[Kawayu Onsen Illustration Exhibition and “KawaCos” Held Together on June 7 and 8!] A perfect chance to enjoy subculture in Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga, amid fresh green scenery! On June 7 and 2025 and June 8, 2025, the Kawayu Onsen Illustration Exhibition “Kawayu＋i Exhibition” and the cosplay event “KawaCos” will take place simultaneously. The illustration exhibition features a record 30 creators from Hokkaido and beyond, showcasing a variety of illustrations full of love for Kawayu and Teshikaga. Admission is free, and the venue will distribute a special “Bath Tour Passport” that offers half-price day-trip baths for adults at four member ryokan of the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association, while the public bath “Yukichi” in Kawayu will be available at Teshikaga resident rates. Meanwhile, at KawaCos, cosplayers can enjoy shooting around the hot spring town and in the great outdoors of Akan–Mashu National Park, including Mt. Iou, Lake Mashu, and Lake Kussharo. This year, for the first time, there will also be an itasha (decorated car) display and a small parade through the hot spring town. Please stop by and join us!! ・Kawayu Onsen Illustration Exhibition “Kawayu＋i Exhibition” Third Edition ・Date and Time: Saturday, June 7, 2025 and Sunday, June 8, 2025, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (open until 9:00 PM on June 7 only) ・Venue: Onyado Kinkiyu, 2nd floor (former restaurant), 1-5-10 Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga, Kawakami District ・Organizer: Kawayui Exhibition Executive Committee ・Supported by: Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association ・Cooperation: East Hokkaido Illustration Project For the latest on the Kawayu Onsen Illustration Exhibition, please see the official Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association X account. Hokkaido Kawayu Onsen (Illustration exhibition on June 7 and 8) (@kawayuonseniine) / X For the latest on KawaCos, please see the official KawaCos X account. Official KawaCos Management (@kawayu_cos) / X

[2025: Bicycle Rentals Start in Teshikaga] Bicycle rentals are now available at four locations across Teshikaga! Whether you want to enjoy the scenery from a bike, can’t drive but want to reach nearby attractions, or have other needs, this service suits many situations. Please use it to match your travel plans 🚲✨ For more details, see Teshikaga Navi 🔍 https://masyuko.or.jp/news/rentalbike2025/...

Ponponyama, a mountain with high geothermal activity that emits mysterious sounds. It is a small, friendly peak, ideal for forest bathing and birdwatching. Here we introduce Ponponyama. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/ponponyama/...

[May 31–October 31] Join the Cycling Stamp Rally! In the Mashu–Kussharo area, crisp air and lush greenery signal the best season for cycling. Ride across the vast caldera—the largest in Japan—and collect stamps while soaking up the spectacular scenery. This year’s Granfondo Mashu Cycling Stamp Rally will run again. There are 24 stamp locations across Teshikaga Town, and the event runs for five months from Saturday, May 31, 2025, to Friday, October 31, 2025. In addition to Lake Mashu, Mt. Io (Atosanupuri), and the shores of Lake Kussharo, you can tackle scenic mountain passes…! Whether you ride leisurely or push the pace, enjoy cycling at your own speed. ___________________________________ Entry Fee 1,000 yen per person Participant Benefits When you pay the entry fee at registration, you will receive the following benefit tickets. 1. A hot spring bathing voucher redeemable in town 2. A 500-yen voucher usable at Roadside Station Mashu Onsen and other locations Prize Draws Participants who collect stamp points will be entered into prize draws. Complete Prize (Visit all 24 locations!!) • A pair stay at the Prince Hotel (1 winner) • A short glass or single-bud vase from Kawayu Onsen Yunohanaglass (7 winners) • A set of Teshikaga Town local specialties (5 winners) Challenger Prize (Visit 15 locations!!) • Teshikaga Town local specialties (30 winners) ___________________________________ Easy Entry 1. Register on site (two registration locations; no reservation required) 2. Pay the 1,000-yen entry fee in cash 3. Scan the QR code to START! (You may complete the rally over multiple days during the event period) 4. Apply for prizes (Choose your prize category based on the number of stamps) There are 24 stamp points in total! You can also view suggested course routes from the barcode at the bottom of the flyer. Be sure to check it out♪ ___________________________________ Organizer: Granfondo Mashu Executive Committee Inquiries: Lake Mashu Tourism Association 015-482-2200 https://masyuko.or.jp/news/granfondo2025/...

<Regarding the Lifting of the Closure on the Mashu-dake Trail> The Mashu-dake trail, which had been closed from the Mashu Lake First Observatory to Mashu-dake due to confirmed bear activity, has been reopened as of today. While passage is now allowed, please use the trail only after taking the usual safety precautions. https://masyuko.or.jp/news/mashudakekinshi/...

〈Tsutsujigahara Morning Walk Tour Begins!〉 We are entering the season when Ezo iso azalea is in full bloom. Would you like to stroll across Tsutsujigahara, which connects Kawayu Onsen and Mt. Io? The “Tsutsujigahara Morning Walk Tour,” where you can observe Ezo iso azalea at its peak, is starting soon! Because the course departs from Kawayu Onsen, you can take the walk in the morning after staying in the hot spring town. ＜Tsutsujigahara Nature Trail Walk Information＞ ■Period: June 1, 2025–June 30, 2025 ■Time: Every morning at 6:00 AM (the full route takes about one hour) Gather at 5:55 AM, depart at 6:00 AM※Canceled in case of rain ■Participation Fee: 500 yen for elementary school students and older (infants free) ■Meeting Point: In front of Taiho Sumo Memorial Museum ■How to Apply: By email to kawayu.unkyo★gmail.com (replace ★ with @) by 7:00 PM the day before, stating ① name of the representative ② number of participants ③ contact phone number ④ name of the accommodation where you will be staying. If you cannot send an email, please call the Kawayu Onsen Regional Management Association office at 015-486-9181. [ Notes ] ・This tour starts at Kawayu Onsen and involves walking approximately 3 km to Mt. Io (return from Mt. Io will be by vehicle). ・Please wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing that allow easy movement. ・The tour will be canceled in case of rain. We will notify all applicants if the tour is canceled. ・Depending on the flowering status of the iso azalea, the details above may change or the tour may be canceled. ■Organizer: Kawayu Onsen Regional Management Association, Akan-Mashu National Park ■Inquiries: (Office) 015-486-9181 ※Located inside Kawayu Onsen Guesthouse NOMY https://masyuko.or.jp/news/tutujisansakustart/...

〈Hokkaido East Trail〉 The Hokkaido East Trail, a long-distance route linking three national parks and local towns, opened in October 2024 and stretches roughly 410 km from Kushiro to Rausu, running north to south through eastern Hokkaido. This trail is highly recommended for the coming season, so here is a brief introduction. For more details, please see Teshikaga Navi. *When embarking on the trail, make sure to prepare thoroughly in advance.* https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/dototrail/...

Tsutsubetsu Pass Among the four passes around Lake Kussharo, Tsutsubetsu Pass stands highest in elevation. The road is narrow and steep, climbing like a mountain trail, and each bend opens onto a new view that makes you feel excited just by driving through. As the season approaches, we recommend Tsutsubetsu Pass for a scenic drive. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/tubetutoge/...

14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Works On display at Tancho Kushiro Airport📷✨ _________________________ A collection of outstanding works awaits you❣️ Please take a look when you visit. Location: Tancho Kushiro Airport, 2nd-floor waiting lobby Period: May 1, 2025 to May 30, 2025

Kawayu Onsen accommodation discount available (from May 7 – for residents of eastern Hokkaido only) A discount campaign for stays at Kawayu Onsen is being offered to residents of Kushiro, Nemuro, Okhotsk and Tokachi in eastern Hokkaido. The campaign runs from Wednesday, May 7, and is available every day except Saturdays. Come to Kawayu Onsen while this opportunity lasts. (The offer ends when the budget runs out, so act quickly!) <Kawayu Stay Discount 2025 Overview> [Eligible Period] Weekdays and Sundays from Wednesday, May 7, 2025 to Friday, July 18, 2025 [Discount Amount] 2,000 yen per adult and 1,000 yen per child per night [Eligibility] Residents of Kushiro, Nemuro, Okhotsk and Tokachi [How to Apply] ・Check each facility’s official website for details. ・Applications open on Thursday, May 1. ・The campaign ends when the budget is exhausted, so please apply early! <Participating Facilities> To make a reservation, click the name of each accommodation to view its official website. ・Kawayu Kanko Hotel 015-483-2121 ・KKR Kawayu 015-483-2643 ・Oyado Kinki-yu 015-483-2211 ・Oyado Kinki-yu Bettei Suikazura 015-486-9701 https://masyuko.or.jp/news/20250430/...

【Now Happening! Golden Week Special】Teshikaga Town Museum Stamp Rally During Golden Week, a stamp rally will take you around four museums in Teshikaga Town! From Saturday, April 26, 2025 through Sunday, May 11, 2025, a stamp rally visiting four museum facilities in Teshikaga will be held. The participating facilities are Teshikaga Town Kussharo Kotan Ainu Museum, Taiho Sumo Memorial Museum, Kawayu Visitor Center, and Teshikaga Town Furusato History Museum. Collect stamps at any three of these four museums to receive a lovely commemorative gift! This Golden Week event is fun for both adults and children and is perfect for making travel memories. [Event Period] Saturday, April 26, 2025 – Sunday, May 11, 2025 * Please note each museum’s closed days. * On April 30 and May 7, two of the participating museums will be closed. [How to Participate] 1) Pick up a stamp card at the reception desk of any participating facility. 2) Visit three or more participating facilities and collect stamps. 3) Fill in the required information on the stamp card and hand it to staff. 4) Exchange your stamp card for an original postcard. 5) Ten entrants will be selected by lottery to win a prize: an assortment of local specialties. * Winners will be notified by shipment of the prize. * Prize shipments are limited to addresses within Japan and are scheduled for mid-June or later. - Stamp Rally Participating Facilities - 1) Teshikaga Town Kussharo Kotan Ainu Museum (open every day during the event) ■ Address: 1-14, 1-jo-dori, Kussharo Shigai, Teshikaga Town ■ Phone: 015-484-2128 2) Taiho Sumo Memorial Museum (open every day during the event) ■ Address: 2-1-20, Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga Town ■ Phone: 015-483-2924 3) Kawayu Visitor Center (closed: April 30, May 7) ■ Address: 2-2-6, Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga Town ■ Phone: 015-483-4100 4) Teshikaga Town Furusato History Museum (closed: April 29–30, May 4–7) ■ Address: 3-3-1 Mashu, Teshikaga Town (inside Mashu Tourism and Culture Center) ■ Phone: 015-482-2368 Contact Information Teshikaga Town Board of Education, Social Education Division, Social Education Section Postal code 088-3211, 2-3-2 Chuo, Teshikaga Town, Kawakami District, Hokkaido Phone: 015-482-2948 https://masyuko.or.jp/news/2025gw_museum/...

〈Sunayu〉 Dig a hole in the sand and an open-air bath appears before you. This exciting little spot, Sunayu, offers that exact thrill. Swans sometimes visit, so it’s delightful no matter when you come. This time, we’re reintroducing Sunayu! For more details, please see Teshikaga Navi. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/sunayu/...

Three Ways to Enjoy the Akajomatsu Forest Stroll through the woods, sometimes stepping close to a tree, sometimes stepping back to take it all in… If you use not only your sight but also your hearing, smell, and touch, one surprising discovery after another awaits. Notice the seasonal changes and your walk in the forest becomes even more delightful. Behind the Kawayu Visitor Center there are two walking trails centered on a natural stand of Akajomatsu firs. This time, we created this text with reference to and excerpts from part of the "Akajomatsu Forest Guidebook" available at the Kawayu Visitor Center. The brochure describes many more ways to enjoy the forest beyond these three. For more details, please see the brochure mentioned above.

Teshikaga Sea of Clouds A grand panorama filling Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu In Teshikaga you can see a sea of clouds over Lake Mashu in the early mornings. (Season: around June to October) Different observation decks let you enjoy the sea of clouds from various angles. We recommend staying overnight in Teshikaga and heading to the sea-of-clouds viewing spots at dawn during this season. 🛏️✨ For more details, see Teshikaga Navi. 📝🚗💨 https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/unkai/...

Kawayu Ganban Terrace, the origin of Kawayu Onsen. This sightseeing spot features hot water gushing out where it flows down from Mt. Iou. It is also an area that symbolizes Kawayu Onsen and underwent renovations in October 2024, drawing even more attention as a tourist spot. Here we introduce the charming Kawayu Ganban Terrace. For more details, please see Teshikaga Navi. 〈Kawayu Ganban Terrace〉 Location: Kawayu Onsen area, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido Phone: 015-482-2200 (Mashu Lake Tourism Association) Fee: Free Season: Open year-round Hours: 24 hours https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/18129/...

〈Lake Kussharo〉 ~The country’s largest caldera lake~ Lake Kussharo, the nation’s largest caldera lake set in rich nature, unfolds a majestic Hokkaido landscape while gently welcoming visitors along its shores with a broad, embracing character that draws many people in. In summer, campers, canoeists and sailors come to enjoy water sports, and in winter many swans—travelers from Siberia—gather on the lake. There is also a free open-air bath anyone can use, so you can stay and relax. Here we present a compact guide to the many charms of Lake Kussharo. If you want to learn more, check out Teshikaga Navi ☺️🚗 https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/kussharoko/...

〈Lake Mashu〉 Lake Mashu is a mysterious lake whose deep blue waters seem to swallow you and whose appearance shifts moment by moment with the movement of the clouds. Here we summarize the basic information about Lake Mashu. If you want to learn more, please visit Teshikaga Navi. You might discover new charms of Lake Mashu! https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/mashu/...

🚽Notice of Temporary Closure for Sand Bath Public Toilet Due to Additional Repairs🚽 The Sand Bath public toilet in the Kussharo Lake Sand Bath parking area, which underwent repairs last month, will be temporarily closed for additional work from Monday, April 14, 2025, through Thursday, April 17, 2025. Closure period: Monday, April 14, 2025, 8:00 AM – Thursday, April 17, 2025 Location: Sand Bath Parking Area, Miruwa, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido The public toilet repair site is dangerous during the construction period, so please refrain from using or entering the area. The facility is scheduled to reopen as usual from the morning of April 18, but the schedule may change depending on the progress of the work. We will post any updates on this site, so please check regularly. Please note that the parking area will remain available during the public toilet closure. We sincerely apologize for the repeated closures and any inconvenience caused. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. https://masyuko.or.jp/news/sunayutoiletagain/...

🚗 Reopening of the Kussyaro–Mashu Lakeside Route for Winter Road Closure 🚗 This is an announcement about the reopening of the Kussyaro–Mashu Lakeside Route from its winter closure. During winter, the route was closed due to frozen road surfaces and accumulated snow. We will lift the closure for the section affected and reopen it as follows. "Kussyaro–Mashu Lakeside Route (Prefectural Route 52)" This road leads from Kawayu to the Third Viewing Platform at Lake Mashu. The road closure will be lifted and the road will reopen on the following date. Friday, April 11, 2025, from 10:00 AM Contact: Kushiro Construction Management Department, Teshikaga Branch Office (015-482-2147) https://masyuko.or.jp/news/kussharomashuroadkaijyo/...

The roadside station "Mashu Onsen" is hosting an exhibition of the winning entries from the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest! 📍Mashu Onsen Roadside Station, 2nd-floor exhibition hall Exhibition period: April 1 – April 31 All 20 works are on display🐾 A lovely selection of award-winning photos awaits—please come and see them📸🌱 ✴︎ Grand Prize ✴︎ “Enchanting Lake Surface” by Kunishi Murakumo (first image) 〈Teshikaga Navi — Introduction to the winning works〉 https://masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r07/...

【2025 Summer Circulation Bus "Teshikaga Eco Passport" Planned】 The 2025 summer service of the Mashu–Kussharo sightseeing loop bus, which visits the main scenic spots in Teshikaga, has been confirmed. The loop bus ticket, Teshikaga Eco Passport, will again be available this year in two options: a two-day pass and a three-day pass, so please consider using it for your summer trip. We will announce bus timetables and other details once they are finalized. 【Operating Period】 Saturday, July 26, 2025 – Sunday, August 31, 2025 【Sales Locations】 ・JR Mashu Station ・Kawayu-Onsen Station 【Inquiries】 Mashu-ko Tourism Association (general incorporated association) 015-482-2200 (Weekdays 9:00–17:00) 【Timetable】 This timetable is provisional. It will be finalized in mid-May. For details, please check the announcements on Teshikaga Navi. https://masyuko.or.jp/news/2025summermoekopassaruyo/...

🚨Reopened Today🚨 Notice of Completion of Repairs to the Sunayu Public Restroom The Sunayu public restroom in the Sunayu parking area at Lake Kussharo had been closed for repair work, but it reopens today at noon. Reopening Date and Time: Friday, March 21, 2025 at 12:00 PM Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.

It’s very windy and snowing heavily in Teshikaga today🌀 Please be careful when going out⚠️⛄️🌨️❄️

Notice of Temporary Closure for Sandayu Public Toilet Repairs The Sandayu public toilet in the Sandayu parking lot at Lake Kussharo will be temporarily closed for repair work from Monday, March 17, 2025, through Friday, March 21, 2025. Closure period: March 17, 2025 (Monday) from 8:00 AM to March 21, 2025 (Friday) Location: Sandayu Parking Lot, Miruwa, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido For safety reasons, please refrain from using or entering the facility while the public toilet is undergoing repairs. The facility is scheduled to reopen as usual from March 22, but the schedule may change depending on the progress of the work. Any changes will be posted on this site, so please check for updates. Please note that the parking lot will remain available during the public toilet closure. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused during the closure period. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Teshikaga has enjoyed clear skies for several days. Warmer temperatures have begun to melt the accumulated snow little by little☃️ However, evenings still bring a sharp drop in temperature, making roads and walkways harder to drive and walk on… Please stay alert and practice safe driving and walking at all times🚗🚶⚠️👟

The 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Entries 5/5 The Teshikaga Photo Contest has reached its 14th edition this year. While digital submissions and SNS entries have become common in recent years, the Teshikaga Photo Contest keeps a classic format by judging printed works. For this edition, we invited Takeshi Mizukoshi, a Teshikagacho resident and internationally known mountain photographer, as a special judge to help select the winners. For the 14th contest, we accepted entries in four categories—Starry Skies, Sea of Clouds, Activities (Experiences), and Open—from November 1 to December 25, 2024. Out of 154 submissions, 20 works won prizes! Here we present five Special Prize winners and the Organizing Committee Special Prize. With this announcement, we have published all the winning works of the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest. Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest! Congratulations to the prize winners 🎊 ✴︎Special Prizes✴︎ "Kiriwataru" (Mist Spreading) Shizuo Murakami "Bridge of Hope for the Future" Maruni Urata "Ice Opening in the Bitter Cold" Yoneko Tazawa "Moonlit Lake Mashu" Noriyuki Hatahashi "Reunion" Yui Amy Murakami ✴︎Organizing Committee Special Prize✴︎ "The Call Within the Silence" Go Kan-iku

The 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Entries 4/5 The Teshikaga Photo Contest celebrates its 14th year this time. While recent years have favored digital submissions and entries via social media, the Teshikaga Photo Contest follows a classic format, judging printed works. For this edition, we invited Takeshi Mizukoshi, an internationally known mountain photographer who lives in Teshikagacho, to serve as a special juror. For the 14th contest, we accepted entries from November 1, 2024, to December 25, 2024, across four categories: Starry Skies, Sea of Clouds, Activities (Experiences), and Open. From 154 submissions, 20 works won awards! Today we present five Special Prize winners. Congratulations! 🎊 The final installment will appear in the next post. Stay tuned📸♪ ✴︎Special Prize✴︎ “Morning Awakening, In the Calm” Hazuki Yamada “As in Ancient Times” Masao Kainuma “A Night of Complete Ice Cover” Masaru Murakami “Nature’s Vitality” Tadashi Takeda “Charge” Toshikazu Yanagihori

The 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Entries 3/5 This year marks the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest. While digital submissions and social media entries have become common in recent years, the Teshikaga Photo Contest preserves a classic format by judging printed works. As a special juror, we welcomed Takeshi Mizukoshi, an internationally known mountain photographer who lives in Teshikagacho, to help select the winners. For the 14th contest, we accepted entries in four categories—Starry Sky, Sea of Clouds, Activities (Experiences), and Open—between November 1 and December 25, 2024. From 154 submissions, 20 works won awards! Today we present five winning entries. Congratulations! 🎊 Next up is 4/5—stay tuned 📸♪ ✴︎Winning Entries✴︎ “Love at First Sight” Yasunori Kobayashi “Dawn” Naoya Andachi “Lake Kussharo in Winter” Miki Furusawa “River at Dawn” Kejiro Suzuki “Ehehe” Rie Ishida

【Junki Yarinome Photo Exhibition Sense of Wonder】 At present, Kawayu Visitor Center is hosting "Junki Yarinome Photo Exhibition Sense of Wonder." An artist talk will take place on March 1, and applications are now being accepted. Please take this rare opportunity to join us ⛰️❄️ Outdoor lovers and photography fans will be treated to Junki Yarinome’s wonderful stories♪ 【Junki Yarinome Photo Exhibition Sense of Wonder】 Saturday, March 1, 2025 Kawayu Nature Salon Vol.3 "Artist Talk" Venue: Kawayu Visitor Center lecture room Time: Doors open 13:00 Talk 13:30–15:00 Admission: Free Capacity: 15 people (advance registration required, junior high school students and older, first-come, first-served) ...Junki Yarinome (Yarinome Junki)... Born in Abashiri, Hokkaido. Born in 1992. He completed graduate studies at Hokkaido Bunkyo University Graduate School. After graduating, he moved to Teshikagacho in 2017, began working as an outdoor guide (canoeing, trekking), and made regular trips to snowy mountains his life’s work. Since 2021 he has worked independently as Outdoorguide YARINOME, combining guiding and photography work. He is also active as a rider for MOSIRITA Snowboard.

The 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Entries 1/5 This year marks the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest. While digital submissions and entries via social media have become common in recent years, the Teshikaga Photo Contest follows a classic format by judging printed works. For this edition, we welcomed Takeshi Mizukoshi, an internationally known mountain photographer who lives in Teshikagacho, as a special juror to help select the winners. For the 14th contest, we accepted entries in four categories—Starry Skies, Sea of Clouds, Activities (Experiences), and Open—from November 1 to December 25, 2024. Out of 154 submissions, 20 works won awards. The Grand Prize went to Koshirou Murakumo’s “Enchanting Lake Surface.” Congratulations 🎊 We will present all the winning entries over five installments starting this week, so please look forward to them 📸♪ *Grand Prize* “Enchanting Lake Surface”: Koshirou Murakumo