"Roadside Station Engaru Mori no Okhotsk" is celebrating its 6th anniversary thanks to everyone's support!
To show our gratitude, we will hold a Special Anniversary Fair on the dates below.

Event dates: Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21 (two days)

At the fair, customers who spend 2,000 yen or more can enter a one-time lottery, and select items in the shop, food court, and experiences will be offered at special prices!

Please come visit "Roadside Station Engaru Mori no Okhotsk" this weekend♪

Roadside Station Engaru Mori no Okhotsk
150-1 Nogami, Engaru Town, Mombetsu District, Hokkaido 099-0344
Phone: 0158-42-4536
https://engaru-mori-no-okhotsk.jp/

【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! 💪♨️

Locomotive and VIP coach lit up! ✨🚂✨
This year marks the 30th anniversary since the Oji Light Railway (commonly called the Yamasen Line), which had been on display in Tokyo, returned to Tomakomai.
About three thousand LEDs light up the Yamasen Line at Oji Acacia Park.
Symbol Street Terrace has also started ✨
Enjoy exploring a variety of unique shops while taking in this special winter light scene ✨

[Announcement of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest]

The annual Teshikaga Photo Contest will be held again this year. Submissions are invited under the theme "Experience the volcanoes, forests, and lakes through the four seasons of Teshikaga," and the winners will be announced on the tourism information portal Teshikaga Navi. Please check Teshikaga Navi for the contest entry guidelines and details. We look forward to your participation.

"Call for Entries: 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest"

Entry Period
November 1, 2025 (Saturday) to January 20, 2026 (Tuesday); postmarked by this date

Categories
Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Open

Prizes
Grand Prize 1 entry…30,000 yen plus supplementary prizes (accommodation vouchers, Mashu Melon, etc.)
Excellence Awards 3 entries…10,000 yen plus supplementary prizes / Honorable Mentions 5 entries…supplementary prizes / Special Prize and Tourism Association Prize: several awards
■ Thanks to the cooperation of local businesses, many supplementary prizes such as accommodation vouchers, meal vouchers, and local products are available.



Organizer: Mashu Lake Tourism Association (local DMO)
Supported by: Teshikaga Town, Teshikaga Town Board of Education, Lake Mashu Agricultural Cooperative, Teshikaga Town Promotion Corporation, Teshikaga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association, Mashu Onsen Ryokan Association, Mashu Melon Producers Association, Hokkaido Shimbun, Kushiro Shimbun, Ministry of the Environment Akan-Mashu National Park Management Office


https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/15photocon/

[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
https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/2025winterecopassport/

【Event Information】
❄️Enjoy winter in Higashikawa-cho! The “Higashikawa Ice Festival” is here❄️

🗓Date and Time: Saturday, January 17 and Sunday, January 18
📍Venue: Hagoromo Park and surrounding areas

✨A showcase of ice and snow artistry returns this year!
・Features the 12th Hokkaido Ice Carving Higashikawa Competition entries and ice and snow sculptures by general participants
・Rainbow slope and tube sliding — plenty of snowy play for all ages!
・A fireworks display lighting up the night sky🎆
・Enjoy local gourmet food and hands-on experiences like ice glass and igloo making
・A rally game tournament (fee required) will also be held

❄️Packed with winter-only fun experiences!
Bring your family and friends and come join us✨

📄For details, please see the flyer.

An article about the traditional Kawayu Onsen Caravan, held on November 26—"Good Bath Day"—and organized by the Kawayu Onsen Caravan Executive Committee, has been posted 🆙.
The caravan, wearing happi coats of the hot-spring source faction and carrying Kawayu Onsen lanterns, ran across eastern Hokkaido; we present scenes of their journey 🏃‍♀️💨 Please take a look ✨
https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/889/

An update from the "Information Broadcast Bureau" on the Kawayu Onsen website has been posted📝🆙

An article about the traditional Kawayu Onsen Caravan (organized by the Kawayu Onsen Caravan Executive Committee), held on November 26—"Good Bath Day"—is now up💡♨️
The article introduces scenes of the caravan, wearing hanten coats of the hot spring source faction and carrying Kawayu Onsen lanterns as it races across Michihigashi🏃‍♀️💨Please take a look✨

🔗 https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/889/

A direct transfer from Kushiro Airport to Kushiro Prince Hotel.
Unwind in your room and luxuriate in a view of one of the world’s three greatest sunsets.

Stroll across Nusamai Bridge and visit Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO to soak up Kushiro’s charm, then enjoy the local cuisine “robata” for dinner. ✨


Start your morning at Top of Kushiro, where an interactive buffet begins a lavish day.
We look forward to welcoming you at Kushiro Prince Hotel.

Book through the profile URL.
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/

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.

Introducing the third installment of our alcohol tourism series 😊

On Saturday, January 17, 2026, we will host “Taste the Terroir (Day Trip): A Wine, Gin, and Beer Tasting Tour with a Choice of Lunch.”

At Aizawa Winery, you will tour the vineyards and winery set in expansive nature and learn about the grapes and winemaking traditions nurtured by the Tokachi soil 🎵

At Tokachi Plain Distillery, known for its craft gin, you will observe the distillation process and sample its aromatic gins 😍

The tour concludes with lunch at CAFÉ＆BAR NUPKA 🍴
Pairing three drinks that color the journey—beer, wine, and gin—you will experience Tokachi’s craft alcohol culture with all five senses 🤗

https://tokachibare.jp/sake-museum/news/taxi-tour02-04/

——Guest Review: "I wish I could have stayed a little longer"

A journey embraced by the country’s largest caldera lake.
Encounter nature, indulge in gourmet food, and enjoy the quiet at night.

You can experience all this at Kussharo Prince Hotel.

Reservations are available via the profile URL.
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/

Event Announcement📣

On Sunday, December 14th, the 56th Hiroo Hair Crab Festival will take place😊
This is a gourmet event where you can savor plenty of Hiroo’s fresh seafood!!

The main attraction is a live sale of boiled hair crab prepared in a two-meter cauldron!!
You can also enjoy a hair crab speed-eating contest and delicious stalls offering snow crab miso soup, deep-fried shishamo smelt, seafood curry, and more🎵

At the direct-from-producer market you’ll find seasonal hair crab and shishamo, autumn salmon and hachikaku (sagefish), vegetables, and specialty products from Hiroo as well as local specialties from our sister cities Memuro Town and Saikai City in Nagasaki Prefecture, so please stop by if you like😀

The event’s finale is a fun raffle where Hiroo specialty products are awarded by lottery😍

Come and enjoy the flavors of the season🎶
It’s getting colder, so please dress warmly for the day🤗

https://hiroo-kanko.jp/2025/12/01/56-keganimatsuri/

＼ ＼ 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

“Teshikaga Eco Passport” service confirmed to run in winter 2026🚌💨
The Mashu–Kussharo sightseeing loop bus, Teshikaga Eco Passport, which tours scenic spots around Teshikaga, offers 2-day and 3-day passes—please reserve in advance and make use of them. It’s recommended for those who feel unsure about driving and for anyone who wants to enjoy sightseeing in Teshikaga with ease❣️
For details, see Teshikaga Navi✨
https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/2025winterecopassport/

Midorigaoka Park Observatory in Tomakomai City offers views of the city and Mt. Tarumae from 56 meters above sea level.
Admission is free.
Open hours are 10:00–18:00 in winter and 9:00–21:00 in summer.
On the second floor, a multipurpose lounge hosts concerts and workshops, making it a relaxing spot for residents.
In the observatory plaza you may also encounter wildlife such as Ezo squirrels and Ezo deer ✨🐿🦌

From downtown Kushiro: Mt. Akan-Fuji and Mt. Meakan
Lake Akan in eastern Hokkaido is surrounded by vast, unspoiled nature.
Winter is finally in full swing ☃️ — stay tuned for winter scenery updates!

📢 Notice of Resumed Operations
Asahidake Ropeway will resume service from Thursday, December 11✨
Groomed courses are available in the MtAsahi winter area⛷
Skiing and sliding equipment may be brought into the gondolas and station buildings.

🕘 Hours: 9:00–15:40 (last ascent 15:20)
💴 Fare: Adults ¥2,800 / Children ¥1,750 (round trip)

For the latest information, check the Asahidake Ropeway official website

Hakodate's port at night. This beautiful night view gives the impression of a glittering cityscape, but the streets of Hakodate are not so bustling at night, and it has a peaceful charm. Of course, the real "star" of the show in Hakodate is not the port, but the Goryokaku. It feels incredible to find an advanced iteration of the the European star forts perfected under Vauban appearing unexpectedly in northern Japan. Fascinating history!

Window Art at Kamu
On display until around noon on Friday, December 26th!

📍Roadside Station Nishiokoppe Kamu

Throughout December,
the windows inside the facility are filled with drawings.🖍

With a Christmas and sweets theme,
children from the nursery, elementary and junior high students, and adults have decorated the windows.

The windows beside the karakuri organ
feature impressive works by five villagers!

We hope you enjoy seeing how each piece combines Christmas and sweets.


#Nishiokoppe Village
#Hokkaido
#window art
#Roadside Station
#Kamu
#winter
#Christmas
#sweets
#drawing

Winter break travel to Akanko!
⁡
Akanko dedicated booking site & Marimo Pay
As an opening commemorative campaign
While Marimo Pay normally offers up to 5% points back
we are offering an incredible 10% back for stays during the campaign period!!!!
⁡
With Christmas, New Year and other events packed into winter break
why not spend it at Akanko??
⁡
Book from the link in our profile!!
https://lake-akan.com/marimopay/

Akanko Winter Illumination Giveaway Campaign!!
Today between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Post a photo of the illumination on any social media and show your post to the tourism association counter staff to receive an immediate prize by lottery♪
We do not require any specific hashtag for social media posts, but if you would like to add one, please use
#Akanko Marimo Gate
.

“Midwinter!” Yamabiko Falls Viewing Event—Applications open from Monday, December 8th!

Experience the winter form of Yamabiko Falls, a sight shaped by nature—see it for yourself.

Event dates: Sunday, January 18th, 2026 (Application deadline: January 8th)
Sunday, February 8th, 2026 (Application deadline: January 30th)

Eligibility: Elementary school students and older (Each day limited to 30 participants; minimum number to hold the event: 5)
*Elementary school students must be accompanied by a guardian*

Participation fee: Adults 600 yen; elementary, junior high, and high school students 300 yen

How to apply: Use the QR code on the flyer
(Applications by email, fax, or phone are also accepted)

Inquiries: Engaru Town Board of Education Maruseppu Education Center

TEL 0158-47-2456
FAX 0158-47-3817
e-mail m-kyoui@engaru.jp

We hope you’ll join us♪

Recently, part of Utonai-ko (Lake Utonai) froze over. A swan standing on the ice flaps its wings✨🦢
Roadside Station Utonai Lake, which posts many stunning photos on social media, is open in winter from 9:00 to 17:00.
It offers plenty of delicious local food and goods, so please stop by for a break during winter road trips.
(Image provided by Roadside Station Utonai Lake)

Wakasho Market, a sightseeing spot you can reach in a 5-minute walk.
A popular place within walking distance of Kushiro Prince Hotel.
One of the joys of a trip is creating your own katte-don (original seafood bowl) with your favorite seafood.
Enjoy the distinctive flavors of this port town that bring a smile with every bite.
Finish your visit with a Hokkaido gacha to take home a little travel memory.
https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kushiro/experience/
Reservations can be made from the profile.
【Instagram】
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/


Wakasho Market, one of Kushiro’s must-visit spots, is just a 5-minute walk from Kushiro Prince Hotel.
Here, you can enjoy the fun of creating your own Katte-don—a custom seafood bowl made with your favorite fresh toppings.
Savor the flavors of this charming port town, a taste that’s sure to bring a smile with every bite.
And don’t forget to finish your visit with a Hokkaido Gacha for a memorable little souvenir of your trip.
Reservations are available through the link in our profile.
【Instagram】
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/


Wakasho Market, a sightseeing spot reachable in a 5-minute walk.
You can easily visit this favorite attraction from Kushiro Oji Grand Hotel.
The most popular offering is katte-don—the original seafood bowl you assemble with the seafood you like.
In the fresh flavors unique to a port city, each bite makes you smile without thinking.
Finally, don’t forget to try the Hokkaido capsule toy for a cute memento of your trip.
Reservations can be made via the link in the profile.
【Instagram】
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/


Wakasho Market, a sightseeing spot 5 minutes on foot.
It’s a popular spot easily reached on foot from Kushiro Prince Hotel.
The custom seafood bowl made with your preferred seafood—Katte-don—is a major delight of the trip.
The fresh flavors unique to a port city spread a smile the moment you take a bite.
Finally, spin a Hokkaido gacha to leave a travel memory.
Reservations are available from the profile link.
【Instagram】
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/

The winning entries from the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest are now on display at Kushiro Prince Hotel—come together and enjoy them 📸✨

Period: Today through the end of February
Location: Kushiro Prince Hotel, 1st floor lobby

We are also actively seeking entries for the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest. We look forward to your participation‼︎ (For details, please see Teshikaga Navi)

An update from the “Information Dispatch Bureau” on the Kawayu Onsen website 📝🆙

The Lake Kussharo Trout Fishing Tournament, held on November 15 and 16, took place on the Wakin Peninsula. This report covers how 100 anglers gathered and competed, capturing the excitement of the event. A must-see for fishing enthusiasts! 🎣 Please take a look ✨