵 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/event/90417/...

✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ Aibetsu Family Ski Resort ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ Family Ski Resort in Aibetsu Town is attractive with gentle slopes and spacious slopes! Even children and first-timers can skate with peace of mind, and you can fully feel the fun of skiing. Let's still ⛷✨ enjoy winter Activities! We look forward to seeing you there! ■ Address: 351 Kitamachi, Aibetsu-cho, Kamikawa-gun ■Access: 45 minutes by Car from Asahikawa City ■ Business hours • Mon ~ Wed: 10 a.m. ~ 9 p.m. • Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. ~ 4 p.m. • Friday: Regular holiday

Seen from the Coast of Toyama Prefecture, it is the island and the snow-covered Tateyama mountain ranges that spread out in the background. It is a beautiful scenery created by the clear winter air.

【❄️ Winter Gokase 2025 Photo Submissions — Part 5 ❄️】 Today we continue to showcase photos submitted to the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram event “#Winter Gokase 2025” 🙌✨ @photo_ay_umi Here is another photo taken at Gokase Highland Ski Resort ⛷️💫 The subject and photographer were perfectly in sync, producing images that look like scenes from a commercial—simply wonderful 🤗💕 Thank you for your submission 🙇‍♀️ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gokase Town is covered in a snowy landscape this morning ☃️ The wind is howling and it’s really cold 😂 Road conditions are poor, so when you head out to shoot photos please use proper studless winter tires or chains and take care to stay safe and enjoy yourself without overdoing it 🙏 How to enter Follow the Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags “#Winter Gokase 2025” and “#location of the photo (e.g., #Unoko Waterfall)” 📸 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account→https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... ※There is a risk from snow accumulation and icy roads. When taking photos, secure your safety and take care to avoid accidents ⚠️

【❄️Introducing Photos Submitted to Winter Gokase 2025 — Part 4❄️】 Today we present photos submitted to the Winter Gokase 2025 contest, currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account 🫡🎉 @_aymiii_photo @eco9syu_sekiryo @photo_ay_umi *Order is random* From Gokase Highland Ski Resort we received delightful, humorous shots and beautiful images that convey the joy of snow 😆🎶 Thank you for your submissions 😌💕 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gokase Town has seen a touch of snow again since yesterday ❄️ It’s cold and icy roads are worrying, so going out can be daunting, but we also welcome photos taken in your own yard — capture a lovely winter scene and feel free to submit it 🤗✨ <How to Enter> Follow the Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags “#Winter Gokase 2025” and “#Photo location (e.g., #Unoko Falls)” 📸 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account → https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... *There are risks such as heavy snow and icy roads. Please ensure safety and take care to avoid accidents while shooting⚠️

【❄️Winter Gokase 2025 Photo Contest — Featured Entries Vol. 3❄️】 This is the third installment of our series showcasing entries posted to the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram for the “#Winter Gokase 2025” contest.💡 We’re excited to share more photos today!😆👏 @yamabico_san @aiaiaiaiaiaiai77 @conne.hikariconect @gokase_entertainment ※In no particular order Many submissions captured the quiet atmosphere and beautiful snowy scenery.😌❄️ Thank you for your entries.👏 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- We’re delighted to see the number of entries steadily growing.😊✨ Thank you all so much for your continued support.🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️ With about one month left until the entry deadline, please feel free to photograph any winter scenes you love and submit them.🤗💕 How to enter Follow the Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) and post your photo with the hashtags “#Winter Gokase 2025” and “#photo location (for example: #Unoko Falls)”.📸 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account → https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... ※There may be hazards such as deep snow or icy roads. Please ensure your safety and take care to avoid accidents when photographing.⚠️

[Kashima Fire Festival on Saturday, February 1!] This year again, the Kashimayari Ski Resort will host the Fire Festival on Saturday, February 1 at a special venue on the Nakatsuna slope. The event opens with the Mantō Festival, followed by powerful taiko drumming, torch descents, and a fireworks display you can enjoy. From 5:00 PM, sweet red-bean soup will be served! More details:🔽🔽🔽 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/event/90773/...

[❄️ Introducing Photos Submitted to Winter Gokase 2025 — Part 2 ❄️] Today we continue showcasing photos submitted to the Winter Gokase 2025 campaign, currently hosted on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account 🤩🎉 @moko.m This entry, like the others, captures everyday winter life in Gokase Town. Each warm photo seems to carry the cheerful voices of children, and viewing them brings joy 🥰✨ Thank you for your submission 👏 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- We have more submissions to share, so we’ll introduce them little by little 🤗 When submitting, a few people posted using the kanji “五ヶ瀬” for the title “Winter Gokase 2025.” We wondered if those were intended as entries, but please be careful when submitting in the future ⚠️ Use the hiragana “ごかせ”! The correct title is “Winter Gokase 2025” written as 「冬のGokase 2025」!! How to enter (Submission period — through February 28) Follow the Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko), and post with the hashtags “#冬のごかせ2025” and a tag for the photo location (for example: #Unoko Falls) along with your photo 📸 ※Snow and icy roads can be hazardous. Ensure safety when shooting and take care to avoid accidents ⚠️

❄️ Introducing Photos Submitted to Winter Gokase 2025 — Part 1 ❄️ We are showcasing photos submitted to the Winter Gokase 2025 contest, currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account 🤩🎉 @goto0619 @thusandleavis *Order is not indicative of ranking* These shots capture everyday moments in wintertime Gokase Town with a nostalgic feel 😌✨ Thank you for your submissions!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Over the past few days, daytime temperatures in Gokase Town have often felt mild ☀️ But it is still winter! In the mornings frost has turned gardens completely white. Here are places that froze over. You can even see animal tracks in the remaining snow! Please feel free to share any simple winter discoveries with us in the same easygoing spirit — we look forward to your entries!!! How to Enter (Submission Period through February 28) Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags "Winter Gokase 2025" and the name of the shooting location (for example: Uno no Ko Falls) along with your photo 📸 ※Snow accumulation and icy roads can be dangerous. When taking photos, please ensure your safety and take care to avoid accidents ⚠️

The Mountain Name 🏔 Omachi City has enjoyed several sunny days recently, and daytime temperatures have been relatively warm for this season☀️ The mountains look striking against the blue sky🏔 The mountain range visible from Omachi City is officially the Hida Mountains, commonly called the Northern Alps. From the Toyama Prefecture side it lies behind the Tateyama Range, so it is also referred to as the Ushered Tateyama Range (Ushiro-Tateyama Range)😌 Personally, it seems that the informal name "Northern Alps" has gained popular acceptance among residents on the Omachi side😊 ⭐️Official website "Shinano Omachi Navi"⭐️ https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp//

【Ski Resort Photos】 Today in Gokase the sky is overcast☁️ and it’s been raining and snowing since morning, so it’s still cold🥶 By the way, Gokase Highland Ski Resort finally opened the Paradise Course for a 1,000 m run the other day⛷️✨ Unfortunately, only a 500 m run is available right now due to a lift malfunction, but repair work is underway, so please wait for its reopening 🥹🙏 I took some photos at the ski resort the other day, so I’ll share them here📸💫 The blue sky and pure white rime are incredibly beautiful😳 This season the ski resort’s conditions are excellent compared with usual years, so please come and visit Gokase Highland Ski Resort 🤗 Also, the Gokase Tourism Association is collecting winter photos of Gokase as “Winter in Gokase 2025” on its Instagram account❄️ Photos of the ski resort are welcome, and any snapshots of winter scenes are fine📸 For details, please see the pinned post on our profile🙏 We look forward to many submissions ✨

Mt. Gakidake Capped in Snow🏔 On the first day of the three-day weekend, Omachi City enjoyed clear skies☀️ From the Tokiwa area of Omachi, Mt. Gakidake was beautifully visible🏔 Footprints appeared across the snowy rice fields 🐾🐾🐾 — whose could they be? It’s a perfect day for the slopes ⛷🏂 Local ski area information is below🔽🔽🔽 ⭐️ HAKUBA VALLEY Kashimayari Ski Resort ⭐️ https://www.kashimayari.net/snow/... ⭐️ Gadjigatake (Gadagake) Ski Resort ⭐️ https://jiigatake.com// ⭐️ For sightseeing in Omachi City, see below🔽🔽🔽 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp//

Snow-dusted city with the Northern Alps beyond the skyline🏔 From the end of the year through New Year’s Day, snow fell and cleared repeatedly❄️ In Omachi, not only the mountains but the city streets wore a dusting of snow⛄️ This afternoon the clouds over the Northern Alps cleared, so I went to Omachi Park to take photos🏔 Snow is forecast again starting tomorrow; please take care with footing on cold mornings and evenings when you visit😌 Discover Omachi tourism🔽🔽🔽 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp//

[Northern Alps from Omachi Park 🏔️] Today in Omachi City, the sky has been clear since morning ☀️ From Omachi Park, located in front of the Mountain Museum, the snow-capped Northern Alps could be seen beautifully 🏔️ Visitors taking photos cheered with delight ✨ For sightseeing in Omachi City, see below 🔽🔽🔽 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp//

[Ski resorts in Omachi City are open!] Jiigatake Ski Resort opens on Friday, December 13, and Kashimayari Ski Resort starts the season on Saturday, December 14. Omachi’s winter season has finally arrived ✨ Powder snow awaits you all ⛄ For details, please see the official website ☺

📍Iseyama This morning everything was white with frost, and the sky was a clear deep blue! At 8:30 a.m., Route 19 registered −1°C ❄️ The photo is of Iseyama this morning 🏔️ It looks like a perfect day for photographing the snow-dusted Alps ☀️

In January of this year, I took a picture of the scenery spreading out in front of me from my hotel room at Lake Tanuki. While retouching before posting, I found Mt. Fuji Ryu!! It has become a piece that can reaffirm the coolness of Japan, the country of the protection of the dragon god! !!

It's been about a month since the Taste Festival ended. The temperature has dropped considerably, Gari winter is finally coming. 　 Speaking of winter on the Shintotsugawa River, it is the Shintotsukawa Snow Festival! It is the last festival of the four major festivals in Shintotsukawa Town. Please leave your schedule free and come to us! 　 By the way, the preamble has become long, but we are looking for participants for the "Winter Hot Pot Festival" of the Shintotsukawa Snow Festival. In the town Town it doesn't matter if you're running a restaurant or an amateur, you can Stalls it. Stalls have been opened in the past from as far away as Sapporo and Shimizu Town. Why don't you promote your store and raise funds for your organization's activities while enlivening your Events? Summary the application method, so please Stalls! ~Events Details~ 〇Events name The 32nd Shintotsukawa Snow Festival 〇Date & Time 2025 (Reiwa 7) January 26 (Sun) 10:00~14:00 〇Place: Shintotsukawa Town Farming Village Environmental Improvement Center Miei-mae Square (North Central Park) 〇Events details　 ・Winter hot pot competition ・ International Wok Oshi Sumo Tournament (In the past, the talent Sou Takei and Fefu's sister participated!) The prize money is 30,000 yen! ・Jumbo slide

December 20, 2024 Gokase Highland Ski Resort OPEN🎉 On Thursday, August 1, at Gokasecho Town Hall, a press announcement confirmed that Gokase Highland Ski Resort is scheduled to open this season👏✨ The access road to the ski resort collapsed in the 2022 typhoon and became impassable, forcing Gokase Highland Ski Resort to close for two seasons. At last this season! “The winter of revival begins.” 🥳🎉 Under the banner “Reopen – Reunite –” we look forward to reuniting with many people from inside and outside the town, from other prefectures, and from abroad 🥰 Let’s enjoy this winter at the ski resort ⛷️🏂✨ OPEN dates: December 20, 2024 – early March Hours: 8:00–16:30

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Snow Trekking & Sledding An activity unique to Gokasecho, a town with a ski resort! Snow mountain climbing and sledding! The rush of sliding down snowy slopes on a sled is addictive! We provide a warming lunch. *Subject to snow accumulation from January to March* Price 10,000 yen per person; minors must be accompanied by a guardian Lunch included: hot sandwich and soup (menu may change) How to apply Shizenya Kawajin (email: ag1967@gray.plala.or.jp)

Snow-Covered Miya-no-Mori The third Wildlife Class for the village elementary school students This time, the theme was “Let’s Search for Treasures in the Winter Forest!” The highlight was a snowshoe treasure hunt through Miya-no-Mori, which spreads across and above the ski area. Each treasure had a transmitter attached, so using a tool called a Yagi antenna, the children traced signals while climbing up and down the slopes. When listening to the sound from the receiver, everyone focused and strained their ears to find the direction with the least noise. The weather was clear. With the air so crisp, it was an ideal day for walking through the snowy Miya-no-Mori. The kids seemed a little disappointed that the many treasures they found were not food or warm drinks, but they did take home venison stew as a souvenir. On a personal note, I was also happy to reunite with the university student I met during the summer camp session.