【Advance Reservation Required】 Winter 2026 “Teshikaga Eco Passport” Town Sightseeing Bus Now Running!
We are announcing the Winter 2026 operation schedule for the Mashu–Kussharo Sightseeing Loop Bus, which visits the main scenic spots around Teshikaga.
The loop bus ticket, the “Teshikaga Eco Passport,” is available again this year in two options: a 2-day pass and a 3-day pass. Please make a reservation in advance and take advantage of it. It is recommended for those who are uneasy about driving or who want to enjoy sightseeing around Teshikaga with ease. For details, check the link “Teshikaga Navi.”


Operation Period
Saturday, January 24, 2026 – Sunday, March 1, 2026


Fares
Adult Child
2-day pass (2 days) 2,000 yen 1,000 yen
3-day pass (3 days) 3,000 yen 1,000 yen


Contact
Mashu Lake Tourism Association
3-3-1 Mashu 3-chome, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido 088-3201, Japan
TEL: 015-482-2200
Email: masyu_as@peace.ocn.ne.jp

Tsukatte Fukkatsu ♨️ Soak in the highly acidic waters of Kawayu Onsen, strong enough to even melt nails, and melt away everyday frustrations and bad ties with a cleansing bath for severing ties!! The Kawayu Onsen tie-severing bath tour plan is on sale at Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu, Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura, and Kawayu Koshyu Yokujo Yukichi‼︎🎶 If you don’t have time for that, we also offer a day-trip ema (votive plaque) for 2,000 yen✨Refresh both your mind and body with the tie-severing bath tour—give it a try! 💪♨️

An update from the "Information Broadcast Bureau" on the Kawayu Onsen website has been posted📝🆙 An article about the traditional Kawayu Onsen Caravan (organized by the Kawayu Onsen Caravan Executive Committee), held on November 26—"Good Bath Day"—is now up💡♨️ The article introduces scenes of the caravan, wearing hanten coats of the hot spring source faction and carrying Kawayu Onsen lanterns as it races across Michihigashi🏃‍♀️💨Please take a look✨ 🔗 https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/889/...

The "From the Information Desk" section on the Kawayu Onsen website has been updated 📝🆙 "Calm your mind and take a fresh look. Autumn at Kawayu Onsen." has been posted. With poor weather across the prefecture right now, take a breather and have a slow look 👀✨ You may rediscover how to enjoy the healing waters of Kawayu Onsen. https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/autumn/...

Early morning on December 14 at Lake Akanko I quite like the crisp cold — I might even love it.

＼ ＼ The Kushiro Local Products Festival has begun〜😊／／ Starting today! The 54th Kushiro Local Products Festival🐟 A long line formed even before the doors opened‼︎ Local specialties from Kushiro, nearby towns, sister cities and sister city partners are all laid out in a row ^ ^ A winter tradition in Kushiro. You can't welcome New Year's Eve without coming to this. The festival runs for three days starting today. Please come and visit us 😊 📍Kushiro City Tourism & International Relations Center 1F Main Hall (3-3 Saiwai-cho, Kushiro City) 12/12 (Fri) 10:00–16:00 12/13 (Sat) 9:00–16:00 12/14 (Sun) 9:00–15:00

“Teshikaga Eco Passport” service confirmed to run in winter 2026🚌💨 The Mashu–Kussharo sightseeing loop bus, Teshikaga Eco Passport, which tours scenic spots around Teshikaga, offers 2-day and 3-day passes—please reserve in advance and make use of them. It’s recommended for those who feel unsure about driving and for anyone who wants to enjoy sightseeing in Teshikaga with ease❣️ For details, see Teshikaga Navi✨ https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/2025winterecopassport/...

From downtown Kushiro: Mt. Akan-Fuji and Mt. Meakan Lake Akan in eastern Hokkaido is surrounded by vast, unspoiled nature. Winter is finally in full swing ☃️ — stay tuned for winter scenery updates!

Enjoy a sparkling winter night! Introducing illumination events around Nagano City✨ Nagano Forest Village Decorated largely with natural materials, it offers a warm, gentle, and otherworldly atmosphere. "Forest Plays Christmas 2025" Period: Friday, November 21 to Thursday, December 25, 2025 Lighting hours: 4:00 PM–9:00 PM *Please see the official website for details* Zenkoji Omotesando Illumination Zenkoji Omotesando and the area in front of Nagano Station will glow with magical illumination✨ Period: Saturday, November 15, 2025 to Monday, February 23, 2026 *The Christmas tree will be on display until Thursday, December 25, 2025.* Lighting hours: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM Venue: Zenkoji Omotesando (Nagano Station Intersection to Zenkoji Intersection) *Please see the official website for details* #Illumination #Nagano City events #Nagano City #Nagano Prefecture #Nagano Sightseeing #Nagano Travel #Nagano #Nagano City

Hiroshima Prefecture Shobara City's top spots for food and shopping! Blessed with vast land, Shobara offers farm-to-table gourmet delights. Surrounded by rich nature and marked by big temperature swings, Shobara is a treasure trove of delicious ingredients. As one of the prefecture's largest agricultural towns, it is home to the nationally acclaimed wagyu brand Hiba Beef 🥩, a specialty unique to Shobara. From these local ingredients come indulgent and exceptionally tasty treats. Be sure to try the exclusive specialties you can only taste in Shobara. For more details, visit the Shobara Tourism Navigation website 🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/spot/4014...

Winter break travel to Akanko! ⁡ Akanko dedicated booking site & Marimo Pay As an opening commemorative campaign While Marimo Pay normally offers up to 5% points back we are offering an incredible 10% back for stays during the campaign period!!!! ⁡ With Christmas, New Year and other events packed into winter break why not spend it at Akanko?? ⁡ Book from the link in our profile!! https://lake-akan.com/marimopay/...

Akanko Winter Illumination Giveaway Campaign!! Today between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM Post a photo of the illumination on any social media and show your post to the tourism association counter staff to receive an immediate prize by lottery♪ We do not require any specific hashtag for social media posts, but if you would like to add one, please use #Akanko Marimo Gate .

Today, December 8, is "Rice Day" 🍚✨ Satoyama no Yume, a branded rice from Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, won first place in the "Osaka Residents’ Most Delicious Rice Contest" and is a carefully selected rice with a taste score of 80 or higher. By creating a branded rice, Satoyama no Yume aims to build an environment where young people can take up farming with hope, contribute to agriculture and regional development, and bring dreams and aspirations to the community. This rice packs the dreams of satoyama farmers. To promote circular agriculture by reusing bamboo that damages farmland, farmers spent years experimenting to achieve this proud flavor. They cut bamboo into powder, ferment it for use as fertilizer, and use oyster shells—Hiroshima Prefecture’s specialty—to replenish soil minerals. These practices contribute not only to great taste but also to building a sustainable society that cares for the environment. (Rice Day falls on the 8th, 18th, and 28th of every month.) 1) [Shobara Satoyama no Yume Farm] New crop: Shobara branded rice Satoyama no Yume Set of 3 × 1 kg 6,800 yen (shipping and tax included) Product here 🔽 https://ec.satoyamaselect.jp/view/item/000000000034?category_page_id=ct45... 2) [Shobara Satoyama no Yume Farm] New crop: Shobara branded rice Satoyama no Yume Premium Set of 3 × 1 kg 7,500 yen (shipping and tax included) Product here 🔽 https://ec.satoyamaselect.jp/view/item/000000000005?category_page_id=ct45...

The winning entries from the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest are now on display at Kushiro Prince Hotel—come together and enjoy them 📸✨ Period: Today through the end of February Location: Kushiro Prince Hotel, 1st floor lobby We are also actively seeking entries for the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest. We look forward to your participation‼︎ (For details, please see Teshikaga Navi)

An update from the “Information Dispatch Bureau” on the Kawayu Onsen website 📝🆙 The Lake Kussharo Trout Fishing Tournament, held on November 15 and 16, took place on the Wakin Peninsula. This report covers how 100 anglers gathered and competed, capturing the excitement of the event. A must-see for fishing enthusiasts! 🎣 Please take a look ✨

Nature Encounter Event This Weekend! On Saturday, December 6th, Professor Nakagawa from Hokkaido University will give a lecture at Kawayu Visitor Center. You can enjoy learning about how volcanic activity has shaped the landscapes and vegetation of Akan-Mashu National Park through engaging research. We hope you will join us!

Teshikaga Hikari Request ended on November 30. Thank you so much to everyone who joined us! ✨ Winners will be announced by shipment. Stay tuned to the official LINE for future event news and lovely updates. ☺️❣️

Enjoy gourmet treats with the value Zenkoji Temple Omotesando Food Walk Ticket ✨ This time we also introduce shops where you can buy souvenirs with the ticket! 1. “Tenugui Towel” Takei Craft Shop The tenugui towels available with the ticket come in a wide variety of colors and patterns! They make perfect souvenirs or small gifts. Phone: 026-232-4111 Hours: 9:00–18:30 Closed: None 2. “Vegetable Fresh Bread” Cafe Restaurant Iris Matsuriya A dairy- and egg-free “happiest bread in the world.” Available in four varieties: tomato, spinach, pumpkin, and purple. Phone: 026-291-7061 Hours: 8:00–20:00 Closed: Open daily 3. “Chef’s Choice Tempura” Imamura Soba Honten Seasonal ingredients are served hot and freshly fried! Founded in 1890 (Meiji 23). Try their 90% buckwheat “Kuichi Soba,” made using traditional family methods. Phone: 026-232-3518 Hours: 11:00–15:00 (Weekends and holidays 11:00–16:00) Closed: Tuesday Note: This item is not available for takeout. <Zenkoji Food Walk Ticket> This value ticket lets you choose and purchase items from 19 shops offering Nagano specialties and sweets! ✨How to use✨ 1. Purchase a ticket (¥700 per ticket, tax included) 2. At participating shops listed in the brochure, exchange the stickers on the ticket (five ¥100 stickers and four ¥50 stickers) for products 3. Redeem used tickets for a prize (receive an original bag!) It’s cheaper than buying items individually and perfect for sampling a variety of shops while you stroll and eat ✨ #Food Walk #Souvenirs #Gourmet #Nagano City #Nagano Prefecture #Nagano Sightseeing #Nagano Trip #nagano #naganocity

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video—nice to meet you! This is the Mizu No Kamui Kankoken, where pristine nature, protected since ancient times, still breathes. On the official SNS account for this Cool Japan Video, we share the vast landscapes, seasonal changes, and small local charms centered on Akanko, Lake Mashu, and Kushiro Shitsugen, bringing you the sights and timely information unique to Eastern Hokkaido. We aim to post discoveries that spark travel plans and information that lets you feel the atmosphere on site. Please follow us and enjoy the present face of Eastern Hokkaido together!

“Hiroshima Prefecture Shobara City’s Finest from Farming Town” Winter Gifts 2025 Start! ✨ Get extra savings by adding our official LINE account as a friend Details here🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/special/5357... Shop directly from producers to enjoy the flavors of Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Winter Gifts 2025 are now open for orders at Satoyama Shobara SELECT SHOP, our producer-direct online store! ⛄🎁✨ [Order Period] Until Friday, December 26, 2025 This year’s lineup includes fan-favorite products such as the “Hiba Beef Soboro and Shigure-ni Set,” made with 100% Hiba Beef—the legendary branded wagyu of Shobara—easy-to-eat “Shobara Wild Boar Gyoza” with no strong gamey taste, a “Charcoal-Smoked Assortment” that brings out the best of Shobara’s premium ingredients, Aigamo (duck) raised alongside rice in Tojo Town, and Ichiki Town’s “Shikishin Natural Yam,” all perfect companions for the winter season. Last year’s popular winter selection, the “Bihoku Mon Gift,” returns with a newly prepared New Rice Companion Set and a Sweets Set. We also offer the “Shobara City Branded Rice Set” and the “Shobara 20th Anniversary Commemorative Sake,” among other direct-from-producer gifts filled with producers’ dedication. These seasonal tastes make wonderful gifts for loved ones and are also perfect as gourmet deliveries to enjoy at home—please try them during this season✨ Plus, everyone who newly adds the Satoyama Shobara SELECT SHOP official LINE account as a friend will receive an exclusive friend-only coupon. See the link for more details!

A packed winter of events! Introducing December's event lineup ✨ 1. Nagano Christmas Market 2025 The Nagano Christmas Market, which drew many visitors last year, returns this year! Traditional Christmas decorations and a market that evokes authentic German charm await you. Date: Friday, December 12 – Thursday, December 25 Hours: Weekdays: 15:00–20:00 Weekends: 11:00–20:00 Venue: Nagano Station East Exit Park *See the official website for details* 2. Togakushi Ski Resort Opens With a variety of runs, both beginners and advanced skiers can have fun. Enjoy a full program of events and a wide selection of slope-side dining for even more fun! Planned opening date: Saturday, December 13 Hours: 8:30–16:15 Venue: Togakushi Ski Resort *See the official website for details* 3. Zenkoji Omotesando Illumination Zenkoji Omotesando and the Nagano Station area will be magically lit with illuminations ✨ Period: Saturday, November 15 – Monday, February 23, 2026 Hours: 17:00–22:00 Area: Zenkoji Omotesando (Nagano Station Ekimae Crossing to Zenkoji Crossing) Christmas tree locations: Nagano Station Zenkoji Exit Station Square Seisen University Higashiguchi Campus Nagano Tokyu Department Store Front Plaza *Christmas trees will be on display until Thursday, December 25.* *See the official website for details* 4. 100th-Edition Commemoration: Zenkoji Binzuru Market This handmade market celebrates its 100th edition this December! A variety of food and craft stalls will gather, creating a market that makers, buyers, locals, and tourists alike can enjoy. An original commemorative novelty item is also planned. Dates: Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14 Hours: 10:00–15:00 Venue: Shiroyama Park *See the official website for details* #Nagano City events #Nagano events #Event information #Nagano City #Nagano Prefecture #Nagano tourism #Nagano travel #nagano #naganocity

Autumn is one of the most beautiful season in Japan. This year we visited lake momiji in Nagano prefecture to enjoy the beauty of autumn and We were really stunned to see this beautiful lake.

Hiroshima Prefecture Shobara City | New Bakery News 🥖✨ Wakey Wakey Bakery, which just opened on Friday, October 17, 2025, is now featured on the Shobara Tourism Navi website! See spot details here 🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/spot/5379... The shop name comes from the English word “Wakey,” meaning wake-up and used like a cheerful call to small children. It reflects the owner Rina Nagai’s personal touch—she studied abroad at a university in the State of California. Her wish is simple: to make bread that people want to eat as soon as they wake up, comforting and part of everyday life. The breads on offer use Rina’s original recipes, refined with techniques she learned while working at a bakery in the United States to bring out each item’s flavor. The most popular items are two character breads inspired by a Shiba Inu: Shiba-san (custard) and Nikukyuu Punch (chocolate). Inspired by childhood visits to bakeries with her parents, where character breads captured her imagination, she wanted to create breads that excite children. Basic Information Phone TEL 080-6068-0187 Address 1-1294-8 Nakahommachi, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Parking Available 1 space near the shop (No.7) Closed Monday; Wednesday to Thursday; Saturday to Sunday Hours Tuesday and Friday 10:00 until sold out

Perched on a golden autumn branch, the little bird savors its meal in the soft afternoon light. The crisp leaves shimmer around it, turning the moment into a quiet celebration of the season.

Cheese from Shobara wins Super Gold at the World Cheese Awards! 🥇 The story of Cheese Studio Nyuizu’s popular product “Yukiko.” 🧀 At the World Cheese Awards 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious cheese contests held in Bern, Switzerland from Thursday, November 13 to Saturday, November 15, the NPO Cheese Professional Association awarded Super Gold to “Yukiko” by Cheese Studio Nyuizu. ✨ You can purchase sets including “Yukiko” from Satoyama Shobara SELECT SHOP, an online direct-from-producer shop that lets you enjoy the food of Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. ⛄🧀 ◎ Award-Winning Cheese Set ◎ https://ec.satoyamaselect.jp/view/item/000000000023?category...... ◎ Miyoshi Wine and Cheese Set ◎ https://ec.satoyamaselect.jp/view/item/000000000227?category...... Details URL https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000024.000095826.html...

Making soba in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture was fun to make and delicious to eat! We tried a soba-making experience at the National Bihoku Hillside Park 🥢🔥 When it comes to uniquely Japanese food, soba is a must. Served chilled on a bamboo tray in summer and in hot broth in winter, it’s enjoyed year-round. Did you know the National Bihoku Hillside Park in Shobara City offers soba-making workshops? This time, Momoka Matsumoto and Shogo Ikebuchi tried making soba for the first time! Here’s a report on the process and its highlights. Read the article here 🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5352...

Use the Zenkoji Omotesando Walk-and-Taste Ticket to enjoy sweets at a great value ✨ 1. “Koi-yaki and Matcha Set” Fujita Kuemon Shoten Enjoy koi-shaped pastries called koi-yaki along with a bowl of matcha, rather than the usual tai (sea bream) shape. Koi-yaki made with seasonal ingredients are also popular. Phone: 026-219-2293 Hours: 6:30 until sold out Winter hours (Dec–Feb): 7:00 until sold out Closed: Irregular holidays 2. “100% Apple Juice” Shinshu Monzen Bakery Kura The shop is a renovated storehouse over 120 years old next to Zenkoji Daikanjin Temple, offering a calm, welcoming space. We also recommend their high-quality breads made with domestic wheat. Phone: 050-8883-6606 Hours: 10:00–16:00 Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday 3. “Nagano Apple Pie” PATISSERIE Ringo no Ki Nagano Ekimae Located right in front of the Nagano Station intersection, the shop is extremely easy to reach. They offer a wide selection of Nagano-flavored confections and fresh Western-style pastries. Phone: 026-227-1222 Hours: 9:00–19:00 Closed: None (closed only on January 1) 4. “Two Soba Manju” Okashitsukasa Kiyoe A wagashi shop tucked into a lane on the west side of Zenkoji in the monzen town area. In addition to the signature sweet Ishigoromo, which showcases craftsmen’s skills, they also sell oyaki and dango. Phone: 026-232-7396 Hours: 8:00–18:00 Closed: Thursday (open on public holidays) Zenkoji Walk-and-Taste Ticket This value ticket lets you choose and purchase items from 19 shops offering Nagano specialties and sweets! ✨How to use✨ 1. Buy a ticket (¥700 per ticket, tax included) Tickets are available at the Nagano City Tourist Information Center and at some participating shops (12 stores). 2. At shops listed in the pamphlet, exchange the stickers attached to the ticket (five ¥100 stickers and four ¥50 stickers) for products. 3. Turn in used tickets to exchange for a prize (receive an original bag!). The ticket costs less than buying items separately and lets you sample many shops’ flavors in small portions, making it perfect for a food-walking tour ✨ For more details, see the highlights on @nagano_cvb! #walk-and-taste #sweets #gourmet #Nagano City #Nagano Prefecture #Nagano Tourism #Nagano Travel #nagano #naganocity

In Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, there’s a bookstore that even sells local sake and souvenirs! 😍 A bookstore that hosts surprise events? Discover the many charms of We Higashijo Store 📚✨ Sosho Sato Main Store in Jinsekikogencho began in the Meiji era as a general shop stocking rubber boots, candles and daily necessities. The second branch, We Higashijo Store, opened in Tojo Town, Shobara City, offering books, CDs and stationery. More than a bookstore, the store also houses a hair salon, a cosmetics section, an esthetic room and a coin laundry, making it indispensable to the local community. Recently, Tomonori Sato began carefully selecting and selling food items and local sake. The store also runs unique initiatives you won’t find elsewhere, from events to original book covers. ✨ We spoke with fourth-generation CEO Tomonori Sato about the visitor-friendly appeal of We Higashijo Store. Read the article here🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5346... We Higashijo Store Address: 1348-1 Kawahigashi, Tojo Town, Shobara City Phone: 08477-2-1188 Hours: 10:00–19:00 Closed: Open year-round Parking: Available (30 spaces) Honabi Address: 2-12-10 Nishihonmachi, Shobara City Phone: 0824-73-9366 Hours: 9:30–19:00 Note: From Friday, November 21, 2025, hours will change to 10:00–18:30. Closed: Tuesdays Parking: Available (shared parking)

Amidst the gentle rain, the silhouette of a majestic mountain looms over the serene Lake Hibara, creating a breathtaking backdrop. As I sit by the lake’s edge, the tranquil atmosphere envelops me, turning this moment into something truly unforgettable. The tiny islands in the distance adds a touch of magic, making the scene feel like a painting come to life.

Enjoy great value gourmet treats with the Zenkoji Omotesando Tasting Ticket✨ 1. “Nori-wrapped Yaki-musubi” Suyakame Zenkoji Store Suyakame Zenkoji Store sits just past the Zenkoji Niomon Gate at the start of the cobbled Nakamise-dori Street. Their freshly grilled rice balls wrapped in nori and their miso soft-serve pair perfectly with a stroll around the temple approach. Phone: 026-237-2239 Hours: 9:00–17:00 Closed: Wednesday 2. “Handmade Oyaki” Maruhachi Takiya The first floor offers many original souvenirs, and the second floor serves hand-cut soba made from locally milled flour. A parking lot that fits 13 large buses makes this a good stop for groups. Phone: 026-232-4424 Hours: 9:00–17:00 Closed: None (closed occasionally) 3. “Two Steamed Oyaki” Ogawanosho Daimon branch You can enjoy regional oyaki and roasted soba tea by a rustic irori hearth, a sight that’s becoming rarer. The dishes highlight the natural flavors of local ingredients—the taste of Nagano home cooking. Phone: 026-232-5786 Hours: 9:00–17:00 (irori open 10:00–15:00) Closed: Wednesday (subject to change) Zenkoji Tasting Ticket This value ticket lets you choose and purchase items from 19 shops, including Nagano specialties and sweets! ✨How to use✨ 1. Buy a ticket (700 yen each, tax included) 2. Redeem the sticker coupons on the ticket at listed shops (five 100-yen stickers and four 50-yen stickers) for products 3. Exchange the used ticket for a prize (receive an original bag!) The ticket is cheaper than buying items individually and lets you sample tastes from various shops—perfect for a food stroll✨ For more details, visit the Nagano Convention & Visitors Bureau HP. #Tasting walk #Oyaki #Gourmet #Nagano City #Nagano Prefecture #Nagano tourism #Nagano travel #nagano #naganocity