What are classes like at school these days? They say classroom scenes have been changing year by year. Lessons that used to be mostly the teacher talking now actively incorporate group work. Where students once laid out textbooks and notebooks on their desks, teachers and students now use tablet devices, sharing screens and submitting assignments. Why has the teaching style changed, and how else, beyond what’s listed above, has it changed? You can of course read books that explain today’s classes, but why not try experiencing a class yourself? Principal Hama of Nishiokoppe Elementary and Junior High School will be the instructor. Thursday, January 29 6:00 PM–8:00 PM At Hotel Morimu, Nishiokoppe Village, audiovisual room Anyone is welcome to join No reservation required. Organized by: Nishiokoppe Elementary and Junior High School Management Council #Trial class #Principal #Reiwa #Class

Event Announcement📣 The nighttime winter-only event at TokachigawaOnsen, called "Sairinka," is held each year in honor of the swans that fly into TokachigawaOnsen.😊 A fantasy show synchronizing sound and light creates a magical atmosphere. About 600 luminous objects made from agricultural insulating material and LED bulbs change with the music to delight spectators' eyes.🎵 Date and Time: Saturday, January 24, 2026 – Sunday, February 15, 2026, 7:00 PM–9:00 PM Venue: Tokachigaoka Park Event Maintenance Contribution: 500 yen per person for junior high school students and older; free for elementary school students and younger Contact: Tokachi River Onsen Tourism Association TEL:0155-32-6633 https://www.tokachigawa.net/event/sairinka.html...

A fire burned at Tomioka Elementary School for the first time in about 20 years. The children who once took part are now parents, passing the tradition to today's kids. On Sunday, January 18, the "Dondoya"—held at Tomioka Elementary School for the first time in about 20 years—took place. The familiar crack of bamboo snapping, "Bachi bachi!" Beyond the height of the flames, the crowd's warmth was overwhelming…! They grilled mochi over the embers, enjoyed steaming roasted sweet potatoes, and sipped pork miso soup that warmed the body. Watching children stuffing their cheeks with mochi they had toasted themselves, I felt reminded of the importance of keeping this tradition alive. From the lighting at 9 a.m., the happy hours passed in a flash. Thank you so much to everyone in the community who planned and prepared the event. Winter in Tomioka is the best. If you missed it, why not join the circle next year? If you want to help preserve Reihoku's traditions, please follow us via the icon at the top left to show your support. We’re sharing the charms of Reihoku! ✨

The annual Jomon Snow Festival, a fixture during the Sapporo Snow Festival, will take place for two days on Sunday, February 8 and Monday, February 9 at Sapporo-Chika-Ho Kita 3 Jo Intersection Plaza (West). Although from a different era, Engaru Town has been invited to participate. Engaru Town’s booth will be packed with activities, including a badge-making experience in collaboration with the characters from the national treasure "Shirataki Site Group artifacts"—Ishi no Takara-kun and Kakkū—an hour-specified survey that lets you try a gacha for a chance to win novelty items, and sales of original coffee beans in national-treasure-character packaging along with character goods. Of course, the event is full of attractions that Jomon enthusiasts will love. Whether you love the Jomon period or the Stone Age, everyone is welcome—please come and join us!!

🌼We have updated the daffodil bloom report🌼 The daffodils at Cape Tsumeki are at their peak✨ Every area is at its best for photos right now📸🤍 Come smell the soft scent of daffodils and enjoy an early taste of spring🌸 https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20260122...

I went to the Okhotsk Fair! January 14 (Wednesday)–15 (Thursday) I visited the Okhotsk Fair held in the underground pedestrian space Chi-Ka-Ho that connects Sapporo Station and Odori Station! From Nishiokoppe Village, Milk Design Co., which processes grass-fed milk produced in the village, had a booth. They sold milk, yogurt, drinkable yogurt, butter, mozzarella cheese, and string cheese, and gratefully sold out🙌 People who work nearby stopped by during lunch breaks or on their way home, and tourists walking through Chi-Ka-Ho showed interest. I was very happy that people living outside Hokkaido and visitors from abroad picked up Nishiokoppe Village’s specialty products. Our booth was along the walkway, so we only caught a glimpse of the stage, but there were quizzes and PR times from each town, appearances by local mascots, and a performance by laufen, an ambassador for Okhotsk tourism! I enjoyed two days of mingling with other vendors active in the Okhotsk area. Little Setoushi-kun was delighted to take two-shot photos with Okebanbaku-kun and Tsukutsuku Okhotsukun. #Okhotsk #Okhotsk Fair #Milk Design #grass-fed milk #dairy products #Chi-Ka-Ho #underground pedestrian space #delicious

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)

We will hold the “Enichibai Plum Viewing Event” at Hontō-ji Temple in Nobeoka City. This springtime event lets you enjoy authentic matcha while admiring a magnificent 240-year-old weeping white plum tree along with other white and red plum blossoms. Wrapped in the gentle scent of plum blossoms, why not take a moment to relax and soothe your heart? ⁡ 𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃 📅 Tuesday, February 10 and Wednesday (holiday), February 11, 2026 🕙 10:00–16:00 📍 Hontō-ji Temple (1133 Matsuyama-cho, Nobeoka City) 💰 Free admission 🍵 Outdoor tea service (matcha) one bowl 500 yen (with sweets) 🗺️ Historic site guide: free ⁡ 𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃 Follow the official Nobeoka Flower Story account @nobeokahanamonogatari for bloom updates and the latest event information during the festival. We’d be happy if you follow and check for updates.☑ For inquiries about the Enichibai Plum Viewing Event: Nobeoka Flower Story Executive Committee (0982-29-2155) https://nobeokahanamonogatari.net/home2026/kanbaikai_2026/...

🗻Let’s watch the Diamond Fuji from the city hall rooftop🗻 The rooftop of Kamagaya City Hall offers a relatively high and clear view within the city, allowing you to see Mount Fuji together with the Tokyo Sky Tree! About twice a year, at the moment when the sun overlaps Mount Fuji’s summit at sunset, the scene can sparkle like a diamond—this phenomenon is called “Diamond Fuji.” It truly is a work of natural art!✨ Why not enjoy the beautiful scene of Mount Fuji and the setting sun that appears only at this time of year?🌇 Best viewing time Monday, February 2 — around 4:59 PM The city hall rooftop opening hours are extended until 5:45 PM (except Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) through March 31. Viewing requests This is not an organized viewing event, so no registration is required. Equipment taller than 150 centimeters may not be brought in. Please avoid setting up tripods or leaving them in place for long periods. Commerce and Tourism Division https://www.city.kamagaya.chiba.jp/kanko-bunka-sports/kanko/diamondfuji/diamond-fuji.html...

🌼We updated the daffodil blooming report🌼 They are in full bloom, so now is the best time😌🤍! Today (January 19) at Cape Tsumeki the wind was calm and the weather was warm enough to skip a jacket! (It is often windy here, so don’t forget to dress warmly💨🧣) See the blog for photos and more details👇 https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20260119...

♬ Sophia Sakai Starry Teller keisuke’s Planetarium Laughter SHOW ♬ We invite starry storyteller keisuke, the owner of the “Hoshi Cafe SPICA” in Osaka and a performer who blends humor into sky presentations under the motto “making the starry sky entertainment,” for a laugh-filled starry sky entertainment show.✨ Sign up online via the website😊 📅 Date and time: Saturday, January 24, 18:00–18:45 📍 Venue: Sophia Sakai Planetarium ( @sophiasakai_pla ) 💰 Admission: Adults 600 yen, Children 250 yen 👥 Capacity: 140 people (first-come, first-served registration) 🔍 For details, search “Sophia Sakai Starry Teller”! https://www.sofia-sakai.jp/events/...スターリーテラーkeisukeのプラネタリウムで笑いまshow/

Event Announcement 📣 “Hombetsucho Bean-Scattering Night” will be held on Saturday, January 24th 😊 This event, timed for the Setsubun season, celebrates beans, a local specialty of Hombetsucho. Setsubun takes place the day before Risshun (the beginning of spring) and traditionally involves scattering beans to drive away evil spirits. It is said this practice began to ward off the misfortune and demons that can enter at seasonal boundaries 👹 At this event we will stage a dramatic bean-scatting spectacle using more than 2.5 tons of consecrated beans to vanquish many demons, and a “bean shower” where participants are drenched in over 100 kg of beans like a waterfall, among other bean-themed attractions. A lineup of food trucks will also gather so you can enjoy plenty of gourmet treats 🎵 https://www.town.honbetsu.hokkaido.jp/sightseeing/fes/details/mamemakanight.html...

“Can you believe all of this is handmade?” A massive pyre has appeared that can withstand the sea breeze of Tomioka. Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18th at 9:00 AM, the Dondoyama ceremony will take place at Tomioka Elementary School. This pyre rises more than five meters high. Looking up from below, you’ll be overwhelmed by its sheer presence. Please come and feel the passion that everyone poured into preparing for this day on site. A winter tradition wishing for good health and safety. Let’s watch together the moment a great pillar of flame soars into the Tomioka sky!

🌼✨【Tomorrow, Sunday 1/18】Daffodil Festival × Food Truck Info✨🌼 On January 18th, food trucks will appear at Cape Tsumeki, the site of the Daffodil Festival 🚚✨ You’ll find warm comfort foods, coffee, and an all-you-can-pack tangerine offer 😋🍊 Plus, for every 500 yen you spend, you can join a raffle to win kinmedai (splendid alfonsino) goods or pair admission vouchers for local tourist facilities Everyone wins something—there are no losing tickets 😲✨ From 10:00 a.m., enjoy the regular Shimoda Taiko performance and complimentary Ikenodan simmered miso hotpot! Please enjoy the event alongside the daffodils in full bloom 🌼🌈 👉 Check the images for details on vendors and times 📸👀

On Wednesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 15, 2026, we will hold an Iwanai Onsen PR event on the second floor Center Plaza of New Chitose Airport. Hot spring hand baths experience ♨ Tastings of craft beer from Iwanai-cho 🍺 Information about the hot spring and town tour “DISCOVER IWANAI,” and a small gift for those who complete our survey♪ Although Iwanai Onsen sits right next to the Niseko area, it is a quiet port town hot-spring destination surrounded by sea and mountains ♨ It has earned nationwide recognition as a beautifying hot spring. Rather than a bustling tourist spot, this is a place we want people to discover who seek quiet, unhurried time with the hot springs. Meet us at the airport, and next time meet us on site. Whether you live nearby or are passing through on a transfer, please feel free to stop by!!! Local specialties will also be on sale at the event booth. Take this chance to get to know Iwanai-cho!!

“2026 Rookie Kama-sta☆Unveiling Event” at Kama-sta! A presentation for the newly signed players will take place at Fighters Kamagaya Stadium! ⚾ Date and time: Sunday, January 18, 2:00 PM (doors open: 1:30 PM, scheduled) ⚾ Venue: Fighters Kamagaya Stadium indoor practice field On the day, we will accept notification of moving into Kamagaya City and hold a talk show, among other events ✨ At the city PR booth, ticket holders for the unveiling event (first 75 people per session: ①11:00 ②12:00) can enter a free lottery to win Kamagaya Furusato Products! Celebrate the rookies’ new start and join us in cheering from Kama-sta📣 Commerce and Tourism Division Fighters Farm Partnership Promotion Office https://www.city.kamagaya.chiba.jp/kanko-bunka-sports/sports/Fightersrenkei/ohiromekai2026.html...

🌼 We have updated the daffodil bloom report 🌼 They have finally reached their peak viewing season 👏✨ Daffodils are now blooming beautifully across the garden, and the prime viewing period looks set to continue for a while 🤍✨ We summarized the bloom status and highlights on our blog, so please check it out below 👇 https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20260109...

[Notice of Winter Night Scenery Operation on MtOoyama Cable Car] MtOoyama Cable Car will operate a “Winter Night Scenery” service during the following period. During the event, the first 200 passengers using the cable car each day will receive a cup of amazake. Additionally, a greeting event with a popular character will be held! Enjoy the crisp winter air and the night views at MtOoyama. ■Event Period 2026 Saturday, January 10; Sunday, January 11 Monday, January 12 (national holiday) Saturday, January 17; Sunday, January 18 Saturday, January 24; Sunday, January 25 ■Cable Car Operating Hours Service runs until 7:00 p.m. each day For details, please see the official website. https://www.ooyama-cable.co.jp/winteryakei2026.html...

Woody Winter School - Now Accepting Participants - Combine wooden parts and try making a fire truck 🚒 This is a woodworking class hosted by the Forest Museum “Mokumu”. You may come to Komu, The Museum of the Forest, and work at your own pace over about one month. Estimated work time is about 15 hours. If you work about four hours a day, you can expect to finish in four days. Duration: Thursday, February 5th – Sunday, March 1st Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays each week 10:00–16:00 ※Lunch break is from 12:00 to 13:00 Location: Woodworking Room, Komu, The Museum of the Forest, Nishiokoppe Village Participation Fee: 10,000 yen Residents: 5,000 yen ※Accommodation and meals are not included How to Apply: Please contact us by Sunday, February 1st. Forest Museum “Mokumu” 📞 0158-87-2600 Capacity is limited to five groups, so please apply early. - Forest Museum “Mokumu” - SASAKI Craft Exhibition Now On! - Winter opening hours: 10:00–16:30 Last admission accepted until 16:10 Admission Fee: High school and older: 500 yen 4th grade elementary to junior high: 300 yen Ages 3 to 3rd grade elementary: 100 yen Under 3 years old: Free #Forest Museum Mokumu #Woodworking Class #Woody School #Participants Wanted #Wooden Toys #Woodworking

📣 A chocolate seminar at Sakai Risho no Mori💕🍫 Presented by HIPPO to MOCA, a chocolate specialty shop in Sakai Ward, this seminar invites you to taste and compare chocolates while hearing stories—“A Chocolate Tasting and Talk: Learn to Tell the Differences.” You will enjoy both learning and tasting as the program includes accounts from a cacao farm, hands-on encounters with specialty beans, and a sampling of bonbon chocolates made with ingredients tied to Sakai. We look forward to your participation✨ 🔍 For details, search “A Chocolate Tasting and Talk.” https://sakai-rishounomori.com...

Reihoku Sunset Marche — January Announcement📣 Happy New Year🎊 Our first announcement of the year is the Reihoku Sunset Marche in January♪ 👀 Highlights of this Sunset Marche 👀 ❣ At the Reihoku Sunset Marche, where agricultural products, processed goods, and prepared foods from Reihoku are sold, freshly shipped bagged mikan (tangerines) will be available this time 🍊 Please enjoy these seasonal farm products❣ We look forward to seeing you 😊 Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag🛍✨ Scheduled produce for sale: ・Aspara greens ・Cauliflower ・Turnips🫜 ・Pumpkin🎃 ・Cabbage ・Cucumbers🥒 ・Kale ・Rice🌾 ・Coral leaf feather ・Taro ・Sweet potatoes🍠 ・Potatoes🥔 ・Garland chrysanthemum (shungiku) ・Daikon radish ・Tomatoes (Aiko, cherry) ・Chinese cabbage ・Green peppers🫑 ・Broccoli🥦 ・Ponkan ・Mikan🍊 (bagged, boxed, bag-hung) ・Mizuna (Beni-hoshi variety) ・Lettuce (sunny, leaf) ・Welsh onion (single stalk) 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche Date: Sunday, January 11, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM Location: Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association (Reihoku Town Local Products Center, 4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku)

Would you like to try a refreshing totono experience?🧖‍♀️ At the spectacular outdoor sauna SHIMODACCI SAUNA, where you can enjoy Shirahama’s sea right before your eyes, we will hold a totono trial on January 11 and 12🌿✨ (Please check the images for event details.) You can enjoy the sauna at a much better rate than usual, and savor the hot springs too😌💭💙 Seats are limited, so we recommend booking in advance⚠️☝️ I actually tried it myself before, and the outdoor cool-down while gazing at the sea felt incredibly good… Even sauna beginners will think, “This is addictive!”✨ I wrote about my experience on my blog, so please give it a read👇 https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20250915...

Forest Museum Kimu From Sunday, January 4 the Forest Museum Kimu has opened. ※The museum will be closed on Tuesday, January 6. We look forward to your continued support this year. With the new year, the displays inside the museum have been refreshed. A large sun shines beyond the Red Fuji 🌞 The reddish branches in the foreground are mizuki that were grown at the Flower Park of Roadside Station Kamu. As a memento of your visit, please take a photo holding a hagoita (decorative wooden paddle) 📸 Also, starting today a special exhibition has opened. - SASAKI Craft Exhibition - Works by Sasaki Kogei, a wooden craft maker based in Nagayama, Asahikawa City, are displayed in the museum showcases. The exhibition runs through Friday, March 20. On the final day of the exhibition we plan to hold a woodworking workshop and a shooting gallery event. For details, please see the Mokumu HP. - Forest Museum Kimu Winter opening hours: 10:00–16:30 Last admission is accepted until 16:10 Admission fees: 500 yen for high school students and older 300 yen for 4th–6th grade elementary and junior high school students 100 yen for ages 3 through 3rd grade elementary Free for children under 3 Contact: 0158-87-2600 #Forest Museum Kimu#New Year #2026 #We look forward to your visit #Special Exhibition #Sasaki Kogei #Setoushi-kun #Mascot

Hinata Yakushi First Yakushi Notice Hinata Yakushi will hold the “First Yakushi” on January 8, 2026. On the day, the principal image will be publicly displayed and medicinal rice porridge will be served. Please visit to pray for a year of good health and the absence of illness. Date: January 8, 2026 Public display of the principal image: 9:00 – 16:30 Serving of Yakushi porridge: starts around 11:30 *Service ends when supplies run out / event held in light rain, canceled in heavy rain Inquiries: 0463-95-1416 (Hinata Yakushi) For more details, please see the official Hinata Yakushi website.

🌼Updated the daffodil bloom status🌼 Some areas are already at their peak but overall the best viewing time seems a little farther away💭🌟 Here is today’s (January 5) condition👇 https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20260105...

Roadside Station Iwanai Happy New Year, and best wishes for 2026 🐴 We look forward to your continued support this year 🎍 Roadside Station Iwanai is open today, Sunday, January 4th! We look forward to welcoming you 😆 Please note that we will be closed on Monday, January 5th. This year, we let the trendy AI create images for us 🐟

Happy New Year! 🎍 I look forward to your continued support this year. I updated the first blooming status of the daffodils for the new year 🌼! See the blog for details 👇 Wishing everything goes smoothly this year… 🐎✨ https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20260102...

Notice of an illumination event 📣 The illumination at Hiroo Santa Land in Hirocho runs through January 4, 2026 😊 Lights are on from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM ✨✨ The park glows with illumination and wood lanterns, creating a festive atmosphere 😍 Please consider stopping by during your New Year holidays outing 🤗 https://www.santaland.or.jp//