Event Announcement 📣 On Sunday, August 17, 2025, the “Shihoro 7,000-People Festival” will take place 😊 The festival is packed with attractions, including food stalls, the Shihoro Highlands Taiko drum performance, hot-air balloon trial rides, and stage events. On stage you can enjoy a variety of performances, from a baton routine by the Shihoro Baton Mates and dance shows to Shihoro Ondo and Gujo Odori folk dances, yosakoi dance performances, and a calligraphy performance 🎵🎵 Don’t miss the spectacular “flower mikoshi” made with Mino washi paper, a specialty of our sister city, Mino in Gifu Prefecture! 🤩🤩 There are plenty of hands-on activities too, such as a tractor display, rainbow trout fishing, calf petting, fire truck rides, ranger experiences, and water-spraying demonstrations. On August 20, there will also be a children’s bon odori and a costume bon odori for individuals and groups. 😍😍 Join the unique local festivals in each area and enjoy the summer 🤗🎶🎶 📌 Main Festival 📍 Date and Time: Sunday, August 17, 2025, 10:30–16:00 📍 Location: Around Shihoro Town Community Plaza *The festival will go ahead in light rain; in heavy rain it will be held at the Comprehensive Training Center* 📌 Costume Bon Odori 📍 Date and Time: Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 18:00–21:00 *In case of rain the event will be postponed to the backup date, August 21* 📍 Location: Nishi 2-sen, Shihoro Town https://www.shihoro.jp/tourism/detail.php?content=126...

Event Announcement📣 The Ashoro Furusato Bon Odori and Ryogoku Fireworks Festival is coming😊 About 8,000 fireworks will light up the night sky at Ashoro’s summer festival🎵 The program is packed with events like costumed Bon Odori, a comedy live show, a kayōkyoku (popular Japanese ballad) performance, and a magic show!! There will also be a beer garden and a children’s festival, making it a fun day for everyone. This year, starting at 10:00, Ashoro High School Brass Band and high school bands will present a music event called “Ashorock.”😍😍 Bring your family and friends and come make summer memories together🎶🎶 📍Date and Time: Friday, August 15, 10:00–21:00 (Fireworks launch time: scheduled 19:30–20:10) 📍Location: Riverbed south of Ryogoku Bridge over the Riberetsu River (fireworks launch site) Green space and parking in front of the Townspeople Center (vendor stalls and Bon Odori event site) https://www.town.ashoro.hokkaido.jp/kanko/event/event-2.html...

Event Announcement📣 The 29th Churui Furusato Bon Odori Festival will be held 😊 Along with the dancing, you can enjoy costumes filled with many creative ideas at this Bon dance event 🎶🎶 Luxurious prizes await the winners 🎁🎁🎁 On the day, children’s Bon Odori and the Churui Ondo are open to everyone, so why not take this chance to join in and dance? 🤗 Also, this year there will be a fish-catching event for elementary and junior high school students before the festival, so please join enthusiastically 🎵 📍Date and Time: Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 6:00 PM ※ The event will go ahead in light rain. It may be canceled in severe weather depending on conditions. 📍Venue: Churui Fureai Center, Fukujyu Special Event Area 📍Event Schedule 5:00 PM – Fish catching (for elementary and junior high school students) ※ Those wishing to participate should come to the main tent between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM. 6:00 PM – Food and stall area opens Distribution of fun raffle tickets begins (one per person, first 1,000 people) 6:30 PM – Children’s Bon Odori (participation prizes available) 6:45 PM – Churui Ondo 7:00 PM – Solo dance performances (general participation) Costume contest (individual and group categories) 8:20 PM – Fun raffle Bread toss http://www.makubetsu.jp/kankobussankyokai/?p=8557...

Event Announcement 📣 The 78th Obihiro Plain Festival will be held from Thursday, August 14 to Friday, August 15, 2025 😊 The festival features a variety of events, including a drum festival, Bon Odori dances, a Tokachi Kouta singing contest, and street performances by buskers 🎶🎶 This year, marking the 80th anniversary since the end of the war, high school students will present a "Postwar 80th Anniversary Peace Concert." The concert blends poetry readings and other elements to express hopes for a peaceful, war-free world. 📍Yumefuri-ya Thursday, August 14, 7:00 PM–8:00 PM This festival aims to have young people give thanks for nature’s bounty and the achievements of their predecessors, pray for a bountiful harvest, foster love for their town and homeland, and inspire dreams and energy for tomorrow. Men’s and women’s portable shrines will parade through the streets, and performers will march while playing four-person taiko drums. The festival’s climax includes the offering of golden ears of grain and the throwing of dream breads. The soft glow of the mikoshi lights will color Obihiro’s night streets 😍😍 📍The 27th Obihiro Taiko Festival Friday, August 15, 3:20 PM–5:10 PM *Official start time is 3:20 PM* *In case of rain, the event will be held at Obihiro Civic Cultural Hall from 1:30 PM* Taiko teams from across Hokkaido will gather, filling the air with powerful drum sounds 😍😍 📍Obihiro Bon Odori Friday, August 15, 7:00 PM–8:45 PM *Canceled in case of rain* Dancers will perform to live music of "Hokkai Bon Uta." Watch for the creative costumes and choreography from each participating team 👘👘 Please check the flyer or the official website for other events. Make summer memories by visiting the Obihiro Plain Festival, one of Obihiro’s three major summer festivals 🤗 https://obikan.jp/page-7621/page-7623/...

Event Announcement📣 'Yukata Night' will be held at Tokachigawa Onsen Yunosato Hall on Sunday, August 10th😊 This is a renewed version of the annual Tokachigawa Onsen Summer Festival🎵🎵 The main events are the Log-Sawing Race and the Yukata Contest!! The winner will receive a 20,000-yen accommodation voucher for Tokachigawa Onsen!! We have other fabulous prizes prepared as well, and we look forward to everyone joining us🤗 📍Entry for the Log-Sawing Race is 500 yen (a bath salt gift is provided as a participation prize) ※Limited to the first 18 men and 18 women 📍The Yukata Contest is free to enter!! There are couple and married-pair categories👘 There will also be a children’s festival corner, food trucks, and vendors so you can fully enjoy the summer festival😍😍 Wear a yukata to the festival and make the most of the summer celebration🎶🎶 Let's go to Tokachigawa Onsen Yunosato Hall!! https://www.tokachigawa.net/news/detail/230...

Event Announcement📣 August 11 is Mountain Day!!🗻 This year, to celebrate the first anniversary of designating the Hidaka Mountain Range, Erimo and Tokachi as a national park, we are holding an outdoor music festival to introduce the charm of the Hidaka Mountain Range to many people while promoting safe mountain climbing🎵🎵 Performances by the Nakasatsunai Junior High School Wind Ensemble, the Obihiro Symphony Orchestra, and the Hokkaido Police Band will be joined by a Hidaka Mountain Range panel exhibition and a VR mountain-climbing experience, so you can enjoy the Hidaka Mountain Range along with the music🎼🎼🎼 Relax and enjoy a peaceful moment with music and the beauty of nature🤗 Date and Time: Monday, August 11, 2025, 11:00–14:30 Location: Front garden of the Nakasatsunai Cultural Creation Center (special venue) and Harmony Hall https://kankou-nakasatsunai.com/information/information-5836/...

Event Announcement📣 On Saturday, August 9, 2025, Bakkansai returns to Otofuke, the town that leads Japan in wheat production, bringing another celebration of the new harvest 😊 This is Otofuke’s wheat harvest festival, where you can enjoy the year’s freshly harvested wheat “earlier, tastier, and more joyfully” than anywhere else. The festival takes place across three spots along the town road known as the Otofuke Melody Line, running from Otofuke-Obihiro IC to Tokachigawa Onsen!! 📍Michi-no-Eki Otofuke Natsuzora no Furusato 📍Miura Farm 📍Tokachigawa Onsen Garden Spa Local eateries and famous restaurants traveling from Osaka, a culinary hub, will offer one-day-only menus using freshly harvested wheat! Families can also enjoy plenty of activities, including a balloon ride that offers panoramic views of a giant wheat art installation 🎵 A stamp rally that visits all three venues will also take place!! Collect stamps for a chance to win prizes on a first-come, first-served or lottery basis 😍 ※Please note that prizes are limited and may run out. Finish your day by relaxing in the mall hot spring at the Michi-no-Eki Garden Spa and soak in the soothing waters 😊 Bakkansai is an event where you can experience Otofuke’s deliciousness, fun, and warm hospitality through wheat 🎵 Bring your family and friends and come join the fun 🤗 Date and Time: Saturday, August 9, 2025, 10:00–15:00 Venues: Michi-no-Eki Otofuke Natsuzora no Furusato Miura Farm Michi-no-Eki Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen https://tokachibare.jp/event/xo_event-22310/...

Event Announcement📣 On Sunday, August 3, 2025, the town of Taiki will host the 34th Rekifune River Clear Stream Festival 😊 The Rekifune River Clear Stream Festival began after the Ministry of the Environment praised the Rekifune River flowing through the town as "Japan’s cleanest river." The festival celebrates the gifts of nature and invites everyone to enjoy a summer day by the clear stream in a major seasonal event!! Date and Time: Sunday, August 3, 2025 Location: Riverbed upstream of Taiki Bridge on the Rekifune River During the day you’ll find plenty of stalls and hands-on activities for children!! 📍Bouncy dome 📍Firefighting experience 📍Yamabe fishing 📍Gold panning experience (fee required) ※The gold panning takes place in the river, so we recommend bringing boots, water shoes, sandals, or other footwear that can get wet, plus a towel. There’s even more to enjoy, including dance and live performances, a PET bottle rocket contest, the Tokachi Blue Sky Lady talk show, and a fun prize lottery 🎵 In the evening, the festival reaches its climax with the Perpune Fire Festival, where towering pillar torches seem to reach the sky, followed by an impressive fireworks display. 📍Perpune Fire Festival: from 6:00 PM Legend says that if a pillar torch falls toward the mountain side it brings a bountiful harvest, and if it falls toward the sea it brings abundant catches. 📍Fireworks Display: from 7:30 PM (postponed to August 4 in case of rain) Join this summer tradition, shake off the heat, and enjoy a wonderful time😍😍 https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp/tp_detail.php?id=419...

Event Notice📣 On Saturday, August 2, the Otofuke Town Chamber of Commerce Summer Festival Cooling Fireworks Display will take place 😊 A beer garden and festival stalls line the grounds, with performances including Otofuke Town Komadaiko drumming, Studio ZERO dance, Otofuke Dream Rhythmic Gymnastics Club, Kenji Nanda impersonation show, and a karaoke contest, creating a varied stage program!! Because the terrain is flat, you can see the fireworks up close for an impressive experience!! About 1,000 fireworks will light up the town’s night sky😍😍 Date and Time: Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 3:00 PM ※In case of severe weather, the event will be postponed to August 3 Location: Special venue in front of Shintsu Community Hall Enjoy beer and the stage shows as we cheerfully get through summer together🎵🎵🎵 http://www.otofuke.jp/news/news-4242.html...

Event Announcement 📣 The Hirosaki town summer sea fireworks festival that symbolizes Hirosaki’s summer will be held again this year 😊 About 7,000 fireworks, including star mines and underwater fireworks that bloom from the water’s surface, will lavishly light up the night sky. Various events will be held during the day!! 📍The hugely popular children’s show “Number One Squadron Gojuja” First show: 13:00–13:30 Second show: 15:00–15:30 *A signing session will be held after the stage shows!! 📍Sauna and fireworks collaboration!! “Sea Breeze Sauna Fest” ・12:00–20:30 Why not enjoy the fireworks while relaxing in a sauna? There will also be performances by the Hiroo Folk Performing Arts Jinya Taiko Preservation Society’s Jinya Taiko and YOSAKOI Soran dance!! At the Port Bazaar you can taste Hiroo’s seafood such as grilled whelk and atka mackerel 🎵 Date and time: Saturday, August 2, 2025 Location: Tokachi Port, Pier No. 4 *Fireworks launch: 19:30–20:30. Enjoy the brilliant fireworks display reflected on the sea 😍😍 Expect heavy traffic on the way home, so please check alternate routes and travel safely to your destination. *Please note that the Tokachi Port Festival sea fireworks will take place once any tsunami advisory is lifted. If the event is canceled or postponed, announcements will be made on the Hiroo Town Office and Hiroo Tourism Association websites and social media. https://hiroo-kanko.jp/2025/07/08/35th-tokachiport-fireworksfestival/...

Event Announcement📣 From August 1 to August 3, the Hokkaido Balloon Festival takes place in Kamishihoro Town😊 This hot air balloon competition was first held in Japan in 1974!! A colorful array of balloons gathers from across the country to compete🎵 You can also enjoy tethered balloon rides, live music, and local gourmet food😍 On the experience flights, you can ride the balloon of Horon-chan, Kamishihoro Town’s character, the fairy of sky and land!! 📌Date and Time: August 1–August 3, 2025 📌Location: Kamishihoro Town Aviation Park and surrounding areas 📌Hot Air Balloon Competition Flight Schedule 8/1 → Morning competition 5:30, Afternoon competition 15:30 8/2 → Morning competition 5:30, Afternoon competition 15:30 8/3 → Morning competition 5:30, Flight curtain call (free flight) 15:30 📍On the night of 8/2 at 19:00, enjoy the balloon glow, where burners light up the balloons!! A rainbow of balloons will color the summer sky🎵 For details, please see the official Hokkaido Balloon Festival website. 📍On 8/1, a summer evening fireworks show will be held in Kamishihoro Town from 20:00😍 Bring your family and friends and come join us🤗 Other event information is posted on the Tokachi Hare website event page, so please check the homepage. https://hbf.jp//

Event Announcement📣 The annual beer garden “Tarunama Beer Aya” returns to Honbetsu on Saturday, July 26th 🍺 Along with beer, a wide selection of alcoholic drinks such as chu-hai and sake will be available 😊 Local foods will be lined up so you can enjoy gourmet bites with your drinks 🎵 The program is packed with attractions, including a performance by the Yoshitsune Taiko drummers and a HIPHOP dance show by local children!! A raffle may award luxurious prizes like travel vouchers and hot-spring hotel stays 🎁🎁 Grab a beer and beat the summer heat with us～🎵🎵🤗 Date and Time: Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 15:00 Venue: Parking lot in front of Honbetsu Town Hall Contact: Honbetsu Chamber of Commerce and Industry TEL: 0156-22-2529 https://www.town.honbetsu.hokkaido.jp/sightseeing/fes/details/beerfes.html...

Event Announcement 📣 On Saturday, July 26, Tokachi–Shimizu Town will host the Seiryu Festival 😊 This beloved event returns for its 47th year!! The stage program is packed with YOSAKOI dance, jazz dance, and performances by Shimizu and Mikage Middle School brass bands, among others!! A bingo tournament and a fun prize drawing could award luxurious prizes!? You can also ride in and see working vehicles such as aerial work platforms and patrol cars on display!! The Chamber of Commerce Women’s and Youth Divisions, the Shimizu High School Sanroku Club, and local restaurants will host booths so you can enjoy regional gourmet treats 🎵 📌Date and Time: Saturday, July 26, 2025, 12:00–20:30 📌Venue: Event plaza next to JR Tokachi-Shimizu Station *In case of severe weather, the event will be postponed to the following day 📌How to participate in the prize drawing Only those who purchase the advance “Lucky Coupon with Lottery Ticket” usable at the Chamber of Commerce Youth Division booth are eligible. 📌Inquiries Seiryu Festival Executive Committee (Shimizu Town Chamber of Commerce) TEL: 0156-62-2208 It’s been hot lately, so please take care of your health and enjoy the summer festival 🤗 https://www.town.shimizu.hokkaido.jp/section/08/details/47.html...

On June 15, 2025, the Community Exchange Center “Tokutoku” opened in front of JR Shintoku Station 😊 On the second floor, the railway heritage exhibition room “Poppo” displays dioramas and the history of railways. When you view the dioramas, try crouching so your eye level matches the models—you’ll see them in a different way 🚂 On the first floor, the cafe and shop Kotoise offers railway-themed goods, cow-pattern cups and ornaments made from Shintoku-yaki pottery, handmade items by local artists, and specialty products from Shintoku Town. On the second floor, the information center (Shintoku Town Tourism Association) also rents bicycles, so you can explore the town by bike and enjoy the scenery and local food. Please consider visiting the Community Exchange Center “Tokutoku” sometime 🤗 https://shintoku-town.net//

Event Notice📣 On Monday, July 21, the "Mikage Festival" will take place 😊 Also known as the Beer Festival!! Enjoy handmade flavors from local shops, sirloin-cut steaks, and grilled Wagyu ribeye together with beer 🎵 The program includes Flahibiscus Mikage, Cheer Angel Baton Twirlers, and a bingo tournament!! The festival ends with a grand fireworks display that will color the summer night sky!! Relax and enjoy summer with a beer🍺 📌Date and Time: July 21, 2025, from 15:00 (will proceed even in rain) 📌Venue: Mikage Community Center 📌Parking: Mikage Improvement Center 📌Fireworks start at 20:00 [Requests] 📍Seating at the venue is limited. Please bring your own tables and chairs. 📍If you use the lawn, please bring a ground sheet. 📍There is no garbage station. Please take your trash home with you. 📍Please refrain from parking on the street as it will inconvenience nearby residents. https://www.shimizu-hokkaido-ta.jp/cont8/49.html...

Event Announcement📣 The "Furusato Ginga Line Rikubetsu Railway Festival" will be held on Sunday, July 20.😊 After the railway first reached Rikubetsu in 1910 (Meiji 43), it was abolished in April 2006 (Heisei 18). In April 2008 (Heisei 20), it was reborn as the operational "Furusato Ginga Line Rikubetsu Railway." Hoping to welcome more riders, we hold the "Furusato Ginga Line Rikubetsu Railway Festival."🎵 On Saturday, July 19, the eve festival features stage shows and local food stalls!! About 1,500 fireworks will be launched, and a special fireworks train will run so passengers can watch the display from the train (capacity 32 people, 1,500 yen, includes Rikubetsu town specialty products).😍 Eve Festival 📌Date and Time: Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 18:00 📌Venue: Midorimachi Soccer Field 📍Fireworks launch at 20:00 On Sunday, July 20, the main festival is packed with activities, including special train rides, dance and street performances, horse riding experiences, a big lottery, and mochi throwing!! Rikubetsu town’s mascot character "Shibare-kun" and his bouncy dome are a big hit with children!! 📌Date and Time: Sunday, July 20, 2025, from 10:00 📌Venue: Station Front Multipurpose Plaza 📍A comedy stage by Yoshimoto comedians will be held at 14:30😁 Contact Rikubetsu Town Tourism Association Office (Rikubetsu Town Hall, Industrial Promotion Division, Commerce and Industry Promotion Section TEL:0156-27-2141) Enjoy the three-day weekend—bring your family and friends to the event and make lots of great memories🤗 https://www.rikubetsu.jp/kanko/event/tetsudoumatsuri/...

Event Announcement📣 How are your plans for this weekend? Makubetsu Summer Festa 2025 will take place on Sunday, July 20th🎵 Alongside dance, light rock music, and taiko drumming, there will be games for children and food stalls serving delicious local treats from Makubetsu😁 A grand lottery offers luxurious prizes, including paired travel vouchers!! The festival’s climax will be about 3,000 fireworks that will fill the night sky with brilliant gold😍 Come enjoy the summer festival with friends and family🤗 📌Date and time: Sunday, July 20th, 2025, 1:00 PM–9:00 PM 📌Location: Makubetsu Town Sports Park, special event area 📌Notes * Bringing pets is prohibited. * The entire sports park is smoke-free (including electronic cigarettes). * Grilling and BBQ inside the sports park are prohibited. http://www.makubetsu.jp/kankobussankyokai/?p=8545...

Event Announcement 📣 July 13 (Sunday) Memuro Fireworks Festival "Kanon" will be held 😊 In 2014, the long-running local fireworks festival that had continued for 28 years ended. A group of volunteers in their 20s and 30s, who grew up watching Memuro’s fireworks, organized this festival so today’s children can also come and enjoy that beloved celebration 🎵 The venue offers a variety of events and attractions, and a food area brings together more than 60 popular shops from across Hokkaido!! Fireworks will be launched from 8:00 PM 😍 📌Location: Memuro Park special venue 📌Hours: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM Have a wonderful weekend, everyone 🤗 https://www.memuro-hanaoto.com//

Event announcement📣 July has arrived, and summer is here in earnest — a season full of festivals and events. If you’re free this weekend, why not drop by one of the events taking place? 🤗 📌Saturday, July 5 — Shirohebi-hime Festival at the shore of Lake Shikaribetsu in Shikaoicho. This theatrical folk performance, created from Ainu traditions, features a 13-meter white snake and a princess dancing in a dreamlike spectacle. ■Time: 17:30–21:15 ■Free shuttle bus to the venue: A free shuttle will operate from Kanda Nissho Memorial Museum in Shikaoicho to the lakeside venue using the regular bus route. 📌Sunday, July 6 — The 52nd Pyotan Falls Yamabe Release Festival at Satsunai River Park in Nakasatsunai Village. The day starts with the release of yamabe (a local trout), followed by a Poroshiri drum performance, hands-on workshops, food trucks, and ends with a stage-side edamame toss featuring the village’s specialty edamame. ■Time: 10:00–14:00 ■Access: About a 60-minute drive from Obihiro Station Find other summer events on the Tokachi HARE website under “Events.” Please check the homepage at the URL below 😊 It’s been hot every day, so please take care to avoid heatstroke and enjoy a pleasant weekend 🎵 https://tokachibare.jp/event/...

📣 Held again this year! Announcement for the Sakai Great Fish Night Market and Fireworks 🎇 What is the Sakai Great Fish Night Market (Sakai Oo-uo Yoichi)? It is a fish market festival held every late July at Ōhama Park in Sakai, Sakai Ward, Osaka Prefecture ✨ Said to have begun in the Kamakura period, it boasts about 700 years of history and has become a summer tradition in Sakai 🎐 🐡The highlight is the spectacular nighttime fish auction! There are also food stalls and corporate PR booths on display, making it a historic festival closely tied to the local community♪ This year’s event is on Saturday, July 26! Continuing from last year, there will also be fireworks launched from the sea 🎇 Enjoy the beautiful fireworks lighting up the shore! Don’t miss this summer’s annual event—everyone is welcome! We look forward to seeing you! 🎉 “Sakai Great Fish Night Market” 🗓️Date: Saturday, July 26 📍Venue: Ōhama Park ⏰Time: 11:00–21:30 “Senshu Yume Fireworks: Shakunetsu no Hanabi 7 I Love Sakai” 🗓️Date: Saturday, July 26 📍Venue: Sakai Old Port ⏰Gates open: 16:30 / Start: 20:20 / End: 20:50 (scheduled) 🔎For details, please see the official Sakai Tourism Guide website

SUP Experience Event in Tomioka 2025 Held✨ On Saturday, May 31, a safety prayer ceremony for a safe summer at sea and the SUP Experience Event in Tomioka 2025 took place at Tomioka Beach 👏 Blessed with good weather, all participants enjoyed stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on the day 🏖️ There’s nothing like the exhilaration of standing on a board and paddling across the sea! We plan to hold the event again next year, so be sure to join us 👍 Tomioka Beach, selected as one of the Ministry of the Environment’s Top 100 Clear Beaches, offers exceptionally transparent waters and makes a great sunset spot 🌅 Be sure to include it in your summer plans ❤️

🌸 Mother's Day, a special time to 🌸 express gratitude In the busyness of daily life, "Thank you" and "I love you" Thereare things that are difficult to convey honestly. But today is a special day. Mother’s Day. To the mother who gave me many love, With gratitude for each and every memory, I want to deliver a warm "thank you" as deep as the sea. Even on the days when you made delicious rice, Even on the days when he scolded me gently, There were days when he hugged me gently. Everything is a precious memory. Like the Unfolds of the Sea, A mother's love is endless. Stop for a moment today. Why don't you feel the happiness wrapped in that love? 🌊 Mother's Day, a special time to 🌸 express gratitude #Hokule'a Shonan #HokuleaShonan

Children’s Day! Come play at Kita-Aikoku Exchange Plaza! 2025 Information 😄 This is the annual opening event at Kita-Aikoku Exchange Plaza!! On the vast lawn we provide play areas using equipment to give children a place to play. On the day there will be demonstrations of a model rocket launched with powder and a PET bottle rocket launched with air!! How far will they fly?? Look forward to finding out!! • First show 11:00 • Second show 14:00 We also offer loaner play equipment, so come with your family and run around to your heart’s content! Date: Monday, May 5, 10:00–15:00 (held rain or shine) Location: Kita-Aikoku Exchange Plaza (10-1 Aikoku-cho, Obihiro) Who it’s for: Infants through elementary school students and their guardians Fee: Free admission, free equipment loan Note: Many play items available for free loan, including kite flying, badminton sets, flying discs, and strikeout games Contact ☎️ Data Management Co., Ltd. (designated manager of Kita-Aikoku Exchange Plaza) Phone: 0155-67-7868 (Contact: Yoshida) e-mail: kita-aikoku@data-g.com

Announcement for the Honbetsu Sankeitsutsuji Festival 😍 The Honbetsu Sankeitsutsuji Festival takes place at Honbetsu Park, where Ezo-murasaki azalea and Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees bloom in full. 🎵 The event is packed with activities, including a jumbo Yoshitsune hotpot, a bingo tournament, a performance of the Honbetsu Yoshitsune Taiko drums, and a stage show by Oklahoma. The Tokachi Aozora Ladies will also participate. Bring your family and friends and come enjoy the festival. ■ Date: Sunday, April 27, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM ■ Location: In front of the Yoshitsune-no-Sato Honbetsu Park stage (Higashimachi, Honbetsu) ■ Stage guest: Oklahoma ■ Program 10:00 – Opening announcement; release of stream fish and river fishing Booths by the Chamber of Commerce Women’s and Youth Divisions; inflatable play area Azalea and other plant sales; various vendor booths Local performing arts: performance by the Honbetsu Yoshitsune Taiko drums Smoke experience (Honbetsu Fire Station) 10:30 – Opening ceremony 11:00 – Jumbo Yoshitsune hotpot 11:20 – Introduction of the Tokachi Aozora Ladies 12:00 – Azalea Festival Photo Contest and Model Photo Session Distribution of bingo cards (first 400 people) 12:45 – Stage show “Oklahoma” 13:30 – Bingo tournament 14:00 – Closing ceremony ■ Inquiries Tsutsuji Festival Executive Committee / Honbetsu Town Tourism Association Office: Honbetsu Town Future Creation Division TEL (0156) 22-2141 https://www.town.honbetsu.hokkaido.jp/sightseeing/fes/details/post_1.html...

Ikeda Town Tourism Opening Ceremony Announcement🍷 Every year, Ikeda Town holds the Tourism Opening Ceremony to pray for a successful tourist season. The ceremony for safety prayers and a bountiful flow of visitors is paired with events that residents and tourists can enjoy together. The Tokachi Blue Sky Ladies will also attend to add a touch of elegance to the ceremony. If you have time, please come and join us. Date: Saturday, April 26th, 2025 Time: 10:30 AM–around 2:00 PM Location: In front of JR Ikeda Station * The event may be canceled in case of rain. If canceled, announcements will be posted on the Ikeda Town Tourism Association website and social media. Ikeda Town Tourism Association → @tokachi_ikeda The fountain opening ceremony in front of Ikeda Station begins at 10:30 AM, and vendor events start at 11:00 AM. Program ● Fountain Opening Ceremony in front of the station ● Local food and products corner ● Wine-pouring experience into the fountain ● Children’s festival corner ● TOCORON (Tocoron) Ikeda version Banana Manju Macaron on sale ● Performance by Ikeda High School Wind Ensemble Vendors Super Ryokuen, Hiro Kitchen, Tokachi Ikedaya (Café & Life akao, son of Juraku), Ikeda Town Chamber of Commerce Youth Division, TOCORON Project Team (volunteer high school circle from Tokachi area) Contact Ikeda Town Tourism Association (Tel: 015-572-2286) * Please note that program details may change. https://kankou-ikeda.com//

Announcement of the Appointment of the 31st Tokachi Aozora Ladies 😄 Every year, to mark the start of Ban'ei horse racing, we hold the Tokachi Aozora Ladies certification and handover ceremony at Obihiro Racecourse. 🎵 This year, the certification and handover ceremony took place on Friday, April 18. The 31st Tokachi Aozora Ladies are Nozomi Takahashi and Mayuka Ishizaki. We look forward to your support for them. The two 31st Tokachi Aozora Ladies presented bouquets to Machi Fujita and Kaori Noguchi, the 30th Tokachi Aozora Ladies, in thanks for their year of activities. As their first duties, the 31st Tokachi Aozora Ladies handed out gifts to visitors at the opening of Obihiro Racecourse, took part in the ceremony where the Mayor of Obihiro gave greetings, and appeared on BanSta. Thank you very much! Ban'ei horse racing is a sport where draft horses pull heavy iron sleds, testing speed and strength! Race days are Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. From Saturday, April 26 to Monday, April 28, enjoy the anime Baki Hanma × Ban'ei Tokachi collaboration event! During Golden Week from Saturday, May 3 to Monday, May 5, a packed lineup of family-friendly attractions awaits, including stage events, food and merchandise booths, and a kids’ corner. 😍 Come to Obihiro Racecourse to cheer as the powerful Ban'ei horses take strong steps right before your eyes!! Please visit the official Ban'ei Tokachi website at the URL below. https://www.banei-keiba.or.jp//

The mountain climbing season has arrived. Kuranodake, located in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, offers trails for beginners through advanced hikers. It is a mountain that even small children can enjoy. From the summit you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama, and a big appeal is that you can easily challenge yourself starting from the 9th station. The elevation is 1,118 m. It was selected as one of the Top 100 Walking Trails in Japan. It sits at the western end of the Aso outer rim, and the name comes from its saddle-like shape. Following the northeast ridge of Kuranodake leads to peaks such as Mount Tsumushi (1,064 m), and some hikers aim for them from Kuranodake’s summit. The mountain hosts many alpine plants and bird species. There are several routes up Kuranodake; for intermediate and advanced hikers there are the Forest Course and the Panorama Course. Beginners can drive up to the 9th station and start from the East Trailhead Course. With routes of varying difficulty, many families hike together. From the summit you can see the Kuju Mountain Range, the Five Peaks of Aso, Mt. Kimpō, and Unzen. Many people bring a packed lunch or coffee to enjoy on the hike. Before hiking, pick up maps and information at Shiki no Sato in Asahishi-Fumoto, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, located at the trail entrance, and why not give it a try?

Introducing an experiential tour you can take in Hokkaido’s Tokachi😄 A journey to touch the preciousness of life through gratitude for the food we receive An experiential tour: “Visit Kyoko Endo, a livestock farmer in Shihorocho, and meet her beloved wagyu”!! In the heart of Tokachi, the agricultural and dairy town of Shihorocho, the Endo family raises cattle🐂 Kyoko Endo, who supports the family business as a veterinarian, compiled the story of one particular cow into a video and booklet titled “Beloved Wagyu.” She wants people who eat that beef to see the cow’s journey of overcoming injury and growing strong, and to feel the wonder and energy of receiving life as food!! “Beloved Wagyu,” carrying Kyoko’s feelings, is sent to households across the country🥩 On this occasion, through caring for the cows, you will reflect with Kyoko on the value of taking life to nourish us😄 Tour Schedule 10:00 Gather at Endo Livestock Farm 10:05 Farm introduction and presentation of “Beloved Wagyu” (video screening) Change into work clothes and learn about “Beloved Wagyu” while watching the video! 10:35 Barn tour and hands-on work (brushing, cleaning, etc.) Move to the barn to help with grooming the wagyu and assisting with tasks around the farm! 11:35 Make “Beloved Wagyu” pizza with Ms. Endo Try making pizza using Beloved Wagyu beef and vegetables and cheese produced in Shihorocho 13:00 Tour ends Operating period: Year-round Time: 10:00–13:00 (about 3 hours) Group size: 2–6 people Price: For 2 people, per person Adult 18,700 JPY, Child 3,300 JPY For 3 or more people, per person Adult 12,100 JPY, Child 3,300 JPY If English interpretation is included, the prices are as follows. For 2 people, per person Adult 30,800 JPY, Child 3,300 JPY For 3 or more people, per person Adult 20,900 JPY, Child 3,300 JPY Please make a reservation at least seven days before your desired date of use. (We may be unable to meet your requested date due to guide availability or other reasons.) Please note that visitors who have arrived in Japan within the past seven days and live abroad may not be allowed to enter sanitary areas for quarantine reasons. Depending on the “Global Foot-and-Mouth Disease Situation” as determined by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, we may refuse participation in the tour. Thank you for your understanding. This tour offers a great opportunity to meet producers and learn about livestock farming and the realities behind our food while taking part in hands-on experiences!! We hope you will make an experience in Tokachi a memorable page in your travel memories😄 If you are interested, please visit our federation’s official website section “BEHIND THE GOOD TASTE – Journeys that connect you to Tokachi, the source of food.” Contact Knao Publishing Co., Ltd. Slow Travel HOKKAIDO Email: slh@slow-life-hokkaido.com

On February 23rd, I went camping at a campsite with a view of Mt. Fuji for 3 days and 2 nights. Dad's favorite daughter I'm inviting my father to make a bonfire in the morning. Father: Oh my gosh. Watching from behind Mt. Fuji. A peaceful start to the day

The National Alps Azumino Park is a national park spreading at the foot of the Northern Alps in central Nagano Prefecture. The park has two areas: Omachi-Matsukawa in the north and Horikane-Hotaka in the south. The Horikane-Hotaka area lies about a 20-minute drive from Azumino Interchange on the Nagano Expressway. In the Horikane-Hotaka area, the yellow cosmos are now in full bloom. Eight hundred thousand yellow cosmos flowers cover 2.5 hectares of terraced rice fields in a spectacular display. The National Alps Azumino Park is broadly divided into two zones, and the yellow cosmos appear in the Satoyama Culture Zone, so please be careful not to use the wrong entrance. They should be enjoyable through late September. After that, in the Rural Culture Zone, you can see 180,000 cosmos of 12 different varieties. These are expected to peak from late September through mid-October. There are photo spots, and on clear days you can see Mt. Jonen. *Two pink cosmos photos are from last year.*