Notice: Iwanai Shrine Annual Festival This year too, the Iwanai Shrine Annual Festival will take place over three days from July 7th to July 9th. Please be aware that some roads will be closed during the festival, so take care when coming to the area. Come and join the “Iwanai Festival.”😌 *The schedule was referenced from the Iwanai Shrine website.

“Hanakku and Hana Road” started on June 28! Beautiful flowers are in full bloom in front of the Guide Center, at Hanakku, and at the Garden Spa Roadside Station 🌷 Come by and enjoy the colorful flowers 🌸 Event period: Saturday, June 28 – Sunday, July 27

Tokachigawa Onsen district has welcomed its fifth winery in the area, Tokachigaoka Winery, which opened on April 18th. Each grape cluster is tended carefully over time, grown organically while daily efforts keep pests under control. Basked in sunlight, the grapes develop high sugar levels and a perfect balance of acidity. Inside the shop, paid tastings of Otopuke Roman are available (with cheese snacks), so be sure to give them a try.😊 We also sell cheeses that pair well with wine, Aizawa Winery’s Sacherella and Ryunosuke, Memuro Winery’s Yorokobu, Tokachi Wine’s Jewel of Tokachi, and Tokachi Makiba no Ie Winery’s Yusui. Please stop by when you visit Tokachigawa Onsen.🤗 ● Access: about 20 minutes by car from Obihiro Station About 30 minutes by bus from Obihiro Station Bus Terminal (get off at Michi-no-Eki Garden Spa and walk about 5 minutes) ● Inquiries: Tokachigaoka Winery TEL: 0155-67-1981

~Nakasatsunai Pyotan Falls~ The 10-meter drop pours down with thrilling force, delivering a spectacular sight.💯 It shimmered emerald green.✨ Originally used as a dam, it became a waterfall after being buried by a flood.🌊 A campsite nearby lets you fully experience the great outdoors.🌿 Be sure to visit!

Bansei Natural Flower Garden — Flowering Update Hiougi iris (ヒオウギアヤメ) and Ezo daylilies (エゾカンゾウ) have begun to bloom at Bansei Natural Flower Garden, mainly around the Horokayanto pit-dwelling cluster.

Hello, everyone! Here is an event announcement!! The 3rd Higashikawa-cho Kids Bike Race ● Date: Sunday, August 24th, 2025 ● Registration deadline: Friday, August 1st, 2025 Please see the flyer for details. Contact: Kitoushi Kids Bike Race Executive Committee (mail:kitoushitaikai@kazokuryokoumura.jp) https://www.kazokuryokoumura.jp/kidsbike20250824/...

Notice!! Bear sighting near Mt. Asahidake Around 4:30 p.m. on June 17, a bear was sighted near the Gamaiwa parking area, about 6 km before the hot-spring town on the Dodo Asahikawa–Asahidake Onsen Line heading to Asahidake Onsen. Please exercise extreme caution if you are passing through the area. If you sight a bear, report it immediately to the contact below. Higashikawa-cho Agricultural Promotion Division, Forestry and Agriculture Promotion Office TEL 0166-82-2111 (ext. 152)

On Sunday, June 1, representatives from Ashoro Town, the Ashoro Tourism Association, the Ashoro Mountain Friends Association, the Ministry of the Environment, the Eastern Forest Management Office, Hokkaido Police and other stakeholders gathered to hold the 2025 MtMeakan Climbing Safety Prayer Ceremony, followed by a prayer climb. We recently shared safety reminders about climbing, and we ask anyone planning a climb to take care to avoid accidents and enjoy ascending MtMeakan again this year.

Hello everyone. Thank you very much for always using Roadside Station Higashikawa-cho “Michi-kusakan”. We update the chalkboard at Michi-kusakan with events and local information, so please take a look❣ *Chalkboard information is updated irregularly!*

Higashikawa-cho will have a booth at Hibiya Music Festival 2025! We will exhibit at Hibiya Music Festival 2025, a two-day, free, borderless music festival open to everyone, held on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, 2025. ■ Hibiya Music Festival 2025 Overview Name: Hibiya Music Festival 2025 Date and Time: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 10:30–20:30 Sunday, June 1, 2025, 10:30–20:30 Venue: Hirakawachou Park (Hibiya Park, 100-0012 Chiyodaku, Tokyo Metropolis) Admission: Free ※Some food stalls and programs require payment Organizer: Hibiya Music Festival Executive Committee Planning and Production: Seiya Co., Ltd. (Higashikawa-cho official partner company) / THE FOREST ▼ For details, see the official website https://hibiyamusicfes.jp/2025/... ■ Higashikawa-cho Booth: Music × Photography × Furniture! Have your photo taken to commemorate Hibiya Music Festival! Local photographers from Higashikawa-cho will offer free photo sessions with chairs from Higashikawa-cho. Commemorative photos and the digital files will be provided free of charge at the special booth. ※Higashikawa-cho: Exhibit at Kusachi Hiroba! ▼ Photo Schedule Three sessions each day. Session 1: 10:30–12:30 Session 2: 13:30–15:00 Session 3: 16:00–17:30 Photographers living in Higashikawa-cho will take the photos! Hokuto Wada (instagram:@hokutowada) Ryo Yasui (instagram:@prophoto_sou_yasui_makoto) Higashikawa-cho Economic Promotion Division TEL 0166-82-2111 (ext. 134) https://hibiyamusicfes.jp/2025/...

To residents and visitors of Higashikawa-cho and surrounding areas On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, a brown bear was sighted along Prefectural Route 1160 (Asahidake Onsen Line). Please exercise extreme caution if you are traveling through or using the nearby area. Date and time: Wednesday, May 28 Location: On the road and near the bridge in front of Daisetsu Asahidake Gensui Park, heading from Prefectural Route 1160 (Asahidake Onsen Line) toward Higashikawa-cho. Number of bears: One (encountered twice) Situation: The bear ran from the T-junction of Prefectural Route 1160 (Asahidake Onsen Line) toward the Asahidake Gensui area. After fleeing into the forested area, it appeared on the road again before running off. We will continue to update with the latest information, so please remain alert. If you spot a bear, please report it immediately to the contact below. Higashikawa Town Agricultural Promotion Division, Forestry and Agriculture Promotion Office TEL 0166-82-2111 (ext. 152) https://reurl.cc/W0ZGYO...

Good morning, everyone. Event announcement!! On June 1, 2025, the “Town of Photography” will celebrate its 40th anniversary. On this milestone 40th birthday, we will hold a variety of events so townspeople and everyone who supports us can enjoy the Town of Photography. At the Higashikawa Town Cultural Gallery, there will be a photo exhibition and talk by local photographer Minoru Okuda, an answer reveal for the crossword published in the May public relations issue, and a talk event tied to the publication of the Town of Photography 40th Anniversary Magazine. At the Higashikawa Town multipurpose exchange facility Sento Pure, there will be hot air balloon flight experiences, food trucks, a concert by Tokiko Kato, and te-tetsu hand-held fireworks by the Higashikawa Tetotetsu Fireworks Entomo-kai. The main event will be a birthday celebration with everyone gathered, singing “Happy Birthday” together with Tokiko Kato to mark the town’s 40th birthday! We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating the Town of Photography’s 40th birthday, and we hope many of you will come. On the day of the event, the parking lot on the Sento Pure grounds will be unavailable because of the hot air balloon and te-tetsu fireworks events, so please use nearby public parking such as the JA Higashikawa lot or the Higashikawa Town Office parking. For details, please see the attached flyer. Contact: Higashikawa Town, Town of Photography Division TEL 0166-82-2111 (ext. 590)

Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 The moss phlox at Kompira Park Campground has reached its peak bloom! At Kompira Park, perched on a gentle hill, moss phlox spreads across the slope in the spring sunshine, creating a carpet of flowers that unfolds into a breathtaking view✨ These moss phlox plants were first planted in 1979 and have been lovingly tended by the local community. Over the years they continue to bring joy to many people🌸 It’s a perfect spot for a relaxed camping trip or picnic while enjoying the blossoms🎶 On sunny days, be sure to visit Kompira Park!

"Introducing Sakura Spots Around Hokuryu Town vol. FINAL" Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association 🌻 The cherry blossom scenes we've shared since early May come to an end with this final installment To conclude, we present a roundup of all the spots we've introduced so far. Please enjoy once more the beautiful cherry blossoms of Hokuryu that we encountered at each location! May beautiful sakura bloom again next year 🙏 Thank you for staying with us until the end 🌸

🌸[Hokuryu Town Cherry Blossom Spot Introduction vol.6]🌸 Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 This time, we again introduce cherry blossom spots that color spring in Hokuryu Town! 🌟The sixth installment is―― “A Tour of Wild Cherry Trees along the Etaibetsu River”! The Etaibetsu River flows through Hokuryu Town. Along this river, we present simple, beautiful wild cherry trees that bloom in their natural state! There are no signboards or information boards here, and no paved promenades or benches. It isn’t a so‑called “maintained scenic spot,” but precisely for that reason you can feel the unvarnished beauty of nature. The wild cherries, blooming as if leaning into the land, quietly announce the arrival of spring right next to everyday life. Especially striking are lone cherry trees standing against the backdrop of farmland and the trees that bloom beside rivers where snowmelt rushes dramatically—scenes beyond words. Even on the paths locals pass casually, such beautiful spring scenes unfold. These nameless cherry trees weave a simple, gentle landscape— We look forward to meeting again next year the cherry trees that will bloom, once more, nestled in this town’s nature 😊

🌸[Introducing Sakura Spots in Hokuryu vol.5]🌸 Hello from the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 This time, we introduce more sakura spots that color spring in Hokuryu Town! 🌟The fifth installment is―― “A Shrine Tour of Hokuryu Town”! Today we present three shrines in Hokuryu Town and the cherry blossoms we found there⛩️🌸 Each shrine offers its own character, a soothing quiet, and striking harmony with the cherry blossoms. 🌸[Hekisu Shrine] Hekisu Shrine greets visitors with a vivid red torii gate and a classic shrine atmosphere. Four to six cherry trees bloom on the grounds, creating a beautiful contrast against the sky. With spring breezes blowing, the view of the blossoms framed by the torii felt so still it seemed time had stopped. 🌸[Shinryu Shrine] Shinryu Shrine is notable for its brownish torii gate. The cherry tree on the right side of the precincts is especially lovely, its soft petals blending perfectly with the calm shrine buildings. A guardian lion-dog sitting atop a ball makes a memorable, slightly unusual sight—one of this shrine’s little charms🤔 🌸[Mibau Shrine] Mibau Shrine stands quietly a little way from the town center. Set amid open rice fields, its solitary presence evokes a gentle sense of nostalgia. As the cherry blossoms sway softly, listening to the wind here brings a natural calm to the heart🌾 Each shrine’s history, atmosphere, and the beauty of the cherry blossoms— Hokuryu Town is dotted with these quiet, moving moments. Enjoying the blossoms while feeling the town’s history and people’s sentiments— come and try this serene spring shrine tour for yourself 😊✨ We warmly await your visit 😊✨

🌸[Hokuryu Town Cherry Blossom Spot Introduction vol.4]🌸 Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 This time, we introduce another cherry blossom spot that colors spring in Hokuryu Town! 🌟The fourth feature is―― “Cherry Trees in the Ichii Forest”! Today we present Ichii Forest, a handmade woodland cared for by Hokuryu residents, filled with a pioneering spirit🌳✨ This forest charms visitors with a promenade dotted with song and poetry monuments tied to the town’s history, offering a literary romance. In spring, several Ezo-yamazakura (Japanese mountain cherry) bloom along the path, delighting walkers🌸 What stayed with me most this visit was―― a solitary cherry tree quietly blooming deep along the trail. With its graceful branches and delicate blossoms set against the neighboring farmland, the scene felt like a painting and moved me to tears…! In the hush of the forest, the unexpected encounter with this spring miracle felt cleansing to the heart😂 Because it sits a little off the beaten path, it may still be little known, but that seclusion brings a rare tranquility and a moment to face nature. Even after cherry season ends, Ichii Forest’s appeal does not fade🍃 We want to continue cherishing and protecting this forest where the townspeople’s feelings live on. When you visit Hokuryu Town, please be sure to stop by Ichii Forest. We warmly look forward to your visit😊✨

🌸[Hokuryu Town Cherry Blossom Spot Introduction vol.3]🌸 Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 This time we introduce another cherry blossom spot that colors spring in Hokuryu Town! 🌟The third feature is―― “The Single Cherry Tree at Kōtokuji”! The site we present is Kōtokuji, the 9th temple on the Hokkaido 88 Sacred Sites pilgrimage. The Hokkaido 88 Sacred Sites pilgrimage was modeled after the Shikoku 88 Sacred Sites and forms a Buddhist pilgrimage route. You can enjoy a journey that visits eighty-eight temples scattered across Hokkaido while experiencing nature, culture, and faith. Kōtokuji, one of those temples, stands quietly in a calm setting, and in spring a magnificent single cherry tree blooms in full, delighting many visitors’ eyes🌸 The temple grounds also feature a small bronze bell called the “Bell of Prayer,” which anyone may ring freely🔔🎶 Its gentle sound will soothe the hearts of pilgrims and tourists alike. Although the cherry blossoms have already fallen, the tranquil, prayer-filled space of Kōtokuji offers a moment to center your mind regardless of the season. When you visit Hokuryu Town, please stop by as part of a pilgrimage or as a restful break on your journey🍃 We sincerely look forward to your visit😊✨

🌸[Hokuryu Town Cherry Blossom Spot Guide vol.2]🌸 Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 This time, we introduce another cherry blossom spot that colors spring in Hokuryu Town! 🌟The second pick is— “Sunflower Park Golf Course”! Set in wide open natural surroundings, this full-scale course boasts 36 holes certified by the International Park Golf Association, and many visitors were enjoying park golf there⛳🏌️‍♀️ At this time of year, Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees sway in the spring breeze and bloom beautifully, creating a luxurious experience where you can play and also enjoy hanami (flower viewing)🌸 Playing park golf while gazing at the blossoms is a wonderfully refreshing springtime pleasure😊 Rental equipment is also available, so it’s easy to drop by empty-handed—a feature visitors appreciate! This spot is popular not only with locals but also with tourists♪ After the cherry blossom season passes, you can still enjoy nature while being active, surrounded by fresh green foliage and fields of fully bloomed sunflowers. Why not spend a pleasant time feeling the refreshing breeze?🍃 We sincerely look forward to your visit🎶

🌸[Introducing Sakura Spots in Hokuryu vol.1]🌸 Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 From this installment, we will introduce the sakura spots that color spring in Hokuryu Town! First up―― Kompira Park Campground! At Kompira Park, perched on a gentle hill, Ezo-yamazakura reached peak bloom from the latter half of Golden Week🌸 This seasonal spectacle delights all who come to see it. Even better, the Kompira Park Campground is free to use! Many visitors enjoy it as a place where hanami and camping come together. Although the cherry blossoms have now finished, moss phlox will begin to bloom next! Why not take it easy and enjoy spring’s nature? 😊 We look forward to your visit!

I was interviewed! I would be happy if I could share the warmth of Higashikawa-cho—the natural beauty and its welcoming people—with many people ☺️ Please have a read if you like~ 🥰 https://jcation.com/satoapp/1042/...

I didn't expect the way home after drinking to be so bright.

Flower Dream Marche a Big Hit! May 3 (Sat) – May 5 (Mon) The spring Nishiokoppe Village Marche ran for three days. As expected this time too, the Roadside Station parking lot filled with cars 🚙 When I arrived, I started by savoring venison with Ezo deer balls and red wine stew. A bowl of soba or udon topped with spring mountain vegetable tempura slid down smoothly. The mountain vegetables were yomogi (mugwort) and gyoja garlic (wild garlic). I felt the spring and replenished my energy. For souvenirs, I took home Setoushi-kun yaki and a chiffon cake. I had been looking forward to the fluffy chiffon cake, so I was glad to get one before it sold out! The children’s festival booth buzzed with candy fishing and a lottery to win toys. Booths selling plums, garlic, and tea added to the scene, and the vendors looked friendly and cheerful. There were moments when strong winds threatened to disrupt things, but the three days concluded safely. Thank you very much to everyone who visited! #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Roadside Station #Flower Dream #Nishiokoppe Village Marche #Ezo deer balls #Yumemura Mori no Garden #Baishin #Puppet Theater Circle Doremi

Cherry blossoms have started to bloom. The town's Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees have begun to flower! Some trees are already at their peak. Spring is in full swing! https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp//

🚴‍♀️✨ Starting today! Bike rentals are now available! Based at Roadside Station Higashikawa Michikusa-kan, you can now rent bicycles! Choose from serious road bikes to electric-assist bicycles and reserve according to your needs 😊 📍Location: 1-1-15 Higashimachi, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 🕘Hours: 9:00–17:00 📞Inquiries: 0166-68-4777 🔗 For details, visit the Higashikawa Tourism Association website!! Feel the breeze and go discover the charms of Higashikawa 🌿

[Notice] Taramaru Square 2025 is now open! First phase: April 26–27, April 29 Second phase: May 3–5 At the Roadside Station event plaza See the image for vendor information ↓

On Monday, May 5th, we will hold the 35th Rekifune River Clear-Stream Koinobori Children’s Day Mini Event! This year it will run alongside the Firefighting Festa! You can ride a ladder truck and try a water hose spray experience. In addition, Self-Defense Force vehicles and “Space Something Kotetsu-kun” will also come! Everyone, please come and join us! Date and Time: Monday, May 5, 2025, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM Location: Riverbed upstream of Taiki Bridge on the Rekifune River https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp/tp_detail.php?id=411...

[Notice] Night Cherry Blossom Light-Up 🌸 From Iwanai Tourism Association The night cherry blossom light-up originally scheduled from 4/21 will begin tomorrow, Thursday, April 24, depending on the bloom status of the cherry trees. 🌸 This year we have extended the light-up section! Check the details below ✅ ・Period: Thursday, April 24 to Sunday, May 18 ※Subject to change depending on the condition of the cherry blossoms ・Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM ・Light-up section From in front of Iwanai Town Hall, First Torii — up to the area around Iwanai Shrine Street and Gansuien ・Parking In front of Iwanai Town Hall building Please use the temporary town hall parking lot ⚠️ Please refrain from parking on the road ⚠️ Requests and precautions 🙇🏻‍♀️ Do not touch the lighting equipment. Do not look directly at the lights. We look forward to welcoming you 🌸 ・Rengeji Temple: April 26–May 5, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM ・Gansuien: May 3–May 6, 6:00 PM–8:30 PM These facilities will also be lit up as part of the spring light-up program. 💡

From today (April 21), we are also open on Mondays❕ We will remain open every day until October 31. We look forward to welcoming you☺️ We have also installed benches and chairs in the plaza in front of the Roadside Station, so please feel free to rest there♪ *There are no trash bins.

The JA Ashoro direct sales shop Yotte Mina, located in the plaza on the grounds of Roadside Station Ashoro Galaxy Hall 21, has opened for this season starting April 16th! Its regular day off is generally every Tuesday. It offers vegetables grown in Ashoro, strawberries from Nukomori Farm called Sweetiaman (red and white), popular strawberry daifuku made with those berries, Rawan-buki products, beef jerky, and a proud lineup from JA Ashoro. When you stop by the roadside station, be sure to visit Yotte Mina!