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 ⚠️

Tree Ice and Mt. Kamagatake Aerial view of Mt. Kamagatake through the ice at the summit of the Mt. Gozaisho Ropeway. There is a faint shah and the atmosphere is and. Shot on Mavic 3 2025/1 Mie Prefecture Komono-cho Gozaishodake Ropeway * Aerial photography with permission * Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Comprehensive Flight Permit has been obtained. * Notification of flight plan and preparation of flight log book

❄️ Introducing Photos Submitted to Winter Gokase 2025 — Part 1 ❄️ We are showcasing photos submitted to the Winter Gokase 2025 contest, currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account 🤩🎉 @goto0619 @thusandleavis *Order is not indicative of ranking* These shots capture everyday moments in wintertime Gokase Town with a nostalgic feel 😌✨ Thank you for your submissions!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Over the past few days, daytime temperatures in Gokase Town have often felt mild ☀️ But it is still winter! In the mornings frost has turned gardens completely white. Here are places that froze over. You can even see animal tracks in the remaining snow! Please feel free to share any simple winter discoveries with us in the same easygoing spirit — we look forward to your entries!!! How to Enter (Submission Period through February 28) Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags "Winter Gokase 2025" and the name of the shooting location (for example: Uno no Ko Falls) along with your photo 📸 ※Snow accumulation and icy roads can be dangerous. When taking photos, please ensure your safety and take care to avoid accidents ⚠️

Daan Town Winter Scenery The Sangi Railway running in the snow with Mt. Fujiwara in the background Daian Town, Inabe City, Mie Prefecture January 2025

The Mountain Name 🏔 Omachi City has enjoyed several sunny days recently, and daytime temperatures have been relatively warm for this season☀️ The mountains look striking against the blue sky🏔 The mountain range visible from Omachi City is officially the Hida Mountains, commonly called the Northern Alps. From the Toyama Prefecture side it lies behind the Tateyama Range, so it is also referred to as the Ushered Tateyama Range (Ushiro-Tateyama Range)😌 Personally, it seems that the informal name "Northern Alps" has gained popular acceptance among residents on the Omachi side😊 ⭐️Official website "Shinano Omachi Navi"⭐️ https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp//

[ Taiki Town ’s Unremarkable Scenery — Winter ] To residents it’s an ordinary view, but looking again reveals the quiet beauty of Taiki Town’s landscape! This photo shows an evening scene from mid‑January this year. There’s surprisingly little snow…! Wide skies and open land, a straight road, and neatly aligned windbreak trees are my favorite points. Find more Taiki Town tourist information here!↓ https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp//

Mild Seven Hill that you visit every time you go to Biei There are two, and this is the hill of the new Mild Seven. All seasons are beautiful, but the snowy scenery in winter is the best. Especially in the afternoon when the sun goes down

This is a photo I took when I went to Asahikawa on a business trip! I got off the JR and made a mistake at the exit I was supposed to exit, and I was impatient for a moment, but I could see the pure white scenery from the window, and I went out thinking "??" ...! It was ❄️✨ a ridiculously nice sight I didn't expect to encounter such a wonderful scene behind the JR station, so I was 🤣 really glad that I made a mistake at the exit

A cold morning so chilly even the Takase River froze ☀️ This morning Omachi City woke to a bitter cold that neared double-digit negatives ❄️ A thin layer of ice lined the banks of the Takase River 🧊 The Northern Alps, once hidden by clouds, gradually came into view 🏔 The sky cleared to blue, making it a perfect day for winter fun like skiing, snowboarding, and sledding ⛷🏂🛷 Omachi City activities are below 🔽🔽🔽 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/spot/spot_cat/cat02/...

2025 (2025 (Reiwa 7)) Gari operation schedule information This year as well, we will operate a shuttle bus connecting city tourist facilities, popular souvenir shops, and hotels to coincide with the drift ice season. 【Highlights and Attractions】 ☆ Ice Sea Observation Tower "Okhotsk Tower" with a 360-degree view, and "Drift Ice Sightseeing Boat Gari Nko-go" that proceeds exciting while rotating a drill in the sea covered with drift ice ☆ At Japan's only protection facilities specializing in seal, you can see cute seal up close. ☆ In addition to learning about drift ice and the Sea of Okhotsk, you can touch real drift ice in a world with a temperature of 20 degrees below zero. ☆ Activities such as walking skiing, including indoor playground equipment popular with children, can be experienced at "Okhotsk Drift Ice Park (Aozora Exchange Hall)" * The shuttle bus to Drift Ice Park operates Traditional Japanese straw raincoat only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays in February, where you can experience snow Rafting. In addition, we will visit popular Souvenir shops and hotels in Monbetsu. Summary frequently asked questions about drift ice tourism, so please see here as well. [Operation period] January 17 ~ January 31 Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only February 1st ~ February 28th Daily operation (Note: Operating hours change on Weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) March 1st ~ March 31st Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only * Cash payment only

Kushiro Marsh in winter Frost covers the trees, the Kushiro River meanders widely, and the marshland becomes a snowfield of silver and white If you look closely, you can see a herd of deer grazing under the snow in the frozen marshland Feel the workings of Nature

SL Winter Marshland running again this year! The SL Winter Marshland is an SL sightseeing train Car that makes one round trip per day on weekends between Kushiro and Shibecha on the Kusami Main Line. Boarding can also be reserved. Please come and see the brave figure running through the white and silver Kushiro Marshland.

Kitahama Station on the Kusami Main Line along the Sea of Okhotsk Looking at the peaks of the Shiretoko Peninsula in the distance over the Sea of Okhotsk This is the station closest to the Sea of Okhotsk Drift ice is about to come ashore

With the silver Shiretoko mountain range in the background, the Kusami Main Line runs along the Sea of Okhotsk This is a hill between the Kusami Main Line and Hamakoshimizu A large view of the Shiretoko mountain range over the Sea of Okhotsk The Car on the Kusami Main Line goes along the Sea of Okhotsk Drift ice has not yet docked

This year's eastern province experienced record low snowfall. Preparing for winter Events, Held in The people involved are nervous. There is also a Haru elm tree in Toyokoro Town The ground came out in some places. It's no longer a snowy field. It seems that it will accumulate a few centimeters tonight. It's like water on a burnt stone.

Horse chase at Tokachi Ranch Winter at Tokachi Ranch, a horse chase with horses running through snowy baba in winter

Harunire at dawn The sun rises from the frigid snowfield, and the Sunrise illuminates Harunire