The grapes in the TokachigawaOnsen Guide Center garden are changing color and will be ready to harvest soon! I picked one and it was sweet 😍 It looks like the hot summer gave this year’s crop a great outcome ✨

Introducing the post of the "Higashikawa Tourism Association" COOL JAPAN VIDEOS official social media account! Higashikawa, Hokkaido is a town located in the center of Hokkaido. Natural water from melting snow is used for rice, vegetables, restaurants, and other daily water in the town. The hot springs in Daisetsuzan National Park are also one of the attractions.

What do you think this is, sitting at the entrance of the tourist information center? The answer is a sub-bituminous peat layer that forms the base of the moor hot spring. It was created by the accumulation of reeds and other plants that once grew along the Tokachigawa riverside in ancient times. Plant-based moor hot spring water wells up through this peat layer. The humic substances (humin) in the peat combined with alkalinity create a silky, mild water quality, which is why it’s called a beauty bath. Moor hot springs are also registered as a Hokkaido Heritage; please come and experience them 🥰

Nice to meet everyone who watched the COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Okhotsk Ozora Town Tourism Association that disseminates attractive information about Hokkaido Ozora Town. Ozora Town is a town located in the east of Hokkaido and was formed in 2006 by the merger of Memanbetsu Town and Higashi Mokoto Village. In this first post, we will introduce the highlights of the Ozora Town. Enjoy! We will introduce how to access Hokkaido Ozora Town. 【Access by plane】 ◯ Tokyo Haneda Airport 〜 Memanbetsu Airport ... Approx. 1 hour 50 minutes ◯ Sapporo New Chitose Airport 〜 Memanbetsu Airport ... Approx. 50 minutes ◯ Osaka・Kansai International Airport 〜 Memanbetsu Airport ... Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes 【Access by train】 ◯ JR Sapporo Station 〜 JR Memanbetsu Station ... About 5 hours 30 minutes by "Limited Express Okhotsk" / JR Asahikawa Station ~ JR Memanbetsu Station...About 3 hours 30 minutes by "Limited Express Oyuki" ◯ Sapporo 〜 Memanbetsu ... Approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes by intercity bus "Dreamint Okhotsk" reservation required Hokkaido Ozora Town has a climate with a large temperature difference, so it is recommended to check the weather forecast when planning a trip. Since there is little precipitation throughout the year, there are many sunny days, making it perfect for sightseeing! In summer, the average temperature is around 20°C, making it a comfortable climate. Snowfall in winter is from late October to late April. The minimum temperature can be -27°C, and the cold is severe in the region. A Ozora Town where you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons! From here, we will introduce the sightseeing spots. With the arrival of warm spring, the Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park Higashimokoto moss phlox Park, where the beautiful pink carpet of the moss phlox spreads, is a popular moss phlox spot. The park has an observatory, a pink torii gate, and a sightseeing wheel. The picturesque scenery in the vast park is a must-see! Flowering time around May ~ early June In summer, the vast sunflower field is in full bloom, and yellow flowers spread out like the sun. "Tomap River Park" is the earliest sunflower field in the Ozora Town. It is located about 10 minutes by car from Memanbetsu Airport and has good access. Flowering time: mid ~ late July Asahigaoka Park, which is famous for enjoying sunflowers for a long time, is a popular spot for the superb view from the observatory. From the observatory, you can overlook Lake Abashiri, Mt. Shari, and the Shiretoko mountain range. Flowering time: late July ~ mid-September The sunflower field next to Memanbetsu Airport is a hot place in social media where you can take pictures of airplanes and sunflowers! You can enjoy about 400,000 sunflowers. Flowering time: early ~ late August Since it is located next to Memanbetsu Airport, you can take pictures as if an airplane is taking off and landing in a sunflower field. "Roadside Station NonkyLand Higashimokoto" with a hotel is also a popular spot! At the shop, you can enjoy local flavors such as souvenirs, local specialties, "juicy meat buns" of Hokkaido beef and long potatoes. It is also possible to stay at "Hotel Higashimokoto" in the Roadside Station. You can choose from twin, DLX twin, and Japanese-style rooms. There are no hot springs in the hotel, but there is a hot spring facility "Fureai Center Phlox" about 2 minutes by car from the hotel or about 9 minutes on foot, equipped with a whirlpool bath and sauna. You can slowly heal the fatigue of traveling. Located about 10 minutes by car from Memanbetsu Airport, "Meruhen no Oka" is also a popular tourist destination that cannot be missed. It is a famous spot for its fairytale scenery lined with seven larches. The vast countryside spreads out and you can enjoy the picturesque scenery. One of the highlights is the nearby Roadside Station "Meruhen no Oka Memanbetsu"! There is a corner selling freshly caught locally and a local product corner, and you can enjoy gourmet food using local ingredients such as "Ozora pork shabu long modon" at the on-site restaurant. There is also a free "dog run" where dogs can easily play. Mt. Mokoto, where you can enjoy the rich nature, is also a recommended tourist destination. It has been selected as one of the national "Nature 100 Selections". The altitude is about 1000m, so you can easily enjoy trekking! One of the highlights is the spring water near the 8th station, the famous water "Ginrei Water". Next, we will introduce the hot spring facilities in Ozora Town. If you want to enjoy hot springs in Ozora Town, we recommend the town-run public bath facility "Memanbetsu Agricultural Structure Improvement Center Himawari Onsen"! You can easily enjoy the hot springs flowing directly from the source with a day trip bath. The hot water is abundant and the spring quality is sodium bicarbonate chloride spring, which has effects such as neuralgia, sensitivity to cold, and recovery from fatigue. We deliver essential gourmet information for your trip to Ozora Town! Ozora Town's proud local gourmet "Ozora pork shabu long modon" is a must-eat! At Nagashimaya, you can enjoy a bowl with an original kimchi-flavored sauce based on the return of soba sauce. Ozora Town's two major summer events ♬♬ are "Memanbetsu Sightseeing Summer Festival" and "Nonkeyland Furusato Festival" This year, the Tourism Summer Festival was held from July 29 Sat to 30 Sun, 2023. The summer festival, which was held for the first time in four years, was a great success with fireworks on the water! The Hometown Festival was also held for the first time in four years. The race to roll large grass rolls and compete was a great success. In Hokkaido Ozora Town, there is still plenty of recommended information such as beautiful nature, sightseeing spots, and fresh seafood gourmet. We will continue to introduce the charm of Hokkaido Ozora Town, so thank you!

I spent a holiday trying river SUP with TokachigawaOnsen’s Tokachi Nature Center!! The weather was great — perfect for SUP♪ It was my first time on a SUP, but the clear, easy-to-follow instruction let me enjoy it to the fullest! Be sure to try a SUP experience at Tokachi Nature Center, everyone♪

Hello everyone! This is the Industry Promotion Division of Oketo Town Hall. We will share the charms of Oketo Town, Hokkaido, with viewers of the Cool Japan video series, so thank you for joining us! For this first post, we’d like to introduce what kind of town Oketo is and highlight its attractions. Oketo Town in Tokoro District, Hokkaido, is a peaceful town surrounded by beautiful nature in eastern Hokkaido, with a population of 2,669 as of January 31, 2023. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to meet warm-hearted locals and feel the town’s community spirit. Oketo’s climate features large temperature differences between day and night and relatively little snowfall and rainfall. Access to Oketo is easiest by combining plane and car. From Memanbetsu Airport (Oozora-cho), it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car, making for a pleasant drive through nature. By bus, take Hokkaido Kitami Bus (Memanbetsu Airport line) from Memanbetsu Airport (Oozora-cho) to Kitami Bus Terminal (Kitami City), then transfer to the Rikubetsu line at Kitami Bus Terminal to reach Oketo; the total trip takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Next, here are some of Oketo’s sights and things to enjoy that show different faces through the seasons. ● Lake Oketo and Kanoko Dam Lake Oketo is an artificial lake created by the Kanoko Dam. The lake’s shoreline stretches 13.4 km and is home to many wild birds and native plants, making it a notable scenic spot. You can also enjoy fishing at Lake Oketo. In summer you can catch yamabe (landlocked salmon) and amemasu (rainbow trout), and from late December to mid-February you can try wakasagi (pond smelt) fishing. Since no rental fishing gear is available, please bring your own rods and tents. ● Rainbow Falls Downstream from Kanoko Dam, the Kanokozawa area unfolds with magnificent natural beauty. One highlight is Rainbow Falls, which plunges 13 meters and looks like a painting. Trees and flowers surround the falls, making it a popular spot for photographers. In winter, Rainbow Falls is lit up and icefall tours are held. ● Okecraft Center "Shinrin Kogeikan" Okecraft is Oketo’s local craft brand. The craft movement began in 1983 by combining the local bent-wood bucket tradition called oke with Oketo’s name and the idea of craft. Twenty-four individual workshops in Oketo produce everyday tableware and other items. Okecraft products are also available for purchase on the website. At the Shinrin Kogeikan, you can see and buy Okecraft pieces and other locally made products such as plant-dyed textiles, and you can observe the production process and tour the facility. Okecraft is also a popular gift choice for Oketo’s hometown tax donation program. Wooden items made from Ezo spruce, like paired bowls and smoothly finished cutlery, showcase a warm wooden texture. Please check the various hometown tax websites for details. ● Oketo Katsuyama Onsen Yuuyu Oketo Katsuyama Onsen Yuuyu is a facility offering lodging, hot springs, dining, and sightseeing all in one. There are four cottages available, and a free BBQ area adds a camping feel. Inside the facility you’ll find a restaurant and a café corner; weekday lunch specials are recommended. For day-trip visitors, the facility offers hot spring water flowing directly from the Katsuyama Onsen source. Enjoy the large communal bath, reclining baths, an open-air bath, a pottery bath, and a dry-style sauna. The area around the facility is also rich in attractions, including Lake Oketo. ● Minamigaoka Ski Area In winter, the ski area is another enjoyable option. Minamigaoka Ski Area offers affordable lift tickets: 1,040 yen for adults and 520 yen for children (junior high school age and under) for a day pass. With runs ranging from beginner to advanced, skiers of all levels can have a great time. Come experience Oketo Town’s natural charms and local hospitality for yourself. We will continue to share information about Oketo Town on this account. Thank you and we look forward to your interest!

Nice to meet you, Kitami City Tourism Association! Kitami City, an attractive tourist destination in the eastern part of Hokkaido, was created 2006 Heisei 18 the merger of Kitami City, Hatano Town, Tokoro Town, and Rubeshibe Town. In the future, this account will introduce plenty of charms of Kitami City! Thank you in advance. Kitami is the largest city in the Okhotsk region. It is home to about 120,000 people. The climate and weather in Kitami City are mild with little influence from typhoons and the rainy season. In addition, the average temperature is basically low throughout the year, and in winter the minimum temperature can be minus 30 degrees Celsius, but in summer it can be more than 30 degrees Celsius due to the fane phenomenon. For access to Kitami City, Hokkaido, we recommend using Memanbetsu Airport. It takes about 45 minutes from New Chitose Airport to Memanbetsu Airport. It takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes from Haneda Airport to Memanbetsu Airport, and about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Kansai International Airport to Memanbetsu Airport. In addition, you can get to Kitami City from Memanbetsu Airport in about 40 minutes by car or bus. Kitami City is full of sightseeing spots full of attractions. Next, we will introduce carefully selected sights from among them. Kitami City has the world's longest history of mint production from the Taisho era to the early Showa era. The "Kitami Mint Memorial Museum" is a museum that tells the history of the museum. Videos of Kitami Thin-Loaded and a diorama of the Kitami Thin-Cargo Factory, the only mint refining factory built in Hokkaido, are on display. In addition, at the adjacent "Thin Cargo Distillery Hall", mint distillation demonstrations are held, and you can actually experience the scent of mint. There is also a herb garden around the memorial hall, where you can enjoy about 70 kinds of seasonal scents. The Pearson Memorial Hall, which was selected as a Hokkaido Heritage Site in 2001, was the last base of activities of Mr. and Mrs. Pearson, American missionaries who worked for the development of Hokkaido during the Taisho era. The memorial, where the Pearsons lived for 15 years, is now open to the public as a place to preserve the records of their pioneering. Through the historical buildings and exhibits, please enjoy the culture and history of Kitami City! An indispensable spot when traveling is a roadside station. At Roadside Station Onneyu Onsen, you can enjoy meals made with local ingredients while soaking in the hot springs to heal the fatigue of your trip. When you arrive at the roadside station Onneyu Onsen, the first thing you see is the Karakuri Pigeon Clock Tower "Kamu Forest", a symbol tower with a height of about 20 meters. It runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the hour and plays fairytale music. You can also enter the tower! The facility is full of attractions, such as the "Kamurin Shop" that sells and exhibits local specialties, and the "Craft Experience Workshop" woodworking experience room. In addition, the "Northern Land Aquarium Mountain Aquarium," which opened in July 2012 Heisei 24, is an attractive aquarium that incorporates innovative exhibition methods, such as the "Waterfall Basin Tank" that looks up at the waterfall basin from below and the "Four Seasons Tank" that reproduces a river that freezes in the cold. Nikoro Hakka Park, located along Route 7, is a vast park with an area of about 40,000 m². From late July to late August, the cold-resistant perennial herb "Ezo Misohagi" blooms all over the place. One of the highlights is the private residence of Yaichi Igarashi, who was a merchant in the early Showa period, "Hakka Goten" in the park! The historic mansion built by one master at that time over a period of three years is a must-see. The precious natural park "Tokoro Ruins Forest" where the ruins of the Jomon period remain is also a spot where you can feel the history of Kitami City! It is maintained and managed in cooperation with the Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology of the University of Tokyo and Tokoro Town. In the "Tokoro Center for Buried Cultural Properties" section of the park, models of the houses and lifestyles at that time are exhibited. Outside, the pit dwelling building has also been restored. "North Fox Farm" where you can interact with adorable red foxes is also a popular tourist attraction! It is the only zoo in Japan where red foxes and Ezo raccoon dogs coexist in free-range areas. Please spend a heartwarming time interacting with foxes nurtured in a natural environment. If you want to heal the fatigue of your trip, we recommend the Onneyu Onsen area, a hot spring village that spreads around the roadside station Onneyu Onsen! In addition to accommodation facilities such as hotels and inns, there are also facilities where you can enjoy day trip bathing. There are three hot springs in the hot spring village: Onneyu Onsen, a simple sulfur hot spring hypotonic alkaline high hot spring, Takinoyu Onsen, an alkaline simple hot spring hypotonic alkaline high hot spring, and Ponyu Onsen, an alkaline simple hot spring relaxed hypotonic hot spring. Please enjoy the hot spring that flows directly from the source that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Next, we will introduce the gourmet food unique to Kitami City, which is characterized by the deliciousness of the rich earth and fresh ingredients! Kitami yakiniku Kitami yakiniku grilled meat, which is grilled over a charcoal grill and eaten with raw sauce, is a Kitami gourmet that cannot be missed. Kitami is also known for having the largest number of yakiniku restaurants in Hokkaido. "Okhotsk Kitami Shioyaki Soba" is a gem filled with the umami flavor of Kitami onions and scallops caught in Okhotsk. Okhotsk Beer, which is made with 100% malt from Okhotsk, continues to be loved by locals. Please enjoy our special local beer handmade by our own manufacturing method! Also, you can't miss the sweets in Kitami City. Kitami City is full of long-established Japanese confectionery shops! There are also sweets using mint and are perfect as souvenirs. Kitami City is a wonderful city with abundant nature, historical sights, delicious gastronomy, and much more. Please enjoy the charm of Kitami City and experience a wonderful trip that will be memorable. In COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, we will deliver the charm of Kitami City to the fullest, so please look forward to it!

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video, nice to meet you! We are the Higashikawa Tourism Association. We will share attractive tourism information about Higashikawa-cho in Hokkaido, home to Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan’s largest national park, on Cool Japan Video, so please look forward to it! Higashikawa-cho sits in central Hokkaido and overflows with natural blessings. It enjoys excellent access, about a 10-minute drive from Asahikawa Airport to the town center. Uniquely for Japan, Higashikawa-cho does not have a public water supply system. Beautiful natural water formed by Daisetsuzan’s snowmelt seeping deep into the ground serves as the town’s domestic water and is used in many places, including restaurants. Agriculture benefits from these abundant water resources, producing delicious rice and vegetables with exceptional flavor. One of Higashikawa-cho’s charms is its proud hot springs. Higashikawa-cho has two hot spring areas, Asahidake Onsen and Tenninkyo Onsen, both located within Daisetsuzan National Park. Around Asahidake Onsen there is no typical hot-spring town; the landscape is carefully managed with height limits and spacing regulations. Day-trip bathing is available, so please stop by during mountain climbs or hikes. You can luxuriate in the hot spring while soaking in the natural scenery. Tenninkyo Onsen is also popular for its reputed benefits for diabetes and arteriosclerosis. Two hot-spring facilities operate there, and as of June 2023 both lodging and day-trip bathing are available. Nearby you can enjoy Hagoromo Falls, selected as one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls. Beyond hot springs, Higashikawa-cho offers many attractive spots where you can feel nature’s breath. - Asahidake Visitor Center Opened in 2019, Asahidake Visitor Center provides information on the nature of Daisetsuzan National Park and guided tours. You can view a diorama of the spectacular viewpoints for mountain climbing. Seasonal exhibits, AR displays, and VR goggles allow a virtual experience of the Daisetsuzan mountains. - Daisetsu Asahidake Gensui Park This park is the source of Higashikawa-cho’s natural water, rich in calcium and minerals. You can freely collect spring water that Daisetsuzan’s snowmelt naturally filtered over centuries. - Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway The roughly 10-minute aerial ride from the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway Sanroku Station at 1,100 meters to Sugatami Station at 1,600 meters offers grand panoramic views and seasonal scenery. From the ropeway, beginners can enjoy a trekking course of about one hour. The hike to Asahidake’s summit takes about two hours from here, and the peak rewards you with a 360-degree panorama including the Tokachi Mountain Range, MtAshibetsu, and Mt. Shokanbetsu. - Canmore Ski Village (Kitoushi Forest Park) This ski area is inside Kitoushi Forest Park, a 15-minute drive from Asahikawa Airport. With six courses, it caters to beginners through advanced skiers and is popular with many international visitors. Kitoushi Forest Park also has a campsite and cottages, so overnight stays are possible. - Lake Chubetsu At the foot of Daisetsuzan National Park, Lake Chubetsu offers canoeing experiences. You can enjoy seasonal vistas from fresh greenery to autumn colors and snow-capped scenes. Local guides support participants, so even first-timers can join with confidence. Higashikawa-cho’s population is about 8,400 people (as of June 2023). Thanks to strong child-rearing support and convenient access from the airport, the town has seen an increase in residents in recent years. Its rich natural environment makes it an ideal place for a stress-free life. The Higashikawa Town Immigration Experience lets people live here for three months up to one year. The town operates a municipal Japanese language school, and around 600 foreign residents live here, with strong support for international students. Higashikawa-cho is a place full of nature’s gifts. Aiming to be a photograph-friendly town with beautiful seasonal nature, it has declared itself the Photo Town, the photography culture capital. Higashikawa-cho offers abundant natural environments, hot springs, delicious food, and the warmth of local people. We will continue to bring you plenty of charming information about Higashikawa-cho in Hokkaido, so thank you for your support.

Nice to meet you! This is the Niseko Resort Tourism Association. It is also a resort area where you can enjoy the beautiful nature of the four seasons and various activities "Hokkaido Niseko Town Niseko Cho"! This time, we will deliver attractive information focusing on how to enjoy Niseko in summer. Niseko Town is currently operating the "Sky Bus Niseko" to visit the famous places of Niseko Town for a limited time! Skybus Niseko is a double-decker tourist bus that has no roof and is open. Recommended information for those who are considering a trip to Niseko in the summer! ●Operation period: July 15 Sat ~ September 3 Sun, 2023 ●Route introduction Road Station Niseko View Plaza⇒ Niseko Station⇒ Milk Kobo Niseko Takahashi Ranch⇒Hilton Niseko Village⇒ Kabayama Kita Lupicia⇒Hirafu Cross Street⇒Hirafu Welcome Center⇒ Yamada Intersection⇒Niseko Hanazono Resort ⇒ Kutchan Station Skybus Niseko "Niseko Panorama-go" runs between "Roadside Station Niseko View Plaza" ~ "Kutchan Ekimae". Also, one of the attractions is that you can get on and off from any stop! During the operation, an automatic voice guide and attendant will guide you through the charm of each spot. There is no doubt that you can enjoy a relaxing time while overlooking the beautiful nature, local food, and scenery that changes depending on the season! Multi-use tickets are a set of 3 Adults 1500 yen junior high school students and older, children 750 yen elementary school students. Preschoolers are free of charge only on the lap, but if they occupy a seat, they will be charged a child fee. In addition, "electronic tickets" that can be purchased on the website can be purchased at a 10% discount. It is recommended because you can easily get on the bus by touching it with your smartphone when riding. In addition, Kutchan and Niseko residents have an advance purchase discount, so please be sure to purchase at the paper ticket sales office. Not applicable to electronic tickets Paper tickets are sold at Roadside Station Niseko View Plaza and other designated tourist information centers. Only electronic tickets are available, and unlimited ride passes are also sold. [ONE DAY PASS 2,000 YEN, WEEKLY PASS - 5,500 YEN, SEASON FREE PASS - 39,000 YEN]. ◆Please check the official website for ticket details. Also, if it is in the gauge, only small dogs can ride together. Here are some of the sights on the Skybus Niseko route! ◎Niseko Takahashi Farm Milk Workshop It is a ranch where you can enjoy the superb view of Mt. Yotei, one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan. At Milk Kobo, you can enjoy sweets with a gentle taste such as soft-serve ice cream, gelato, special cream puffs, and roll cakes made with fresh milk! In addition, there are restaurants, cheese factories, yogurt workshops, cacao crowns cacao workshops, etc. around the milk workshop. ◎Niseko Hanazono Resort It is a tourist destination with activities and accommodations depending on the season. In addition to marine activities such as kayaking, fishing rental, and rafting, you can also enjoy horseback riding and cycling. At the mega zipline of "Hanazono ZIPFLIGHT", you can experience one of the largest zip tours in Asia! Experience an active time while enjoying a sense of unity with nature. The climate of Niseko is inland, so the summer is characterized by low humidity and easy to spend. When using "Skybus Niseko", it may be a good idea to have one to wear. Niseko is a town where you can enjoy the blessings of nature and refresh your mind and body. We will continue to post the charm of Niseko, so thank you for your continued support!

🎶This weekend finally brings TOMAKOMAI MIRAI FEST🎶 On Saturday, September 2nd and Sunday, September 3rd, TOMAKOMAI MIRAI FEST will take place at Kirakira Park!! 🥳🎊 The venue is gradually coming together!! 🙋‍♀️

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan! We are the Taiki Tourism Association. On this account, we will share appealing information to make you want to visit Taiki Town in Hokkaido. We look forward to connecting with you! In this first post, we introduce Taiki Town and share tourist information. Taiki Town, Hokkaido, lies in eastern Hokkaido in the southern Tokachi region. It is a town of 5,437 residents (as of January 2023), where the breath of nature meets historical charm. The name "Taiki" comes from the Ainu word "Taikiushi," meaning a place where large trees grow in clusters. Taiki Town is dotted with beautiful natural scenery and historic sites. Next, we introduce some of Taiki’s attractive sightseeing spots. ● Space Exchange Center SORA Since around 1985, Taiki has pursued "space town development" and hosted aerospace-related experiments. Space Exchange Center SORA displays materials and models from experiments conducted in Taiki by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and rocket developer Interstellar Technologies, among others. Admission is free and no reservation is required. ● Roadside Station Cosmos Mall Taiki Roadside Station Cosmos Mall Taiki is a place to feel the charm of Taiki, offering local specialties and souvenirs. At the specialty corner you can taste natural cheeses from Handa Farm and Cowbell Ice made with Taiki ingredients like corn and pumpkin. The facility also features a space-food and space-goods shop and a shopping center stocked with daily necessities. Nearby flows the Rekifune River, once chosen as Japan’s clearest stream. Next, here is some leisure information! ◎ Horokayanto Smelt Fishing Smelt fishing on Horokayanto opens around the end of December and runs through late February, offering a winter fishing experience. Bansei Onsen sits close to Horokayanto, making it ideal for warming up after a chilly day of smelt fishing. ◎ Kamui Kotan Park Campground Kamui Kotan Park Campground, on the scenic Kamui Kotan in Tokachi, is a recommended spot for outdoor lovers. This auto campground is surrounded by rich nature. Visitors can enjoy river play, fishing, forest walks, and even gold panning. (If you wish to try gold panning, please register with the tourism association in advance.) Taiki’s events are not to be missed. ◎ Rekibune River Clear Stream Carp Streamer This mini event takes place on May 5, Children’s Day. Each year from late April to early May, carp streamers spread across the river’s width, fluttering in the breeze as a springtime tradition. ◎ Rekifune River Festival The Rekifune River also hosts the Rekifune River Festival and the Perupune Fire Festival in August. The Rekifune River Festival began in 1989 as Taiki’s major summer event after the river was recognized by the Environment Agency as Japan’s cleanest river. The festival culminates with the Perupune Fire Festival and a fireworks display. Towering flaming torch pillars reaching toward the sky are a sight to behold. It’s a luxurious way to enjoy a summer night. Next, here is Taiki’s gourmet information! Taiki’s cuisine offers a rich variety, from local specialties like Camembert cheese, autumn salmon, and whey-fed pork to fresh seafood dishes and vegetable dishes that celebrate the bounty of the land. A popular local dish is the Taiki Cheese Salmon Bowl, made with cheese and autumn salmon. Savor dishes that make generous use of local ingredients and enjoy the unique flavors of Taiki, Hokkaido. Taiki’s hometown tax program offers fresh seafood and carefully prepared processed goods as gifts. Popular returns include "Rich Fresh Milk Cowbell Ice Cream," "Handa Farm Homemade Cheese Set," and a whey-fed pork bowl set. Enjoy Taiki’s distinctive tastes through the hometown tax program. For access to Taiki from outside Hokkaido, use Tokachi Obihiro Airport. By car, Taiki is about 40 minutes from Tokachi Obihiro Airport; by bus it is about 70 minutes. From Sapporo, the fastest train route takes about 2.5 hours from Sapporo Station to Obihiro Station, and buses take about 3.5 hours. From Obihiro Station, buses reach Taiki in about 1 hour 40 minutes. Although Taiki faces the sea, the area experiences large temperature variations. Summer’s average temperature is around 20°C, with highs up to about 34°C, while winter temperatures can drop to minus 20°C. Because winter temperatures can change rapidly in a short time, please take care with your clothing when traveling. Please come and experience the charms of Taiki Town in Hokkaido for yourself. We will continue sharing Taiki’s attractions, so thank you for your support!

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!

Shirakaba Namiki The greenery was deeper than when I visited in May♪ You can even spot sunflowers through the birch trees, which gives the place a summery feel! The tree-lined road stretches about 1.3 km and offered a truly beautiful view♬

Otofuke Shrine I visited Otofuke Shrine on a sunny day! The enshrined deity at Otofuke Shrine is Amaterasu Omikami, the same deity worshiped at the Ise Grand Shrine. As a guiding and leading deity, Amaterasu is said to grant blessings for overcoming difficulties, pioneering progress, good fortune and prosperity, and success in new ventures! This spot is also known for possible encounters with Ezo squirrels, red foxes, and owls♪ Be sure to pay a visit and offer your prayers ✨

🎉🎂Today is Tomachop’s birthday!!🎁✨ Tomakomai City’s official character, Tomachop, celebrates a birthday!🎉 Tomachop! Congratulations!😊🎁 Please continue to support Tomakomai City and Tomachop!!💁‍♀️ (Age: forever about 5 years old🦢)

"TokachigawaOnsen Burachari" This time I rode the nature walking course, one of the six available routes, by bicycle!! This route loops about 14 km and lets you fully enjoy Tokachi's natural scenery! The tourism association offers rental bicycles, so be sure to soak up the great outdoors!!

The fifth lineup of artists for "TOMAKOMAI MIRAI FEST 2023" has been announced, and the timetable is finally out!✨👏 Tickets are now on sale at outlets such as Ticket Pia.📢 For details, search for TOMAKOMAI MIRAI FEST 2023.💁‍♀️💻

🎶! The latest news on TOMAKOMAI MIRAI FEST! 🎶 The artists for “TOMAKOMAI MIRAI FEST,” taking place at Kirakira Park on Saturday and Sunday, September 2nd and 3rd, have just been announced!! 😆✨ More artists will be added for Saturday, September 2nd, so we will share updates as soon as they are released!! Stay tuned for further news!! 🙋‍♀️ Tickets are now on sale at places like Ticket Pia and others!! 🎫 Even without a ticket, you can enter the free area, which is packed with attractions like a mini stage and food zones!! 💃🍟🥙 For details, search for “TOMAKOMAI MIRAI FEST”!! 💻🖱

Enjoy a barbecue while taking in views of Mt. Tarumae⛺ Join us for a barbecue event on a vast lawn at the foot of Tomakomai City’s symbol, Mt. Tarumae!!🥩🤤 In addition to the barbecue, a variety of activities are planned, including salmon catching and all-you-can-fill potato bags!🐟🥔 Advance tickets are on sale now at the Tomakomai Tourist Information Center and local supermarkets!!💁‍♀️ For more details, please contact the Tomakomai Tourism Association!! ≪ Contact ≫ Tomakomai Tourism Association Postal code 053-0022 1st Floor, Friend Building, 5-11-5 Omotecho, Tomakomai City TEL: 0144-34-7050 FAX: 0144-37-3311

Thank you very much to everyone who came to the TokachigawaOnsen Summer Festival! With the fine weather, the festival stalls and food booths were bustling, and the main event, the slipper-throwing championship, drew great excitement! We are delighted that everyone could enjoy summer to the fullest. Please come and visit TokachigawaOnsen again!

The commemorative stamp of Roadside Station Oumu has been renewed. Like Omu Town, the roadside station and the official character Sujiko-chan are designed in the scallop frame. Even if you have pressed the previous design, please come and see the new stamp.

Nice to meet you, Omu Town Tourism Association! Hokkaido Omu Town faces the Sea of Okhotsk. The sunrise from the horizon is also a symbol of the town. In COOL JAPAN VIDEOS's first post, we will introduce you to Omu Town and the highlights of Hokkaido Omu Town where you can enjoy delicious food. There are no trains Omu Town, so you can get there by car, rental car, or bus. It takes about 4 hours 30 minutes ~ 5 hours 30 minutes by expressway from Sapporo. If you are traveling by air, please use Asahikawa Airport or Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport. It takes about 3 hours by car from Asahikawa Airport Omu Town and about 1 hour Omu Town from Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport. The climate weather in Omu Town is cool throughout the year, especially from January to March, when drift ice docks in the Sea of Okhotsk, so the temperature is low. In winter, the temperature may drop to minus 20 degrees Celsius on some days, so be careful about the cold when visiting. Next, we will introduce the representative sightseeing spots of Omu Town. The recommended base for sightseeing in Omu Town is "Roadside Station Oumu" in the center of Omu Town city. You can also sell Omu Town specialties, look for souvenirs, and enjoy local gourmet foods such as "Dattan Soba". Dattan soba Dattan Soba is also called "bitter soba noodles" and contains about 100 times more "rutin", which is a type of polyphenol and the source of bitterness, about 100 times more than normal soba noodles, but now it is easy to eat because we have planted a variety called "Manten Kirari" that softens the bitterness and retains the nutrients. Rutin has a powerful antioxidant effect, so it can be expected to prevent weekly illness and improve blood sugar and blood pressure, making it a soba noodle that has been attracting attention due to the health boom in recent years. There is also an observation deck modeled after an airship 24 meters above the ground, and it is also a spot where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Obu. Located about 12 minutes by car from downtown Omu Town, Cape Hinode is a superb view point of sunrise. On the small hill of the cape, there is also the all-glass "Cape Hinode Observatory La Luna", and there are binoculars that can be used free of charge at the observatory. "La Luna" means "moon" in Italian. It is said that it was named "It seems that the moon floats above the cape." You can enjoy the scenery of the Sea of Okhotsk in summer and the panoramic view of over 180 degrees in front of you during the drift ice season in winter. There is "Omu Town Cape Hinode Campsite" about 7 minutes on foot from Cape Hinode. It consists of a free site and bungalows, and is bustling during the summer camp every year. You can spend a comfortable time surrounded by nature. There is also Hotel Cape Hinode around this campsite where you can take a day trip, so please use it when sightseeing Omu Town. Here, we will deliver information on Omu Town's specialties and recommended gourmet food! The specialty of Hokkaido Omu Town is delicious seafood nurtured by rich nature. Among seafood, fresh scallops, hairy crabs, and salmon are gaining popularity. Since you can fully enjoy the bounty of the sea, processed products are also recommended as souvenirs! Hokkaido Omu Town's hometown tax payment offers thank-you goods that take advantage of these rich nature and local specialties such as delicious marine products. The popular "saltwater sea urchin Ezobahun sea urchin" 2023 has already ended is grown by eating the nutrient-rich Rishiri kelp that grows in Obu, and is characterized by its rich taste. In addition, the mineral-rich scallops caught in Omu Town, where scallop fishing is popular, can be grilled, fried, and of course sashimi. Omu Town, the breeding and production of "Angus beef" is also thriving. In general cattle barn, they are raised on high-calorie food, but Angus cows are raised on large pastures and are characterized by relatively low fat and a lot of redness. As a gift in return for hometown tax payment, "Angus beef set frozen" is also available, so please enjoy it. Please experience the charm of Omu Town in your own way, such as superb scenery rich in nature, gourmet food, and outdoor activities. In the future, COOL JAPAN VIDEOS will continue to deliver fascinating Omu Town information. Thank you very much!

The Tokachigawa Onsen Summer Festival takes place on August 11th. A luxurious prize is up for grabs in the main slipper-throwing event! Join us! *Registration times for the slipper-throwing championship are Children’s division: from 5:00 PM, Adults’ division: from 5:30 PM.* *Please note that proxy registration is not allowed.*

🍦🥦🍦🥔🍦🥜🍦🥬🍦🍓🍦 【Memuro Farmers Market Aisuya】 It is a soft and gelato shop made with fresh milk from Memuro. You can enjoy gelato made with vegetables grown in Memuro Town Inca eyes, broccoli, peanuts, pumpkin, etc.. 【Closed】 Every Monday and Thursday * However, we will be open on 5/4 Thursday and 8/14 Monday. 【Business hours】 4/28~5/31 9am~4pm 6/2~11/3 9am~5pm 11/4~11/26 9am~4pm www.ja-memuro.or.jp/farm/farm04.html

【The 50th Hokkaido Balloon Festival】 The first hot air balloon competition in Japan was held in 1974. The event, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in August 2023, attracts nearly 40 hot air balloons from all over Japan every year. From the green land of Hokkaido to the endless sky - we will deliver to you the scenery of colorful hot air balloons soaring. Date: August 10, 11, 12, 13, 2023 *4 days Venue: Kamishihoro Air Park Organizer: Hokkaido Balloon Festival Organizing Committee Japan Balloon Federation Number of participating aircraft: 63 including official and moored 🎈 Learn more 👉 hbf.jp 🚌Access: "Kamishihoro Elementary School" about 15~20 minutes on foot about 1.2km ・ Hokkaido Takushoku Bus Corporation 　 "61/62" line, "Kamishihoro"　　　 ・ Tokachi Bus Corporation 　 "49", "Kamishihoro", "51", "Nukabira Gensengo"　　　

【Shimizu, Tokachi・Tokachi Millennium Woods】 Located at the foot of the Hidaka Mountains, the Naturalist Tech Garden reflects the characteristics of natural vegetation, climate, soil, and sunshine conditions. The scenery spun by Kalamagurostis, Cephalaria gigantia, etc. is wonderful. You can also enjoy goat cheese and vegetables grown in the garden. ☆Japan's first "Segway Guided Tour"www.tmf.jp/segway.php ☆Tokachi Millennium Forest ▶ www.tmf.jp/index.php ☆FB ▶www.facebook.com/TMF.Master * For 2 or more people, you can use the Tokachi Bus & Taxi Pack. www.tokachibus.jp/buspack2023/pdf/pack-garden.pdf ※【2023 Tokachi Flower Tour Common Ticket】obikan.jp/page-6471/

Nice to meet you! Monbetsu Tourist Information Center. Monbetsu City, located in the middle of Okhotsk in Hokkaido, is a wonderful area surrounded by the rich sea and lush nature. Access to Monbetsu City, Hokkaido is easily accessible by direct flight from Haneda Airport in Tokyo to Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport one round trip per day, approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. From Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport to Monbetsu City, it takes about 17 minutes by free airport shuttle bus. You can also use intercity buses from Sapporo and Asahikawa, and route buses from JR Engaru and JR Nayoro. The bus ride takes about 5 hours from Sapporo, about 3 hours from Asahikawa, about 2 hours from Nayoro, and about 1 hour from Engaru. You can also rent a car from the airport or train station and enjoy free travel. The weather and climate of Monbetsu City, Hokkaido, are cold in winter and even more cold in the latter half of winter, when drift ice arrives. In summer, the average temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius, making it a comfortable climate. Monbetsu City, Hokkaido is full of attractions! In this post, we will bring you some of the recommended sightseeing spots. Monbetsu City, Hokkaido is a great spot where you can enjoy drift ice sea ice up close! The popular Garinko cruise offers a tour of the Sea of Okhotsk. The sight of an icebreaker crushing drift ice is impressive! We offer attractive plans depending on the time of year, such as fishing cruises in "Garinko II", summer vacation cruises at "Garinko III IMERU", and scallop fishing watching cruises. For fishing on the Garinko, fishing equipment can be rented. Since there is little shaking and the handrail is high, even children can use it with confidence. On the undersea floor of the "Ice Sea Observatory Okhotsk Tower", which is the northernmost underwater observatory in Japan, you can see the magnificent scenery of the Sea of Okhotsk. On the third floor of the tower, you can spend an elegant time at Cafe Campanio on the Sea, a café overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk in 360 degrees. "Okhotsk Sea Ice Museum of Hokkaido GIZA" is a facility where you can experience drift ice throughout the year. There are plenty of exhibits where you can learn about the wonders of drift ice sea ice in an easy-to-understand manner, and you can also see Clione, which is called the sea fairy. In the extremely cold experience room of minus 20 degrees Celsius, you can touch the actual drift ice. Next, the "Okhotsk Sky Tower" at the top of Mt. Oyama is an observation tower that stands at an altitude of 334m. You can enjoy a spectacular view of the Sea of Okhotsk, Shiretoko, the Daisetsu mountain range, and drift ice in winter. A popular unique tourist spot is "Crab Claw Statue object"! It is a claw object of a snow crab with a height of 12 m, a width of 6 m, and a weight of 7 tons. It was created by Toshi Nagasaki, a sculptor from Tokyo. It is a popular photo spot for tourists who want to take commemorative photos. Next up is the Okhotsk Tokkari Center. It is a valuable facility in Japan that protects and raises seals. It is operated by two facilities: "Seal Land" and "Seal Sea Paradise". The Okhotsk Tokkari Center sheltered four seals in 1987, and now more than 20 seals are bred. As of July 2023 The feeding experience at "Seal Sea Paradise" is a chance to see cute seals up close! Participation is accepted numbered tickets are distributed from 40 minutes before the feeding time. The capacity is 5 people on a first-come, first-served basis each time, but those who do not have a numbered ticket can also visit. Summer vacation and long holidays can be crowded, so if you wish to participate, please come early. Okhotsk Ryuhyo Park, about 15 minutes by car from the center of Monbetsu City, is a vast park with the theme of "a great landscape with a view of drift ice and a great scenery where you can hear the noise of the tide." Admission is free. The park is divided into 4 blocks of A~D, where you can enjoy the playground equipment and nature. The "Okhotsk Lavender Field" in Block A has about 12,000 trees and four varieties of lavender planted. The best time to see them is from late June to late July. In Block C, there is "Makiba no Hiroba Park Golf Course", and the course can be used free of charge at the reception, and equipment can be rented. There are plenty of accommodation facilities in Monbetsu City! Some hotels have hot springs, which can be expected to beautify your skin and heal the fatigue of traveling. Finally, I would like to introduce the exquisite gourmet food of Monbetsu City! In Monbetsu City, you can enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties. The large scallops grown under the drift ice of Okhotsk are thick and rich! Processed products are also perfect as souvenirs. There are also seasonal recommendations, including spring horsehair crab and autumn salmon! "Zuwaigani Kouramori" is a specialty not to be missed! We also recommend seafood dishes and local dishes that use plenty of seafood. Monbetsu City, Hokkaido is a treasure trove of nature and the best spot where you can spend a moment of excitement and healing. In COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, we will continue to tell you about the charm of Monbetsu City. Thank you for your continued support!

This is a video of konbu fishing in Omu Town. From July to August, small boats are used for konbu fishing. If you shoot from directly above with a drone, the transparency of the sea is high, and the konbu swaying in the sea is beautiful. In addition, the hard work of the fishermen is conveyed once again. The video is posted on YouTube. #Kombu fishing is at its peak!! 4K Konbu from Otake is on sale at the online shop "Oumu Umaimonmarket". #Omu Town Tourism Association #Oumuumaimon Market

Typhoon No. 6 is too amazing ... A 130-year-old banyan tree comes back from its roots to a fallen tree 😱.

This is a sunflower field in Otofuke. It stands out against the blue sky. Bees were busily collecting nectar and carrying lots of pollen.