The exercise rides for horses at Tokachi Ranch have started again this year. They are said to have begun to relieve lack of exercise in pregnant mares. Now they have become a popular midwinter event in the Tokachi region.

NHK General TV’s asaichi morning show broadcast live from the rock terrace at Kawayu Onsen in Teshikaga. During filming in subzero temperatures, an accident caused a hot spring egg to freeze 👀🥚❄️ — everyone in the studio still looked happy and seemed to enjoy it ✨

Today in Taiki Town It’s another clear, sunny day! The Hidaka Mountain Range under Tokachi’s winter blue sky is more beautiful than any photo can convey.

Snow fell on the Boso Peninsula last night, and even in the snow the ume (plum) blossoms have started to bloom.

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)

Kawayu Onsen website “From the Information Desk” updated 📝🆙 A report article about the currently peak-season “Kawayu Onsen rime ice” has been posted ❄️☃️ Beautiful snowy scenes are lined up, so please take a look ✨ https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/1003/...

A Slightly Snowy Gujo Hachiman Castle Date: December 2025 Location: Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture * Flight application for Gujo Hachiman approved * Comprehensive unmanned aircraft flight permit obtained from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism * Flight plan submitted and flight log prepared

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.

🚨Deadline Approaching🚨 The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest is now open📸💡 This year’s theme is “Volcanoes, Forests, and Lakes: Experience Teshikaga Through the Seasons.” Thanks to support from local businesses, there are many luxurious supplementary prizes. See the details below. We look forward to your wonderful entries📸✨ 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest Submission Period Valid postmark from Saturday, November 1, 2025 to Thursday, January 20, 2026 Categories Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Open Prizes Grand Prize 1 entry…30,000 yen + supplementary prizes (accommodation vouchers, Mashu melon, etc.) Excellence Prize 3 entries…10,000 yen + supplementary prizes / Honorable Mentions 5 entries…supplementary prizes / Special Prize and Tourism Association Prize: several winners ■ With cooperation from local businesses, many supplementary prizes are available, including accommodation vouchers, meal vouchers, and local products.   Organizer: Mashu-ko Tourism Association (regional DMO) Supported by: Teshikaga Town, Teshikaga Town Board of Education, Mashu-ko Agricultural Cooperative, Teshikaga Town Promotion Corporation, Teshikaga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association, Mashu Onsen Ryokan Association, Mashu Melon Producers Association, Hokkaido Shimbun, Akan-Mashu National Park Management Office (Ministry of the Environment), Kushiro Shimbun https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/15photocon/...

Otowa Bridge in Tsuruimura, Hokkaido It is a famous spot for photographing the red-crowned cranes.

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu’s Christmas Everyone was making snowmen and enjoying snowball fights.

[About the operation of tourist and bathing facilities] Information on the New Year operating status of tourist and bathing facilities is available at the linked "Teshikaga Navi". Please note that hours and days of operation may differ from the usual schedule. Some bathing facilities may be temporarily closed, so we recommend contacting each facility directly before you go. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/20251226/...

🎍✨Happy New Year 2026✨🎍 The year 2026 has begun!💨 At Teshikaga Navi, we will continue working to share a wide range of information so you can enjoy wonderful moments in Teshikaga this year as well. Thank you very much for all your support last year. We look forward to your continued support in 2026. Wishing you a wonderful year.㊗️💫

Special coupon offer available at Kawayu Onsen! Tokutoku Coupon 2026 A new savings campaign, the Tokutoku Coupon, has begun for guests staying at hotels affiliated with the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association! Guests who stay at any of the three participating hotels—Kawayu Kanko Hotel, Oyado Kinkiyu Bettei Suikazura, or KKR Kawayu—will receive discount coupons worth a total of ¥2,000 to use at participating businesses. Pick up the coupons at your hotel front desk and present them at the shops listed on the MAP to receive the discount. The campaign runs from January 15, 2026, through the end of March 2026, but will end once coupons run out. Take advantage of this great deal to enjoy hot springs and local dining in the Kawayu Onsen area! [Coupon distribution period] Thursday, January 15, 2026 – through the end of March 2026 *Distribution ends when coupons are gone* [Coupon details] Discount coupons totaling ¥2,000 − A ¥1,000 discount coupon valid for payments at snacks and bars (MAP NO 2, 3, 8) − A ¥1,000 discount coupon valid for payments at izakayas, cafes, and other listed establishments (excluding MAP NO 2, 3, 8) [Shops where coupons can be used] 1) Cafe Noble 2) Snack COCO 3) Zakku & Baran 4) Miraku Sushi 5) Inakaya Genpei 6) Izakaya Matsurigura 7) Robata Maruhachi 8) Unite 9) Hokkaido Kitchen 9 Shiro 10) Orchard grass 11) Cream Fairy Tale Chup [Hotels distributing the coupons] Kawayu Kanko Hotel, Oyado Kinkiyu Bettei Suikazura, KKR Kawayu (hotels affiliated with the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association) *Only guests currently staying at or who have stayed at the above participating accommodations are eligible* *Guests wishing to use the coupons should request them at the front desk.* [Other information] • Depending on the day of the week and time, shops may be busy. • We recommend contacting each shop in advance for reservations or inquiries. • Shops will tear off the coupon when used, so please bring it as issued. (Coupons that have already been torn will be invalid. Please take care.) [Organizer and coupon issuer] Kawayu Restaurants and Bars Association https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/tokutoku2026/...

Lantern lighting has begun at Kawayu Onsen! 🏮 Lanterns now hang outside accommodations, restaurants, souvenir shops and other stores within the kawayu group facility district of Akan-Mashu National Park. Follow the gentle glow of the lanterns and enjoy Kawayu Onsen town at night. 💡 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 updated. With poor weather across Hokkaido right now, take a breather and have a slow peek 👀✨ You might rediscover how to enjoy the soothing Kawayu Onsen. https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/autumn/...

Northern Alps Foothills🏔️ Omachi City December 19 — The sky is clear today☀️ and the snow-capped Northern Alps stand out against the blue sky🏔 So, I went around Omachi City to visit the best Northern Alps viewpoints😊 1. Omachi Park 2. Mikamachi Kita signal crossing 3. Kannon Bridge 4. Asahi-cho Pedestrian Bridge 5. On the Shinano-Ōmachi Station overpass Spots 1–3 are reachable by car from shinanooomachi station, and spots 4–5 are within a 10-minute walk😌 I would be happy if you could stop by when you visit🥰 🏂 Shinano-Ōmachi Navi🏔 https://www.kanko-omachi.gr.jp//

Gokase Highland Ski Resort OPEN ✨ Today (12/19), the southernmost ski resort in Japan, Gokase Highland Ski Resort, opened ❄ An opening ceremony was held from 10:00, and skiers and snowboarders who had been eagerly awaiting this day attended 🎿🏂 The slopes are limited to about half their usual width, but the snowpack is solid 💡 As temperatures drop and more snow accumulates, the slopes should reach even better conditions 😊 Come and visit Gokase Highland Ski Resort this winter 😍⛄

The other day the weather was nice, so I went to the Avenue of white birch trees. The contrast of the blue sky, the snow, and the white birches is beautiful, isn’t it! You can enjoy the beauty of the Avenue of white birch trees in every season, so do visit and see for yourself 😊

[Announcement of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest] The annual Teshikaga Photo Contest will be held again this year. Submissions are invited under the theme "Experience the volcanoes, forests, and lakes through the four seasons of Teshikaga," and the winners will be announced on the tourism information portal Teshikaga Navi. Please check Teshikaga Navi for the contest entry guidelines and details. We look forward to your participation. "Call for Entries: 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest" Entry Period November 1, 2025 (Saturday) to January 20, 2026 (Tuesday); postmarked by this date Categories Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Open Prizes Grand Prize 1 entry…30,000 yen plus supplementary prizes (accommodation vouchers, Mashu Melon, etc.) Excellence Awards 3 entries…10,000 yen plus supplementary prizes / Honorable Mentions 5 entries…supplementary prizes / Special Prize and Tourism Association Prize: several awards ■ Thanks to the cooperation of local businesses, many supplementary prizes such as accommodation vouchers, meal vouchers, and local products are available. Organizer: Mashu Lake Tourism Association (local DMO) Supported by: Teshikaga Town, Teshikaga Town Board of Education, Lake Mashu Agricultural Cooperative, Teshikaga Town Promotion Corporation, Teshikaga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association, Mashu Onsen Ryokan Association, Mashu Melon Producers Association, Hokkaido Shimbun, Kushiro Shimbun, Ministry of the Environment Akan-Mashu National Park Management Office https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/15photocon/...

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.”

An article about the traditional Kawayu Onsen Caravan, held on November 26—"Good Bath Day"—and organized by the Kawayu Onsen Caravan Executive Committee, has been posted 🆙. The caravan, wearing happi coats of the hot-spring source faction and carrying Kawayu Onsen lanterns, ran across eastern Hokkaido; we present scenes of their journey 🏃‍♀️💨 Please take a look ✨ https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/889/...

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♪

Tsukatte Fukkatsu ♨️ Soak in the highly acidic Kawayu Onsen, whose waters can even dissolve nails, and let its baths melt away your everyday gloom and sever unwanted ties!! The Kawayu Onsen bond-cutting bath tour plan is on sale at Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu, and Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura‼︎🎶 If you can’t spare that much time, we also offer a day-trip ema (votive plaque) for 2,000 yen each✨Come refresh both mind and body with the bond-cutting bath tour～💪♨️

Autumn leaves have descended on Azumino no Sato. Vivid colors now spread across Azumino. Everyone’s beloved Mt Jonen has even begun to don a dusting of snow!!

The "From the Information Desk" section on the Kawayu Onsen website has been updated📝🆙 We report on the Kawayu Marche held on Saturday, October 18, and the light-up of MtAtosanupuri. Please take a look♨️✨ https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/814/...

Daimon Kinoshita Exhibition in Teshikaga The Daimon Kinoshita Exhibition is now on display in the lobby of Teshikaga Town Public Hall. A miniature version of Setta no Surioto, which is exhibited at the Guimet Museum (Musée national des arts asiatiques-Guimet) in France, is being shown and unveiled in Teshikaga for the first time. (The original measures 3 m by 12 m.) Exhibition hours: 9:00–21:00 Period: Now through November 25, 2025 Please take this opportunity to come and see it.

[Notice of Winter Road Closures for Reiwa 7] [Winter Road Closure Notice 2025.10.31] The following roads in the Mashu area will be closed for winter starting today, October 31, 2025. ・Prefectural Route 52 Kussharo Mashu Kohan Line (Third Observation Deck) from 15:00 ・Prefectural Route 150 Lake Mashu Nakashibetsu Line (Uramashu Observatory) from 9:00 Access to Lake Mashu is possible from the Teshikaga town area up to Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace (Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace (Lake Mashu Observatory No. 1)) via Prefectural Route 52. ・Prefectural Route 588 Kussharo Tsubetsu Line (Tsubetsu Pass) from 10:00 The winter detour for Tsubetsu Pass is National Route 243 (Bihoro Pass). ・Prefectural Route 587 Atosatokoshimizu Line (9.8 km from near the summit of Mokoto Pass toward Koshimizu town area) from 10:00 Announcements about lifting winter closures will be posted on Teshikaga Navi. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/r7stoproad/...