Hello! I'm Mōru-chan💕 How are you spending your Sunday? Whether you're off or working, soothe your everyday fatigue in the mall hot spring♨️

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video—nice to meet you! This is Kyowa-cho, Hokkaido. Kyowa-cho was formed in 1955 when Ozawa Village, Maeda Village, and Hattari Village merged. It borders five towns and one village, including Iwanai-cho and the Niseko Range. The town ranks among Hokkaido’s top producers of local brand fruits such as Raiden watermelons and Raiden melons. Kyowa-cho has long been a rice-producing area, growing varieties like Nanatsuboshi and Yumepirika. Since this is our first post, today we’ll share basic information and sightseeing highlights of Kyowa-cho, Hokkaido! Climate and weather in Kyowa-cho, Hokkaido: the average temperature in January is −3.4°C, and the average in August is 21.4°C, giving mild winters and comfortable summers. The population is 5,772 (surveyed in 2020). Surrounded by lush greenery, Kyowa-cho lets you enjoy nature through all four seasons. Popular sightseeing spots in Kyowa-cho, Hokkaido Niseko Shinsen-numa Natural Recreation Forest Niseko Shinsen-numa Natural Recreation Forest is a popular destination on a plateau above 750 m. Some trails are maintained, making trekking suitable even for beginners. Viewing alpine plants such as Mitsugashiwa is another highlight. The parking area also serves as the forest’s rest facility and includes toilets and a shop. From a nearby observatory you can take in views of the Iwanai Plain and the Sea of Japan. The area contains several marshes, so visitors can enjoy a marsh-walking tour. Please note that the area is closed to traffic during the winter season from late October through late April. Shinsennuma Shinsennuma is a marsh in the Niseko range famed for its otherworldly beauty. The name Shinsennuma became popular after Toyomatsu Shimoda, founder of the Boy Scouts in Japan, visited and described it as a place where gods and immortals would dwell. The marsh changes its expression with the seasons—autumn foliage and fresh green leaves—and blooms of Ezo-kanzoso and cotton grass make Shinsennuma a place you’ll want to revisit. Onuma Onuma lies at an elevation of 850 m, framed by Mt. Weisshorn, which spans Kutchancho and Kyowa-cho, and Nitonupuri, which lies between Kutchancho and Rankoshi-machi. The natural monuments Ezo salamanders and Japanese crayfish live here. Naganuma About 20 minutes from Shinsennuma, this gourd-shaped pond is a man-made lake with a stark landscape, also serving as a reservoir. Nishimura Keiyu Memorial Art Museum This museum focuses on the works of Keio Nishimura, a Western-style painter from Kyowa-cho, and houses about 5,500 pieces, with roughly 100 on display at any time. After World War II Nishimura moved to France, where Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler, Picasso’s dealer, discovered him; Nishimura based his career in Paris and received honors such as France’s Order of Arts and Letters. The museum rotates its exhibits about four times a year, letting visitors enjoy a variety of works. The museum also offers regular programs to enjoy art, and the views from the museum are a draw in themselves. Kakashi Furusato Kan Kakashi Furusato Kan was built to pass on the agricultural lifestyle and the pioneering history of Kyowa-cho to future generations. Inside, farming tools and household items are on display. The adjacent Former Horonai Elementary School has been restored and repurposed as an exhibition space, preserving the atmosphere of the original building as a historic structure. Kyowa Scarecrow Festival Held from mid- to late August, the Kyowa Scarecrow Festival lines the town with unique scarecrows. The festival features attractions such as a scarecrow contest, a music stage, character shows, and a local produce market. (Events as of August 2023) Kyowa-cho hometown tax gifts Local specialties from Kyowa-cho are available through the hometown tax donation program. Particularly popular return gifts include Hokkaido Crelle Camembert cheese, Sanda Farm’s special ice cream, Raiden melon, and Raiden watermelon. We’ll deliver these signature items to your home. Please check each hometown tax donation site for details. Kyowa-cho offers a range of accommodations, including hot springs and minpaku guesthouses. On the official Kyowa-cho town office website you can download a tourism pamphlet that presents themed model routes. A roadside station is scheduled to open in 2027. We will continue to showcase the charms of Kyowa-cho, Hokkaido on Cool Japan Video. Thank you for your support!

Hello everyone, this is the Mashu Lake Tourism Association. In Teshikaga, located in the heart of eastern Hokkaido, the autumn foliage season has ended and the air has turned cold, hinting that winter is about to begin. This time, we bring you Wakoto Peninsula just before winter arrives♪ A roughly 20-minute drive northwest from JR Mashu Station brings you to Wakoto Peninsula, which sits before Lake Kussharo. Under a clear, crisp sky, Wakoto Peninsula lies calm and still. Visiting Wakoto in autumn offers a deeply atmospheric and picturesque experience. Hot springs bubble up across the peninsula, letting you enjoy open-air baths fed by 100% natural thermal water. Please come and visit Wakoto Peninsula this autumn!

A soothing spot in town: “Machinaka Exchange Hall” Located about a five-minute walk from JR Tomakomai Station, Machinaka Exchange Hall is a facility where both tourists and local residents can drop in casually.💁‍♀️ Opened in 2011 (Heisei 23), you can enjoy a free foot bath and hand bath using 100% natural hot spring water.😊✨ Outside the facility, you’ll find the “Chojusan Stone” donated by Kaohuangdao City in China and the “Chojusan Jizo Bodhisattva” erected to wish for people’s longevity and happiness; the site is known as a power spot!👏 Why not soothe tired feet and recharge your energy?🚶‍♀️ [ Machinaka Exchange Hall ] Address: 3-1-6 Omotecho, Tomakomai Hours: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 12:00–17:00 Contact: 0120-12-0503 ※ Hours may change depending on the season.

Today is the first day of the grand festival, which is held once every three years! The five areas of Hongyotoku 1-chome, 2-chome, 3-chome, 4-chome, and Honshio, which were the center of Gyotoku in the Edo period, were bustling for the first time in six years! ☺️

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos—nice to meet you! We are the Kanagawa Prefecture Tourism Association. From this account, we will be sharing information about the many attractions across Kanagawa Prefecture, so please look forward to it. Kanagawa Prefecture is broadly divided into the following areas. ◎ Eastern Hills area (Tama Hills, Miura Peninsula) ◎ Central Lowland (Sagami Plain) ◎ Western Mountainous Region (Tanzawa, Hakone Volcano) Kanagawa, where beautiful nature and historic sites coexist, is truly a treasure trove for travelers. From the ancient city of Kamakura and the wave-lashed shores of Shonan to Hakone’s hot spring resorts, the vast nature of Tanzawa and MtOoyama, and the international city of Yokohama, Kanagawa hides many charms that captivate every visitor. Here is an introduction to Kanagawa Prefecture and its sightseeing spots! ■ Yokohama City [Eastern Kanagawa] Yokohama City, the prefectural capital, sits in eastern Kanagawa and offers diverse culture, leisure, and delicious food. There are many day-trip attractions, including Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, and Minatomirai. Yokohama Chinatown is famous as a paradise for Chinese cuisine, and the area’s shops selling Chinese goods make it great for shopping too! ■ Miura Peninsula The Miura Peninsula is an ideal sightseeing area with an aquarium, beautiful beaches, historic temples, and a wide variety of activities. Its stunning natural scenery and rich history remain well preserved. You can also enjoy local gourmet seafood and other delicious dishes. ■ Yokosuka City [Northern Miura Peninsula] Yokosuka City is well known as a historic base of the Japanese Navy, and you can feel that history at many local sights. The city has also served as the setting for anime and games, hosting exhibitions and events in the past. Tsukuihama Beach is scheduled to host windsurfing World Cup events, and sports events are actively held here. From Mikasa Terminal you can visit Sarushima, Tokyo Bay’s largest uninhabited island. Yokosuka Navy Curry is a popular local specialty. ■ Misaki Port [Southern tip of the Miura Peninsula] Located near the entrance to Tokyo Bay, Misaki Port has been prized as a good harbor since the Heian period. It is famous as a tuna fishing port, and the area offers many restaurants serving delicious tuna and other seafood. ■ Hayamamachi [Western Miura Peninsula] Hayamamachi, an area of beautiful beaches and luxury hotels, is sometimes called the birthplace of yachting. The sight of many boats and yachts in Hayama Marina is breathtaking! ■ Zushi City [Western Miura Peninsula] Zushi City is designated under the Ancient Capitals Preservation Act to protect its historic landscape. Facing Sagami Bay, it offers many resort-style attractions where you can soak up a holiday mood. Zushi Beach is great for swimming and for marine sports like windsurfing and SUP. At the Riviera Zushi Marina, a stay-type marina resort, you can enjoy short cruises and ocean-view restaurants for a luxurious time. ■ Kamakura City [Southeastern Kanagawa] Kamakura City blends history and nature beautifully as an ancient city. Kamakura has many old temples and shrines, and its Pacific-facing coastline offers views that stretch to the horizon. Don’t miss Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Great Buddha at Hasedera Temple), both designated national historic sites and Important Cultural Properties. ■ Chigasaki City [Central Shonan area] Chigasaki City is known as a surfing mecca, loved by surfers for its beautiful waves. Stylish seaside cafes and shops where you can dine while watching the sunset line the shore. ■ MtOoyama [Central Kanagawa] MtOoyama in Isehara City attracts many hikers year-round. From near Afuri Shrine, the terminal of the Oyama Cable Car at about 700 meters elevation, you can enjoy star-rated views in the Michelin Green Guide Japan overlooking Sagami Bay, the Miura Peninsula, and the Boso Peninsula. MtOoyama also has shukubo, 400-year-old temple lodgings for worshippers. These shukubo sit amid nature and offer simple, rustic rooms for a relaxing stay. Nearby lakes such as Lake Miyagase and Lake Tanzawa allow visitors to enjoy Kanagawa’s seasonal nature. ■ Oiso-cho [Western Shonan area] Oiso-cho is an area surrounded by rich nature. It offers beautiful beaches and resort facilities, and Oiso Long Beach is a popular seaside resort pool. Hotels and spas are also available, attracting many tourists. ■ Odawara City [Western Kanagawa] Odawara City is known as a historic castle town, famous for Odawara Castle, the stronghold of the Hōjō clan, and for its preserved old streets. Odawara Castle’s keep displays the castle’s history and crafts, and the Odawara Castle Ninja Museum (History and Folklore Museum) offers ninja experiences, making it a sight that adults, children, and international visitors can all enjoy. ■ Hakonemachi [Western Kanagawa] Hakone is one of Japan’s top hot spring areas and can be enjoyed on day trips or longer stays. Popular attractions you’ll want to visit again and again include the Hakone Open-Air Museum, HakoneRopeway, Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, the Hakone Tozan Railway, and Owakudani. ■ Manatsurumachi [Western Kanagawa] Manatsurumachi is a mild region of sea and mountains adjacent to Yugawara Town and Odawara City. It is known for its active fishing industry and offers fresh seafood to enjoy. ■ Yugawara Onsen [Western Kanagawa] Located between Hakone and Atami, this hot spring area features a hot spring district lined with traditional Japanese ryokan, preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of an old-fashioned onsen town. Kanagawa offers sea activities, marine sports, hot springs, great nature, and history—so you can enjoy it in many ways. Access from Tokyo is very convenient: it takes about 30 minutes by train or car to reach Yokohama in eastern Kanagawa and about one hour to reach Hakone and Odawara in western Kanagawa. You can also enjoy a casual drive-and-sightseeing trip from Tokyo. With seasonal scenery and activities all year round, Kanagawa is a destination you’ll want to visit again and again. Make an unforgettable page in your travel memories with Kanagawa sightseeing! We will publish Kanagawa’s attractions, sample itineraries, the latest information, and lesser-known hidden spots, so please stay tuned!

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 🥰

Hello everyone! This is the Industry Promotion Division of Oketo Town Hall. We will share the charms of Oketo Town, Hokkaido, with viewers of the Cool Japan video series, so thank you for joining us! For this first post, we’d like to introduce what kind of town Oketo is and highlight its attractions. Oketo Town in Tokoro District, Hokkaido, is a peaceful town surrounded by beautiful nature in eastern Hokkaido, with a population of 2,669 as of January 31, 2023. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to meet warm-hearted locals and feel the town’s community spirit. Oketo’s climate features large temperature differences between day and night and relatively little snowfall and rainfall. Access to Oketo is easiest by combining plane and car. From Memanbetsu Airport (Oozora-cho), it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car, making for a pleasant drive through nature. By bus, take Hokkaido Kitami Bus (Memanbetsu Airport line) from Memanbetsu Airport (Oozora-cho) to Kitami Bus Terminal (Kitami City), then transfer to the Rikubetsu line at Kitami Bus Terminal to reach Oketo; the total trip takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Next, here are some of Oketo’s sights and things to enjoy that show different faces through the seasons. ● Lake Oketo and Kanoko Dam Lake Oketo is an artificial lake created by the Kanoko Dam. The lake’s shoreline stretches 13.4 km and is home to many wild birds and native plants, making it a notable scenic spot. You can also enjoy fishing at Lake Oketo. In summer you can catch yamabe (landlocked salmon) and amemasu (rainbow trout), and from late December to mid-February you can try wakasagi (pond smelt) fishing. Since no rental fishing gear is available, please bring your own rods and tents. ● Rainbow Falls Downstream from Kanoko Dam, the Kanokozawa area unfolds with magnificent natural beauty. One highlight is Rainbow Falls, which plunges 13 meters and looks like a painting. Trees and flowers surround the falls, making it a popular spot for photographers. In winter, Rainbow Falls is lit up and icefall tours are held. ● Okecraft Center "Shinrin Kogeikan" Okecraft is Oketo’s local craft brand. The craft movement began in 1983 by combining the local bent-wood bucket tradition called oke with Oketo’s name and the idea of craft. Twenty-four individual workshops in Oketo produce everyday tableware and other items. Okecraft products are also available for purchase on the website. At the Shinrin Kogeikan, you can see and buy Okecraft pieces and other locally made products such as plant-dyed textiles, and you can observe the production process and tour the facility. Okecraft is also a popular gift choice for Oketo’s hometown tax donation program. Wooden items made from Ezo spruce, like paired bowls and smoothly finished cutlery, showcase a warm wooden texture. Please check the various hometown tax websites for details. ● Oketo Katsuyama Onsen Yuuyu Oketo Katsuyama Onsen Yuuyu is a facility offering lodging, hot springs, dining, and sightseeing all in one. There are four cottages available, and a free BBQ area adds a camping feel. Inside the facility you’ll find a restaurant and a café corner; weekday lunch specials are recommended. For day-trip visitors, the facility offers hot spring water flowing directly from the Katsuyama Onsen source. Enjoy the large communal bath, reclining baths, an open-air bath, a pottery bath, and a dry-style sauna. The area around the facility is also rich in attractions, including Lake Oketo. ● Minamigaoka Ski Area In winter, the ski area is another enjoyable option. Minamigaoka Ski Area offers affordable lift tickets: 1,040 yen for adults and 520 yen for children (junior high school age and under) for a day pass. With runs ranging from beginner to advanced, skiers of all levels can have a great time. Come experience Oketo Town’s natural charms and local hospitality for yourself. We will continue to share information about Oketo Town on this account. Thank you and we look forward to your interest!

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.

During ♨️ the sand bath experience at Minamiboso Wadaura Beach A sand bath while looking at the sea is good! ⛱️

Lantern festival in Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo Prefecture The fireworks here rises every day in summer.

Moor Hot Spring Firefly Viewing Event Fireflies raised in the moor hot spring waters will perform a dance of light. In the past, it was possible to see Heike fireflies around Tokachigawa Onsen. However, as the town modernized, habitats suitable for fireflies dwindled, and after the summer of 1990 the Heike fireflies could no longer be seen. The goal of restoring Heike fireflies at Tokachigawa Onsen is to bring back the early-summer scenes that were once common. A distinctive feature of the firefly restoration is the use of hot spring water as the water source. Tokachigawa Onsen’s spring is a rare plant-rich moor hot spring. Because it contains plant-derived components, it is rich in minerals essential for the proliferation of diatoms, which serve as food for pond snails. This is the first successful example in Japan of restoring fireflies using 100% hot spring water. Heike fireflies are distributed from Kyushu to Hokkaido, and into eastern Siberia and Korea, and they once thrived in wetlands and watersides surrounding rice paddies. A characteristic of Hokkaido’s Heike fireflies is that their flashing intervals tend to be longer than those of Heike fireflies on Honshu. Event period: Saturday, July 8 to Sunday, July 23 Event time: 8:00 PM–9:00 PM Location: Tokachigaoka Park

A phantom hot spring village Yamagata Ginzan Onsen If you are a hot spring lover or photographer, you should visit Japan's scenic hot spring village at least once! The scenery that appears deep in the mountains makes you forget the cold. It was ^^ a breathtakingly beautiful view

Introducing the post of "Niikappu Tourism Association" COOL JAPAN VIDEOS official social media account! Hokkaido Niikappu is located in the center of Hokkaido and is characterized by being easy to spend in summer and little snow in winter. There are also many attractive sightseeing spots such as "Judgekan Forest Park Campground", "Roadside Station Thoroughbred Road Niikappu", and "Niikappu Onsen". ◆Niikappu Tourism Association◆ 【Address】 〒059-2401 Hokkaido Niikappu Honmachi 44

⛺Let’s go camping!!🔥 Auto Resort Tomakomai Arten, a campsite and hot spring facility, is one of Hokkaido’s largest auto campgrounds, offering activities such as canoeing and golf for everyone to enjoy!!⛳🎾🛶🥩 The campground also has cottages of various sizes, so even beginners can use the facilities with peace of mind!!💁‍♀️ At the hot spring facility Yunomi no Yu, you can bathe in a free-flowing natural hot spring🛀 Why not take your time to sweat it out and relax! [Auto Resort Tomakomai Arten (Arten)] ・Address: 421-4 Tarumae, Tomakomai City, Hokkaido 059-1265 ・Contact: Campsite TEL. 0144-67-2222 Yunomi no Yu TEL. 0144-61-4126 Rest House TEL. 0144-67-2245 ・Hours (Yunomi no Yu) 10:00–22:00 (Closed: third Wednesday of the month) ※ Business hours and closed days may change, so please check with the facility before visiting.

[Hell Valley Demon Fireworks 2023 Begins! ] 】 It is the first regular event after Corona! After the opening ceremony on Thursday, June 1, Surprise fireworks are also launched. We opened 💥 the 2023 season Dates: June 1 Thu ~ July 6 Thu every Monday and Thursday 　　　　　July 13 Thu ~ July 27 Thu every Thursday Time: From 8 p.m. Please note: Due to safety measures, the number of visitors is limited. 　　　　　The first 2,000 people will attend.　Please note.

Noboribetsu City is a beautiful hot spring town surrounded by the rich nature of Hokkaido. Noboribetsu City is dotted with many wonderful spots that continue to fascinate visitors. This time, we will introduce in detail the most popular tourist spots in Noboribetsu City and the charm of Noboribetsu Onsen. We hope that it will be an opportunity for many tourists to visit Noboribetsu City. First of all, we will introduce the popular sightseeing spots in Noboribetsu City. "Noboribetsu Bear Park" is one of the largest bear farms in Japan, and about 70 Ezo brown bears live there. In the park, you can observe the bears spending their time up close and enjoy feeding them. Next up is "Noboribetsu Jigokudani". This is the remains of a crater with a diameter of about 450 meters formed by the eruptive activity of Mt. Hiyori. It is a spot where you can feel the mystery of the earth, and while walking along the promenade, you can enjoy the powerful scenery of Jigokudani and the moment when hot springs gush out. Noboribetsu Marine Park Nix, a popular tourist spot introduced at the end of this article, is an aquarium with the theme of "Nordic romance and marine fantasy" where you can interact with marine life such as sea lions, penguins, and dolphins. The dolphin show and sea lion show held regularly are popular events that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. There is also a penguin walk and an experience where you can interact with dolphins. There are still many popular sightseeing spots in Noboribetsu City, so I will introduce them in a future post. One thing you can't miss when sightseeing in Noboribetsu City is Noboribetsu Onsen. The historic onsen town, which has spread since the Edo period, is still loved by many people. It is characterized by the spring quality containing sulfur and salt, and can be expected to have relaxation effects and skin beautifying effects. It is also said to be effective in improving neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, and sensitivity to cold. Noboribetsu Onsen has various types of hot spring inns and day-trip hot spring facilities, so visitors can enjoy the hot spring that suits them. There are a variety of options available, including inns where you can enjoy open-air baths and indoor baths, inns with family baths, and accommodations that offer elaborate private baths. You can also enjoy hot springs and foot baths. Access to Noboribetsu City is about one hour by JR from New Chitose Airport and about one and a half hours by car from Sapporo City, making it very convenient to access from within Hokkaido. There are also plenty of bus tours and car rentals to explore the city. Souvenirs that cannot be missed when sightseeing in Noboribetsu City include the local beer "Oni Legend" and the "Noboribetsu Toro~ri Pudding" made with Noboribetsu milk. Please check it out as a souvenir for your family and friends. What do you think? Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido is a tourist destination full of various attractions such as nature, hot springs, history, and souvenirs. In particular, Noboribetsu Onsen has a wide range of attractions such as spring quality, efficacy, and diversity of facilities, and is ideal for those who are looking for a relaxation effect that heals daily fatigue and a beautiful skin effect. Noboribetsu Onsen is surrounded by beautiful nature in each of the four seasons, and you can feel nature while enjoying the hot springs. Please visit Noboribetsu City once and experience its charm. After fully enjoying the splendor of the hot springs and tourist spots, enjoy the local delicacies and souvenirs. You will enjoy Noboribetsu Onsen and spend a relaxing trip both physically and mentally.

How do you do! Obihiro Tourism and Convention Association. We will introduce plenty of the charms of Obihiro City, Hokkaido, so thank you! Obihiro City, Hokkaido is a city with a population of about 170,000 located in the center of the Tokachi Plain in central Hokkaido. In this area rich in nature created by the rich land and climate, you can enjoy the beautiful nature of each season, such as fresh greenery in spring, cool summer, beautiful autumn leaves in autumn, and pure white snowscape in winter. First of all, we will introduce popular sightseeing spots that you should never miss when you visit Obihiro City for sightseeing! At Banei Tokachi Obihiro Racecourse, located about a 7-minute drive from Obihiro Station, you can enjoy the world's only Banei Horse Race, where horses weighing more than 1 ton compete for power, speed, and endurance by pulling a heavy iron sled. In the Meiji period, when horses were indispensable for transportation and transportation in Hokkaido, "Banei horse racing" began by comparing power as the value of agricultural horses. The historic and powerful race has been certified as a Hokkaido Heritage Site and is a popular tourist spot in modern times. Please watch the powerful run for yourself and experience the feeling of elation and unity! In addition, it is conveniently located 15 minutes by bus from Obihiro Station, and you can see about 70 kinds of animals at Obihiro Zoo, the second long-established zoo built in Hokkaido. You can also play with large playground equipment such as a Ferris wheel and a merry-go-round, so it is a popular tourist spot that everyone from children to adults can enjoy. Next, we will introduce two sightseeing spots where you can enjoy the flowers and trees of the four seasons of Obihiro. A 15-minute drive from Obihiro Station, Manabe Garden is located in Obihiro City. It is a historic park boasting a vast site of 25,000 tsubo, and the strolling garden where you can see three types of gardens at once, such as a Japanese garden, a Western-style garden, and a landscape garden, is popular. Visitors say "It's like coming to a fairyland!" Next, at the Shichiku Garden, a 15,000-tsubo flower garden that spreads out on the vast grounds of the Tokachi Plain, which is 35 minutes by car from Obihiro Station, about 2,500 kinds of flowers and trees are in full bloom, and you can enjoy them throughout each of the four seasons. At the restaurant in the park, you can enjoy dishes using pesticide-free vegetables grown in the garden and fresh ingredients from Tokachi. It is also recommended to start the day of sightseeing with a breakfast buffet where you can feel the refreshing breeze! Next, we will introduce popular gourmet foods that you should definitely try when sightseeing in Obihiro. Obihiro City's most popular local gourmet and specialty dish "Pork Bowl" is grilled pork marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce and placed on rice. This exquisite cuisine has become a specialty gourmet loved not only by Obihiro citizens but also by tourists. In addition, Tokachi is the largest dairy kingdom in Japan in terms of raw milk production, and many cheese artisans make their own cheese from this fresh raw milk. Please heal your fatigue when sightseeing in Obihiro at the hot spring. Obihiro City has many hot springs, and you can enjoy them at about 20 unique facilities. There are also many day-trip hot spring facilities, and there are also facilities where you can soak in the hot springs and see the scenery of nature. Find your favorite hot spring spot and spend time relaxing while taking a break. Obihiro City full of highlights! Once you visit, you are sure to be drawn in by its charm. We will regularly send out information on nature, sightseeing spots, gourmet food, and other attractions of Obihiro City, so thank you!

Introducing the photos posted on "Everyone's Post"! This is a pickup post of the inbound tourism information SNS "Cool Japan Video". Today, I would like to introduce DyJyn's post. The scenery of the plateau and the flavorful colors unique to film cameras are impressive. Located in Soni Village, Uda District, Nara Prefecture, Soni Kogen is a large plateau that spreads out at the foot of Mt. Kurisoyama, which straddles Mie and Nara prefectures. The Soni Highland covered with pampas grass and the golden scenery shown in autumn are also popular as photo spots. The ears usually begin to change color in mid-September, and are in full bloom around early October ~ late November. Not only in the daytime, but also in the sunset and the scenery sparkling is not to be missed. "Soni Kogen Onsen Okame no Yu" is a popular day-trip natural hot spring that was selected as the first place in the middle Japan hot spring tour. It is located about 4 minutes by car from the Soni Highlands, so why not stop by when you visit the Soni Highlands? You can enjoy the open-air bath with panoramic views and the hot spring baths in the wooden and stone bathrooms. In addition, at the Soni Kogen Farm Garden, which is adjacent to the Soni Kogen Onsen Okame no Yu, you can buy local specialties and locally caught vegetables. We also recommend lunch at a natural restaurant and original beer at the attached beer brewery "Mugi-no-kan". The campsite "Sun Village Soji" is also popular for its well-equipped facilities. There are 11 powered lawn sites and cottages, so you can enjoy your private space. It is about 10 minutes by car from Kame-no-yu and about 90 minutes from Osaka City, making it easy to access. ◆Soni Highland◆ 【Address】〒633-1202 Nara-ken, Uda District, Soni Village Tara Road 【Access】By car: Meihan National Highway I.C., about 45 minutes via Haibara 【Parking lot】Available for 150 cars Please see the official website for details. ）

Hello! 🙋‍♀️ This is Shintoku Tourism Association. We are sharing the schedule for the Tokachi Bus (Hokkaido Takushoku Bus) routes that run during the summer for mountain hikes ⛰ and day-trip hot spring visits ♨️, and in autumn for leaf-peeping 🍁. From Shintoku Station, about 60 km away, this is a great chance to reach those remote hot springs ♨️—the kind of hidden gems you want to visit precisely because they feel far away 🔥. For details, please contact Hokkaido Takushoku Bus.

Hello! I’m Mōru-chan, the local mascot of TokachigawaOnsen! She’s a girl with a bean-shaped body patterned like a cow, a pig’s nose, and corn-shaped horns♡ She’s packed full of Tokachi’s charms 😍 This one was apparently made by a staff member of Otofuke town hall using small building blocks from a 100-yen shop! There’s also a hot-spring-steam version.

Introducing the posts of the "Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Association" Cool Japan SNS official account! The Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Guide Center, located in Kawahigashi-gun Otofuke, Hokkaido, is a facility that not only provides tourist information but also accepts rental bicycles and activities. You can also enjoy a foot bath from late April ~ late October. ◆Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Guide Center◆ 【Address】〒080-0263 12-1 Tokachigawa Onsen Minami, Otofuke Kawahigashi-gun, Hokkaido 【Access】From Obihiro IC Otofuke Eastern Hokkaido via National Route 241 and Route 73: About 20 minutes by taxi / car 【Parking lot】Available 20 cars free

Introducing the posts of the official "Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Association" account! Tokachigawa Onsen Otofuke Hokkaido is a hot spring village where you can enjoy the "mall hot spring" that springs up through the lignite seam. The rare spring quality of the hot spring in Mole was once said to be a medicine swamp among the Ainu people. In the suburbs, there are plenty of sightseeing spots full of nature, such as Chiyoda Embankment and Tokachi Ranch. ◆Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Association◆ 【Address】〒080-0263 Tokachigawa Onsen Minami 12-chome Otofuke 1 Kawahigashi-gun, Hokkaido Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Guide Center 【Tel】0155-32-6633

This is the scene at Suzuran Park, Otofuke’s cherry blossom spot. It’s almost full bloom, and the nighttime illumination of the blossoms has already begun! The wind is strong and chilly at this seasonal change, but spring is just around the corner.

This is the Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Association in Otofuke, Hokkaido. Otofuke is pronounced "Otofuke-chō". We plan to share captivating information about hot springs, sightseeing spots, superb local cuisine, access, and weather through Cool Japan videos! Please spend a dreamlike time in Otofuke’s Tokachigawa Onsen, where spectacular natural scenery and blissful hot springs soothe the body and mind. First, an introduction to the hot springs that heal both body and spirit. Tokachigawa Onsen features a rare spring quality and was designated a Hokkaido Heritage site in 2004, ahead of many other hot spring areas in Hokkaido. Tokachigawa Onsen is famous in Japan as a rare moor hot spring. The term "moor" comes from the German word for lignite and refers to springs that flow through lignite layers containing ancient plant-based organic matter; the water has an amber color and a slightly viscous texture. The hotels and ryokan lining the hot spring town offer carefully designed open-air and indoor baths, letting you fully enjoy the beautifying waters, and some facilities also offer day-use hot springs. Otofuke’s sightseeing spots brim with charm that makes you lose track of time. Roadside Station Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen is a treasure trove with a market showcasing local fresh ingredients and specialties, a spa where you can enjoy the Hokkaido Heritage moor hot spring in swimwear, hands-on craft workshops, and four restaurants. At Tokachi Ranch, which spans vast grounds, a viewing platform offers 360-degree views of Tokachi’s grand landscape. From mid-January to the end of February, snow exercise for horse health care is open to the public. At Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden, you can glimpse the production process of a popular confectionery maker and try your hand at making sweets. Tokachigaoka Park is perfect for families, centered on the large flower clock "Hanakku" with an 18-meter diameter and a 10.10-meter second hand, surrounded by seasonal blooms. Tokachigawa Onsen in Otofuke hosts many attractive events. In early summer, the Moor Hot Spring Firefly Viewing enchants visitors with fireflies lighting up the night at Tokachigawa Onsen. Many tourists come to see the fluttering fireflies, enjoying a special time that feels in harmony with nature. The winter event Sairinka creates a fantastical space of synchronized sound and light with about 600 illuminated objects, including a 5.4-meter symbol tower. Otofuke’s Tokachigawa Onsen holds various appealing events throughout the year, including those mentioned above. Along with the hot springs, sights, and delicious food, we hope you enjoy seasonal events as well. Access to Tokachigawa Onsen in Otofuke, Hokkaido: about 2 hours by car from New Chitose Airport, about 3 hours by train from JR Sapporo Station, and about 20 minutes by car or taxi from Obihiro Station. Otofuke’s Tokachigawa Onsen awaits you with beautiful nature, restorative hot springs for body and mind, and inspiring sightseeing spots!

Hello everyone! This is the Mashu Lake Tourism Association. We will introduce many highlights and ways to enjoy Teshikaga in Hokkaido to viewers of Cool Japan Video! First, can everyone read the name "Teshikaga"? It is pronounced "Teshikaga". When people think of Hokkaido, Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo come to mind as popular spots visited by many tourists, and both lakes are located in Teshikaga. Lake Mashu spreads out in a deep blue and is known as the sacred lake. Its blue surface is called Mashu Blue and boasts the highest transparency in Japan and ranks among the world’s very clearest lakes. To fully enjoy this beautiful lake surface, we recommend visiting the observatories. The Lake Mashu First Observatory is the most popular lookout, attracting about one million visitors a year. It has a large parking lot and rest house with restrooms, so you can stop by to take a break. The Lake Mashu Third Observatory and Uramashu Observatory also offer free parking and let you see different faces of Lake Mashu. From the Lake Mashu First Observatory and the Lake Mashu Third Observatory, when luck and weather conditions are favorable, the entire lake can be covered in fog, and the settled mist can appear as a sea of clouds. Lake Kussharo is one of the world’s largest caldera lakes and the largest caldera lake in Japan (a lake formed when a volcanic crater filled with water after an eruption). Numerous natural hot springs gush out along the lakeshore, so you can enjoy hot springs in open-air baths and saunas that make the most of nature, as well as in large hotels. In summer you can fully enjoy water sports such as camping, canoeing, and sailing. Across the great outdoors of Teshikaga you can also enjoy activities like horseback riding, golf, fishing, cycling, and dairy farm experiences. When you visit Teshikaga, please also savor the town’s local specialties and gourmet foods. These include Mashu Soba, known as the prized "phantom soba" for its careful quality; Mashu Melon, in season from early to late August; potatoes packed with the bounty of the land; and popular products from Teshikaga farms such as Mashu Pork and Mashu Wagyu. Teshikaga in Hokkaido is conveniently accessible by car—about 75 minutes from Kushiro Airport and about 70 minutes from Memanbetsu Airport. Please come and enjoy the vast nature of Teshikaga. Through Cool Japan Video, we will continue to bring you attractions and travel information about Teshikaga, Lake Mashu, and Lake Kussharo, so please follow us if you like!

It is 🌸✨ the evening view of the cherry blossom and rape blossom festival in Minami The sunset dyed the hot spring with hot water smoke rising, and the sunset clouds that burnt on the river surface were reflected without wind, and it was 😁 beautiful. * Click the image to see the original vertical composition.

Introducing the post of the official account of "Shiraoi Tourist Association / SHIRAOI"! Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido is blessed with a rich natural environment and is a tourist destination where you can enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, marine sports, and trekking. It is also known as a hot spring resort, where you can enjoy day-trip bathing facilities and accommodations. Lake Poroto, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons, has a promenade and an observatory and is recommended for strolling. ◆Shiraoi Town◆ 【Address】〒059-0995 Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 【Access】 From Sapporo: JR Limited Express about 1 hour / About 1 hour by car