●A Huge Hit! Sarurun Kamuy — A Trip to Meet the Red-Crowned Cranes● Recruiting participants for Sunday, February 15 Special early-morning entry to Akan International Crane Center GRUS! Under the guidance of Director Kawase, we will observe the cranes’ arrival. February is peak season. Come and watch the cranes dance in the sky. The crane tour is highly popular every year. The application deadline is Thursday, January 29, so please apply soon (^^)/ *If the minimum number of participants is not met, the tour will be canceled (10 people).* Sunday, February 15 Meeting time 6:55 AM Meet and dismiss at Kushiro Tourism and International Relations Center (KKS Convention Center) 7:00 AM Depart KKS Convention Center 7:50 AM Arrive at Akan International Crane Center GRUS 　　　　Observe the cranes’ arrival 9:30 AM Depart Akan International Crane Center GRUS 10:20 AM Arrive at Kushiro Station (you may disembark) 10:25 AM Dismiss at KKS Convention Center For details and to apply, follow the link below🔗 https://www.kushiro-lakeakan.com//

Ice Land Akan is now open. We look forward to welcoming you.

🚂 SL Winter Marsh Train on Friday, January 23rd 🚂 Steam from the SL billows up into the sky above the station. Excited. My heart races. Is it almost here? It’s here—😆 Both the riders and the photographers share the same feeling✨ They wave to each other thinking, “SLs are wonderful!”👋

[Kochi Prefecture Shimanto City] Flowers That Color the Shimanto River Basin 1. Climate of Shimanto City Shimanto City enjoys abundant forests, the clear Shimanto River, and the pacific ocean to its southeast, offering a rich natural environment. From 1991 through 2020, the average temperature was 16.5°C and the average annual precipitation was 2,877.9 mm, giving the area a warm, Pacific-type climate. 2. Flowers Nurtured by the Mild Climate [Spring] 〇 Around late February, when the spring sun begins to warm the days, the Iruta Yanagi Grove in the Shimanto River lower basin turns a tender yellow-green as new buds swell, and some 10 million rapeseed flowers bloom across the willow groves like a yellow carpet. This is an iconic scene that announces spring in the Shimanto River watershed. 〇 By late March, the cherry trees at the hilltop viewing spot Tamesho Park come into full bloom. Lanterns are lit during the cherry blossom season, letting visitors enjoy the night blossoms as well. The Shimanto City Local Museum sits nearby, so while learning about local history you can also take in the views from its observation floor. (Shimanto City Local Museum opening hours/9:00–17:00, closed/Wednesdays) At Shimanto River Sakura Zutsumi Park, neatly planted cherry trees and well-kept lawns invite visitors to sit and enjoy hanami while admiring the spring-bright Shimanto River. In the Shimanto River lower basin, plowing of rice fields begins around this time and the frogs start to call. 〇 When the cherry blossoms fall and the trees turn to leaf, look toward Kōzan-ji Temple to see the city flower, wisteria, paint the slopes purple. Kōzan-ji is also popular for hiking and birdwatching, and a park with play equipment makes it a favorite spot for families on holidays. 〇 In breezy May, roses and lilies cultivated by local residents brighten the pastoral inland landscapes in the Nishitosa area. Omiya Rose Garden welcomes visitors with about 500 rose bushes, while Nishitosa Yabukachi greets them with roughly 12,000 lilies. 〇 At this time of year, Shimanto Dragonfly Park shows dragonflies dancing above waters edged with water lilies and irises. Established in 1985 as the world’s first dragonfly reserve, the park has recorded 81 species of dragonfly. The Shimanto River Museum Akitsuio, attached to the park, exhibits insect specimens from around the world including dragonflies, alongside fish that inhabit the Shimanto River. (Shimanto River Museum Akitsuio opening hours/9:00–17:00, closed/Mondays) [Early summer] 〇 Under rainy, cloudy skies in June, Yasunami Waterwheel Village delights visitors with the rhythmic clack of turning waterwheels while hydrangeas along the waterways blaze with color. Sheltered pavilions near the channels make it pleasant to sit and watch the hydrangeas and the rural scenery. In the inland parts of Shimanto City, summer heat can be intense; when northwesterly winds blow, the foehn effect can raise temperatures and sea breezes from the pacific ocean have difficulty reaching inland, causing high heat. On August 12, 2013, Egawazaki recorded Japan’s highest temperature that year at 41.0°C. [Autumn] 〇 In late September, when the sky seems a little higher, the Iruta Yanagi Grove is enlivened by clusters of red spider lilies (manjushage) that dye the area bright red, and autumn insects begin to call from the grasses. Around this time the severe summer heat gradually eases. 〇 In early November, when autumn deepens, beautiful fall colors appear along the ravines of the Kurozon River, a tributary of the Shimanto River. [Winter] Although Shimanto City benefits from a mild climate, snow does fall some winters in the mountain valleys and on plains opening toward the Bungo Channel, and mornings and evenings often dip below freezing. Daytime, however, tends to be mild with many pleasant, sunny winter days. 3. Events to Celebrate the Arrival of Spring The Iruta Yanagi Grove, introduced above, hosts the Nanohana Festival. At the Nanohana Festival, the rapeseed flower groves spread like a yellow carpet and a variety of events are planned, including sales of local specialty products and wind band performances by junior and senior high school students. Please come and enjoy Shimanto River sightseeing when the rapeseed flowers are in bloom.

On a clear, cold winter day, our family enjoyed flying kites in a park with a great view of Mount Fuji.

✨“Konkon Rokon Sparkling Kushiro Stamp Rally” Opening Event✨ The stamp rally, running from Saturday, January 24 to Sunday, March 8, kicks off with an opening event at Tancho Kushiro Airport! On the day, we will distribute raffle tickets for a photo session. Everyone who takes part in the raffle will receive either an Alolan Vulpix or a Vulpix sun visor. Guests wishing to participate should gather at the venue at the ticket distribution time (^^)/ Date and time: Saturday, January 24, 2026 Venue: Tancho Kushiro Airport, 2nd floor departure lobby Program: 10:30–10:45 Raffle ticket distribution 　　　 11:00–11:30 Raffle and photo session *Approximately 20 groups are expected to be selected as winners Organizers: Kushiro General Subprefectural Bureau; Kushiro Tourism & Convention Association

📢Announcement📢 [Travel hands-free! Luggage delivery service now available] In Teshikaga, from Saturday, January 24, 2026 to Sunday, March 1, 2026, the 2026 winter “Teshikaga Eco Passport” town shuttle bus (advance reservation required) will run, and during the same period we will offer a luggage delivery service called “Travel Hands-Free.” This convenient service delivers your luggage from the drop-off location to your chosen pick-up spot, letting you explore Teshikaga light and free while your bags are transported. You don’t need to carry your luggage yourself, so you can spend your time and energy fully on sightseeing. No advance reservation is required for the luggage service. Please take advantage of this opportunity. Period Saturday, January 24, 2026 – Sunday, March 1, 2026 Fee 1,000 yen (tax included) Luggage size Total of length, width, and height up to 160 cm / weight up to 25 kg *We cannot accept valuables, fragile items, hazardous materials, precision instruments, or frozen/refrigerated items. Drop-off locations and reception hours A: JR Mashu Station 8:30–11:30 B: JR Kawayu-Onsen Station 8:30–12:00 C: Kawayu Onsen town hotels until 13:00 (Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu, Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura) Pick-up locations and times A: JR Mashu Station 15:00–16:30 B: JR Kawayu-Onsen Station 14:00–17:00 C: Kawayu Onsen town hotels from 13:30 onward (Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu, Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura) ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ Use instead of a coin locker! Luggage storage without delivery available! We also offer a luggage storage-only service that does not deliver items and can be used like a coin locker. Please use this option according to your needs. Fee: 700 yen (tax included) A: JR Mashu Station 8:30–16:30 B: JR Kawayu-Onsen Station 8:30–17:00 Contact Mashu Tourism Association 015-482-2200 Reception hours 9:00–17:00 / weekdays masyu_as@peace.ocn.ne.jp

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 ✨

Kneeling quietly against a deep black background. With closed eyes, what is on their mind? All that remains in the darkness is emotion. #Portrait #Art Photography #Expressive Photography #Photography of Japan #Cool Japan You may use this as-is for Cool Japan. Shall we go for the next one?

Yokohama Noge The beauty of lowered eyes quietly leaves an impression in this shot. I captured the moment when the air slowly shifts from winter to spring. If expressed in color, it feels almost white. photo yutti model SAGI #portrait #artphotography #japanesephotography #seasonalchange #cooljapan

Sunset in Kushiro! It was dazzling✨ 16:13 from the Earthquake-resistant quay

Roadside Station Mashu Onsen Roadside Station Mashu Onsen sits in Teshikaga. You can enjoy tasty food, local souvenirs, a footbath, and a dog run area, among many other offerings 🐶❣️ It can serve as a convenient base for exploring the Teshikaga area. Some products are available only here, so be sure to check them out on site‼︎🚙💨♨️

A time-traveling SUP experience tour KUSHIRO// January 16, 10:00 AM A winter-only SUP tour on the Kushiro River took place ☺️ The temperature that day was -7°C. With instructor support, we set off for the Kushiro River, where lotus leaf ice floats‼︎ I was a little scared and nervous at the start, but as I got used to it, it became more and more fun. I never imagined I’d be cutting through lotus leaf ice and SUPing in the middle of the Kushiro River ✨ It felt like a dream 🥹 Some people worry about the cold, but it’s not as cold as you’d think. You warm up as you paddle 😊 If you do fall in, rest assured you wear a drysuit and life jacket. They’re waterproof and keep you afloat right away 🛟 Kushiro River × SUP = a rare experience ✨ Open for participants until Saturday, January 24. We’re accepting sign-ups ☺ For details and to apply, follow the link in the comments!

Announcement NHK General TV’s Asaichi plans a live broadcast from the Bedrock Terrace at Kawayu Onsen in Teshikagacho. Date and Time Wednesday, January 21 — during the 9 a.m. hour The program will feature the new Kawayu Onsen spot “Bedrock Terrace,” where bedrock stretches from MtAtosanupuri, and local specialty products made using the hot springs. Please tune in. Note: The schedule may change due to breaking news or other circumstances.

i took this photo near our house, and I really liked it, so I decided to post it here. It’s my first time using this platform and posting here, so I don’t really know much yet.

Ice Land Akan, the on-ice activity area on Lake Akanko, opens on January 19th♪ Activities available starting tomorrow include: 1. Smelt fishing (wakasagi fishing) 2. Banana boat rides 3. Four-wheel ATV rides You can fully enjoy the vast snowfield on the lake now that it is completely frozen. For the best deals when enjoying Lake Akanko, use the dedicated reservation site and Marimo Pay!! Access the link in our profile♪ Instagram profile https://www.instagram.com/akan_tourism_association/...

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

Open only two days a week!? 😍 Three hidden gem bakeries in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture you’ll want to go out of your way to visit 🥐💞 Read the article here 🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5461... As a foodie in my 30s who loves sweets, I adore hunting for places that aren’t “ordinary.” In Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, there are hidden bakeries that operate as mobile vendors or only open on limited days. I actually visited them and will introduce them here! Be sure to check the Shobara Tourist Navi website’s “Editorial Report”!

✨The first wedding consultation event of the New Year!✨ Start the year by planning your ideal wedding together. On the day, enjoy plenty of free experiences, including a couple photo shoot📸, personal color analysis🎨, body type and face type assessments✨, and a nail tip trial💅. You’ll find lots of tips to help shape your wedding vision. Please feel free to join us💍 We warmly look forward to your visit. Advance reservations are required. Event date and times Sunday, January 18, 2026 ① 10:00 A.M. ② 11:30 A.M. ③ 1:00 P.M. ④ 2:30 P.M.

A SUP Experience Tour Beyond Time and Space KUSHIRO It has finally begun (^O^)／ the Kushiro River winter-only SUP tour. Though strong winds delayed the start, today marks the START‼ The weather is fine, the waves have calmed, and it’s the perfect day for SUP✨ Most participants were beginners, so they trembled with fear at first😱 As they got used to it, smiles appeared on everyone’s faces...🥰 They were clearly having a great time‼ Kushiro River × SUP = a rare experience✨ Open for participation until Saturday, January 24th. We are accepting participants☺

📸✨ The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest — Deadline Approaching!! The annual Teshikaga Photo Contest is underway again this year. With the theme "Experience Teshikaga’s volcanoes, forests, and lakes through the four seasons," winners will be announced on the tourism portal site Teshikaga Navi. Please check the PDF below for contest entry 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 the deadline Categories Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Open Prizes Grand Prize: 1 winner — 30,000 yen plus additional prizes (accommodation vouchers, Mashu melon, etc.) Excellence Awards: 3 winners — 10,000 yen plus additional prizes / Honorable Mentions: 5 winners — additional prizes / Special Prize and Tourism Association Prize: several winners ■ Thanks to local businesses, many additional prizes such as accommodation vouchers, meal vouchers, and local products are available. Organizer: Mashu-ko Tourism Association (regional DMO) Supported by: Teshikagacho, Teshikagacho Board of Education, Lake Mashu Agricultural Cooperative, Teshikagacho Promotion Corporation, Teshikaga Chamber of Commerce, 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

That green friend you see around town What is Marimo Pay?? A one-minute introduction! Master Marimo Pay to enjoy Akanko more conveniently and affordably Find out more via the link in the profile🔗 Instagram profile https://www.instagram.com/akan_tourism_association/...

Four top spots to see frost flowers at Akanko! 1. Thin ice with no snow cover 2. Clear, early mornings when temperatures fall below −15°C 3. Completely calm, windless days 4. Consult a professional guide to enjoy the scenery with peace of mind Note: Frost flowers are extremely delicate natural phenomena. Even if these conditions are met, you may still be unable to view them.

SUP experiences on the Kushiro River this winter!! They finally start tomorrow. Kushiro River winter-only tours! Lotus leaf ice SUP cruising and Sunset & Night SUP adventures, we bring you SUP experiences that transcend time and space. For details and reservations, follow the link in our profile. Instagram profile link https://www.instagram.com/kushiro.lakeakan/... SUPER FANTASTIC → Time‑and‑space‑transcending SUP experience tour banner

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.