The temple in the depths of Mt. Koya, where Kobo Daishi sleeps, has no shortage of pilgrims even in winter.

Winter in Furano It was a cold northern morning, and it was a pure white world. One of the balloons I found in it

Kushiro in winter was quite full of highlights Dance of red-crowned cranes, SL, and animals such as striped long-tailed and Ezo owls I would like to go again next year

Kurokawa, a tributary in the upper reaches of the Nakabusa River flowing through Azumino It flows down from Mt. Ariake Melting snow gathers to form a clear stream.

Tomorrow! Mashu⭐︎Snowland 2025 Last year's Mashu⭐︎Snowland closed amid great success, and now it returns this winter with even more to offer. Enjoy a very long snow slide, winter barbecue in the cold, a fun lottery, and many more attractions. The timetable is now available, so gather your friends and join us! Mashu⭐︎Snowland 2025 Event Details Date and Time: Saturday, February 15, 2025, 10:00–20:00 Venue: Teshikagacho, Yunoshima Park Attractions: a very long snow slide, candy toss, Snowball Fight Japan Championship, winter barbecue, fireworks display, fun lottery * Admission is free and open to everyone. * Buy a barbecue ticket with a lottery ticket to enjoy the winter barbecue inside the venue and take part in the fun lottery! Barbecue Ticket with Lottery Ticket Advance winter barbecue ticket: 1,500 yen; same-day ticket: 2,000 yen * Both advance and same-day tickets allow participation in the fun lottery. Main ticket outlets: Shokudo to Kissa poppotei / Third place Livingbar221 Sumiya Ishihanaki Kinko / Mashu izakaya Mokkiriya Inquiries: Mashu⭐︎Snowland Executive Committee (090-5951-9471 Nishizaki) Supported by: Teshikagacho Chamber of Commerce Lake Mashu Agricultural Cooperative Association, Mashu Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association)

Taiki Town on February 6th The heavy snowfall that fell between February 4th and 5th was followed the next day by clear Tokachi skies, so I went for a drive around town. The familiar scenery had turned into a beautiful snowy landscape!

“Mori no Snow Park 2025 in Kawayu Onsen” Is Back This Year!! On Sunday, February 23, the Mori no Snow Park 2025 in Kawayu Onsen will take place in front of the Kawayu Visitor Center. Enjoy free activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and warming up by the bonfire, along with talk sessions and delicious food—there’s plenty to experience! This is an event for both adults and children, so please come with family and friends. Event Overview: Mori no Snow Park 2025 in Kawayu Onsen Date and Time: Sunday, February 23, 2025, 10:00–21:00 Venue: Kawayu Visitor Center and surrounding area (2-2-6 Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga) Admission: Free (all programs are free to join) *Food and drinks are available for purchase separately. At Snow Park 2025, following last year’s popular sessions, local town guides will again host a talk session! Three guides who have lived here for more than 20 years will share their perspectives on Teshikaga’s nature and their daily impressions. Talk Session Details ■ Date and Time: Sunday, February 23, 2025, 19:00–20:30 ■ Location: Kawayu Visitor Center, 2nd floor ■ Speakers: Shigetoshi Tsuchiya (River & Field), Yuya Tsuchida (Somokuya), Masumi Hashida (Nanuk) ■ Moderator: Jin Fujiwara (Teshikaga Ekomachi Promotion Council / River & Field) *Admission free Contact: Teshikaga Ekomachi Promotion Council (Secretariat) Within Teshikaga Town Hall, Tourism and Commerce Division 015-482-2940 (Direct line to Tourism and Commerce Division / Weekdays: 9:00–17:00) Day-of-event contact: 090-2075-9764 (Person in charge: Fujiwara)

Introducing the stay-and-sightseeing facility Mount Io MOKMOK Base, which opened in September 2023. The complex features MOKMOK Terrace, a refined space that blends rock walls reminiscent of Mount Io’s geology with warm, natural wood; MOKMOK Theater, where you can enjoy the mountain’s dramatic steam through large glass panes like a theater screen; Mount Io Museum, which explores the mountain’s past and present; and MOKMOK Marche & Café, offering local foods and souvenirs — among many other attractions. Please come and visit us!!

This is a photo of when I went skiing in Hakuba this winter. On this day, a cold wave arrived on the Sea of Japan side, and there was a severe snowstorm. There were many foreigners visiting Japan at the ski resort, and I realized firsthand that the wave of inbound tourism is also surging to the ski resort. I enjoyed skiing while enjoying the superb view of Hakuba.

Gokase Specialty Center Snow Play The special cold snap that began this Tuesday has left the Gokase Specialty Center covered in snow☃️ Is everyone safe and free from injury or accidents?💦 To lift the spirits of customers who braved these harsh roads to visit the shop, the staff at the Gokase Specialty Center made a Totoro snowman to bring a little brightness and warmth 🥰👏 It’s big and adorable😳✨ While it was being made, children who had come in for lunch kept asking, “Is Totoro finished yet!?” as they eagerly waited🤣💕 Please stop by and take a commemorative photo when you visit📸！ There are also impressive icicles hanging from the shop eaves😮💡They glittered beautifully as they caught the light✨ The tips are sharp, so be careful—they could be dangerous if they fall on your head⚠️ With persistent bad weather making movement difficult, it might be nice to take a moment to enjoy the snow like a child again🤭 Our association’s Instagram photo campaign “Winter in Gokase 2025” is still accepting entries📸✨ Please consider applying during this opportunity🤗 ※See the pinned post on our Instagram profile page for details🙏 https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... Everyone, please stay safe and stay alert for the rest of the day🙇‍♀️

【☃️Extra Powder Snow Falling❄️】 This is Omachi City on a snowy morning☃️Temperatures are below freezing, so the powder snow is piling up☃️Major roads have been cleared, but packed snow has turned everything pure white❄️Tonight, the 23rd Omachi Onsenkyo Dream Fireworks and Sound Festival will take place🎆When heading to the ski resorts or events, please watch your step😌 ⭐️Dream Fireworks and Sound Festival 2025⭐️ https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/event/90417/... ⭐️Kashimayari Ski Resort⭐️ https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/spot/kashimayari-sv/... ⭐️Jii-ga-take Ski Resort⭐️ https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/spot/jiigatake_ski/...

Mie Prefecture Suzuka　 Inatomi Shrine　 The cat is curled up in the room, The old man got excited with a camera in one hand because of the snow! The shrine in the snowy landscape is also mysterious. If you are in an area where it is snowing, Watch your steps and have a good photographic life!

Shirakawa Township in winter. I took this photo with my iPHONE from the Hagimachi Ruins of the Castle Observation decks. Even if you don't have a camera, you can still enjoy shooting. Shirakawa, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture

Teshikagacho presents a calm sky, a stark contrast to yesterday. As far as the eye can see, the pure white landscape is beautiful. It’s perfect weather for sightseeing, so come and visit us ☺️⛄️❄️

Today's Taiki Town Heavy snow fell across the Tokachi region today! In Taiki Town, about 50 cm accumulated from last night until this morning. It was the heaviest snowfall of the season! Tourist information for Taiki Town is here: https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp//

From January 31 to February 2 Obihiro Ice Festival is being held in Hokkaido Ice Sculpture Exhibition Winter Obihiro Festival Ice sculptures are also made and exhibited. This year, the temperature is high. It is unlikely to last until the last day.

Located in Yamagata Prefecture in Tohoku Japan, Zao is a skiing mecca with a magnificent landscape of trees and ice. During the visit, in January, a strong cold wind caused the conifers on the mountain to freeze, and the ice gradually formed. At this time, the visibility at the top of Zao Mountain is very low, and the tree ice can only be faintly visible, because the tree ice is shaped like a monster, so the tree ice is also called a snow monster. Photographing the magnificent landscape of the tree ice on the Tree Ice Plateau is not a wasted trip.

🎆 The 23rd Omachi Onsenkyo Yume Fireworks and Sound Festival 🎵 The annual “23rd Omachi Onsenkyo Yume Fireworks and Sound Festival 2025” returns this year✨ A festival of sound and light that fills the midwinter air of Omachi Onsenkyo 🎆 On Saturday nights throughout February 2025, enjoy powerful taiko drumming and dreamlike fireworks displays as the festival takes place again this year. On the opening night, Saturday, February 1, the traditional sankuro (dondoyaki) fire ritual will be held🔥 You can also enjoy stage performances by Tsugaru shamisen group Fuzoroi no Ringo-tachi and the Omachi Yabusame Taiko ensemble 😌 🎆 Omachi Onsenkyo Yume Fireworks and Sound Festival 🎵 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/event/90417/...

ICE LAFORET IN KAWAYU, the extreme cold resort A special two-day event, Lantern Balloon Night, holds its second edition tomorrow! A fantastical lantern balloon event lights up the night sky. The special two-day event Lantern Balloon Night, held for a limited time, is scheduled to hold its second session tomorrow, February 1. Those who wish to join should pick up a participation ticket at the on-site general information desk on the day or at inns affiliated with the Ryokan Association (Kawayu Kanko Hotel, Oyado Kinkiyu, Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura, KKR Kawayu), and gather at Kawayu Shrine by 5:00 PM. Registration closes once capacity is reached. If you prefer to reserve in advance, please contact the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association. (015-483-2211, inside Oyado Kinkiyu) Please note the event may be canceled on the day due to weather, such as strong winds. The moment the lanterns rise fills the entire venue with a scene that seems touched by magic. For details, check the notices on Teshikaga Navi. Don’t miss this special night!

Mashu⭐︎ Snowland 2025 Returns This Year After closing to great acclaim last year, Mashu⭐︎ Snowland is back this winter with even more to enjoy. Expect a very long snowy slide, midwinter barbecue, a fun raffle, and many other activities. Bring your friends and family and join us! Mashu⭐︎ Snowland 2025 Event Details Date and Time: Saturday, February 15, 2025, 10:00–20:00 Venue: Yunoshi­ma Park, Teshikaga Highlights: a very long snowy slide, candy toss, Snowball Fight Japan Championship, midwinter barbecue, fireworks display, and a fun raffle * Admission is free and open to everyone. * Purchase a barbecue ticket with a raffle coupon to enjoy midwinter barbecue at the venue and enter the fun raffle! Barbecue Ticket with Raffle Coupon Presale midwinter barbecue ticket: 1,500 yen; same-day ticket: 2,000 yen * Both presale and same-day tickets include entry to the fun raffle. Main Ticket Outlets: Shokudo to Kissa poppotei / Third place Livingbar221 Sumika Ishibana Kikin / Mashu Izakaya Mokkiriya Inquiries: Mashu⭐︎ Snowland Executive Committee (090-5951-9471 Nishizaki) Supported by: Teshikaga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mashu Lake Agricultural Cooperative Association and Mashu Lake Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association)

“Bar Hopping De Stamp Rally” — Drink, Eat and Enjoy in Teshikaga Town Center! Tour the restaurants and bars in Teshikaga Town Center and collect stamps as you hop from place to place. Gather stamps for a chance to win fun prizes worth over 10,000 yen, a pair accommodation voucher, meal tickets and more! Even in the cold winter, drink! Eat! Enjoy! Spend hot nights out with us. Period December 23, 2024 (Monday) – February 28, 2025 (Friday) How to Enter 1. Check the participating establishments listed below 2. Receive one stamp for dining or drinking at each participating venue 3. When you have stamps from three different establishments, fill in the required information on the stamp card and drop it in the dedicated entry box at the Chamber of Commerce or at a participating venue where an entry box is provided. You may join the stamp rally and submit entries as many times as you like during the event period, but please note that duplicate wins for the same prize are not allowed. Participating Venues – Dining spots (blue stamp) – Toriyaki Manbo / Ramen Ibuki / Mashu Izakaya Mokkiriya / Higashi Sushi / food&bar DOMANI / Izakaya Denden / Sumika Ishikabukin / Izakaya Nawanoren / Teppan Izakaya Koguma / Ezo / Charcoal Grill Beko no Suke / ubusuna / Shokuno Tomo Ichimi / Ramen Curry Yoshimatsu – Snacks & Bars (red stamp) – Snack Amour / COCKTAIL&DRINK SOLO / Japanese Style Snack Karakatsu / Livingbar 221 / Drink House Tsukasa / FLOR / JAZZHOUSE KINGKONG / Stylish BAR WoodLand / Snack Kado Entry Card Locations Entry cards are available at participating venues or at the Teshikaga Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Entry Box Locations Japanese Style Snack Karakatsu / COCKTAIL&DRINK SOLO / food&bar DOMANI / Livingbar 221 / Toriyaki Manbo / Izakaya Denden / Teshikaga Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry Main Prizes Orange Prize: Collect three mixed red and blue stamps to win a fun prize worth over 10,000 yen Red Prize: Collect three red stamps from snacks & bars to win 10,000 yen each for 20 winners Blue Prize: Collect three blue stamps from dining spots to win 10,000 yen each for 20 winners We also offer pair accommodation vouchers and meal tickets!! Entry Deadline March 1, 2025 (Saturday) Winners Announcement Winners will be notified by shipment of prizes starting in mid-March 2025, which will serve as the official announcement. Organizer: Bar Hopping De Stamp Rally Executive Committee Supported by: Mashu Lake Tourism Association; Teshikaga Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Special discount coupons are available at Kawayu Onsen! Tokutoku Coupon 2025 A special campaign called the Tokutoku Coupon has started for guests staying at hotels in the Kawayu Onsen district! Guests who stay at any of the four properties—Kawayu Kanko Hotel, O宿 Kinkiyu, Bettei Suikazura, or KKR Kawayu—will receive discount coupons worth a total of 3,000 yen that can be used at restaurants and eateries in the Kawayu Onsen district. Pick up your coupons at your hotel front desk and present them when dining at participating establishments to receive the discount. The campaign runs from January 15, 2025 through March 15, 2025, but it will end once supplies run out. Please take advantage of this offer and enjoy one of the pleasures of Kawayu Onsen.

【❄️ Winter Gokase 2025 Photo Submissions — Part 5 ❄️】 Today we continue to showcase photos submitted to the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram event “#Winter Gokase 2025” 🙌✨ @photo_ay_umi Here is another photo taken at Gokase Highland Ski Resort ⛷️💫 The subject and photographer were perfectly in sync, producing images that look like scenes from a commercial—simply wonderful 🤗💕 Thank you for your submission 🙇‍♀️ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gokase Town is covered in a snowy landscape this morning ☃️ The wind is howling and it’s really cold 😂 Road conditions are poor, so when you head out to shoot photos please use proper studless winter tires or chains and take care to stay safe and enjoy yourself without overdoing it 🙏 How to enter Follow the Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags “#Winter Gokase 2025” and “#location of the photo (e.g., #Unoko Waterfall)” 📸 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account→https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... ※There is a risk from snow accumulation and icy roads. When taking photos, secure your safety and take care to avoid accidents ⚠️

Extreme Cold Resort ICE LAFORET in KAWAYU Welcome to a stunning extreme cold resort... Heart‑pounding excitement awaits in winter Kawayu...! This winter marks the first time this event is held at Kawayu Onsen. Experience the special moments of ice monuments, an ice bar, and more that only a cold winter can offer. Extreme Cold Resort ICE LAFORET in KAWAYU Event Details Date: Sunday, January 19, 2025 – Sunday, February 2, 2025 *The Kawayu Shrine venue runs until Saturday, February 1 Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Venue: On the grounds of Kawayu Shrine and the surrounding area Admission fee: Adults 2,000 yen; Children 1,500 yen (ages 6–11); Toddlers 500 yen (ages 3–5) *Additional paid activities and gourmet options will be available. Organizer: Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association

【❄️Introducing Photos Submitted to Winter Gokase 2025 — Part 4❄️】 Today we present photos submitted to the Winter Gokase 2025 contest, currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account 🫡🎉 @_aymiii_photo @eco9syu_sekiryo @photo_ay_umi *Order is random* From Gokase Highland Ski Resort we received delightful, humorous shots and beautiful images that convey the joy of snow 😆🎶 Thank you for your submissions 😌💕 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gokase Town has seen a touch of snow again since yesterday ❄️ It’s cold and icy roads are worrying, so going out can be daunting, but we also welcome photos taken in your own yard — capture a lovely winter scene and feel free to submit it 🤗✨ <How to Enter> Follow the Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags “#Winter Gokase 2025” and “#Photo location (e.g., #Unoko Falls)” 📸 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account → https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... *There are risks such as heavy snow and icy roads. Please ensure safety and take care to avoid accidents while shooting⚠️

【❄️Winter Gokase 2025 Photo Contest — Featured Entries Vol. 3❄️】 This is the third installment of our series showcasing entries posted to the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram for the “#Winter Gokase 2025” contest.💡 We’re excited to share more photos today!😆👏 @yamabico_san @aiaiaiaiaiaiai77 @conne.hikariconect @gokase_entertainment ※In no particular order Many submissions captured the quiet atmosphere and beautiful snowy scenery.😌❄️ Thank you for your entries.👏 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- We’re delighted to see the number of entries steadily growing.😊✨ Thank you all so much for your continued support.🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️ With about one month left until the entry deadline, please feel free to photograph any winter scenes you love and submit them.🤗💕 How to enter Follow the Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) and post your photo with the hashtags “#Winter Gokase 2025” and “#photo location (for example: #Unoko Falls)”.📸 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account → https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... ※There may be hazards such as deep snow or icy roads. Please ensure your safety and take care to avoid accidents when photographing.⚠️

Hoarfrost Has Appeared Wednesday, January 22 A friend messaged me, "It looks beautiful right now," and I was able to take a good look at the hoarfrost. Just driving a short distance from the town toward Okoppe, I spotted trees with white-tipped branches here and there. It was a clear, sunny day. The blue sky behind the hoarfrost was beautiful. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Hoarfrost #Nature #Snowy Scenery #Animal tracks at my feet

[Kashima Fire Festival on Saturday, February 1!] This year again, the Kashimayari Ski Resort will host the Fire Festival on Saturday, February 1 at a special venue on the Nakatsuna slope. The event opens with the Mantō Festival, followed by powerful taiko drumming, torch descents, and a fireworks display you can enjoy. From 5:00 PM, sweet red-bean soup will be served! More details:🔽🔽🔽 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/event/90773/...

Red-crowned crane dance The Tsurui-Ito red-crowned crane Sanctuary in Tsurui Village, Hokkaido Japan is a Base point for the Wild Bird Society to promote the conservation of red-crowned crane and its habitat, and There are a feeding station and a nature center. At feeding sites, feeding is carried out from November to March, when food for red-crowned cranes is scarce. From 2~30 minutes before the feeding time, you can observe the Scenes of Red-crowned Cranes flying and their behavior such as chirping.

[❄️ Introducing Photos Submitted to Winter Gokase 2025 — Part 2 ❄️] Today we continue showcasing photos submitted to the Winter Gokase 2025 campaign, currently hosted on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account 🤩🎉 @moko.m This entry, like the others, captures everyday winter life in Gokase Town. Each warm photo seems to carry the cheerful voices of children, and viewing them brings joy 🥰✨ Thank you for your submission 👏 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- We have more submissions to share, so we’ll introduce them little by little 🤗 When submitting, a few people posted using the kanji “五ヶ瀬” for the title “Winter Gokase 2025.” We wondered if those were intended as entries, but please be careful when submitting in the future ⚠️ Use the hiragana “ごかせ”! The correct title is “Winter Gokase 2025” written as 「冬のGokase 2025」!! How to enter (Submission period — through February 28) Follow the Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko), and post with the hashtags “#冬のごかせ2025” and a tag for the photo location (for example: #Unoko Falls) along with your photo 📸 ※Snow and icy roads can be hazardous. Ensure safety when shooting and take care to avoid accidents ⚠️