Event Announcement📣

On Sunday, March 22, “One-Ton Weight! Deciding the Strongest Banei Horse!” The 58th Banei Memorial takes place 😊
This is the ultimate Banei showdown, with Banei weights run at the maximum of 1 ton!
Among the BG1 races, the most prestigious class in Banei racing, this event sits at the very top 🎵

Also, from Friday, March 20 (national holiday) through Sunday, March 22, the “Banei Memorial” event offers a packed schedule of attractions and activities 😍
🔶 A corner exhibiting four-panel manga by the very popular Mayu Sawada, featured on the official Banei Tokachi LINE
🔶 Gourmet stalls gathering winners from past Banei Kitchen Car Grand Prix and other tasty vendors
🔶 On-site predictions and talk shows by comedians and notable personalities, and more

Come for all three days to enjoy the events and cheer on the powerful draft horses up close 🤗

https://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/ed_detail.php?id=1580

Event Announcement 📣

Tokachi Craft Makers Night will take place on Thursday, March 19. 😊

This one-night event brings together three makers who craft beverages in Tokachi with their own philosophies and participants to discuss the future of Tokachi’s drinking culture. 🎵

Part One is a panel discussion (about 45 minutes) with the three makers leading “new beverage making in Tokachi”: beer, cider, and gin.

Part Two is a social gathering (about 60 minutes) where you can enjoy drinks paired with food and freely chat with the three makers.

📍 Date and time: Thursday, March 19, 2026, 18:00–19:45 (reception starts at 17:30)
📍 Venue: LAND, 1st Floor, Tenkodo Building, 12-1, West 2 South 11, Obihiro
📍 Capacity: 40 people (reservation required, first-come, first-served)
📍 Eligibility: Ages 20 and over (alcohol will be served)
📍 Fee: 3,000 yen (drinks from three companies plus pairing dishes from Kobito no Daidokoro in Ashorocho)
*Payment in cash on the day*

📍 Registration deadline: Saturday, March 14, 2026 — registration closes once capacity is reached.
*Please apply via the QR code on the attached flyer.*

📞 Inquiries: Tokachi Plain Distillery TEL: 0155-65-0479 (We may not be able to answer depending on business conditions. Thank you for your understanding.)

https://tokachibare.jp/sake-museum/

Event Announcement 📣

This one-day-only event lets you enjoy natural wines from Aizawa Winery, where grapes are lovingly cultivated as close to nature as possible.🍇
Taste a variety of wines alongside handmade pizza, pasta, and cheeses.🍷

📍Date and Time: Sunday, March 8, 2026

📍Hours: 2:00 PM–8:00 PM

📍Venue: Pontise shop, 16 Nishi 3 Jo Minami 10 Chome, Obihiro City

📞Inquiries and Reservations: TEL: 0155-63-7723, Email: info@aizawanouen.com


https://tokachibare.jp/sake-museum/

Now accepting applications for the 32nd Tokachi Blue Sky Lady!! ☀️

Applications for Tokachi Blue Sky Lady have been extended!!
There are only two days left until the deadline on Friday, February 27!!

Would you like to apply to be Tokachi’s PR ladies, the Tokachi Blue Sky Ladies, who promote Tokachi’s tourism and local products by participating in events across Tokachi, taking part in product fairs inside and outside Hokkaido, and appearing in media?

If you’re interested, please feel free to apply 🤗

We look forward to your application!!

📌 Eligibility

📍Women aged 20 or older living in Tokachi who are physically and mentally healthy, can agree to all the Tokachi Blue Sky Lady program rules and guidelines, and can take part in tourism events and product fairs both inside and outside the region (married or unmarried)

📍Holders of a regular driver’s license who have obtained permission from their workplace and family to participate in activities as a Lady

📌 How to Apply
Please attach a photo to your resume, write your motivation for applying, and include information confirming you meet the eligibility requirements, then mail or deliver it to the Tokachi Tourism Federation Office by Friday, February 27.

https://tokachibare.jp/20506/

Event Announcement 📣

On Saturday, February 21, 2026, Makubetsucho will host “2026 Makubetsu Tsunagu Lantern” at Akenogaoka Park 😊
Each handmade lantern created by local residents has its own unique design, and they are delightful to admire 🎵
Please come and see the magical world lit by the lanterns’ gentle glow ✨
Be sure to dress warmly for the event 🧤🧣🧥

📍Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
※In case of severe weather, the event will be postponed to Sunday, February 22, 2026
※If postponed, an announcement will be posted on Instagram.

📍Venues and Times
🔸Akenogaoka Park 17:30–19:30
🔸Makubetsu Park Plaza 17:30–19:30

Recruiting the 32nd Tokachi Blue Sky Lady ☀️

There is one week left until the Tokachi Blue Sky Lady application deadline!!

We are seeking Tokachi PR ladies called Tokachi Blue Sky Ladies to promote Tokachi’s tourism and local products through events within Tokachi, product fairs inside and outside Hokkaido, media appearances, and more!

Would you like to brighten Tokachi’s tourism with your cheerful smile?

If you’re interested, please feel free to apply 🤗

We look forward to your applications!!

📌 Eligibility

📍Women aged 20 or older living in Tokachi who are physically and mentally healthy, agree to all the provisions and guidelines of the Tokachi Blue Sky Lady program, and can participate in tourism events and product fairs both inside and outside the region (married or single)

📍Holders of a valid ordinary driver’s license who have obtained approval from their workplace and family for Lady activities

📌 How to apply
Please attach a photo to your resume, write your motivation for applying, and provide information verifying that you meet the eligibility criteria, then mail or deliver it to the Tokachi Tourism Federation Office by Friday, February 20.

https://tokachibare.jp/20506/

Event Announcement📣

On Sunday, February 15, 2026, Makubetsu’s Churui will host the 43rd Nauman All-Hokkaido Sled Competition 😊

Alongside the general division—where participants race on homemade cardboard sleds and are judged on sled craftsmanship and finish time—there will be an elementary school speed division and a parent-and-child speed division 🎵

Other activities include a “Treasure Hunt” inspired by the buried-gold legend of Churui Maruyama and a photo-movie contest for sharing fun memories from the sled competition ✨

📍Date and Time: Sunday, February 15, 2026
📍Venue: Churui Hakugindai Ski Area
📞Contact: Tournament Office 01558-8-2111

http://www.makubetsu.jp/kankobussankyokai/?p=8682

Event Announcement📣

On Saturday, February 14th, Roadside Station Ashoro Galaxy Hall 21 hosts "Wood Candle Night 2026" 😊

The day features wood education workshops such as ogacolor and deer-hide leather craft, plus a wooden toy corner where visitors can touch, play with, and make wooden items 🎵
You can also enjoy a food area, chocolate fondue with toasted marshmallows and strawberries, a collaboration café by Coffee Zamaya and an antique shop, and a mini concert by the duo Liricamente 😍
On this sacred night—Valentine’s Day—come to Roadside Station Ashoro Galaxy Hall lit by ice candles and illuminations 🤗

❤️ At the Youth Section booth of the Town Employees’ Labor Union, donors will receive a complimentary cocoa.

https://www.town.ashoro.hokkaido.jp/kanko/news/2026/wood2026.html

Event Announcement 📣

From February 11 to February 14, 2026, Nakasatsunaimura will host “Snow Art Village Nakasatsunai 2026” for four days 😊
You can view the expansive snow art that local snow artist and AOILO Inc. representative Tomohiro Kajiyama creates on the snowy plain from a special 8-meter-high yagura viewing platform 🎵
Please enjoy this snow-made art that you can only see in the art village of Nakasatsunai 🤗

📍Dates: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 ▶ Saturday, February 14, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
*Canceled in severe weather; event dates may change depending on snowfall conditions
📍Venue: Nakasatsunai Cultural Creation Center and surrounding special event sites

🔶 Indoor Event Venue (Nakasatsunai Cultural Creation Center)
📍 Snow Art Video Screening
We will screen past snow art works and footage of the making process.

📍 Snow Art Panel Exhibition (Entrance)
A collection of past works shot by drone will be on display 🎶
Explore the history of Snow Art Village Nakasatsunai!

https://kankou-nakasatsunai.com/event-list/page-3619/

Event Announcement 📣

From Saturday, February 7 to Monday, February 23, Roadside Station Pia 21 Shihoro will host a "Korea Fair" 😊

In 2025, a direct flight from Tokachi Obihiro Airport to Korea began, making access to Korea more convenient ✈️
This is a collaboration between JAL and Roadside Station Pia 21 Shihoro, designed so those who can’t travel right now can still enjoy the feeling of being there 🎵

You can taste "Korean gourmet and sweets" recommended by Korea-loving staff, and try a cabin crew role-play experience where you perform in-flight announcement practice and drink service like a JAL flight attendant.

Take this chance to enjoy the atmosphere of a trip to Korea 🤗

https://tokachibare.jp/event/xo_event-22980/

Event Announcement 📣

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, Memuro Town’s big winter event, Ice Candle Night, welcomes visitors 😊

About 2,500 ice candles will light up Meimuro Park, creating a soft, glowing atmosphere 😍
The venue offers a variety of attractions, including Tokachi Pro Wrestling, a strike-out game, footbaths, and handheld fireworks.
Fireworks will be launched from 7:30 PM to brighten the winter night sky ✨

Enjoy a space shaped by winter’s cold, where beautiful ice and warm light come together 🤗

📍Date and Time: Saturday, February 7, 2026, 1:30 PM–8:30 PM

📍Location: Meimuro Park

📞Contact: Memuro Town Roadside Station TEL: 0155-66-6522

https://town.tonxton.com/event/hyotoya2026/

Event Announcement📣

The 7th Shimizu Shakkoi Festival will be held🎵

This year we plan to bring back the ever-popular Snow Treasure Hunt game and candy toss😊
There will also be festival stalls offering target shooting and raffle draws, plus food trucks😍

We promise a fun day and look forward to welcoming everyone🤗

🔶Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026

🔶Time: 9:30 AM–3:00 PM (canceled in severe weather)

🔶Venue: Shimizu Central Park and Shimizu Town Cultural Center

📞Inquiries: 0156-62-2208 (Shimizu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry)

https://www.town.shimizu.hokkaido.jp/section/08/details/post_75.html

Event Announcement📣

From February 7 to February 8, Japan’s coldest town, Rikubetsucho, will host the 42nd Shibare Festival😊

Over two days, the festival will feature stage shows, local idol live performances, comedy acts, a children’s raffle, gaming tournaments and many other attractions🎵

The “Human Cold Endurance Test,” where you can experience Japan’s coldest conditions, draws participants from across and beyond Hokkaido every year.
Participants stay overnight in a balloon mansion (an ice kamakura) and endure a brutally cold night in this extreme challenge! (Registration for this year is closed)
There are no stoves; the only permitted source of warmth for challengers is the festival’s symbol, the giant fire storm, which helps warm participants🔥

The venue also hosts numerous food stalls where you can enjoy local cuisine😍
You can try venison dishes made from Ezo deer raised in Rikubetsu’s great outdoors, stylish cafe menus, and festival classics like yakitori and curry🤗

📍Date and Time: Saturday, February 7, 2026, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Sunday, February 8, 2026, 9:30 AM–2:00 PM

📍Location: Event Square (Uenbetsu, Rikubetsu Town)

📍Contact: Shibare Festival Executive Committee Office
(Rikubetsu Town Office, Industry Promotion Division, Commerce and Industry Promotion Section TEL:0156-27-2141)

https://www.rikubetsu.jp/kanko/event/shibare/

Event Announcement📣

On Friday, February 6, join us in Shihorocho for a one-night candlelit evening called “Shihoro on ICE,” featuring ice candles made by the community😊

The evening will include candle art by the Shihoro Town Central Junior High School Art Club, and—weather permitting—snow sculptures created by local volunteers may make an appearance!?⛄️
Warm snacks and beverages will be available at the venue☕️

📍Date and Time: Friday, February 6, 2026, 4:30 PM–7:30 PM
📍Location: In front of Town Plaza
📞Contact: Shihoro on ICE Organizing Committee (Hattori: 080-1897-4728)

🔶Ice Candle Drop-off Period
Tuesday, February 3–Thursday, February 5, 2026, 5:30 PM–7:30 PM: Committee members will collect ice candles at Town Plaza, so please make them at home and bring them by✨We look forward to seeing your creations🤗

🔶Volunteers Wanted
Volunteers are needed on Friday, February 6 from 1:00 PM to help with venue setup and lighting—join us in making the event shine🎵

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/

Announcement: Eastern Hokkaido Three Cycle Routes Traveling Panel Exhibition in Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway (Chi-Ka-Ho)📣

Sharing the charms of cycle routes in the eastern Hokkaido region

To introduce the attractions of the eastern Hokkaido cycle routes—Akan, Mashu and the Kushiro Wetland Route; Tokachi 400; and the Okhotsk Cycling Route—we will hold a panel exhibition at the Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway (Chi-Ka-Ho) so that many people can learn about them 😊

The exhibition will feature panels introducing the attractions of the Akan, Mashu and the Kushiro Wetland Route, Tokapuchi 400, and the Okhotsk Cycling Route; displays of various rental bicycles; event information; and distribution of cycle route maps. Please stop by 🚵‍♀️🚵🚵‍♂️

Location and times: Friday, January 30, 2026, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Venue: Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway, Kita 1-jo Event Space (near Exit 12)

Co-hosts: Hokkaido TOKACHI Cycle Tourism Route Promotion Council, Kushiro Cycle Tourism Promotion Council, Okhotsk Route Council, Obihiro Development and Construction Department, Kushiro Development and Construction Department, Abashiri Development and Construction Department

Support: Hokkaido

For detailed route information, please refer to the website below.

https://www.mlit.go.jp/road/bicycleuse/good-cycle-japan/national_cycle_route/

Recruiting the 32nd Tokachi Aozora Lady ☀️

We are now accepting applications for the Tokachi PR ambassadors known as the Tokachi Aozora Lady, who will promote Tokachi’s tourism and local products through activities at events within Tokachi and product fairs inside and outside Hokkaido, as well as media appearances.

Would you like to brighten Tokachi’s tourism with your cheerful smile?

If you are interested, please feel free to apply 🤗

📌Eligibility

📍Women aged 20 or over living in Tokachi who are physically and mentally healthy and able to agree to all terms of the Tokachi Aozora Lady program guidelines and participate in tourism events and product fairs both inside and outside the region (married or unmarried).

📍Holders of a regular driver’s license who have obtained approval from their workplace and family to carry out Lady activities.

📌How to apply
Please attach a photo to your résumé, write your reason for applying, and include information confirming that you meet the eligibility requirements, then mail or bring it in person to the Tokachi Tourism Federation Secretariat by Friday, February 20.

We look forward to receiving many applications 🎵

https://tokachibare.jp/20506/

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📣

The nighttime winter-only event at TokachigawaOnsen, called "Sairinka," is held each year in honor of the swans that fly into TokachigawaOnsen.😊

A fantasy show synchronizing sound and light creates a magical atmosphere. About 600 luminous objects made from agricultural insulating material and LED bulbs change with the music to delight spectators' eyes.🎵

Date and Time: Saturday, January 24, 2026 – Sunday, February 15, 2026, 7:00 PM–9:00 PM

Venue: Tokachigaoka Park

Event Maintenance Contribution: 500 yen per person for junior high school students and older; free for elementary school students and younger

Contact: Tokachi River Onsen Tourism Association TEL:0155-32-6633


https://www.tokachigawa.net/event/sairinka.html

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.

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)

Event Announcement 📣

“Hombetsucho Bean-Scattering Night” will be held on Saturday, January 24th 😊

This event, timed for the Setsubun season, celebrates beans, a local specialty of Hombetsucho. Setsubun takes place the day before Risshun (the beginning of spring) and traditionally involves scattering beans to drive away evil spirits. It is said this practice began to ward off the misfortune and demons that can enter at seasonal boundaries 👹

At this event we will stage a dramatic bean-scatting spectacle using more than 2.5 tons of consecrated beans to vanquish many demons, and a “bean shower” where participants are drenched in over 100 kg of beans like a waterfall, among other bean-themed attractions. A lineup of food trucks will also gather so you can enjoy plenty of gourmet treats 🎵

https://www.town.honbetsu.hokkaido.jp/sightseeing/fes/details/mamemakanight.html

Happy New Year!

This is the first sunrise of 2026 as seen from Bansei Onsen.
May many people visit Taiki Town again this year!

Notice of an illumination event 📣

The illumination at Hiroo Santa Land in Hirocho runs through January 4, 2026 😊
Lights are on from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM ✨✨
The park glows with illumination and wood lanterns, creating a festive atmosphere 😍

Please consider stopping by during your New Year holidays outing 🤗

https://www.santaland.or.jp/

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/

Announcement for the illumination event📣

Now in its 24th year, the Obihiro Illumination Project lights up obihiro station’s landmark Harunire Tree, the street trees in Station Square, and a heart-shaped LED installation. This year we’ve added 2,000 bulbs with icicle-style lights to the tunnel illumination as well😊

The illumination runs through February 23, 2026.

The gentle lights warm the heart in Obihiro’s crisp, clear winter✨✨

Please stop by and take a look when you’re nearby🤗

🔷The Obihiro Illumination Project is made possible by sponsorships from local businesses and by the Illumination Tentou Fund, which requests donations of 100 yen per bulb.

https://www.city.obihiro.hokkaido.jp/tourism/kankouchi/1005842.html

[Notice of Year-End and New Year Business Hours]

Thank you for always using Roadside Station Ashoro Galaxy Hall 21. The year-end and New Year business hours for our station are as shown in the attached image. Thank you for visiting us many times this year. We look forward to your continued patronage next year.

Event Announcement 📣

“An Evening of Earth’s Bounty,” a one-night event bringing together five wineries and sake breweries from Tokachi, will be held at Hotel Nikko Northland Obihiro 😊

Enjoy pairings of a buffet featuring Tokachi ingredients, cheeses, and live cooking by the hotel’s chefs 🍷🍶
You can also listen to stories from the producers and take part in a raffle for a warm and delightful evening 🤗

📍Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026, 5:30 PM–7:30 PM (doors open at 5:20 PM)

📍Venue: 2nd-floor banquet hall, Northland Hall

📍Price: 12,000 yen per person (tax and service charge included)

🔶Reservations and Inquiries
Hotel Nikko Northland Obihiro direct line TEL 0155-24-1301 (9:00 AM–6:00 PM)

https://www.jrhotels.co.jp/obihiro/news/67618

Introducing the fourth in our Sake Tourism series 😊

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, we will host “A Farm Lunch Tour to Savor Tokachi’s Wines × Sake × Local Vegetables,” celebrating the agricultural heartland of Tokachi 😊

At Memuro Winery, four farmers each make wine from their own vineyards.
You will learn directly from the winemakers about the characteristics of the wines each farmer produces and the barrel-aging process, and experience the depth of wine shaped by Tokachi’s terroir 🍷

At Kono Farm in Memuro Town, Chef Sugimoto will showcase his skills as you enjoy a farm lunch 😍
Taste a special menu featuring local vegetables paired with wines from Memuro Winery 🎵

The tour finale takes place at Hekiungura with a brewery tour and a sake tasting experience comparing three types of sake 🍶

This luxurious tour lets you enjoy Tokachi’s wines and sake all at once 🤗


https://tokachibare.jp/sake-museum/news/taxi-tour02-04/