Nature Contact Lecture Series at Kawayu Visitor Center Kawayu Visitor Center will host two lectures in the Nature Contact series. In October, Tomoko Yoshikawa, Professor Emerita of the Faculty of Agriculture at Tamagawa University, will present “Life in Volcanic Lakes: Ecological Connections of Lake Kussharo.” In December, Mitsuhiro Nakagawa, Researcher and Specially Appointed Professor in the Faculty of Science at Hokkaido University, will give a talk titled “Why Is Lake Kussharo So Shallow? The Secrets of Atosanupuri Volcano Revealed by Recent Research.” Our region spreads around the Kussharo Caldera, shaped by major volcanic activity. Lake Kussharo, Japan’s largest caldera lake, stands as a symbol of Akan-Mashu National Park and has nurtured a wide variety of life thanks to volcanic bounty. To take a fresh look at this special lake and share its appeal and origins, we planned these two lectures. First, an exploration of the lake’s connections with its living creatures; second, a clear explanation of volcanic findings uncovered by recent research, delivered gently by each expert. We hope that encountering the grand natural story behind the familiar landscape of Lake Kussharo will give you a deeper understanding of and pride in the lake and the park. “Life in Volcanic Lakes: Ecological Connections of Lake Kussharo” Tomoko Yoshikawa, Professor Emerita, Faculty of Agriculture, Tamagawa University, will appear as speaker. Date: Saturday, October 25 — 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM Venue: Kawayu Visitor Center, second floor Admission: Free (no registration required; capacity 50) “Why Is Lake Kussharo So Shallow? The Secrets of Atosanupuri Volcano Revealed by Recent Research” Mitsuhiro Nakagawa, Researcher and Specially Appointed Professor, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, will be our guest speaker. Date: Saturday, December 6 — 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM Venue: Kawayu Visitor Center, second floor Admission: Free (no registration required; capacity 50) Kawayu Visitor Center Nature Contact Lecture Series Venue: Kawayu Visitor Center, second floor Inquiries: 015-483-4100 / 9:00 AM–4:00 PM / Closed Wednesdays Organizer: Lake Kussharo Caldera Nature Contact Promotion Council https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/kawayuvcfureai2/...

Autumn 2025 Mt. Io Light-Up & Kawayu Marche In 2025, the autumn event returns to Kawayu Onsen. From Saturday, October 4 to Saturday, November 29, the Atosanupuri (Mt. Io) Light-Up will run, and on Saturday, October 18 the Kawayu Marche—featuring many local vendors—and the Onsen River Night Walk Tour, a nighttime walk along the hot-spring river, are scheduled. Please take this chance to visit Kawayu Onsen in autumn. Atosanupuri (Mt. Io) Light-Up This popular autumn event lights the plumes rising from the mountainside, creating a magical nocturnal landscape. ● Period: 20 days in total, mainly on weekends, between October 4 (Sat) and November 29 (Sat) ● Time: 16:30–19:00 (On event days, the Sulfur Mountain MOKMOK Base will extend business hours until 18:00) ● Free to view ● On some days, a complimentary shuttle taxi will run from four lodging facilities in the Kawayu Onsen area! (Seats for 9 people / reservation required by 16:00 on the day / limited to operating days) *Please check the event calendar for the exact light-up dates and shuttle taxi operation days and times.* *This event is conducted with environmental consideration; dates and times are set in advance and environmental surveys are carried out.* Kawayu Marche A gathering of delicious local foods! Stalls line the hot-spring town, and the lively Kawayu-bayashi drumming will be performed. ● Date and time: Saturday, October 18, 12:00–19:00 Postponed to the following day in case of severe weather ● Location: Kawayu Onsen (next to KKR Kawayu) Onsen River Night Walk Tour The hot-spring river that flows through the town, the Onsen River, rises in steam and carries warm spring water—a miraculous scene. Join a guided night walk along the river to hear explanations and discover its mysteries. The tour covers a short distance at a leisurely pace, so anyone can join. ● Date and time: Saturday, October 18, 17:00–17:45 ● Meeting: 16:45 at the parking lot of Kinki-yu Bettei Suikazura ryokan ● Reservation required by the day before at 070-8985-2599 ● Capacity: 15 people ● Free participation https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/2025_kawayu_autumn/...

🍁Autumn Leaves in Teshikaga🍁 The peak season for autumn colors in Teshikaga generally runs from early October through late October. It is the most comfortable time of year, with relatively stable weather. It’s also perfect for outdoor activities, so come and visit Teshikaga!! 📸🍁🚣🗔️🤩 https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/mountain-climbing-teshikaga-2/...

11th Akaezomatsu Summit 🌲 Starting tomorrow and continuing for two days (September 6–7), the Akaezomatsu Summit will take place at Kawayu Onsen ✨ Day one will be held at Kawayu Furusato-kan, and day two at Kawayu Visitor Center, where participants will dive into the theme “Forest × Food.” At CAFE SOFTWOOD on the second floor of Kawayu Visitor Center, we will offer Akaezomatsu herbal tea (limited quantity, ¥690)! You can enjoy a special Akaezomatsu herbal tea that you don’t usually get the chance to taste ☕️✨ Talk, learn, inhale the scent, and savor… Come experience the deep charm of Akaezomatsu 🌲 ❣️

Join us for a walk! Higashi Hokkaido Trail & Train Monitor Tour Trail & Train along the Senmo Main Line is a long-trail program that lets you enjoy trails—paths that wind through nature. On the outbound journey, stroll slowly and soak in the scenery; on the return, relax on the train. It’s a fresh travel style that adults and children can both enjoy. Single-day participation is very welcome! If you wish to join for just one day, choose your desired course and write the date you want to participate in the “Concerns” field. Organizer: JR Senmo Main Line Maintenance and Revitalization Steering Committee Secretariat: Hokkaido Takarajima Travel Co., Ltd., Travel Sales Department, Contact: Ameike, Suzuki (Kaori) Mail at-info@hokkaido-takarajima.com Tel 011-252-2115 Networking Event Information We have also planned a networking event to coincide with this monitor tour for local residents. The East Hokkaido Trail connects three national parks and towns across a 410 km walking route. It opened in October 2024 and is exploring ways to build local fans and create tourism that brings happiness to communities. If you’re interested in the trail, want to try walking it, work in tourism, or are nurturing a collaboration idea, come and talk with us. Inquiries: Doto Trail Club (General Incorporated Association) Mail admin@dototrail.com Tel 080-2128-7689

Dōkei Friendly Concert in Teshikaga On September 8, 2025, at the Kushiro Area Mashu Tourism and Culture Center, the “Dōkei Friendly Concert in Teshikaga” will take place🙋❣️ This is your chance to hear performances by the Hokkaido Police Band and Color Guard together with the Teshikaga High School Wind Ensemble. Admission is free, so please come with friends and family🎼 Dōkei Friendly Concert in Teshikaga Date: September 8, 2025 Time: Doors 13:00 / Start 13:30 Venue: Kushiro Area Mashu Tourism and Culture Center

Watanabe Hands-On Ranch This interactive ranch spans 70 ha and cares for 120 dairy cows, offering hands-on experiences. You can try milking, make butter and ice cream, ride a tractor or even a helicopter, and enjoy tasty ice cream or a large-group jingisukan barbecue. Cute cow-themed goods and souvenirs are also available for purchase.🛍️ Here we introduce Watanabe Hands-On Ranch, where you can eat well, have fun, and learn. For more details, please also see Teshikaga Navi.🐮🧀🥛❣️ https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/watanabe/...

BB Farm & BB SHEEP COFFEE A blueberry agritourism farm with a permanent kitchen car Opened in August 2024, this hands-on tourist farm lets visitors enjoy interactive experiences. Blueberries are available for about one month starting in August, but many other harvestable crops such as tomatoes and pumpkins are offered. You can also try baking pizza using vegetables you picked yourself, an activity suitable for both children and adults. The on-site kitchen car serves light meals and drinks, and in season it sells products made with fruit harvested on the farm. The kitchen car offers tasty drinks, pizzas, light meals, and sweets. There’s still time to join the blueberry and vegetable picking experiences, so give it a try✨ BB Farm & BB SHEEP COFFEE 3-64-19, Kawayu Ekimae, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido 088-3462 Phone: 090-8667-5805 Fees — Blueberry Picking ¥2,000 / Adult (junior high school students and older) ¥1,500 / Elementary school student ¥1,000 / Young child (age 4 and older) Parking: Available Closed: Thursdays Access: 10-minute walk from JR Kawayu Onsen Station Open season: June to November Hours: 10:00–16:00 Takeout: Available For more details, please contact BB Farm or BB SHEEP COFFEE directly. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/bbfarm/...

I joined the annual Lake Mashu SKY Cruise this year ✨ Even though I’m not great with rides, I had a lot of fun taking photos📸⛰️ Why not take a look at Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo from above? Services run until August 11, so hurry💨 https://masyuko.or.jp/news/skycruise_2025/...

🚶‍♀️🏔️ 〈Hokkaido East Trail〉 The Hokkaido East Trail, a long-distance route linking three national parks and towns, opened in October 2024 and runs roughly 410 km north to south across eastern Hokkaido from Kushiro City to Rausucho. This trail is highly recommended for the coming season, so here is a brief introduction. For more details, see Teshikaga Navi. ※When undertaking the trail, be sure to complete proper preparations in advance. Correction) On the first page, part of the wording has been corrected https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/dototrail/...

📢⚠️ [About canoe launch sites on Lake Kussharo and the Kushiro River] Please note that the space beside Choko Bridge, which has long been used as a canoe launch and landing area, will be unavailable starting Wednesday, July 2, 2025. [About canoe launch sites on the Kushiro River] Those canoeing on the Kushiro River may launch from Kussharo Watersports Exchange Park. Please note that Kussharo Watersports Exchange Park requires a usage fee for canoe launches and landings. [About canoe launch sites on Lake Kussharo – Wakoto Peninsula] Those canoeing from Wakoto Peninsula must launch from the designated spots on the peninsula. Before launching, be sure to check the "Wakoto Rules," which set out usage guidelines for the peninsula. The Wakoto Rules are posted on signs at the site and are also available inside the Wakoto Field House. [Canoe tours in Teshikaga Town] If you wish to join a guided canoe tour on Lake Kussharo or the Kushiro River, you can apply as before through each tour operator. It’s a great season for enjoying the waterside—please come and visit the Kushiro River. https://masyuko.or.jp/news/canoe_2507/...

〈Teshikaga Golf Courses and Park Golf Courses Summary〉 Teshikaga is wide, grand, and filled with beautiful nature. The town has many golf and park golf courses where you can enjoy that nature. Here is a roundup of the golf and park golf courses you can use in Teshikaga. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/?cats=634%2C646...

〈Teshika’s First Vintage Wine “Teshika Rosé” Released〉 Teshika Rosé, the first wine brewed at the Kussharo Caldera Winery, goes on sale at nine shops in town from July 12. Supplies are limited, so anyone interested should check it out soon!!

[July 27 – September 26] Mobile bus tour between Kushiro and Kawayu Onsen begins! A mobile bus tour linking Kushiro Prince Hotel and the streets of Kawayu Onsen is starting! The period runs from Sunday, July 27, 2025 to Friday, September 26, 2025, about two months. Buses from Kushiro to Kawayu Onsen operate three times a week on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and buses from Kawayu Onsen to Kushiro run three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This is a slow-paced, day-long mobile bus tour that stops at various sightseeing spots along the way. Each direction follows a different route, so please use it for both outbound and return trips. Accommodation and meals are not included in the tour. https://www.clubgets.com/loginet_express/... https://masyuko.or.jp/news/2025_bustour/...

Midsummer in Teshikaga Spots you should definitely visit 🚌🎶 📍Wakoto Peninsula (Lake Kussharo) ___________________________ This area is often filled with people trying canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding. You’ll frequently see friendly large dogs enjoying the water with their owners, which makes the scene feel wonderfully heartwarming 🐶🛶✨ Of course, just strolling is perfectly fine. You can find yourself mesmerized by the clear surface of the water and breathe in deliciously fresh air—this beautiful nature alone satisfies all your senses. Be sure to fully enjoy Teshikaga’s nature 🦕💖 https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/wakoto/...

Mokoto Pass Mokoto Pass runs along the north side of Lake Kussharo. It is a prefectural road connecting Kawayu Onsen to Higashi-Mokoto Village. Not well known as a tourist route, the road nevertheless offers unique, beautiful views from two observation points. Do visit — you are likely to encounter wonderful scenery. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/mokototoge/...

Teshikaga Day-Trip Baths Guide Teshikaga offers many hot springs with free-flowing natural source water. With options ranging from public baths to hotel hot springs, you can choose a day bath that suits your preference. Here is a roundup of recommended day-trip baths in Teshikaga. ♨️ https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/?cats=663%2C669...

Midsummer in Teshikaga Spots you should definitely visit 🐻☕️ 📍Sakhalin Spruce Nature Trail ___________________________ A walking trail behind Kawayu Visitor Center (ig: @kawayu_vc). It’s an authentic forest you can drop into easily. Staff at the facility can provide a 20–30 minute guided walk on request.✨ This season is especially recommended as gozentachibana moves from white flowers to red berries. On the second-floor cafe (ig: @cafesoftwood) you can enjoy meals and tea, so you can make the most of your visit to Kawayu Visitor Center.🍙🌿 https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/eco_museum/...

〈Enjoying Teshikaga〉Local Specialties Edition Teshikaga offers many fine and delicious local specialties. When you travel to Teshikaga, be sure to check them out. This time, we introduce spots where you can pick up those specialties. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/?cats=651%2C662...

〈A Guide to Campsites in Teshikaga〉 Teshikaga, with its wide, generous land, offers a variety of campsites. Campers often pick spots that match their specific preferences and enjoy their stay. Here is a roundup of campsites in Teshikaga. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/?cats=663%2C668...

Of the four passes offering views of Lake Kussharo, the most famous is Bihoro Pass. Called a "spectacular view of the nation," it offers a breathtaking, grand panorama of beautiful Lake Kussharo. The morning sea of clouds and the New Year’s sunrise are both dramatic, making this one of Japan’s premier panoramic viewpoints. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/bihorotoge/...

Tracing the grand caldera of volcanoes, forests, and lakes: the Mashu–Kussharo Trail (MKT) The Mashu–Kussharo Trail (MKT) is a walking route roughly 62 km long that links the first Mashu Lake observation deck to Bihoro Pass. MKT divides into three sections, so you can either through-hike it over three days or tackle the sections separately across several trips. Enjoy it in whatever style suits you. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/mkt/...

<Atosanupuri Trekking Tour> Atosanupuri, whose name means “bare mountain” in the Ainu language. About 1,500 fumaroles and the beautiful yellow sulfur crystals that spread around them have been designated Teshikaga’s "Specified Natural Tourism Resource," and the mountain is a restricted access area under Article 19 of the Ecotourism Promotion Act. If you are seeking a special and rare trekking experience, please join us. Advance reservations are required, so don’t forget to book! Limited guided climbs led by certified guides / Winner of the Minister of the Environment Award at the 18th Ecotourism Awards https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/atosanupuri_trekking_tour/...

[Reservation Required] Summer 2025: Town Tour Bus Operated with the “Teshikaga Eco Passport”! We are announcing the Summer 2025 operation schedule for the Mashu–Kuttari (Mashu–Kushiro) sightseeing loop bus that visits the main scenic spots in Teshikaga. The loop bus ticket, the Teshikaga Eco Passport, will again be available this year in two types: a 2-day pass and a 3-day pass. Please reserve in advance and make full use of it. It’s recommended for anyone who feels uneasy about driving or who wants an easy way to enjoy sightseeing in Teshikaga. [Operation Period] Saturday, July 26, 2025 – Sunday, August 31, 2025 [Fares] Adult Child 2-day pass (2 days) 2,000 yen 1,000 yen 3-day pass (3 days) 3,000 yen 1,000 yen [Inquiries] Mashu-ko Tourism Association 015-482-2200 (Weekdays 9:00–17:00) [Open Only During the Period] Eco Pass Stations JR Mashu Station 9:30–16:30 JR Kawayu Onsen Station 8:30–16:30 070-8995-2599 (Eco Pass dedicated line) https://masyuko.or.jp/news/2025summermoekopassaruyo/...

Kamui Terrace at Lake Mashu, a facility where you can experience the many natural faces of Lake Mashu, reopened after renovations in the summer of 2022. You can feel the lake’s natural charm, which reveals different expressions by season and time of day. We introduce Kamui Terrace at Lake Mashu, a well-appointed facility featuring observation terraces, an indoor lounge with large glass windows offering sweeping panoramas, and a wide selection of souvenirs. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/masyuresthouse/...

Wakoto Peninsula is a caldera experience spot where forest and lake weave together. This peninsula juts out from the south side of Lake Kussharo, and its surroundings are geothermally warm, creating the curious effect of staying unfrozen even in winter. In this piece, we introduce Wakoto Peninsula, a rare environment in Japan. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/wakoto/...

Kussharo Kotan Ainu Museum stands in Kotan on the shores of Lake Kussharo, where Ainu people have lived since ancient times. You can hear the living breath of Ainu life and culture. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/ainu_m_s/...

The famed hot spring Kawayu Onsen draws its waters from MtAtosanupuri, a name that means “naked mountain” in the Ainu language. True to its name, the mountain’s slopes lack trees, and steam billows from vents with a thunderous roar, creating a dramatic sight. Getting as close as possible to view the fumaroles adds to the sense of occasion. Here we introduce Mt. Io (Atosanupuri), a designated natural sightseeing feature of Teshikagacho. For more details, see Teshikaga Navi 👀⭐️ https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/iouzan/...

When you come to Teshikaga, the must-do is definitely the hot springs! And the easiest way to enjoy them is a foot bath!👣 So, here we’ve gathered free foot-bath spots you can enjoy around Teshikaga Town🐥🌱 When using them, please follow the precautions and rules so you can enjoy them safely🚨 https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/?cats=663%2C670...

The immortal grand champion Taiho's glory and legacy are on display here. Kawayu Onsen in Teshikaga, where Taiho spent his boyhood years. Here you will find the Taiho Sumo Memorial Museum, which tells the story of Taiho's dominant career from the 1960s onward. This time, we introduce the Taiho Sumo Memorial Museum of the great Showa-era yokozuna Taiho. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/sightseeing/facility/taiho_sumou_k/...