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🚗🚶⚠️👟

[Mori no Hall Final Event "Thank You. And Please Continue to Support Us."] Mori no Hall, a hugely popular cafe that draws devoted fans not only from the town but from across Japan, will close its doors on March 30, 2025. To celebrate the finale, shops and artists who have been involved over the years will come together for a two-day event!! ✴︎✴︎ Orchard Grass Venue ✴︎✴︎ On certain days (cafe): Masao Takahata (general goods), Chihiro Nishi (general goods), Ai Kawai (workshop “Draw Forest Animals in Chalk Art!” and general goods) The workshop costs 1,500 yen per session (about 30 minutes). Participants can sign up on site at any time. ✴︎✴︎ Mori no Hall Venue ✴︎✴︎ Mori no Hall (cafe and cakes), gusco (baked sweets), Tegamisha Zakkaten (handmade goods), Mawarimichi (bread and baked sweets), Yoroushi Yamamotobokujo (milk and baked sweets), TEGAMISHA CAFE & BREWERY (desserts and craft beer) Please come and enjoy the event with us! We sincerely look forward to your visit 🧸🍰🍬 Mori no Hall Final Event "Thank You. And Please Continue to Support Us." Saturday, March 22, 2025, 10:00–17:00 and Sunday, March 23, 2025, 10:00–16:00 Venues: Mori no Hall and Orchard Grass (Kawayu Onsen, Hokkaido), area around JR Kawayu-Onsen Station Address: 2-1-2 Kawayu Ekimae, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido Phone: 015-483-2906 (Mori no Hall) Note: Closed days in March are the 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 24th, 25th, and 26th. Please be aware these dates differ from the usual schedule. Illustrated by Masao Takahata

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

Kawayu Onsen Oyster Fair! An oyster fair featuring Akkeshi oysters will take place in Kawayu Onsen at Kawayu Kanko Hotel and O宿 Kinkiyu Bettei Suikazura, running for about one month from March 1. This is your chance to taste oysters shipped directly from the Akkeshi Fisheries Cooperative’s farm shop, a region renowned for its oysters. Enjoy their rich sweetness and plump, springy texture. During the fair, guests at Kawayu Kanko Hotel and O宿 Kinkiyu Bettei Suikazura will receive one original dish using oysters sent directly from the Akkeshi Fisheries Cooperative’s shop in addition to the regular dinner menu. Come and eat the delicious Akkeshi oysters (Tabete), soak in the strongly acidic hot springs (Tsukatte), and revive both body and spirit (Fukkatsu)! We look forward to your reservations!! Tabete Fukkatsu 2025! Akkeshi Oyster Fair in Kawayu Onsen ■ Period: Saturday, March 1, 2025 – Monday, March 31, 2025 * Please note that fair periods vary by facility. ■ Participating facilities: ・Kawayu Kanko Hotel (fair runs through March 31) ・O宿 Kinkiyu Bettei Suikazura (fair runs through March 29) ■ Reservations: Please contact each facility via their official website or by phone. (At Bettei Suikazura, oysters will be offered as part of the buffet plan.)

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)

“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)

Notice Regarding the End of Distribution for the “Tokutoku Coupon 2025” Usable at Kawayu Onsen To all guests staying at Kawayu Onsen, the “Tokutoku Coupon 2025” that we had been distributing has reached its planned quantity and distribution has ended. Thank you very much to everyone who used the coupons.

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!!

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 ☺️⛄️❄️

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)

The Mashu and Kussharo sightseeing loop buses convenient for Teshikaga tourism, the "Teshikaga Eco Passport," will operate this winter 2025 on the following schedule. You can enjoy Teshikaga’s spectacular scenery with peace of mind even in winter. Please make use of this service 🌱🚌 [Operation and Sales Period] January 25, 2025 (Saturday) – March 2, 2025 (Sunday) [Routes] ● Mashu Lake Bus ※Scheduled to run three times a day JR mashu station ⇔ Roadside Station ⇔ Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace ⇔ ⇔ Lake Mashu First Observatory ● Kussharo Bus ※Scheduled to run twice a day JR Kawayu Onsen Station ⇔ Mount Io ⇔ Taiho Sumo Memorial Museum ⇔ ⇔ Nibushi ⇔ Sunayu (sandy hot spring) ⇔ Kotan ⇔ Maruyama ⇔ Toondō ⇔ ⇔ Roadside Station ⇔ JR mashu station [Sales Locations] Onboard limited-time bus sales, Oyado Kinkiyu, Bettei Suikazura, Hotel Parkway, HOSTEL MISATO, Youth Guesthouse Kussharo Plain, Mashu Station Tourist Information (8:30–16:00 / open daily during the period) [Fares] Adult 2-day pass: ¥2,000; 3-day pass: ¥3,000 Child 2-day and 3-day passes: ¥1,000 [Inquiries] Mashu Lake Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association) TEL: 015-482-2200 9:00–17:00 (closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays) For details, check the Teshikaga Navi official site from the profile URL!! 🚌❄️♨️

“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.

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

Sunrise rising from Lake Kussharo seen from Bihoro Pass Before dawn, standing on the Bihoro Pass with a frigid wind of 20 degrees below zero Sunrise rises over Nakanoshima Island on the frozen Lake Kussharo as the eastern sky begins to turn white The coming light illuminates the wind and snow crests

HTB “Machi no on-chan” Tsubetsu Town edition, second episode, aired yesterday — the first broadcast of the year! If you missed it or want to watch it again, please check the program’s YouTube channel! Here are off‑shots from this episode 💁‍♀️ on‑chan boldly ventured into the great outdoors! Where will on walk in Tsubetsu next week? on is looking forward to it — \(o▽n)/

Hello everyone! This is Teshikagacho in Eastern Hokkaido. Winters in Teshikagacho can plunge below −20°C, making it a harsh, frigid place. Yet that cold creates crisp air and reveals breathtaking landscapes. In the early morning, moisture in the air clings to trees and forms frost-covered branches, while the night sky fills with countless stars. Warm up and soothe your chilled body at Kawayu Onsen.

The sea of clouds and the moon halo of Bihoro Pass When the sea of clouds was streaming into Lake Kussharo, the moon showed us a fantastic view. From Bihoro Pass at an Elevation of 252m

I’m Aoki from the Teshikagacho Regional Revitalization Team!! At the Mashu–Shibecha–Tsurui Promotion Board, we ran a 3-day, 2-night monitoring tour for international students from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China attending Japanese language schools, showcasing the winter natural beauty and gastronomy of Eastern Hokkaido. I accompanied the group in Teshikaga from the afternoon of the second day through the final day 😊 For lunch we went to Marukibune, where you can enjoy Ainu cuisine, and had a venison rice bowl called “Yasei-don.” We then visited Retara Chip on the shore of Lake Kussharo for souvenirs and swan spotting, followed by popular spots including Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace and Mount Io MOKMOK Base ✌️ That night we stayed at Oyado Kinkiyu, with the buffet served in a separate building, Honeysuckle♪ Guests enjoyed dishes made with local ingredients and an all-you-can-eat feast of large crab—did they enjoy the crab? 🦀 Afterward we joined a nighttime tour of the hot spring river and learned about Kawayu Onsen♨️ How was the onsen at the ryokan afterward?? 😊 On the final day, after breakfast, we tried a headwater canoe experience guided by Matatabi, the canoe operator🛶 Wearing dry suits, we played by the riverbanks and in the snow, and everyone’s smiles and energy lifted our spirits 😆 Later we took the train from mashu station, ate boxed lunches from the local-ingredient-focused diner and coffee shop Poppotei, and headed to Kushiro Station 🚃𓈒𓂂𓏸 I hope this trip became an unforgettable experience for everyone 🙏 I, Aoki, also learned a great deal ✨ Thank you very much.

Hello everyone, this is Teshikaga Town!! Today we have news about the "Round-Trip Bus Ticket" for those who want to enjoy Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo in the winter season - ̗̀📣 Why not ride the bus to see Teshikaga’s winter scenery?✨ Please scan the QR code in the photo for details *^^* #Hokkaido #East Hokkaido #Doto #Teshikaga #Teshikaga Town #Bus #Frozen Surface #Round-Trip Bus #Lake Mashu #Lake Kussharo #Winter #Snow

Nice to meet you! Tsubetsu Tourism Association is pleased to introduce itself. Tsubetsu Town in Abashiri District, Hokkaido, with a population of about 4,100 people (as of 2023), lies in eastern Hokkaido and is a nature-rich town where about 80% of the town’s area is covered by forest. In this first post for the Cool Japan video series, we present the charms of Tsubetsu Town, blessed with vast natural landscapes! Tsubetsu’s climate features hot summers and very cold winters influenced by drifting sea ice. The town sees low precipitation and ranks among the nation’s leaders in clear days and sunshine hours. Here is how to access Tsubetsu Town. By plane, it takes about 1 hour 50 minutes from Haneda Kuukou to Memanbetsu Airport. From New Chitose Airport, the flight to Memanbetsu Airport takes about 45 minutes. If you use the JR limited express, travel from JR Hokkaido Sapporo Station to Kitami Station takes about 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours. By bus, the Highway Bus Dreaming Okhotsk runs from Sapporo Station to Kitami Station in about 5 hours. By car, it takes about 5 hours from Sapporo Station to Tsubetsu Town. Surrounded by abundant forest, Tsubetsu Town is certified as a Forest Therapy BaseⓇ in recognition of the scientifically proven healing effects of forests! The Tsubetsu Townspeople's Forest Natural Park, affectionately known by residents as Nonno-no-mori, allows forest walks year-round. Adjacent to Nonno-no-mori, the Nonno-no-Mori Nature Center offers various guided tours where visitors can easily experience Forest TherapyⓇ and other activities. (Reservations required) Tsubetsu Town has many popular tourist spots; here are some especially recommended highlights! Lake Kussharo, a caldera lake formed when a volcano erupted and created a large depression that later filled with rainwater, is a must-see. On the outer rim of the Kussharo caldera sits Tsubetsu Pass; the Tsubetsu Pass Observatory, at 947 meters elevation, is the highest observation facility in the area and offers spectacular views not only of Lake Kussharo but also the Sea of Okhotsk, the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range, and sea-of-clouds scenery. The season to see the sea of clouds runs from June through autumn. Many photographers visit to capture the beautiful panorama of sunrise and the sea of clouds. Aioi Railway Park, created from the former site of Former Kitami Aioi Station, preserves rare historic rolling stock such as KiHa 22 and Suhafu 16, making it a delight for railway enthusiasts. The old station building houses Ekishacafe Horoka, where visitors can enjoy freshly roasted coffee and sweets made with local ingredients. Roadside Station Aioi Aioi Bussankan, set in the forest, is ideal for savoring local cuisine and finding lovely souvenirs. The adjoining Kumayaki House sells freshly baked local specialty Kumayaki and can draw queues on holidays. Inside the Roadside Station, the Product Promotion Center offers Tsubetsu specialties and handmade goods such as handcrafted tofu and 100% buckwheat soba. Cute Kumayaki merchandise is also available. Tsubetsu Town offers a variety of campgrounds where you can fully enjoy nature. 21st Century Forest Campground, close to the town center, features spacious grassy campsites. With many playgrounds for children, it’s popular with families. The Tsubetsu River runs through the area, offering fishing and water play. A one-night stay costs 500 yen per tent. Other fees may apply depending on conditions, so please check the official website before visiting. The season runs from May 1 to October 31 (may vary depending on weather and other conditions). Chimikeppu Lake Campsite is a free campground on the shores of Lake Chimikeppu, surrounded by primeval forest. On the north side of Lake Chimikeppu is a Wild Bird Park, where birdwatching is possible. In the surrounding area you’ll also find a Bird Observation Center, an arboretum, hotels, and walking trails. The season runs from mid-May to the end of October (may vary depending on weather and other conditions. Note that auto camping is not permitted). Next, we introduce Tsubetsu Town’s proud local foods! Tsubetsu focuses on specially cultivated and organic onions. When cooked, these onions become sweeter and are less likely to fall apart, which characterizes Tsubetsu-grown onions. Tsubetsu Wagyu is a celebrated local beef brand. Raised on rice straw and barley straw, Tsubetsu Wagyu has well-balanced marbling and a juicy flavor; recommended preparations include yakiniku and sukiyaki. Onions and Tsubetsu Wagyu are also available through Tsubetsu Town’s hometown tax donation program. Tsubetsu Town offers many comfortable hotels where you can relax amid beautiful nature. With lakes, forests, and mountains, Tsubetsu Town lets you enjoy the blessings of Hokkaido’s nature. Come and experience the unique charms of Tsubetsu Town and create unforgettable travel memories. We will continue to bring you more information about Tsubetsu Town in the future. Thank you for your attention!

Introducing the post COOL JAPAN VIDEOS official social media account "Lake Mashu Tourism Association"! Teshikaga Town, Hokkaido, is a town with popular tourist spots such as Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo. Located in the eastern part of Hokkaido, the scattered hot springs are also one of the attractions. Among them, we recommend Kawayu Onsen, which has a "100% free-flowing declaration". Agriculture is thriving, and you can also enjoy gourmet foods such as dairy cows, potatoes, mashu soba noodles, mashu melons, mangoes, and strawberries. ◆Teshikaga Town, Hokkaido◆ 【Address】Teshikaga Town, Hokkaido 【Access】About 1 hour and 10 minutes by car from Tancho Kushiro Airport

Hello everyone! This is the Mashu Lake Tourism Association. We will introduce many highlights and ways to enjoy Teshikaga in Hokkaido to viewers of Cool Japan Video! First, can everyone read the name "Teshikaga"? It is pronounced "Teshikaga". When people think of Hokkaido, Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo come to mind as popular spots visited by many tourists, and both lakes are located in Teshikaga. Lake Mashu spreads out in a deep blue and is known as the sacred lake. Its blue surface is called Mashu Blue and boasts the highest transparency in Japan and ranks among the world’s very clearest lakes. To fully enjoy this beautiful lake surface, we recommend visiting the observatories. The Lake Mashu First Observatory is the most popular lookout, attracting about one million visitors a year. It has a large parking lot and rest house with restrooms, so you can stop by to take a break. The Lake Mashu Third Observatory and Uramashu Observatory also offer free parking and let you see different faces of Lake Mashu. From the Lake Mashu First Observatory and the Lake Mashu Third Observatory, when luck and weather conditions are favorable, the entire lake can be covered in fog, and the settled mist can appear as a sea of clouds. Lake Kussharo is one of the world’s largest caldera lakes and the largest caldera lake in Japan (a lake formed when a volcanic crater filled with water after an eruption). Numerous natural hot springs gush out along the lakeshore, so you can enjoy hot springs in open-air baths and saunas that make the most of nature, as well as in large hotels. In summer you can fully enjoy water sports such as camping, canoeing, and sailing. Across the great outdoors of Teshikaga you can also enjoy activities like horseback riding, golf, fishing, cycling, and dairy farm experiences. When you visit Teshikaga, please also savor the town’s local specialties and gourmet foods. These include Mashu Soba, known as the prized "phantom soba" for its careful quality; Mashu Melon, in season from early to late August; potatoes packed with the bounty of the land; and popular products from Teshikaga farms such as Mashu Pork and Mashu Wagyu. Teshikaga in Hokkaido is conveniently accessible by car—about 75 minutes from Kushiro Airport and about 70 minutes from Memanbetsu Airport. Please come and enjoy the vast nature of Teshikaga. Through Cool Japan Video, we will continue to bring you attractions and travel information about Teshikaga, Lake Mashu, and Lake Kussharo, so please follow us if you like!