A special morning moment, a special morning gradient, the colors of Azumino

Taiki Town on February 6th The heavy snowfall that fell between February 4th and 5th was followed the next day by clear Tokachi skies, so I went for a drive around town. The familiar scenery had turned into a beautiful snowy landscape!

Held in the fourth "Winter Light Project" this year. Implementation of this project is sponsored by the Ishikita Four Towns Market Council, which consists of the chambers of commerce and industry of Aibetsu, Kamikawa, Toma, and Hifu, and is held for three days from February 12 to 14 with the hope of "brightening and energizing the town." In Aibetsu Town, with the cooperation of local business establishments, mainly on Honmachi Street, warm lights gently illuminate the winter nights. Please take a look when you are in the vicinity.

“Mori no Snow Park 2025 in Kawayu Onsen” Is Back This Year!! On Sunday, February 23, the Mori no Snow Park 2025 in Kawayu Onsen will take place in front of the Kawayu Visitor Center. Enjoy free activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and warming up by the bonfire, along with talk sessions and delicious food—there’s plenty to experience! This is an event for both adults and children, so please come with family and friends. Event Overview: Mori no Snow Park 2025 in Kawayu Onsen Date and Time: Sunday, February 23, 2025, 10:00–21:00 Venue: Kawayu Visitor Center and surrounding area (2-2-6 Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga) Admission: Free (all programs are free to join) *Food and drinks are available for purchase separately. At Snow Park 2025, following last year’s popular sessions, local town guides will again host a talk session! Three guides who have lived here for more than 20 years will share their perspectives on Teshikaga’s nature and their daily impressions. Talk Session Details ■ Date and Time: Sunday, February 23, 2025, 19:00–20:30 ■ Location: Kawayu Visitor Center, 2nd floor ■ Speakers: Shigetoshi Tsuchiya (River & Field), Yuya Tsuchida (Somokuya), Masumi Hashida (Nanuk) ■ Moderator: Jin Fujiwara (Teshikaga Ekomachi Promotion Council / River & Field) *Admission free Contact: Teshikaga Ekomachi Promotion Council (Secretariat) Within Teshikaga Town Hall, Tourism and Commerce Division 015-482-2940 (Direct line to Tourism and Commerce Division / Weekdays: 9:00–17:00) Day-of-event contact: 090-2075-9764 (Person in charge: Fujiwara)

Shirataki in Winter Look at this 😳! Thanks to the recent cold snap, Shirataki has been cloaked in snow and ice, creating a stunning sight ❄️✨ Pale blue-tinted pillars of snow and ice line up into a breathtaking scene 👏 If possible, we’d love for you to see it with your own eyes! …That said, the path to Shirataki is coated in snow and ice and is extremely dangerous ⚠️ This time, specially trained staff from the tourism association risked their lives to climb up, so please enjoy the photos instead… 🙏🙏🙏 The trail to Shirataki is already hazardous, so we ask for your understanding 😭 Still, nature’s artistry is truly beautiful… I’d grown tired of all the snow, but it turns out it’s not all bad ✨ Let’s stay positive and enjoy ourselves 💪❤️‍🔥

Introducing the stay-and-sightseeing facility Mount Io MOKMOK Base, which opened in September 2023. The complex features MOKMOK Terrace, a refined space that blends rock walls reminiscent of Mount Io’s geology with warm, natural wood; MOKMOK Theater, where you can enjoy the mountain’s dramatic steam through large glass panes like a theater screen; Mount Io Museum, which explores the mountain’s past and present; and MOKMOK Marche & Café, offering local foods and souvenirs — among many other attractions. Please come and visit us!!

Sairinka, which had been canceled due to heavy snow, resumed on February 8th! Because the snowfall set a record, we thought it might be impossible to hold the event again, but with the cooperation of many people we carried out snow removal and successfully restarted the event. It's regrettable that attractions like Alley of Light and Tunnel of Light were canceled by the heavy snow, but we are happy to be able to resume them. Although some roads still remain in poor condition, thank you to everyone who came to visit us.

Gokase Specialty Center Snow Play The special cold snap that began this Tuesday has left the Gokase Specialty Center covered in snow☃️ Is everyone safe and free from injury or accidents?💦 To lift the spirits of customers who braved these harsh roads to visit the shop, the staff at the Gokase Specialty Center made a Totoro snowman to bring a little brightness and warmth 🥰👏 It’s big and adorable😳✨ While it was being made, children who had come in for lunch kept asking, “Is Totoro finished yet!?” as they eagerly waited🤣💕 Please stop by and take a commemorative photo when you visit📸！ There are also impressive icicles hanging from the shop eaves😮💡They glittered beautifully as they caught the light✨ The tips are sharp, so be careful—they could be dangerous if they fall on your head⚠️ With persistent bad weather making movement difficult, it might be nice to take a moment to enjoy the snow like a child again🤭 Our association’s Instagram photo campaign “Winter in Gokase 2025” is still accepting entries📸✨ Please consider applying during this opportunity🤗 ※See the pinned post on our Instagram profile page for details🙏 https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... Everyone, please stay safe and stay alert for the rest of the day🙇‍♀️

【☃️Extra Powder Snow Falling❄️】 This is Omachi City on a snowy morning☃️Temperatures are below freezing, so the powder snow is piling up☃️Major roads have been cleared, but packed snow has turned everything pure white❄️Tonight, the 23rd Omachi Onsenkyo Dream Fireworks and Sound Festival will take place🎆When heading to the ski resorts or events, please watch your step😌 ⭐️Dream Fireworks and Sound Festival 2025⭐️ https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/event/90417/... ⭐️Kashimayari Ski Resort⭐️ https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/spot/kashimayari-sv/... ⭐️Jii-ga-take Ski Resort⭐️ https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/spot/jiigatake_ski/...

Sairinka, which had been canceled due to heavy snow, will resume today, February 8. We apologize for the inconvenience. All of our staff look forward to your visit. Road conditions are still poor in some areas, so please travel with caution. Please note that the Light Alley is canceled because heavy snow has made it impassable, and snow rafting remains canceled as there is no clear prospect for resuming it. Thank you for your understanding. Sairinka Time 19:00–21:00 Place Tokachigaoka Park Sairinka, which was canceled due to heavy snow, will resume today, February 8. All of our staff look forward to your visit. Road conditions may be poor in some areas, so please take care when traveling. Time 19:00–21:00 Place: Tokachigaoka Park Sairinka, canceled due to heavy snow, will resume today, February 8. All of our staff look forward to your visit. Road conditions may be poor in some areas, so please be careful when traveling. Time 19:00–21:00 Place: Tokachigaoka Park

Shirakawa Township in winter. I took this photo with my iPHONE from the Hagimachi Ruins of the Castle Observation decks. Even if you don't have a camera, you can still enjoy shooting. Shirakawa, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture

What made these patterns left in the snow? The answer is… the tracks of an Ezo deer! 🦌 Ezo deer are one of the animals familiar to Tomakomai residents, sometimes appearing around Tomakomai Station and in residential neighborhoods. (Image provided by the Utonai Lake Wildlife Protection Center)

Setsubun on the Snowy Day In Japan, it is customary to sow beans the day before the Spring (seasonal milestones There are Do you know why beans are used in the first place? It is said to be derived from the word "mame", which destroys demons Since ancient times, various rituals have been performed to drive away demons, which are considered to be a general term for bad things One of them is this "mamemaki (bean throwing)" Hit the "Mame", which is the eye of the demon, with beans to make it "Mame" At first glance, it looks like a play on words, but Japan have believed that words have a spirit inn words Therefore, this custom is part of Japan culture, and it is a snowy day Setsubun In Japan, it is customary to sow beans the day before the Spring (seasonal milestones There are Do you know why beans are used in the first place? It is said to be derived from the word "mame", which destroys demons Since ancient times, various rituals have been performed to drive away demons, which are considered to be a general term for bad things One of them is this "mamemaki (bean throwing)" Hit the "Mame", which is the eye of the demon, with beans to make it "Mame" At first glance, it looks like a play on words, but Japan have believed that words have a spirit inn words Therefore, this custom has taken root in Japan culture

Introducing the winter charm of the scenic spot "Tenryukyo" in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture! Snow piles up on the rock faces and trees, and the Silver World Unfolds. The contrast with the clear blue water of the Tenryu River is very beautiful, and you can enjoy the scenery like an ink painting. In winter, there are few tourists, and one of the attractions is that you can enjoy Nature quietly. Walking along the snow-covered Promenade and taking a deep breath in the clear air soothes the mind... There are also Hot Spring around Tenryukyo, which is perfect for warming up your cold body in winter. At Tenryukyo Hot Spring "Goyukkuri", you can soak in the hot water leisurely while looking at the beauty of the Valleys. In winter, Tenryu Gorge is a hidden famous landmarks where you can enjoy the beauty of nature in silence. Be sure to visit the fantastic Tenryukyo surrounded by snowy scenery. ♨ Tenryukyo Hot Spring Location: 4992-5 Kawaji, Iida-shi, Nagano Prefecture Phone: 0265-27-4011

Hello 😃 This is the main building of Yamanashi Wine Kingdom. Cold days continue, but the clear air here in Shosenkyo Gorge feels refreshing. Right now, beside the main building we are trying our hand at making “ice objects” that take advantage of this cold weather! After exploring the famous Senga Falls and the curious “Stone Gate” along the promenade further ahead — a rock that looks like it might stick together but doesn’t — be sure to take a look at the “ice objects.” Today we saw rainbows at both Senga Falls and the ice objects! When you visit, please dress warmly and enjoy your time♪

Teshikagacho presents a calm sky, a stark contrast to yesterday. As far as the eye can see, the pure white landscape is beautiful. It’s perfect weather for sightseeing, so come and visit us ☺️⛄️❄️

Due to heavy snowfall, the Sairinka event scheduled for February 5–7 has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding.

Today's Taiki Town Heavy snow fell across the Tokachi region today! In Taiki Town, about 50 cm accumulated from last night until this morning. It was the heaviest snowfall of the season! Tourist information for Taiki Town is here: https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp//

On-site ticket sales at the venue have started✨🏒 For the A and B seats only, tickets for the "2026 Winter Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Final Qualifier" held in Tomakomai from Thursday, February 6 to Sunday, February 9 can be purchased at the venue. The French team, the Polish team, the Chinese team, and Smile Japan—the Japanese women’s ice hockey national team aiming for their fifth Olympic appearance—will battle it out in thrilling matches✨ *S and SS seats are available through Ticket Pia. For details, search the Tomakomai city website for "Smile Japan window sales"!🏒

✨⛄ Let's ⛄✨ enjoy it in winter [Admission free] - Aibetsu Winter Festival 2025 Held in - ▶ Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025 (Reiwa 7) ▶ Time: 10 a.m. ~ 2 p.m. ▶ Place: Aibetsu Town Farming village park Enjoy winter activities such as snowmobiling, snow boating, snow Rafting, and snow slides ❄! In addition, there is also a Boarding experience of a working Car! Kitchen Car also visits, so you can enjoy 😋💕 delicious food Children up to junior high school age will receive free 🎁 cotton candy, popcorn, and sweets! In addition, there are fireworks 🎆🎆🎆 at night! Enjoy the gorgeous colors dancing in the winter night sky. Love another winter Events that you can enjoy all day long! Would you like to spend a fun day with your family and friends to blow away the cold? We look forward to seeing you there!

In winter, the moon and stars shining in the clear air are very beautiful, and delicious food and Activities unique to winter are also attractive. However, for those who live in snowy countries, snow removal in winter is a really difficult task. In Aibetsu Town, snow removal work is carried out very beautifully during the winter. I think that the more people who live in snowy countries, the more they can feel this politeness and awesomeness. Thanks to the thorough snow removal, we are able to go out safely and have a comfortable winter.

[Media Information] NHK “Hot News Dohoku Okhotsk” Wednesday, February 5, 6:40 PM–7:00 PM *Broadcast limited to the Okhotsk and Dohoku area* *Program content may change.* Footage from yesterday’s Tsubetsu Ice Candle Festival will be featured. They actually followed the making of the ice candles and the snow sculptures up close! We’re looking forward to the broadcast♪ Please tune in! The photos show the ice candles lit yesterday! They were so beautiful—🔥❄️🔥 Thank you to everyone who attended! Great job to all the executive committee members, too! #Okhotsk #okhotsk #Tsubetsu #tsubetsu #Tsubetsu #Tsubetsu Town #Hokkaido #hokkaido #Ice Candle Festival #Tsubetsu Ice Candle Festival #Sansan-kan #Tsubetsu Multipurpose Activity Center Sansan-kan #media appearance #scheduled broadcast #nhk #Hot News Dohoku Okhotsk

Mairi Hida Furukawa Sanji　　 The unique traditional custom of "Sanji Mairi", which has been going on for more than 200 years, is a tradition on the night of January 15 every year to visit the three temples in the In the town, Enkoji Temple, Shinshuji Temple, and Honkoji Temple, in memory of the blessings of Shinran Saint. On this day, 1,000 candles are lined up along the Seto River, and the lights reflected on the surface of the river are very beautiful, and you can enjoy a heartwarming scene. In addition, snow sculptures and candles boasting a height of 2 meters are lined up in the town. During the daytime, the person in charge will talk to the person wearing a kimono and gather at the designated time to take a PR photo. After a professional photographer, they will also let the general public take pictures. On the day of the event, the tourism association is also appealing for kimono rentals. < Kimono Rental > Location: Kirin Kaikan (11-7 Ichino-cho, Furukawa-cho, Hida-shi, Gifu Prefecture) Reception hours: 14:00~17:30　 Return time: ~20:00 Fee: 4,000 yen (tax included) * Dressing only 2,000 yen (tax included) Contact: Hida City Tourism Association　 Squid about Hida beef for dinner? It was very tasty.

Starry sky of Lake Yamanaka 2025.02.01 When I arrived in the middle of the night, it was so beautiful that I took out my camera in -4 degrees Celsius. This is a photo taken from the beach next to "Kirara" in Lake Yamanaka. Above Mt. Fuji is the winter constellation "Orion". The scenery unique to winter when the air is clear. There was no wind and the reflection on the lake surface was great.

This is the cherry blossom I took at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden last year! I 🌇 took it in a split second in the evening I would be happy 🌸 if it would be an opportunity for you to learn about cherry blossoms in Japan Thank you for watching!

It is Japanese cedar shrine in Rice City, Yamagata Prefecture

From January 31 to February 2 Obihiro Ice Festival is being held in Hokkaido Ice Sculpture Exhibition Winter Obihiro Festival Ice sculptures are also made and exhibited. This year, the temperature is high. It is unlikely to last until the last day.

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival. It is Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine around 7:45.

Located in the town of Shimogo in Japan, Ouchijuku is a famous scenic spot in Aizu-gun, Fukushima Prefecture, and is home to one of Japan's three largest thatched houses, and the village retains the Edo period post station building, and you can feel the feelings left by history. There is also a snow festival in Ouchijuku, which is held in February every year, and when I visited, it was in January, so I couldn't feel the snow festival, but of course there is a tasting of Ouchijuku must eat~ "Ohuchijuku wheat noodles", and it is very interesting to enjoy it instead of chopsticks!