Nice to meet you, everyone! This is the Nakashibetsu Tourist Association. This is my first posting on COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, so this time I would like to introduce and appeal of Nakashibetsu Town in Hokkaido. Thank you in advance! Hokkaido Shibetsu DistrictNakashibetsu Town is a town with a population of 22,524 as of the end of September 2023 Reiwa 5 located in the eastern part of Hokkaido. Nakashibetsu Town in Hokkaido is blessed with nature, beautiful pastures and mountains, and agriculture such as dairy farming, Bareisho, sugar beet, and daikon is thriving. Nakashibetsu Town, which boasts one of the largest producers of raw milk in Japan, produces a lot of milk, ice cream, cheese, etc., and is gaining popularity. The climate is inland climate, and snow cover is relatively low in Hokkaido. In summer, the average temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius, and in winter, the average temperature is around minus 10 degrees Celsius. Next, we will introduce popular tourist attractions in Nakashibetsu Town, Hokkaido! ●Kaiyodai Observatory The 330-degree horizon seen from the "Kaiyodai Observatory" on a plateau at an altitude of 270m is spectacular! It is a spot where you can experience the "roundness of the earth". It is also popular because you can see the Hokkaido heritage "lattice-shaped windbreak forest of Konsen Plateau Lattice-shaped windbreak"! This huge windbreak was created across Nakashibetsu Town, Shibetsu Town, Betsukai Town, and Shibecha Town, and the total area of windbreak forests in the four towns is about 12,000 ha about 2,500 times the size of Tokyo Dome. The full extent of the windbreak can only be seen from an airplane. In 2000 Heisei 12, astronaut Mamoru Mohri took a video from the Space Shuttle Endeavour showed a lattice-shaped windbreak, so it became a hot topic as "an artificial object visible from space". We also recommend the gourmet "Kaiyodai Observatory Happy Honey Soft Serve Ice Cream" and "Siretoco Donuts" that can be eaten at the café in the observatory! Please enjoy it when you visit. * The café is open from late April to the end of October. ● Milk Road The "Nakashibetsu TownNorthern Road Route 19", a straight road with a total length of about 6 km, is one of the tourist attractions called "Nakashibetsu Milk Road" because of the tanker trucks that carry milk. Touring while looking at the magnificent meadows that spread around the road is popular, and it is also popular with motorcycle riders. ●Mutsu Pasture "Mutsu Pasture" was started when Masanori Hata, a writer known for his animal lover nicknamed "Mutsugoro-san", was attracted to the Hokkaido horse "Dosanko" and raised two horses. At Mutsu Pasture's "Hidamari Equestrian Club", you can experience horseback riding where you can communicate with the horses more deeply than at a normal ranch! It starts with brushing and saddling, and the staff slowly moves through the forest and grassland while controlling the horse without pulling it. You will be carefully instructed before departure, so beginners can rest assured! ●Midorigaoka Forest Park Campground It is a park with an area of about 57 hectares, including bungalows, free sites, bike sites, playground equipment, and a bird observation center. On the 6 km long forest road, you can also enjoy forest bathing while looking at the Shiretoko mountain range. 【Opening Period】Campsite: May 1st ~ October 31st In addition, the "Nakashibetsu Airport Information Center" in Nakashibetsu Airport provides information on accommodation facilities from information around the airport. There is also a car rental window on the first floor. Please feel free to use it! Next, we will introduce attractive events and festivals in Nakashibetsu Town, Hokkaido! ■ Nakashibetsu Summer Festival It is a summer festival held for two days in August every year in Nakashibetsu Town, Hokkaido. The sight of about 6,000 lanterns lit up and colored is the biggest attraction! Stage performance events and the Odori Parade are also held. Contents at the time of the 2023 event ■ Nakashibetsu Winter Festival It is a winter festival held for two days in February every year. The "Jumbo Slide" made of snow installed at the venue is very popular with children! There are also stalls by local shops, etc., and you can enjoy Hokkaido gourmet food. There will also be an exhibition of snow sculptures and a fireworks festival on the first night. * In February 2023, snow sculptures and fireworks have been canceled due to a reduced event. In addition to these events, we also hold events according to the season and season, such as "Mt. Moan Trekking", "Ranch Walking Tour", and "Runway Night Walk"! For details, please check the notice of the Nakashibetsu Tourist Association. In Nakashibetsu Town, Hokkaido, there are five hot spring facilities in the city center and one in the suburbs in the Yoroushi Onsen area. On the "Urban Hot Springs" page on the official website of Nakashibetsu Town Town Hall, the "City Area Day Trip Hot Spring Map" is also available. Please use it when visiting day-trip hot spring hotels and inns. The Furusato Nozei tax payment in Nakashibetsu Town, Hokkaido is supported by many people. Introducing popular thank-you gifts! ・Organic & Grass-Fed Pastured Cow Milk - Organic JAS-approved milk squeezed from cows that have eaten only grass. ・Hokkaido Nakashibetsu Original Cheese Set - An assortment of cheeses made with fresh raw milk. ・Hokkaido Inspiration Cup Gelato - Plenty of freshly squeezed milk from Nakashibetsu is used. ・Hokkaido Nomu yogurt - Lactic acid bacteria are added to fresh milk from Nakashibetsu and fermented slowly over time. Nakashibetsu TownFurusato Nozei [Official] Instagram disseminates special products and tourist information. Please take a look at this as well! Nakashibetsu Town in Hokkaido is a town full of charms such as nature, sightseeing spots, and activities. We will continue to send out recommended information about Nakashibetsu Town, so thank you!

Hello everyone! This is the Industry Promotion Division of Oketo Town Hall. We will share the charms of Oketo Town, Hokkaido, with viewers of the Cool Japan video series, so thank you for joining us! For this first post, we’d like to introduce what kind of town Oketo is and highlight its attractions. Oketo Town in Tokoro District, Hokkaido, is a peaceful town surrounded by beautiful nature in eastern Hokkaido, with a population of 2,669 as of January 31, 2023. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to meet warm-hearted locals and feel the town’s community spirit. Oketo’s climate features large temperature differences between day and night and relatively little snowfall and rainfall. Access to Oketo is easiest by combining plane and car. From Memanbetsu Airport (Oozora-cho), it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car, making for a pleasant drive through nature. By bus, take Hokkaido Kitami Bus (Memanbetsu Airport line) from Memanbetsu Airport (Oozora-cho) to Kitami Bus Terminal (Kitami City), then transfer to the Rikubetsu line at Kitami Bus Terminal to reach Oketo; the total trip takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Next, here are some of Oketo’s sights and things to enjoy that show different faces through the seasons. ● Lake Oketo and Kanoko Dam Lake Oketo is an artificial lake created by the Kanoko Dam. The lake’s shoreline stretches 13.4 km and is home to many wild birds and native plants, making it a notable scenic spot. You can also enjoy fishing at Lake Oketo. In summer you can catch yamabe (landlocked salmon) and amemasu (rainbow trout), and from late December to mid-February you can try wakasagi (pond smelt) fishing. Since no rental fishing gear is available, please bring your own rods and tents. ● Rainbow Falls Downstream from Kanoko Dam, the Kanokozawa area unfolds with magnificent natural beauty. One highlight is Rainbow Falls, which plunges 13 meters and looks like a painting. Trees and flowers surround the falls, making it a popular spot for photographers. In winter, Rainbow Falls is lit up and icefall tours are held. ● Okecraft Center "Shinrin Kogeikan" Okecraft is Oketo’s local craft brand. The craft movement began in 1983 by combining the local bent-wood bucket tradition called oke with Oketo’s name and the idea of craft. Twenty-four individual workshops in Oketo produce everyday tableware and other items. Okecraft products are also available for purchase on the website. At the Shinrin Kogeikan, you can see and buy Okecraft pieces and other locally made products such as plant-dyed textiles, and you can observe the production process and tour the facility. Okecraft is also a popular gift choice for Oketo’s hometown tax donation program. Wooden items made from Ezo spruce, like paired bowls and smoothly finished cutlery, showcase a warm wooden texture. Please check the various hometown tax websites for details. ● Oketo Katsuyama Onsen Yuuyu Oketo Katsuyama Onsen Yuuyu is a facility offering lodging, hot springs, dining, and sightseeing all in one. There are four cottages available, and a free BBQ area adds a camping feel. Inside the facility you’ll find a restaurant and a café corner; weekday lunch specials are recommended. For day-trip visitors, the facility offers hot spring water flowing directly from the Katsuyama Onsen source. Enjoy the large communal bath, reclining baths, an open-air bath, a pottery bath, and a dry-style sauna. The area around the facility is also rich in attractions, including Lake Oketo. ● Minamigaoka Ski Area In winter, the ski area is another enjoyable option. Minamigaoka Ski Area offers affordable lift tickets: 1,040 yen for adults and 520 yen for children (junior high school age and under) for a day pass. With runs ranging from beginner to advanced, skiers of all levels can have a great time. Come experience Oketo Town’s natural charms and local hospitality for yourself. We will continue to share information about Oketo Town on this account. Thank you and we look forward to your interest!

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan! We are the Taiki Tourism Association. On this account, we will share appealing information to make you want to visit Taiki Town in Hokkaido. We look forward to connecting with you! In this first post, we introduce Taiki Town and share tourist information. Taiki Town, Hokkaido, lies in eastern Hokkaido in the southern Tokachi region. It is a town of 5,437 residents (as of January 2023), where the breath of nature meets historical charm. The name "Taiki" comes from the Ainu word "Taikiushi," meaning a place where large trees grow in clusters. Taiki Town is dotted with beautiful natural scenery and historic sites. Next, we introduce some of Taiki’s attractive sightseeing spots. ● Space Exchange Center SORA Since around 1985, Taiki has pursued "space town development" and hosted aerospace-related experiments. Space Exchange Center SORA displays materials and models from experiments conducted in Taiki by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and rocket developer Interstellar Technologies, among others. Admission is free and no reservation is required. ● Roadside Station Cosmos Mall Taiki Roadside Station Cosmos Mall Taiki is a place to feel the charm of Taiki, offering local specialties and souvenirs. At the specialty corner you can taste natural cheeses from Handa Farm and Cowbell Ice made with Taiki ingredients like corn and pumpkin. The facility also features a space-food and space-goods shop and a shopping center stocked with daily necessities. Nearby flows the Rekifune River, once chosen as Japan’s clearest stream. Next, here is some leisure information! ◎ Horokayanto Smelt Fishing Smelt fishing on Horokayanto opens around the end of December and runs through late February, offering a winter fishing experience. Bansei Onsen sits close to Horokayanto, making it ideal for warming up after a chilly day of smelt fishing. ◎ Kamui Kotan Park Campground Kamui Kotan Park Campground, on the scenic Kamui Kotan in Tokachi, is a recommended spot for outdoor lovers. This auto campground is surrounded by rich nature. Visitors can enjoy river play, fishing, forest walks, and even gold panning. (If you wish to try gold panning, please register with the tourism association in advance.) Taiki’s events are not to be missed. ◎ Rekibune River Clear Stream Carp Streamer This mini event takes place on May 5, Children’s Day. Each year from late April to early May, carp streamers spread across the river’s width, fluttering in the breeze as a springtime tradition. ◎ Rekifune River Festival The Rekifune River also hosts the Rekifune River Festival and the Perupune Fire Festival in August. The Rekifune River Festival began in 1989 as Taiki’s major summer event after the river was recognized by the Environment Agency as Japan’s cleanest river. The festival culminates with the Perupune Fire Festival and a fireworks display. Towering flaming torch pillars reaching toward the sky are a sight to behold. It’s a luxurious way to enjoy a summer night. Next, here is Taiki’s gourmet information! Taiki’s cuisine offers a rich variety, from local specialties like Camembert cheese, autumn salmon, and whey-fed pork to fresh seafood dishes and vegetable dishes that celebrate the bounty of the land. A popular local dish is the Taiki Cheese Salmon Bowl, made with cheese and autumn salmon. Savor dishes that make generous use of local ingredients and enjoy the unique flavors of Taiki, Hokkaido. Taiki’s hometown tax program offers fresh seafood and carefully prepared processed goods as gifts. Popular returns include "Rich Fresh Milk Cowbell Ice Cream," "Handa Farm Homemade Cheese Set," and a whey-fed pork bowl set. Enjoy Taiki’s distinctive tastes through the hometown tax program. For access to Taiki from outside Hokkaido, use Tokachi Obihiro Airport. By car, Taiki is about 40 minutes from Tokachi Obihiro Airport; by bus it is about 70 minutes. From Sapporo, the fastest train route takes about 2.5 hours from Sapporo Station to Obihiro Station, and buses take about 3.5 hours. From Obihiro Station, buses reach Taiki in about 1 hour 40 minutes. Although Taiki faces the sea, the area experiences large temperature variations. Summer’s average temperature is around 20°C, with highs up to about 34°C, while winter temperatures can drop to minus 20°C. Because winter temperatures can change rapidly in a short time, please take care with your clothing when traveling. Please come and experience the charms of Taiki Town in Hokkaido for yourself. We will continue sharing Taiki’s attractions, so thank you for your support!

Nice to meet you! Tsubetsu Tourism Association is pleased to introduce itself. Tsubetsu Town in Abashiri District, Hokkaido, with a population of about 4,100 people (as of 2023), lies in eastern Hokkaido and is a nature-rich town where about 80% of the town’s area is covered by forest. In this first post for the Cool Japan video series, we present the charms of Tsubetsu Town, blessed with vast natural landscapes! Tsubetsu’s climate features hot summers and very cold winters influenced by drifting sea ice. The town sees low precipitation and ranks among the nation’s leaders in clear days and sunshine hours. Here is how to access Tsubetsu Town. By plane, it takes about 1 hour 50 minutes from Haneda Kuukou to Memanbetsu Airport. From New Chitose Airport, the flight to Memanbetsu Airport takes about 45 minutes. If you use the JR limited express, travel from JR Hokkaido Sapporo Station to Kitami Station takes about 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours. By bus, the Highway Bus Dreaming Okhotsk runs from Sapporo Station to Kitami Station in about 5 hours. By car, it takes about 5 hours from Sapporo Station to Tsubetsu Town. Surrounded by abundant forest, Tsubetsu Town is certified as a Forest Therapy BaseⓇ in recognition of the scientifically proven healing effects of forests! The Tsubetsu Townspeople's Forest Natural Park, affectionately known by residents as Nonno-no-mori, allows forest walks year-round. Adjacent to Nonno-no-mori, the Nonno-no-Mori Nature Center offers various guided tours where visitors can easily experience Forest TherapyⓇ and other activities. (Reservations required) Tsubetsu Town has many popular tourist spots; here are some especially recommended highlights! Lake Kussharo, a caldera lake formed when a volcano erupted and created a large depression that later filled with rainwater, is a must-see. On the outer rim of the Kussharo caldera sits Tsubetsu Pass; the Tsubetsu Pass Observatory, at 947 meters elevation, is the highest observation facility in the area and offers spectacular views not only of Lake Kussharo but also the Sea of Okhotsk, the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range, and sea-of-clouds scenery. The season to see the sea of clouds runs from June through autumn. Many photographers visit to capture the beautiful panorama of sunrise and the sea of clouds. Aioi Railway Park, created from the former site of Former Kitami Aioi Station, preserves rare historic rolling stock such as KiHa 22 and Suhafu 16, making it a delight for railway enthusiasts. The old station building houses Ekishacafe Horoka, where visitors can enjoy freshly roasted coffee and sweets made with local ingredients. Roadside Station Aioi Aioi Bussankan, set in the forest, is ideal for savoring local cuisine and finding lovely souvenirs. The adjoining Kumayaki House sells freshly baked local specialty Kumayaki and can draw queues on holidays. Inside the Roadside Station, the Product Promotion Center offers Tsubetsu specialties and handmade goods such as handcrafted tofu and 100% buckwheat soba. Cute Kumayaki merchandise is also available. Tsubetsu Town offers a variety of campgrounds where you can fully enjoy nature. 21st Century Forest Campground, close to the town center, features spacious grassy campsites. With many playgrounds for children, it’s popular with families. The Tsubetsu River runs through the area, offering fishing and water play. A one-night stay costs 500 yen per tent. Other fees may apply depending on conditions, so please check the official website before visiting. The season runs from May 1 to October 31 (may vary depending on weather and other conditions). Chimikeppu Lake Campsite is a free campground on the shores of Lake Chimikeppu, surrounded by primeval forest. On the north side of Lake Chimikeppu is a Wild Bird Park, where birdwatching is possible. In the surrounding area you’ll also find a Bird Observation Center, an arboretum, hotels, and walking trails. The season runs from mid-May to the end of October (may vary depending on weather and other conditions. Note that auto camping is not permitted). Next, we introduce Tsubetsu Town’s proud local foods! Tsubetsu focuses on specially cultivated and organic onions. When cooked, these onions become sweeter and are less likely to fall apart, which characterizes Tsubetsu-grown onions. Tsubetsu Wagyu is a celebrated local beef brand. Raised on rice straw and barley straw, Tsubetsu Wagyu has well-balanced marbling and a juicy flavor; recommended preparations include yakiniku and sukiyaki. Onions and Tsubetsu Wagyu are also available through Tsubetsu Town’s hometown tax donation program. Tsubetsu Town offers many comfortable hotels where you can relax amid beautiful nature. With lakes, forests, and mountains, Tsubetsu Town lets you enjoy the blessings of Hokkaido’s nature. Come and experience the unique charms of Tsubetsu Town and create unforgettable travel memories. We will continue to bring you more information about Tsubetsu Town in the future. Thank you for your attention!