The grapes in the TokachigawaOnsen Guide Center garden are changing color and will be ready to harvest soon! I picked one and it was sweet 😍 It looks like the hot summer gave this year’s crop a great outcome ✨

Introducing the post of the "Higashikawa Tourism Association" COOL JAPAN VIDEOS official social media account! Higashikawa, Hokkaido is a town located in the center of Hokkaido. Natural water from melting snow is used for rice, vegetables, restaurants, and other daily water in the town. The hot springs in Daisetsuzan National Park are also one of the attractions.

What do you think this is, sitting at the entrance of the tourist information center? The answer is a sub-bituminous peat layer that forms the base of the moor hot spring. It was created by the accumulation of reeds and other plants that once grew along the Tokachigawa riverside in ancient times. Plant-based moor hot spring water wells up through this peat layer. The humic substances (humin) in the peat combined with alkalinity create a silky, mild water quality, which is why it’s called a beauty bath. Moor hot springs are also registered as a Hokkaido Heritage; please come and experience them 🥰

Introducing the events at Hakurin Park Festival! 🐟 Akiaji Catching by Hand Taiki Town thrives not only on dairy farming but also on fishing, bringing in delicious seafood year-round, with the autumn salmon standing out as its main catch. Akiaji (aki-salmon) does not mean horse mackerel; it refers to the salmon (sockeye/white salmon) that return to their home rivers in autumn to spawn. Akiaji has firm flesh and a clean, mild flavor. At the Hakurin Park Festival, we will hold an Akiaji catching event for up to 100 children in elementary school or younger (planned). Distribution of participation tickets begins at 9:00 by the fountain. This event is a perennial favorite! Additionally, akiaji soup will be on sale at the venue. Enjoy the taste of autumn in Taiki Town! ※The photo is from a past Hakurin Park Festival.

Nice to meet everyone who watched the COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Okhotsk Ozora Town Tourism Association that disseminates attractive information about Hokkaido Ozora Town. Ozora Town is a town located in the east of Hokkaido and was formed in 2006 by the merger of Memanbetsu Town and Higashi Mokoto Village. In this first post, we will introduce the highlights of the Ozora Town. Enjoy! We will introduce how to access Hokkaido Ozora Town. 【Access by plane】 ◯ Tokyo Haneda Airport 〜 Memanbetsu Airport ... Approx. 1 hour 50 minutes ◯ Sapporo New Chitose Airport 〜 Memanbetsu Airport ... Approx. 50 minutes ◯ Osaka・Kansai International Airport 〜 Memanbetsu Airport ... Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes 【Access by train】 ◯ JR Sapporo Station 〜 JR Memanbetsu Station ... About 5 hours 30 minutes by "Limited Express Okhotsk" / JR Asahikawa Station ~ JR Memanbetsu Station...About 3 hours 30 minutes by "Limited Express Oyuki" ◯ Sapporo 〜 Memanbetsu ... Approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes by intercity bus "Dreamint Okhotsk" reservation required Hokkaido Ozora Town has a climate with a large temperature difference, so it is recommended to check the weather forecast when planning a trip. Since there is little precipitation throughout the year, there are many sunny days, making it perfect for sightseeing! In summer, the average temperature is around 20°C, making it a comfortable climate. Snowfall in winter is from late October to late April. The minimum temperature can be -27°C, and the cold is severe in the region. A Ozora Town where you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons! From here, we will introduce the sightseeing spots. With the arrival of warm spring, the Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park Higashimokoto moss phlox Park, where the beautiful pink carpet of the moss phlox spreads, is a popular moss phlox spot. The park has an observatory, a pink torii gate, and a sightseeing wheel. The picturesque scenery in the vast park is a must-see! Flowering time around May ~ early June In summer, the vast sunflower field is in full bloom, and yellow flowers spread out like the sun. "Tomap River Park" is the earliest sunflower field in the Ozora Town. It is located about 10 minutes by car from Memanbetsu Airport and has good access. Flowering time: mid ~ late July Asahigaoka Park, which is famous for enjoying sunflowers for a long time, is a popular spot for the superb view from the observatory. From the observatory, you can overlook Lake Abashiri, Mt. Shari, and the Shiretoko mountain range. Flowering time: late July ~ mid-September The sunflower field next to Memanbetsu Airport is a hot place in social media where you can take pictures of airplanes and sunflowers! You can enjoy about 400,000 sunflowers. Flowering time: early ~ late August Since it is located next to Memanbetsu Airport, you can take pictures as if an airplane is taking off and landing in a sunflower field. "Roadside Station NonkyLand Higashimokoto" with a hotel is also a popular spot! At the shop, you can enjoy local flavors such as souvenirs, local specialties, "juicy meat buns" of Hokkaido beef and long potatoes. It is also possible to stay at "Hotel Higashimokoto" in the Roadside Station. You can choose from twin, DLX twin, and Japanese-style rooms. There are no hot springs in the hotel, but there is a hot spring facility "Fureai Center Phlox" about 2 minutes by car from the hotel or about 9 minutes on foot, equipped with a whirlpool bath and sauna. You can slowly heal the fatigue of traveling. Located about 10 minutes by car from Memanbetsu Airport, "Meruhen no Oka" is also a popular tourist destination that cannot be missed. It is a famous spot for its fairytale scenery lined with seven larches. The vast countryside spreads out and you can enjoy the picturesque scenery. One of the highlights is the nearby Roadside Station "Meruhen no Oka Memanbetsu"! There is a corner selling freshly caught locally and a local product corner, and you can enjoy gourmet food using local ingredients such as "Ozora pork shabu long modon" at the on-site restaurant. There is also a free "dog run" where dogs can easily play. Mt. Mokoto, where you can enjoy the rich nature, is also a recommended tourist destination. It has been selected as one of the national "Nature 100 Selections". The altitude is about 1000m, so you can easily enjoy trekking! One of the highlights is the spring water near the 8th station, the famous water "Ginrei Water". Next, we will introduce the hot spring facilities in Ozora Town. If you want to enjoy hot springs in Ozora Town, we recommend the town-run public bath facility "Memanbetsu Agricultural Structure Improvement Center Himawari Onsen"! You can easily enjoy the hot springs flowing directly from the source with a day trip bath. The hot water is abundant and the spring quality is sodium bicarbonate chloride spring, which has effects such as neuralgia, sensitivity to cold, and recovery from fatigue. We deliver essential gourmet information for your trip to Ozora Town! Ozora Town's proud local gourmet "Ozora pork shabu long modon" is a must-eat! At Nagashimaya, you can enjoy a bowl with an original kimchi-flavored sauce based on the return of soba sauce. Ozora Town's two major summer events ♬♬ are "Memanbetsu Sightseeing Summer Festival" and "Nonkeyland Furusato Festival" This year, the Tourism Summer Festival was held from July 29 Sat to 30 Sun, 2023. The summer festival, which was held for the first time in four years, was a great success with fireworks on the water! The Hometown Festival was also held for the first time in four years. The race to roll large grass rolls and compete was a great success. In Hokkaido Ozora Town, there is still plenty of recommended information such as beautiful nature, sightseeing spots, and fresh seafood gourmet. We will continue to introduce the charm of Hokkaido Ozora Town, so thank you!

🍂 Announcement: Kashirin Park Festival 🍂 On September 17th, the 47th Kashirin Park Festival will take place! The Kashirin Park Festival is an autumn industry fair where you can savor Taiki Town’s fall flavors. It features many popular annual events such as a direct sale of Taiki beef, on-site barbecues where you can cook the beef you buy, and a salmon-catching experience. There is even more to enjoy, including specialty product sales from Taiki’s sister and friendship cities, live song performances on the outdoor stage, and a lucky-draw raffle. Please come and join us! *The photos show last year’s event.*

The former Hokkaido Government Office Building, one of the symbols of Hokkaido, is an important cultural property of Japan. It is also called the "Red Brick Government Building" and is made using about 2.5 million bricks! The building has a "five-pointed star", which is a symbol of the pioneer mission, so you can find it. The museum is decorated with dioramas that reproduce the city of Sapporo in the Meiji era and paintings related to the development of Hokkaido, and you can learn about the history of Hokkaido. Among them, the 26-part map of Hokkaido created by Takeshiro Matsuura, the godfather of "Hokkaido", is full of spectacles! Currently, it is closed until February 17, 2025 due to large-scale renovation work due to aging, but the temporary facility is open to the public during the renovation work. It is a spot that shows a different expression depending on the season, with cherry blossoms and lilacs in spring, lush greenery and hamanasu in summer, and autumn leaves in autumn. There are many gourmet spots in the area, so be sure to stop by. 【Temporary Facility】 business hours:8:45~18:00 Last entry at 17:50 Period: Until early May 2024 Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays December 31 ~ January 3 * We are also open on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, but please note that there are also temporary holidays. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 【Address】 〒060-8588 Hokkaido Sapporo City Chuo-ku Kita 3-jo Nishi 6-chome 【Access】 8-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station Nishi-dori South Exit 6-minute walk from Sapporo Station on the Namboku Subway Line 8-minute walk from Sapporo Station on the Toho Subway Line 9-minute walk from Odori Station on the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video! I’m Kurashima, Tourism Officer with the Community Revitalization Team of Nishiokoppe Village. I’d like to share lots of enticing tourist information about Nishiokoppe Village, Hokkaido. I look forward to your interest. Nishiokoppe Village, Hokkaido, lies inland from the Sea of Okhotsk in Eastern Hokkaido. The population is 1,002 (as of the end of July, Reiwa 5), and about 90 percent of the village area is covered by forest. The contrast between the forests and snowy landscapes is beautiful, and many public buildings are unified by orange-colored walls. The village experiences large temperature swings: winter can reach minus 20 degrees Celsius and summer can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Despite the harsh natural conditions, the area is rich in nature and full of remote, scenic spots and waterfalls to explore. Now, here are some of the attractive sightseeing spots in Nishiokoppe Village, Hokkaido. At the foot of Mount Wenshiri, the “Ice Tunnel” offers a mystical, ice-filled world and is a popular destination. The tunnel, formed by water flowing from spring snowmelt, sits in a mountain valley so the ice remains even in summer, creating a mysterious scene. Because of collapse risks it is usually closed, but this July it was opened for one day for the first time in four years. Roadside Station Nishiokoppe Kamu blends a flower park with a roadside station. Inside the roadside station you can find a rare wooden mechanical organ called Oto-Ki-Bayashi that plays music using wind. The shop sells dairy products such as soft-serve made with Nishiokoppe-produced grass-fed milk, and processed Ezo deer products (leather goods, pet food, etc.). The adjacent flower park features a garden designed around a “natural garden” concept that recreates plants suited to Nishiokoppe Village’s climate and landscape. About a 10-minute drive from Roadside Station Nishiokoppe Kamu, the Komu Museum of Art, “Komu,” follows the concept of seeing, touching, playing, and creating. It exhibits about 3,000 wooden toys and works, and large wooden play structures are available for visitors to touch and play with. One especially popular attraction is the wooden sandbox filled with 160,000 wooden balls, where you can enjoy the scent of wood and a kind of woodworking bath. You can also take part in hands-on woodcraft workshops to make things yourself. Enjoy a luxurious time experiencing art in the forest. Gyōja Falls, a 20-meter waterfall where you can feel the power of nature, is another highlight. The falls began to be called Gyōja Falls after a woman in the late Meiji period repeatedly stood under the waterfall praying for her parent’s recovery from a serious illness. Upstream from Gyōja Falls are Akaiwa Falls, with a beautiful brick-colored riverbed, and Kuroiwa Falls, which flows through a primeval forest of Ezo spruce; you can enjoy all three falls along a single route. Next, here are campgrounds where you can enjoy wide-open nature and outdoor activities. Forest Park underwent major renovations over two years in Reiwa 4 and 5, preparing tent site improvements and new playground equipment for a renovated reopening in Reiwa 6. In Reiwa 5 the tent sites are available until October 15, but playground equipment is not usable. The park also has paid log houses available year-round and a BBQ house for day-use barbecues. Surrounded by primary forest, Wenshiri Campground has no cooking facilities and is recommended for a wild camping experience. Like the Ice Tunnel, it is located on Mount Wenshiri and offers one free bungalow that can accommodate up to ten people. Note that the area around the primeval forest may have bear sightings, so caution is required when using the site. Nishiokoppe Village is also known for its guitar factory, Okhotsk Musical Instrument Industry Co. Ltd., where beautifully sounding instruments are made. Founded in a way that succeeded a lumber company, Okhotsk Musical Instrument Industry now produces 20,000 guitar bodies annually. A separate building on the factory grounds houses a free showroom open to visitors for casual tours. Access to Nishiokoppe Village: From Haneda Airport to Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. From the Osaka area, you can fly from Kansai International Airport or Osaka International Airport to New Chitose Airport (about 1 hour 50 minutes), take JR to asahikawa station (about 2 hours 10 minutes), transfer to a JR limited express and get off at Nayoro (about 1 hour), then take a bus to Nishiokoppe Village (about 1 hour). A bus from Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport to Nishiokoppe Village takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. From the Ice Tunnel to other beautiful landscapes and delicious local food, Nishiokoppe Village offers a variety of experiences. We will continue to share the charms of Nishiokoppe Village, Hokkaido, so please stay tuned!

This photo shows Kitaichi Glass in Otaru City, a town next to Sapporo. "Building No. 3 Kitaichi Hall" is a spacious space lined with wooden beams, pillars, and 167 lamps. There is a restaurant and café where you can eat local cuisine, coffee, tea and cakes, and you can enjoy piano music. In addition, you can observe the lighting work with 167 lamps. The staff carefully light the fire one by one and breathe life into the lamps, creating a fantastic space in the North Hall. ――――――――――――――――― 【Restaurant】11:00~14:50Order You can enjoy dishes using ingredients unique to Hokkaido and a meal menu that is perfect for lunch that values the spirit of protecting local food. 【Cafe】9:30~17:00Order In addition to the popular "Special Royal Milk Tea" at Kitaichi Hall, parfaits and cakes are also available. *Seat reservations are not possible. ――――――――――――――――― 【Piano Performance】 You can enjoy the best tones played from a Steinway. Every Tuesday ~ Friday except public holidays 14：00～14：30、15：00～15：30、16：00～16：30 ――――――――――――――――― 【Lighting work】 The lighting work that begins at the same time as the opening of the store is a must-see. 9：00～9：30 * Information on a first-come, first-served basis * Depending on the congestion situation, admission will be restricted. ――――――――――――――――― 【Address】 〒047-0027 7-26 Sakai-cho, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido 【Access】 ◦JR・・About 28 minutes by JR Hakodate Main Line. About 10 minutes on foot from JR Minami-Otaru Station. ◦Bus・・・Sapporo Station / About 55 minutes by high-speed Otaru train. 20 minutes on foot from Otaru Station. ◦By car: About 35 minutes from Sapporo Kita IC. 　→ parking lot "Minatosakaicho 1st Parking Lot" "Minatosakaicho 2nd Parking Lot"

The cosmos garden is in full bloom! The cosmos garden beside Taiki Lifelong Learning Center, where town residents sowed seeds in June, has reached its peak bloom. Cosmos, which also means "universe" in English, is the town flower of Taiki, the town of space! The cosmos swaying in the breeze are truly beautiful, so please come and see them!

Nice to meet you, Kitami City Tourism Association! Kitami City, an attractive tourist destination in the eastern part of Hokkaido, was created 2006 Heisei 18 the merger of Kitami City, Hatano Town, Tokoro Town, and Rubeshibe Town. In the future, this account will introduce plenty of charms of Kitami City! Thank you in advance. Kitami is the largest city in the Okhotsk region. It is home to about 120,000 people. The climate and weather in Kitami City are mild with little influence from typhoons and the rainy season. In addition, the average temperature is basically low throughout the year, and in winter the minimum temperature can be minus 30 degrees Celsius, but in summer it can be more than 30 degrees Celsius due to the fane phenomenon. For access to Kitami City, Hokkaido, we recommend using Memanbetsu Airport. It takes about 45 minutes from New Chitose Airport to Memanbetsu Airport. It takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes from Haneda Airport to Memanbetsu Airport, and about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Kansai International Airport to Memanbetsu Airport. In addition, you can get to Kitami City from Memanbetsu Airport in about 40 minutes by car or bus. Kitami City is full of sightseeing spots full of attractions. Next, we will introduce carefully selected sights from among them. Kitami City has the world's longest history of mint production from the Taisho era to the early Showa era. The "Kitami Mint Memorial Museum" is a museum that tells the history of the museum. Videos of Kitami Thin-Loaded and a diorama of the Kitami Thin-Cargo Factory, the only mint refining factory built in Hokkaido, are on display. In addition, at the adjacent "Thin Cargo Distillery Hall", mint distillation demonstrations are held, and you can actually experience the scent of mint. There is also a herb garden around the memorial hall, where you can enjoy about 70 kinds of seasonal scents. The Pearson Memorial Hall, which was selected as a Hokkaido Heritage Site in 2001, was the last base of activities of Mr. and Mrs. Pearson, American missionaries who worked for the development of Hokkaido during the Taisho era. The memorial, where the Pearsons lived for 15 years, is now open to the public as a place to preserve the records of their pioneering. Through the historical buildings and exhibits, please enjoy the culture and history of Kitami City! An indispensable spot when traveling is a roadside station. At Roadside Station Onneyu Onsen, you can enjoy meals made with local ingredients while soaking in the hot springs to heal the fatigue of your trip. When you arrive at the roadside station Onneyu Onsen, the first thing you see is the Karakuri Pigeon Clock Tower "Kamu Forest", a symbol tower with a height of about 20 meters. It runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the hour and plays fairytale music. You can also enter the tower! The facility is full of attractions, such as the "Kamurin Shop" that sells and exhibits local specialties, and the "Craft Experience Workshop" woodworking experience room. In addition, the "Northern Land Aquarium Mountain Aquarium," which opened in July 2012 Heisei 24, is an attractive aquarium that incorporates innovative exhibition methods, such as the "Waterfall Basin Tank" that looks up at the waterfall basin from below and the "Four Seasons Tank" that reproduces a river that freezes in the cold. Nikoro Hakka Park, located along Route 7, is a vast park with an area of about 40,000 m². From late July to late August, the cold-resistant perennial herb "Ezo Misohagi" blooms all over the place. One of the highlights is the private residence of Yaichi Igarashi, who was a merchant in the early Showa period, "Hakka Goten" in the park! The historic mansion built by one master at that time over a period of three years is a must-see. The precious natural park "Tokoro Ruins Forest" where the ruins of the Jomon period remain is also a spot where you can feel the history of Kitami City! It is maintained and managed in cooperation with the Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology of the University of Tokyo and Tokoro Town. In the "Tokoro Center for Buried Cultural Properties" section of the park, models of the houses and lifestyles at that time are exhibited. Outside, the pit dwelling building has also been restored. "North Fox Farm" where you can interact with adorable red foxes is also a popular tourist attraction! It is the only zoo in Japan where red foxes and Ezo raccoon dogs coexist in free-range areas. Please spend a heartwarming time interacting with foxes nurtured in a natural environment. If you want to heal the fatigue of your trip, we recommend the Onneyu Onsen area, a hot spring village that spreads around the roadside station Onneyu Onsen! In addition to accommodation facilities such as hotels and inns, there are also facilities where you can enjoy day trip bathing. There are three hot springs in the hot spring village: Onneyu Onsen, a simple sulfur hot spring hypotonic alkaline high hot spring, Takinoyu Onsen, an alkaline simple hot spring hypotonic alkaline high hot spring, and Ponyu Onsen, an alkaline simple hot spring relaxed hypotonic hot spring. Please enjoy the hot spring that flows directly from the source that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Next, we will introduce the gourmet food unique to Kitami City, which is characterized by the deliciousness of the rich earth and fresh ingredients! Kitami yakiniku Kitami yakiniku grilled meat, which is grilled over a charcoal grill and eaten with raw sauce, is a Kitami gourmet that cannot be missed. Kitami is also known for having the largest number of yakiniku restaurants in Hokkaido. "Okhotsk Kitami Shioyaki Soba" is a gem filled with the umami flavor of Kitami onions and scallops caught in Okhotsk. Okhotsk Beer, which is made with 100% malt from Okhotsk, continues to be loved by locals. Please enjoy our special local beer handmade by our own manufacturing method! Also, you can't miss the sweets in Kitami City. Kitami City is full of long-established Japanese confectionery shops! There are also sweets using mint and are perfect as souvenirs. Kitami City is a wonderful city with abundant nature, historical sights, delicious gastronomy, and much more. Please enjoy the charm of Kitami City and experience a wonderful trip that will be memorable. In COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, we will deliver the charm of Kitami City to the fullest, so please look forward to it!

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video, nice to meet you! We are the Higashikawa Tourism Association. We will share attractive tourism information about Higashikawa-cho in Hokkaido, home to Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan’s largest national park, on Cool Japan Video, so please look forward to it! Higashikawa-cho sits in central Hokkaido and overflows with natural blessings. It enjoys excellent access, about a 10-minute drive from Asahikawa Airport to the town center. Uniquely for Japan, Higashikawa-cho does not have a public water supply system. Beautiful natural water formed by Daisetsuzan’s snowmelt seeping deep into the ground serves as the town’s domestic water and is used in many places, including restaurants. Agriculture benefits from these abundant water resources, producing delicious rice and vegetables with exceptional flavor. One of Higashikawa-cho’s charms is its proud hot springs. Higashikawa-cho has two hot spring areas, Asahidake Onsen and Tenninkyo Onsen, both located within Daisetsuzan National Park. Around Asahidake Onsen there is no typical hot-spring town; the landscape is carefully managed with height limits and spacing regulations. Day-trip bathing is available, so please stop by during mountain climbs or hikes. You can luxuriate in the hot spring while soaking in the natural scenery. Tenninkyo Onsen is also popular for its reputed benefits for diabetes and arteriosclerosis. Two hot-spring facilities operate there, and as of June 2023 both lodging and day-trip bathing are available. Nearby you can enjoy Hagoromo Falls, selected as one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls. Beyond hot springs, Higashikawa-cho offers many attractive spots where you can feel nature’s breath. - Asahidake Visitor Center Opened in 2019, Asahidake Visitor Center provides information on the nature of Daisetsuzan National Park and guided tours. You can view a diorama of the spectacular viewpoints for mountain climbing. Seasonal exhibits, AR displays, and VR goggles allow a virtual experience of the Daisetsuzan mountains. - Daisetsu Asahidake Gensui Park This park is the source of Higashikawa-cho’s natural water, rich in calcium and minerals. You can freely collect spring water that Daisetsuzan’s snowmelt naturally filtered over centuries. - Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway The roughly 10-minute aerial ride from the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway Sanroku Station at 1,100 meters to Sugatami Station at 1,600 meters offers grand panoramic views and seasonal scenery. From the ropeway, beginners can enjoy a trekking course of about one hour. The hike to Asahidake’s summit takes about two hours from here, and the peak rewards you with a 360-degree panorama including the Tokachi Mountain Range, MtAshibetsu, and Mt. Shokanbetsu. - Canmore Ski Village (Kitoushi Forest Park) This ski area is inside Kitoushi Forest Park, a 15-minute drive from Asahikawa Airport. With six courses, it caters to beginners through advanced skiers and is popular with many international visitors. Kitoushi Forest Park also has a campsite and cottages, so overnight stays are possible. - Lake Chubetsu At the foot of Daisetsuzan National Park, Lake Chubetsu offers canoeing experiences. You can enjoy seasonal vistas from fresh greenery to autumn colors and snow-capped scenes. Local guides support participants, so even first-timers can join with confidence. Higashikawa-cho’s population is about 8,400 people (as of June 2023). Thanks to strong child-rearing support and convenient access from the airport, the town has seen an increase in residents in recent years. Its rich natural environment makes it an ideal place for a stress-free life. The Higashikawa Town Immigration Experience lets people live here for three months up to one year. The town operates a municipal Japanese language school, and around 600 foreign residents live here, with strong support for international students. Higashikawa-cho is a place full of nature’s gifts. Aiming to be a photograph-friendly town with beautiful seasonal nature, it has declared itself the Photo Town, the photography culture capital. Higashikawa-cho offers abundant natural environments, hot springs, delicious food, and the warmth of local people. We will continue to bring you plenty of charming information about Higashikawa-cho in Hokkaido, so thank you for your support.

Nice to meet you! This is the Niseko Resort Tourism Association. It is also a resort area where you can enjoy the beautiful nature of the four seasons and various activities "Hokkaido Niseko Town Niseko Cho"! This time, we will deliver attractive information focusing on how to enjoy Niseko in summer. Niseko Town is currently operating the "Sky Bus Niseko" to visit the famous places of Niseko Town for a limited time! Skybus Niseko is a double-decker tourist bus that has no roof and is open. Recommended information for those who are considering a trip to Niseko in the summer! ●Operation period: July 15 Sat ~ September 3 Sun, 2023 ●Route introduction Road Station Niseko View Plaza⇒ Niseko Station⇒ Milk Kobo Niseko Takahashi Ranch⇒Hilton Niseko Village⇒ Kabayama Kita Lupicia⇒Hirafu Cross Street⇒Hirafu Welcome Center⇒ Yamada Intersection⇒Niseko Hanazono Resort ⇒ Kutchan Station Skybus Niseko "Niseko Panorama-go" runs between "Roadside Station Niseko View Plaza" ~ "Kutchan Ekimae". Also, one of the attractions is that you can get on and off from any stop! During the operation, an automatic voice guide and attendant will guide you through the charm of each spot. There is no doubt that you can enjoy a relaxing time while overlooking the beautiful nature, local food, and scenery that changes depending on the season! Multi-use tickets are a set of 3 Adults 1500 yen junior high school students and older, children 750 yen elementary school students. Preschoolers are free of charge only on the lap, but if they occupy a seat, they will be charged a child fee. In addition, "electronic tickets" that can be purchased on the website can be purchased at a 10% discount. It is recommended because you can easily get on the bus by touching it with your smartphone when riding. In addition, Kutchan and Niseko residents have an advance purchase discount, so please be sure to purchase at the paper ticket sales office. Not applicable to electronic tickets Paper tickets are sold at Roadside Station Niseko View Plaza and other designated tourist information centers. Only electronic tickets are available, and unlimited ride passes are also sold. [ONE DAY PASS 2,000 YEN, WEEKLY PASS - 5,500 YEN, SEASON FREE PASS - 39,000 YEN]. ◆Please check the official website for ticket details. Also, if it is in the gauge, only small dogs can ride together. Here are some of the sights on the Skybus Niseko route! ◎Niseko Takahashi Farm Milk Workshop It is a ranch where you can enjoy the superb view of Mt. Yotei, one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan. At Milk Kobo, you can enjoy sweets with a gentle taste such as soft-serve ice cream, gelato, special cream puffs, and roll cakes made with fresh milk! In addition, there are restaurants, cheese factories, yogurt workshops, cacao crowns cacao workshops, etc. around the milk workshop. ◎Niseko Hanazono Resort It is a tourist destination with activities and accommodations depending on the season. In addition to marine activities such as kayaking, fishing rental, and rafting, you can also enjoy horseback riding and cycling. At the mega zipline of "Hanazono ZIPFLIGHT", you can experience one of the largest zip tours in Asia! Experience an active time while enjoying a sense of unity with nature. The climate of Niseko is inland, so the summer is characterized by low humidity and easy to spend. When using "Skybus Niseko", it may be a good idea to have one to wear. Niseko is a town where you can enjoy the blessings of nature and refresh your mind and body. We will continue to post the charm of Niseko, so thank you for your continued support!

Introducing the post of the COOL JAPAN VIDEOS official social media account of the "Engaru Town Tourism Association"! At the "Engaru TownCenter for Buried Cultural Properties" in Monbetsu-gun-Engaru Town of Hokkaido, we exhibit "Shirataki Ruins Group Excavated Items" that have been designated as national treasures. Also known as natural glass, obsidian is a must-see. You can also touch mammoth tusks real fossils. ◆Engaru TownCenter for Buried Cultural Properties◆ 【Address】〒099-0111 Hokkaido Monbetsu-gun Engaru Town Shirataki 138-1 Engaru Town Office Shirataki General Branch 2F 【Access】 About 15 minutes on foot from JR Shirataki Station

Taiyo-no-oka Engaru Park Cosmos Garden will pay an admission fee from tomorrow, August 30 Wednesday. Although it is later than usual due to the extreme heat, the flowering is progressing every day, so please ♪ come by all means.

Introducing the post of the "Noboribetsu Bear Park" COOL JAPAN VIDEOS official social media account! Located in Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido, Noboribetsu Bear Park is a ranch where you can meet about 70 brown bears. You can enjoy "human cage" where you can see bears up close and feeding experiences. There is also a "Ainu Village" where you can experience Ainu culture. ◆Noboribetsu Bear Park◆ 【Address】〒059-0551 224 Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido 【Access】 Train / Car: Sapporo ~ Noboribetsu Bear Park About 1 hour 30 minutes From New Chitose Airport Noboribetsu Bear Park about 1 hour 15 minutes

Hidden Gem in Taiki Town📌 A larch planted in 1906 at Hokai Shrine in the Kaishin district of Taiki Town to commemorate victory in the Russo-Japanese War still stands today as a designated commemorative protected tree. It reaches about 27 meters in height and 80 centimeters in diameter. This larch, alive for nearly 120 years, is well worth a visit! Please note that the surrounding area is farmland and pasture, so do not enter the fields.

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan! We are the Taiki Tourism Association. On this account, we will share appealing information to make you want to visit Taiki Town in Hokkaido. We look forward to connecting with you! In this first post, we introduce Taiki Town and share tourist information. Taiki Town, Hokkaido, lies in eastern Hokkaido in the southern Tokachi region. It is a town of 5,437 residents (as of January 2023), where the breath of nature meets historical charm. The name "Taiki" comes from the Ainu word "Taikiushi," meaning a place where large trees grow in clusters. Taiki Town is dotted with beautiful natural scenery and historic sites. Next, we introduce some of Taiki’s attractive sightseeing spots. ● Space Exchange Center SORA Since around 1985, Taiki has pursued "space town development" and hosted aerospace-related experiments. Space Exchange Center SORA displays materials and models from experiments conducted in Taiki by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and rocket developer Interstellar Technologies, among others. Admission is free and no reservation is required. ● Roadside Station Cosmos Mall Taiki Roadside Station Cosmos Mall Taiki is a place to feel the charm of Taiki, offering local specialties and souvenirs. At the specialty corner you can taste natural cheeses from Handa Farm and Cowbell Ice made with Taiki ingredients like corn and pumpkin. The facility also features a space-food and space-goods shop and a shopping center stocked with daily necessities. Nearby flows the Rekifune River, once chosen as Japan’s clearest stream. Next, here is some leisure information! ◎ Horokayanto Smelt Fishing Smelt fishing on Horokayanto opens around the end of December and runs through late February, offering a winter fishing experience. Bansei Onsen sits close to Horokayanto, making it ideal for warming up after a chilly day of smelt fishing. ◎ Kamui Kotan Park Campground Kamui Kotan Park Campground, on the scenic Kamui Kotan in Tokachi, is a recommended spot for outdoor lovers. This auto campground is surrounded by rich nature. Visitors can enjoy river play, fishing, forest walks, and even gold panning. (If you wish to try gold panning, please register with the tourism association in advance.) Taiki’s events are not to be missed. ◎ Rekibune River Clear Stream Carp Streamer This mini event takes place on May 5, Children’s Day. Each year from late April to early May, carp streamers spread across the river’s width, fluttering in the breeze as a springtime tradition. ◎ Rekifune River Festival The Rekifune River also hosts the Rekifune River Festival and the Perupune Fire Festival in August. The Rekifune River Festival began in 1989 as Taiki’s major summer event after the river was recognized by the Environment Agency as Japan’s cleanest river. The festival culminates with the Perupune Fire Festival and a fireworks display. Towering flaming torch pillars reaching toward the sky are a sight to behold. It’s a luxurious way to enjoy a summer night. Next, here is Taiki’s gourmet information! Taiki’s cuisine offers a rich variety, from local specialties like Camembert cheese, autumn salmon, and whey-fed pork to fresh seafood dishes and vegetable dishes that celebrate the bounty of the land. A popular local dish is the Taiki Cheese Salmon Bowl, made with cheese and autumn salmon. Savor dishes that make generous use of local ingredients and enjoy the unique flavors of Taiki, Hokkaido. Taiki’s hometown tax program offers fresh seafood and carefully prepared processed goods as gifts. Popular returns include "Rich Fresh Milk Cowbell Ice Cream," "Handa Farm Homemade Cheese Set," and a whey-fed pork bowl set. Enjoy Taiki’s distinctive tastes through the hometown tax program. For access to Taiki from outside Hokkaido, use Tokachi Obihiro Airport. By car, Taiki is about 40 minutes from Tokachi Obihiro Airport; by bus it is about 70 minutes. From Sapporo, the fastest train route takes about 2.5 hours from Sapporo Station to Obihiro Station, and buses take about 3.5 hours. From Obihiro Station, buses reach Taiki in about 1 hour 40 minutes. Although Taiki faces the sea, the area experiences large temperature variations. Summer’s average temperature is around 20°C, with highs up to about 34°C, while winter temperatures can drop to minus 20°C. Because winter temperatures can change rapidly in a short time, please take care with your clothing when traveling. Please come and experience the charms of Taiki Town in Hokkaido for yourself. We will continue sharing Taiki’s attractions, so thank you for your support!

【Lunch menu in September】 Introducing the lunch menu in September! In addition to the classic popular Gome fried rice, Shanghai yakisoba noodles, etc., Stir-fried chicken with black beans and Tintin noodles with shrimp are now available! It comes with a side buffet salad, dessert, soup, coffee. Guests who use the side buffet can also enjoy ♪ "raw sparkling wine" in barrels every Friday and Saturday only. Also, every Thursday is Customer Appreciation Day, and you can get a 10% discount on the lunch menu! Other coupons and benefits cannot be combined Why don't you spend an elegant lunch time at New Otani Inn Sapporo? We look ✨ forward to seeing you there. 1F Rendezvous Lounge 11:30~14:00/L.O.13:30 *Closed: Sundays, Mondays For reservations and inquiries, please call or visit our website. Tel: 011-222-1522 [Direct]

Autumn salmon are making their upstream run! You can watch them up close at Totoro-do.👀 Salmon are born in rivers, grow in the sea, and eventually return upstream to their natal rivers. The fry that hatch from eggs in the river head to the sea in spring with the snowmelt, spend summers in the Bering Sea, and winter in the Gulf of Alaska. About four years later, the mature salmon migrate southward from the Bering Sea along the Kuril Islands and, around September through November, return to the rivers where they were born to spawn. Fishway Observation Room Totoro-do Address: 127 Aikawa, Makubetsu, Nakagawa District, Hokkaido Open: Late April through around November, 9:00–17:00 (times vary by season)

In the center of the Niikappu is the roadside station Thoroughbred Road Niikappu, and to the right of it are the Hearing Experience Cultural Exchange Facility Les Cord Halls and Yujun Tower. Les Cords houses more than one million records, some of which can be viewed and viewed free of charge. The paid course exhibits rare cultural heritage such as phonographs and early vinyl records. You can also listen to music on one of the largest speaker systems in Japan. In the center of the record-sembling Les Cords is the 36-meter-high Yujun Tower, which can be climbed for free, and you can enjoy a 360° panorama from the observation deck, which is 25 meters above the ground. In addition, the observatory exhibits items specialized in Niikappu, such as photographs and souvenirs that honor the history of Niikappu as a horse-producing area and the splendid achievements of Niikappu-produced racehorses, befitting the name Yujun Tower. Since there is only one precious item and something that can only be found here, it is an irresistible spot for horse racing fans and horse lovers. There is also a café that sells coffee and ice cream, so you can relax and see the scenery and exhibits while drinking coffee. When you come to Niikappu, please visit the Yujun Tower! By the way, the costume in the photo is "Umanari". It is said that there are good things when you meet Umanari-san. 【Les Cords and Yujun Tower】※Admission is free. Address: Niikappu Chuo-cho 1-4 Le Cord Hours: 10:30-16:30 Closed: Mondays or the following day if Monday is a holiday, the day after a national holiday, and the year-end and New Year holidays

Thank you very much to everyone who came to the TokachigawaOnsen Summer Festival! With the fine weather, the festival stalls and food booths were bustling, and the main event, the slipper-throwing championship, drew great excitement! We are delighted that everyone could enjoy summer to the fullest. Please come and visit TokachigawaOnsen again!

Hello! This is Sapporo Excel Hotel Tokyu. This time, I would like to introduce the Sapporo streetcar. The Sapporo streetcar opened in 1918. The route trains that run through the center of Sapporo City are used by many people as a means of transportation for tourists and citizens. From the window of the leisurely streetcar, you can see the daily life of Sapporo citizens, which is a little different from sightseeing spots! In winter, you can see the "Sapporo White Illumination" from the inside of the car. The streetcar takes 55 minutes per lap, and you can get a great deal by using a one-day pass or a Dosanko Pass limited to weekends and holidays. You can also use transportation IC cards such as Suica, Kitaca, and PASMO! For a low price of 200 yen for adults and 100 yen for children, you can visit various sightseeing spots such as Mt. Moiwa, a scenic spot.

This is a sunflower field in Otofuke. It stands out against the blue sky. Bees were busily collecting nectar and carrying lots of pollen.

Obihiro Shrine 'Natsu-mode' I visited for worship at dusk. Flower-filled water displays run through August 1. The gathering hall is also said to host a giant flower display through August 15. It takes about 15 minutes by car from the Tokachigawa Onsen district to Obihiro Shrine. ■Natsu-mode Flower Hand-Water ～TOKONATSU～ "Volume 25" Reiwa 5 June 30–July 2 Finished "Volume 26" Reiwa 5 July 15–July 17 Finished "Volume 27" Reiwa 5 July 29–August 1 [Ongoing] "Volume 28" Reiwa 5 August 11–August 15 (Scheduled) ■Reisai Flower Hand-Water ～MIYUKI～ "Volume 29" Reiwa 5 September 22–September 25 (Scheduled)

Kominka cafe 'cafe jorro' I enjoyed pancakes and cold-brew iced coffee. Every menu item is tempting, from curry and cakes made mainly with local ingredients to dishes prepared without chemical seasonings. They use coffee beans from Morihiko in Sapporo, and both the pancakes and the coffee were absolutely delicious. The shop's atmosphere and the food were both superb.✨ Address: 1-11 Kino Shinmachi, Otofuke, Kawato-gun, Hokkaido Hours: 11:00–17:00 Closed: Sunday

The program of the 68th Tomakomai Port Festival has been completed! Finally, we will introduce the program of the 68th Tomakomai Port Festival to be held next week from 12:00 on Friday, August 4th! The cover of the program adopts a design written by a junior high school student in the city who was selected as the grand prize out of a total of 17 entries! There will be plenty of stage events during the festival, including the opening ceremony on Friday, August 4, a character show that is very popular with children on Saturday, August 5, a Yoshimoto comedy live on Sunday, August 6, and a jumbo lottery to win luxurious prizes totaling 1 million yen! On Saturday, August 5, the "Tomakomai Citizens' Odori" will be held from 10:00, which will be revived for the first time in four years, and from 19:30, the "Tomamin Tomakomai Centennial Fireworks" will be the centerpiece, where large fireworks illuminate the night sky of Tomakomai using sound and light! On Sunday, August 6, from 12:15, the "Marching Festival Port Carnival" will be held for the first time in four years, just like the citizens' odori! In addition, for three days from August 4 Friday to August 6 Sunday, about 110 stalls will be lined up at the main venue, and there will be many events that make you feel the summer of Tomakomai City, such as beer gardens, so please come and visit the venue.

Wheat harvesting has begun, and straw rolls can now be seen across the fields. These round bales will become beds for the cows! A landscape typical of Tokachi in Hokkaido stretches out. ※This is a farmer’s precious field. Please do not enter it.

Dengaku, a popular ramen shop in Tokachigawa Onsen I enjoyed the spicy miso hot noodles! Although it's often necessary to wait in line to get in, I was lucky this day and sat down right away. The soup is full of toppings too! The noodles are homemade using Tokachi-grown wheat called yumechikara. I chose the thick curly noodles; they have a firm texture and are delicious! They stayed piping hot to the end, and I had the soup wari as well. +310 yen lets you add a zosui (rice porridge) set. Address: 15-1, Tokachigawa Onsen Kita, Otofuke Town, Kawato-gun, Hokkaido Closed: Tuesdays 11:00–21:00 / Last order 20:30

The 10th Mugi-Kan Festival will take place! You can enjoy freshly harvested wheat with all five senses. There will be plenty of fun events, including freshly baked wheat bread for sale, a Mugi-Kan roll-rolling contest, and tractor rides! Date and time: Saturday, August 19, 2023, 10:00–14:00 Location: Takenaka Farm wheat fields Admission: Adults 1,500 yen, elementary and junior high students 500 yen *Canceled in case of rain