Even after Lake Akanko begins to freeze, the ice remains very thin! It can be hard to see, but hot springs bubble up from the lakebed in places, making the ice dangerously thin. When people work on the ice, they do so only after taking safety precautions. Even with warning signs and ropes to keep people out, local residents sometimes report those who try to venture onto the ice. Going onto the ice at this time of year is a life-threatening risk. Do not go onto the ice under any circumstances.

New Year Greetings and Information on the Operating Status of Tourist and Bathing Facilities Happy New Year. I pray that 2026 will be a wonderful year for everyone. We will continue working to ensure that everyone spending time in Teshikaga this year can enjoy memorable moments, and we appreciate your continued support. (New Year’s Day, 2026) Information about the operating status of tourist attractions and bathing facilities during the New Year period is available on Teshikaga Navi. Please note that hours and opening days may differ from the usual schedule. Also, some bathing facilities may be closed temporarily, so we recommend contacting each facility before you go.

[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.

＊＊＊＊🎄 Akanko on December 23 A thin film of ice had just begun to form The wonderful winter season at Akanko is about to fully kick in We look forward to welcoming you But we have a request The ice is still very, very thin Do not step onto it under any circumstances "Watch for falling through ⚠️" Please stay safe and enjoy Akanko to the fullest♪

Kawayu Visitor Center "Mori no Palette" linking nature and people Kawayu Visitor Center is a facility that clearly introduces Kawayu Onsen, the surrounding beautiful nature, history, and sights. The center features a craft corner and a variety of exhibits that delight not only adults but also young children. The interior makes generous use of wood, creating an open, airy atmosphere. On the first floor you will find a lounge with a fireplace, a relaxed space for reading while looking out over a forest of Picea glehnii (akanezomatsu), and a kids’ corner. It’s perfect for resting before or after a walk. On the second floor there is also a cafe space, CAFE SOFTWOOD, where you can enjoy tea time while gazing through large windows. The center provides clear explanations about the surrounding natural environment, safety notices, exhibits on cultural heritage, and reports of bear sightings, offering important safety information. Outdoor clothing and gear are available for rent, making it convenient if you decide on a spur-of-the-moment walk. Kawayu Visitor Center 2-2-6 Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido 015-483-4100 Closed days Closed every Wednesday (if Wednesday is a national holiday, closed the following day) Open daily from the third week of July through August 31 Closed during the New Year holidays (December 29–January 3) Opening hours April–October: 8:00–17:00 November–March: 9:00–16:00

🏮 Lantern illumination begins in the Kawayu Onsen area‼︎ The lantern illumination at Kawayu Onsen uses the Kawayu Onsen logo created through Teshikaga Town’s design and branding project. It aims to foster momentum for revitalizing the onsen district among local residents and others, while offering visitors a unified, thoughtfully staged welcome that enhances guest satisfaction. The lanterns hang from the eaves of lodging facilities, restaurants, souvenir shops, and other stores within the Kawayu Group Facility Area of Akan-Mashu National Park. Follow the gentle glow of the lanterns and enjoy Kawayu Onsen district at night♨️💡

Advance reservation required. “Teshikaga Eco Passport” will run again in winter 2026🚌💨 The Mashu–Kussharo sightseeing loop bus, Teshikaga Eco Passport, visits scenic spots around Teshikaga and offers 2-day and 3-day passes, so please make a reservation in advance and make use of it. It’s recommended for those who feel unsure about driving and for anyone who wants an easy way to enjoy sightseeing in Teshikaga❣️ For details, see Teshikaga Navi✨ https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/2025winterecopassport/...

Enjoying Teshikaga — Sweets Edition, Part 2 Teshikaga is full of great finds and tasty treats. Of course, that includes the sweets everyone loves… When you visit Teshikaga, be sure to check out the local sweet spots. This time, we continue introducing town spots where you can pick up those delicious treats‼︎ There’s still a Part 3 to come, so stay tuned 🍰✨ *Watanabe Experience Farm has finished its operations for this season. Please look forward to next year’s opening❣️

【Advance Reservation Required】 Winter 2026 “Teshikaga Eco Passport” Town Sightseeing Bus Now Running!
We are announcing the Winter 2026 operation schedule for the Mashu–Kussharo Sightseeing Loop Bus, which visits the main scenic spots around Teshikaga.
The loop bus ticket, the “Teshikaga Eco Passport,” is available again this year in two options: a 2-day pass and a 3-day pass. Please make a reservation in advance and take advantage of it. It is recommended for those who are uneasy about driving or who want to enjoy sightseeing around Teshikaga with ease. For details, check the link “Teshikaga Navi.”


Operation Period
Saturday, January 24, 2026 – Sunday, March 1, 2026


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


Contact
Mashu Lake Tourism Association
3-3-1 Mashu 3-chome, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido 088-3201, Japan
TEL: 015-482-2200
Email: masyu_as@peace.ocn.ne.jp

Tsukatte Fukkatsu ♨️ Soak in the highly acidic waters of Kawayu Onsen, strong enough to even melt nails, and melt away everyday frustrations and bad ties with a cleansing bath for severing ties!! The Kawayu Onsen tie-severing bath tour plan is on sale at Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu, Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura, and Kawayu Koshyu Yokujo Yukichi‼︎🎶 If you don’t have time for that, we also offer a day-trip ema (votive plaque) for 2,000 yen✨Refresh both your mind and body with the tie-severing bath tour—give it a try! 💪♨️

The "From the Information Desk" section on the Kawayu Onsen website has been updated 📝🆙 "Calm your mind and take a fresh look. Autumn at Kawayu Onsen." has been posted. With poor weather across the prefecture right now, take a breather and have a slow look 👀✨ You may rediscover how to enjoy the healing waters of Kawayu Onsen. https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/autumn/...

Winter is here! Snow has piled up, turning the landscape pure white. This road runs from Mt. Io to Kawayu Onsen town, and it’s beautiful in every season. On clear days, the distant mountains visible in the background stand out sharply. Why not take a winter drive yourself? Of course, snowy roads are dangerous, so put safety first. 🙇‍♂️🚨

Early morning on December 14 at Lake Akanko I quite like the crisp cold — I might even love it.

＼ ＼ The Kushiro Local Products Festival has begun〜😊／／ Starting today! The 54th Kushiro Local Products Festival🐟 A long line formed even before the doors opened‼︎ Local specialties from Kushiro, nearby towns, sister cities and sister city partners are all laid out in a row ^ ^ A winter tradition in Kushiro. You can't welcome New Year's Eve without coming to this. The festival runs for three days starting today. Please come and visit us 😊 📍Kushiro City Tourism & International Relations Center 1F Main Hall (3-3 Saiwai-cho, Kushiro City) 12/12 (Fri) 10:00–16:00 12/13 (Sat) 9:00–16:00 12/14 (Sun) 9:00–15:00