I took portraits at Inuyama Castle in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture. We decided to collaborate with kimono at the torii gate of Harizuna Shrine! The red Japanese umbrella shines!

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!

Japan places to visit after corona

Tulip field and Fuji
2021/5/2 around 17:00 pm
At Yamanakako Hanato Park in Yamanashi Prefecture
#After Corona

Hello viewers of Cool Japan Videos, this is the Tomakomai Tourism Association.

On this account, we’ll introduce the many attractive tourist spots of Tomakomai City, one of Japan’s leading industrial cities and the largest port town in Hokkaido.

Tomakomai is very easy to reach: about a 90-minute drive from Sapporo City and about a 30-minute drive from New Chitose Airport.
When you visit, rental bicycles are available, so we recommend touring while feeling the great outdoors on your skin.

Now, let us introduce Tomakomai City’s proud sightseeing spots.

■ Mt. Tarumae
Designated a natural monument of Hokkaido, this stratovolcano features a globally famous double rim.
You can drive up to the 7th station, and from there it’s about a 50-minute hike to the summit, making it an easy climb to enjoy sweeping views and alpine plants.

■ Midorigaoka Park
From the observation deck on the hilltop plaza, you can take in panoramic views of Tomakomai City.
With fountains and flowerbeds, plus an athletics stadium and a rugby field, many people use it as an outdoor sports park.

■ Kin-Dainuma Park
Centered on Lake Kin-Dainuma, which has a 1.6-kilometer shoreline, the park is surrounded by pristine nature.
You can enjoy facilities year-round, including Arten, one of Japan’s largest auto campgrounds, a canoe base, a park golf course, and the Yunomi no Yu bathing facility.

■ Northern Horse Park
A popular spot where visitors can interact with horses.
You can experience horseback riding, guided pony rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, sleigh rides, riding lessons, the Happy Pony Show, and horse trekking.

Next, we’ll introduce some of the popular local gourmet treats that are one of the pleasures of visiting Tomakomai.

Tomakomai City boasts the largest catch of surf clams (hokkigai) in Japan, often called the king of shellfish.
While they’re known as a premium sushi topping, in Tomakomai you can buy them casually.
As a port town, there’s also plenty of seafood like salmon and atka mackerel, plus local specialties such as haskap berries, Tomakomai ramen, haskap-based sweets called yoitomake, Tarumae jingisukan (grilled mutton), and hokki curry—popular flavors you should try when sightseeing.

We’ll continue to share many more recommended Tomakomai attractions that we couldn’t fit into this post, so please look forward to them!