January 26th
Azumino was broadly clear today
The Northern Alps, thickly capped with snow, could be seen

Event Announcement 📣

The 63rd Obihiro Ice Festival runs from January 30 to February 1. 😊

With the theme of bringing warmth and joy to the northern winter, the festival offers a wide variety of attractions. 🎵

The venue features ice-focused works: ice carvings, ice and snow sculptures, and ice masks made by elementary school students. Families can also enjoy popular attractions like rotating sleds, tube sliders, ice slides, and snow rafting. 😍

Workshops for building snowmen and creating sparkling snow domes let visitors fully experience snow and ice over these three days. 🤗

📍Date and Time: Friday, January 30, 2026 – Sunday, February 1, 2026, 10:00–20:00
(Final day closes at 5:00 PM)

📍Location: Midorigaoka Park

📞Contact: Obihiro Festival Promotion Committee TEL: 0155-22-8600


https://obihiro-icefes.com/

[Sky and Frost-Covered Trees]
Last Friday (January 23) I went to Gokase Highland Ski Resort.
The sky was clear that day, making it not only perfect for skiing but also ideal for photography.
I warmed my freezing hands as best I could and protected my camera from the cold while shooting.
I plan to share these images unedited.
The Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram photo contest “Winter in Gokase 2026” is still accepting entries, so please consider submitting your work!

January 26th
Azumino the day after it snowed
The western foothills of the Northern Alps had accumulated snow, but the eastern side was only lightly dusted
I looked out over Azumino from the summit of Mount Nagamine
The summit had less snow than I had expected

Event Announcement📣

On Sunday, January 25, 2026, Roadside Station Nakasatsunai will host the Nakasatsunai Winter Festival 😊

Enjoy a full lineup of snow activities, including snow rafting, a snow treasure hunt, and a snowy slide!
Make the most of the cold winter day and have fun!
Food trucks will also be on site, so you can enjoy tasty treats 🎵

📍Program Highlights
・Snow rafting (one ride 100 yen, limited to the first 250 participants)
・Stamp rally (limited to the first 100 children in elementary school or younger)
・Snow treasure hunt (for elementary school children or younger)
・Sledding 🛷 (free sled rentals available)
・Marshmallow roasting (3 pieces for 50 yen; available while supplies last)
・Hot milk served (limited to the first 100 people)

📍Date and Time: Sunday, January 25, 2026, 10:00–12:00
📍Location: Roadside Station Nakasatsunai South Side Special Venue

Bring your family and friends and come to Roadside Station Nakasatsunai 🤗

https://michinoeki-nakasatsunai.jp/post_event/post_event-1311/

Event Announcement 📣

Lake Shikaribetsu, sitting at 800 meters above sea level and famed nationwide for its clarity, freezes over in winter. On the frozen surface, a magical village called shikaribetsu lake kotan appears only during the winter months. Kotan is the Ainu word for "village." 😊

This is a world created by people who gather at Lake Shikaribetsu, using the lake’s great natural power. 🎵

You can enjoy an "ice bar" serving drinks amid a world of snow and ice, an "open-air bath on the ice" where you can soak while taking in snowy scenery, and many other experiences such as making ice glasses, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing!!

📍Date and Time: Saturday, January 24, 2026–Sunday, March 15, 2026

📍Location: Lakeside of Lake Shikaribetsu (Shikaribetsu, Shikaoi, Kawato-gun, Hokkaido)

📍Admission: Season Pass 500 yen (elementary school age and up)

📞Contact: shikaribetsu lake kotan Executive Committee
TEL: 0156-69-8181 (inside shikaribetsu lake nature center)

January 11th
MtJonen summit sending up plumes of drifting snow
Around noon today a trough of low pressure began passing over Azumino, turning a calm morning into fierce winds…
The ridgeline of the Northern Alps visible from Azumino also turned white as snow plumes rose.

From Hakuba Mountain Harbor, you can see breathtaking views of the Northern Alps on clear days.
The first time I saw them, I was so captivated by the scenery that I lost myself for a while.

This is Nakajima Park in Sapporo.
There is a large pond, but it has frozen for winter and has become a path for red foxes.

January 6th
This morning in Azumino is clear and sharply cold
Last night’s snowfall lightly dusted the countryside white
The Northern Alps, lit by the morning sun, look magnificent!!

Toyama Prefecture Tateyamamachi Shomyo Falls

Snow fell late at night, letting the autumn leaves and snow perform together

Standing close to Shomyo Falls, Japan’s tallest waterfall by drop, the roar of the water is overwhelming

Announcement of the illumination event 📣

"Sara Illumi" will be held in Sarabetsumura through Saturday, February 16, 2026 (planned) 😊
Lights are on from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

A workshop for local residents shaped the designs, which are expressed with about 40,000 bulbs 🎵
Handmade village lights brighten the freezing winter nights with vivid color 🤗

https://www.sarabetsu.jp/sightseeing/event/illumination/

Illumination Event Announcement📣

Roadside Station Nakasatsunai hosts the "Roadside Station Winter Night Garden" through February 28, 2026 😊
The lights come on from around 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. during the event ✨✨
Colorful illuminations sparkle across the snow, creating a vividly lit, dreamlike space for you to relax and enjoy😍
Please enjoy this together with Tokachi's snowy landscapes🤗

https://kankou-nakasatsunai.com/spot/spot-75/spot-3242/

Did you know that some areas in Hiroshima Prefecture get heavy snowfall? ⛄

Shobara City, located in the heart of the Chugoku region at the northernmost part of Hiroshima Prefecture, is known as one of the prefecture’s major heavy-snow zones. You can ski and snowboard at three ski areas in Shobara—Hiroshima Kenmin-no-Mori Ski Area, Dogoyama Kogen Ski Resort, and Ringo Kyowakoku Ski Area—and some campers enjoy winter camping at local campgrounds, so you can get active and enjoy various snow activities.

At the National Bihoku Hillside Park, the winter illumination event “Bihoku Illumi” is taking place.
The display runs through Monday, January 12, 2026 (a public holiday).
Enjoy a magical time with your loved ones as snow, light, and sound come together. ⛄

Also, on Sunday, February 1, a snowball fight tournament will be held. Spectators are welcome even if you don’t participate.

Winter is the time to visit Shobara! Please come and see us…! ✨

For winter event details, see below🔽
https://www.shobara-info.com/event/133

Visit the “Shobara Tourism Navi” website🔽
https://www.shobara-info.com/

Winter has finally arrived.
This photo shows the snowy scenery at Hirono Dam.
Heavy snow can be troublesome, but seeing a snowy landscape always makes me feel, “Ah—this season has come.”

Kyushu’s snowy mountain and winter vistas are here! ❄️ Gokase Highland Ski Resort

Japan’s southernmost spot for supreme powder snow, Gokase Highland Ski Resort, opens on Friday, December 19th!

As shown in the video, nothing beats the exhilaration of carving under a blue sky and the breathtaking sight of the frost-covered trees—snow monsters—that leave you speechless🏔️✨

With runs designed for everyone from beginners to experts and a sweeping panorama visible from the slopes, Gokase Highland offers a unique appeal!!

Warm up your chilled body with the cozy dishes at the lodge🍜!
This winter, enjoy the ultimate snowy mountain experience at Gokase Highland Ski Resort⛄

<Taiki Town urban area, the season’s first snowfall has arrived>

Last night’s snow left a light dusting across the town center.
This view comes from the newly completed Mt. Moiwa observation deck.
You can still drive to the observation deck parking lot, but the forest road is not plowed, so deeper snow will make the site inaccessible by car.

December 4th
It snowed in Azumino as well
A landscape dressed in snow
At Hotaka Shrine, the “Azumino Shintake Lanterns” begins tomorrow at 4:00 PM
About 10,000 bamboo lanterns in the shrine grounds will cast a gentle glow
There will be a time and space that soothes the heart
A night market called “Yomichi” runs at the same time, with food trucks and craft stalls
Please come and visit♪

It is the morning of Saturday, November 8th in front of tomakomai station.
Please make sure to bring studless winter tires for your drive.

It's been a month since I first used an SLR.
It still takes a lot of 📸 practice

Here are some recommended winter experiences.

This private tour grants special access to Japan’s largest public ranch, which closes for the winter. On this fully booked private tour, the ranch becomes a vast snowy plain and you will travel to the summit in a 4WD vehicle fitted with crawler tyres.

At the summit, you can go snowshoeing, ride snowmobiles, play in the snow, or simply do nothing at all. The tranquil private setting helps relax the body and mind and supports improved concentration and cognitive function.
Enjoy this extraordinary environment at your own pace.

For lunch, you will savor Tokachi Naita Wagyu while gazing over the Tokachi Plain.
This well-marbled Wagyu is known for its light, melt-in-your-mouth texture and refined flavor.

If you are interested, please apply via the URL below.


Here are some recommended winter experiences.

This private tour grants special access to Japan’s largest public ranch, which closes for the winter. On this fully booked private tour, the ranch becomes a vast snowy plain and you will travel to the summit in a 4WD vehicle fitted with crawler tyres.

At the summit, you can go snowshoeing, ride snowmobiles, play in the snow, or simply do nothing at all. The tranquil private setting helps relax the body and mind and supports improved concentration and cognitive function. Enjoy this extraordinary environment at your own pace.

For lunch, you will savor Tokachi Naita Wagyu while gazing over the Tokachi Plain.
This well-marbled Wagyu is known for its light, melt-in-your-mouth texture and refined flavor.

If you are interested, please apply via the URL below.

https://slow-life-hokkaido.com/tour/naitai-highland-farm-snow-safari-wagyu-lunch/

Mt. Odasshu

“Tokachi is clear; the Hidaka Mountain Range looks especially beautiful this season with snow still clinging to its peaks.”

Sitting at the farthest end of the Hidaka Range on its northern side, Mt. Odasshu stands as a symbol of Shintoku Town.

The lowlands have thawed, but the mountains still hold much snow.
When the surrounding fields were entirely white, we longed for spring because snow removal was necessary, yet now that time feels nostalgic—the pure, cold whiteness of the snow lingers in memory.

This morning the cold eased and it warmed up, reaching nearly 18°C around noon.
We are not quite in the warm embrace of spring, but the changing winds and views make the season’s arrival palpable.

Welcome to Shintoku Town
#welcomeshintoku
Welcome home to Shintoku Town

#Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Ranger #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #Hidaka Mountain Range #Mt. Odasshu #Tokachi sunny day #remaining snow #landscape

The Tokachi is clear, and the snowy landscape of the Hidaka Mountains is very beautiful in this season.

#Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #shintoku #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #Hidaka Mountains #Tokachi sunny day #remaining snow #landscape
#welcomeshintoku

Recent Taiki Town

Butterbur sprouts have started peeking out along the roadside.
Most of the snow in town has melted, and at last there is a hint of spring.

https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp/

Fire in the Snow
Late March during spring break.
Just when it seemed to be warming up, Nishiokoppe Village experienced unsettled weather, feeling a bit chilly with snow flurries in the sky.

Still, the children who gathered despite the cold
built bonfires and played in the snow, showing lively energy.

The children started the bonfires themselves.
They practiced using matches and thought about how to arrange the wood so it would catch fire easily.

Once the bonfire was burning well,
the smoke completely hid the faces of those standing on the far side.

Beside the fire,
adults and children alike engaged in a wholehearted snowball fight.

The roasted sweet potatoes turned out warm and delicious.

The season when you can see both snow and bonfires
may be coming to an end soon.

#Nishiokoppe Village
#Hokkaido
#winter #snow #spring break
#bonfire #roasted sweet potatoes
#snowball fight

The snowy scenery of the JR Etsumi North Line "2nd Kuzuryu River Bridge" that crosses the Kuzuryu River from mountain to mountain... (* ́)'*)ノ ❄️⛄️🚃

The red of the bridge and the red of the row cars, which form part of the superb view, stand out ❤️

The Car came in two cars, and the wrapping row Car with the image of the Warring States Period was also the same.

The day before, the service was canceled due to heavy snow, so I'm glad 👏✨ I came running

The bridge is There is a between Kakigashima and Katsuhara Station, with a total length of about 130 Meter and a height of about 20 Meter.

During the Autumn leaves season, a different scenery Unfolds and is said to be 👏🍁 a superb view

I'd love to see it in the fall... (๑′ฅฅ‵๑)

・
・

📍JR Etsumi Kita Line 29 Heads Ryugawa Bridge
Ono City, Fukui Prefecture
Fukui Japan

I thought it wouldn't snow in Tokyo this year.
In March, the early-blooming cherry blossoms began to bloom, and then the snow fell.

Snowy scenery of early-blooming cherry blossoms at Sakura Jingu Shrine

Very cool scenery typical of Japan

【⛄️Snow-Dusted Omachi City❄️】
After yesterday’s snow, fukujusō flowers in the Shinko area of Miasa were nestled in the snow❄️The yellow blooms peeking out from the white snow create a lovely contrast🌼A few photographers were taking pictures📷✨The cityscape visible from Omachi Park also showed a light dusting of snow⛄️After the chill through yesterday, today’s sunlight feels pleasantly gentle☀️A few sunny days look likely😌That said, it may still be a little while before true spring arrives in Omachi City😌
🌼Spring Flower Update 2025🌼
https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/news/88859/
🌸Last Year’s Cherry Blossom Report🌸
https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/news/88713/

[Announcement ❄️ of Winter Gokase 2025❄️ Results]

Thank you for waiting! !️
Announcement 🥳🎉 of the results of "Winter Gokase 2025"

This time, in addition to the followers of the Gokase Tourism Association's Instagram Account, we decided 👏✨ the winning item by voting by Facebook and Google Form

Thank you to 🙇 ♀️💕 everyone who voted
Now, let's announce the 👇👇👇 results

[🥇 Gold Award]
Mr. @mas8787a
[🥈 Silver Prize]
Mr. @fowafuwarin5
[🥉 Bronze Award]
Mr. @yamabico_san

The Gokase Highland Ski Resort, which has been revived in yellowtail three years, and the winter appearance of Josenji Temple, which enjoys beautiful scenery in both Spring and autumn, won prizes 🤩✨

It is raining today, but there was a lot of snow this year, so ❄️ there are many difficulties, but I am always amazed 👏 by the power of Nature that creates beautiful scenery and by the people who express themselves through the viewfinder

Congratulations ㊗️🥳🎉 to all the winners

And There is a to 😭❤️ 🔥 everyone who applied, voted, and participated

Spring is finally here 🌸
We will inform you of the Spring campaign soon, so when you come to Gokase to enjoy cherry blossom viewing, please take many photos and cry when 😭💕 you participate

💫 Best regards

It’s very windy and snowing heavily in Teshikaga today🌀
Please be careful when going out⚠️⛄️🌨️❄️

I have experienced ❄️ snowshoeing in Shiga Highlands
Activities that can be enjoyed even by those who do not ski or snowboard!
If you wear snowshoes, you can 😳 walk in areas that you can't enter during the green season and even on ponds! !️
The Torii (shrine gate) gate is ⛩ covered in snow
Have a snowy white field to yourself 👣 where no one walks
We also found 🐾 several footprints of animals such as rabbits and foxes
Impression ✨️ by all of them are valuable experiences
Why don't you experience snowshoeing that makes everyone from children to adults smile together?
It depends on the remaining snow, but it seems that you can ♪ enjoy it until around the May holidays
For details, check 👀 the Home page of the Shiga Highlands Nature Conservation Center.
https://shizenhogo-center.shigakogen.gr.jp/guide_winter/