Cycling around the Ecolog Park, I came across a colony of large white Trillium. This flower is one of Hokkaido's emblematic blooms, even featured on Rokkatei packaging. Discovering small things while riding a bike is so much fun! Electric-assist bicycle rentals are now popular and available! We look forward to welcoming everyone.

Fresh green season has arrived 🌳 This is the row of white birch trees at Tokachi Ranch. The observatory, closed during winter, has reopened and offers sweeping views of the vast landscape. I could even spot cows grazing in the distance 🐄

Ainu Traditional Dance: Tokachigawa Sarorunrimse Performance The 5th Tokachigawa Sarorunrimse will take place. Guest masters of traditional dance from the Akan Ainu and the Biratori Ainu will come to Tokachigawa and the Chiyoda area, places connected to the Tokachi Ainu, to perform each community's Sarorunrimse (the crane dance). Date and time: Saturday, May 20, 2023, 5:00 PM – ※Held rain or shine Venue: Tokachigawa Onsen Aqua Park

Sorry for the late post, but the Midorigaoka Park Festival on Sunday, May 7th was a great success!! 🎊 Thank you so much to everyone who came 😆✨

Hello! 🙋‍♀️ This is the Shintoku Tourism Association. How are you spending Golden Week this year? Shintoku Town is full of happy visitors enjoying the sights! Today we visited the lively area along National Route 38, the town’s main street. The weather was lovely 🌞 and families 👨‍👩‍👦, friends 👭, couples 👫, and riders 🏍 all shared smiles 😄😄😄 around the tourist spots. Please create many wonderful memories ✨ and enjoy your Hokkaido trip while driving safely to the very end 🚗💨. #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Tourism Association #Golden Week #Hokkaido trip #National Route 38 #sightseeing #smiles #memories #safe driving

Great news! The samurai seal of Gosamaru, who is said to have built both Nakagusuku Castle and Zakimi Castle, is now being offered for sale!! The Gosamaru depicted on the seal reflects his historical background. The seal sold at Zakimi Castle shows Gosamaru in his youth, while the seal sold at Nakagusuku Castle shows Gosamaru in old age! Place the two seals side by side and you can stamp the family crest of the Ke clan of Tomigusuku in the center, thanks to a built-in feature! (The Ke clan of Tomigusuku is the family line said to descend from Gosamaru!) Please be sure to purchase one when you visit Zakimi Castle or Nakagusuku Castle!!

Yomitanson, located in central Okinawa Prefecture, is known as Japan’s most populous village and offers wonderful sightseeing and historical experiences. Yomitanson is packed with attractions, from scenic beaches to the Zakimi Castle Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This being my first post, I’ll introduce Yomitanson’s sights, hotel options, weather, and history so you can get to know the village. [Popular attractions in Yomitanson] • Zakimi Castle Ruins and Yuntanza Museum Yomitanson in Okinawa Prefecture is home to the Zakimi Castle Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Used as a fortress of the Ryukyu Kingdom from the 15th to the 17th century, it was also selected as one of the Continued 100 Famous Castles of Japan and offers grand scenery and historical interest. Nearby, the Yuntanza Museum teaches visitors about Yomitanson’s history, culture, nature, and arts and crafts. The museum displays many historical artifacts and exhibits. • Toguchi Beach (Toguchi no Hama) Toguchi Beach in Yomitanson is a beautiful local spot known for its white sands and crystal-clear water. With calm waves and shallow water, it’s great for families. You can also enjoy snorkeling and diving. Cafes and restaurants line the shore, letting you relax there all day. • Cape Zanpa Cape Zanpa, at the westernmost point of Okinawa’s main island in Yomitanson, is famous for its stunning sunsets. Zanpa Lighthouse is located there and is known as a climbable lighthouse; from its heights you can take in sweeping views of the island’s west coast. Walking trails are well maintained, so you can stroll while enjoying sea and nature views. • Yachimun no Sato Yachimun no Sato is an area where Okinawa’s traditional pottery, yachimun, gathers. As you wander, you can find uniquely styled pottery and tableware, and take part in hands-on workshops to create your own pieces. It’s also a place to feel Yomitanson’s history and culture. [History of Yomitanson] Yomitanson prospered during the Ryukyu Kingdom era. Sites like the Zakimi Castle Ruins let you sense that Ryukyuan history. After World War II, U.S. military bases were established, and many base personnel came to live in the area. As a result, Yomitanson offers a distinct atmosphere where Okinawan traditional culture and American influences blend. [Annual weather in Yomitanson] Okinawa Prefecture is characterized by a mild climate year-round. Yomitanson is no exception; even in winter average temperatures exceed 15°C, making it comfortable. From June through September the area is prone to typhoons and heavy rainfall. Please pay attention to weather conditions when planning your visit. [Hotels in Yomitanson] Yomitanson offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resort hotels to business hotels and guesthouses. Resort hotels on the beachfront provide private beaches, pools, and spas for a full-featured stay. Meanwhile, minshuku and guesthouses let you interact with locals and experience everyday Okinawan life. Yomitanson has many popular attractions, including beautiful beaches and the Zakimi Castle Ruins, ensuring a satisfying trip. You can experience history and culture or simply relax at a resort. Plan a trip to Yomitanson and enjoy its charms. Yomitanson also has many local eateries and restaurants where you can savor Okinawan cuisine. Enjoy local flavors such as soki soba, Okinawa soba, and beniimo tart while sightseeing. If you enjoy alcohol, be sure to try awamori. Higa Shuzo in Yomitanson produces the popular awamori brand Zanpa and offers tours of its kura (aging warehouses) for old sake. Additionally, Yomitanson is conveniently located about a one-hour drive from Naha City. Access from Naha Airport is also easy, making the village a recommended base for exploring Okinawa. Enjoy a wonderful time in Yomitanson.

Hello!🙋‍♀️ This is the Shintoku Tourism Association. The Hirakawa family’s event✨ starts tomorrow and runs through Friday the 5th at Shintoku Shrine, where the cherry blossoms are in full bloom🌸. At the venue you’ll find everyone’s favorite dagashi (traditional Japanese sweets)🍭, plus a lottery, yo-yo balloons🪀, and super balls🎱. And of course, hanami means beer🍻 and sake🍶! On the shrine grounds you can also enjoy yakisoba, fried rice, and karaage from Miura Shop, and yakitori from Ueda Meat Shop❗️ Cosplayer Nene and caricature artist Kanayan will liven up the venue too!⤴️ The latter half of Golden Week looks set for warm, sunny weather🌞—start making fun memories💓 at Shintoku Shrine👍✨ #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Shrine #Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom #Dagashi (traditional sweets) #Ueda Meat Shop #Hirakawa Shop #Cosplayer #Caricature

🌸 The Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees in Tomakomai City have begun to bloom. 🌸 They are in full bloom in the city center, while Midorigaoka Park may need a few more days to reach full bloom. It’s so exciting! 😊✨ The Midorigaoka Park Festival on Sunday, May 7th is coming up soon!! It runs from 10:00 to 16:00!! 🎉 Food trucks will come, and the festival will feature its first-ever Karaoke Contest. 🥙🤤🎤 Let’s make fun memories at the end of Golden Week!! 💖 We look forward to seeing many visitors!! 🎈😆

Hello!🙋‍♀️ This is the Shintoku Tourism Association. This morning🌄 the General Incorporated Association Shintoku Tourism Association held a safety prayer ceremony at Shintoku Shrine ⛩, where the cherry blossoms are in full bloom🌸. The mayor of Shintoku, the chair of the town council, the head of the Chamber of Commerce, and 15 directors of the Tourism Association attended, and we prayed👏 that visitors to Shintoku Town will create safe and happy memories. On the shrine grounds, the “Shintoku Shrine Yamazakura Festival” was taking place, opening with a performance by the Shintoku Junior High School brass band and featuring a local Shintoku Ondo dance. In addition to festival staples like Shintoku soba, okonomiyaki🥚, French fries🍟, cotton candy, and crepes🍌, there was also a yakiniku🔥 set so you can enjoy a barbecue under the cherry trees even if you come empty-handed. The rain that fell all morning cleared up and the festival is thriving. It runs until 2:00 PM🕑, so if you’re nearby, please come by!👍✨ #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Tourism Association #Shintoku Shrine Yamazakura Festival #Shintoku Junior High School Brass Band #Barbecue #Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom

Hello!🙋‍♀️ This is the Shintoku Town Tourism Association. Golden Week is finally here.✨✨✨What kind of holiday do you have planned? Along National Route 38🛣 near Karikachi Plain in Shintoku Town, the snow❄️ has melted and the greenery🍀 is starting to stand out. From today, Sahoro Resort Bear Mountain🧸, the Karikachi Plain Eco Trolley Railway🚉, the Former Karikachi Line Museum🚂, the Pass Terrace☕️, and Western Village Sahoro🐎🐓 have begun opening one after another. If you are sightseeing nearby, please enjoy your time at Karikachi Plain!💓 #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #Golden Week #National Route 38 #Karikachi Plain #Karikachi Plain Park #Sahoro Resort Bear Mountain #bear #Karikachi Plain Eco Trolley Railway #eco trolley #Former Karikachi Line Museum #blue train #Pass Terrace #Western Village Sahoro #horse riding

On April 28th, the cherry blossoms of Akkeshi blossomed and were declared in bloom.

Recommended cycling course This is Tokachigaoka Park and the Tokachigaoka Observation Deck! A floral clock stands in the park, and a riot of colorful flowers welcomes you. From April 29th, a footbath using the moor hot spring will also open, so warm your tired legs after cycling ☺️ From May, the kiosk will sell soft serve ice cream and other treats. If you pedal a little farther to the Tokachigaoka Observation Deck, you can overlook the Tokachigawa Onsen area, and on clear days you can even see the Hidaka Mountains. By the way, the observation deck is especially beautiful at sunset. Tokachigaoka Park: about 5 minutes by bike from the Guide Center Tokachigaoka Observation Deck: about 10 minutes by bike from Tokachigaoka Park Golden Week looks like it will be warm. We look forward to welcoming you!

🌸The 50th Midorigaoka Park Festival🌸 has been confirmed! We will hold the event with infectious disease prevention measures in place. The program will be posted later, so please wait a little longer.✨ Date and time: Sunday, May 7, 2023, 10:00–16:00. The event will be canceled in case of rain. Location: Around Kintaro Pond, Midorigaoka Park (Shimizu-cho 3, Tomakomai City)

Hello!🙋‍♀️ This is the Shintoku Town Tourism Association. On this pleasantly warm day, I visited Shintoku Shrine⛩.🚗💨 The cherry blossoms, which were at about 20–30% bloom until yesterday, have opened to roughly 50% today. Bright yellow forsythia is also in full bloom, spreading a scene of spring in full swing🌸🌸🌸.♪ Coincidentally, a film crew from NHK📺 was shooting📹 for the program “Gurutto Doto,” which will air tomorrow evening from 6:40 to 7:00 PM. Catch tomorrow’s NHK program first, and then come feel spring in full bloom✨ here in Shintoku too!👍 #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #Shintoku Shrine #Spring in full bloom #Ezo-yamazakura (Ezo mountain cherry) #NHK #Gurutto Doto

Good morning!🙋‍♀️ This is the Shintoku Town Tourism Association. The cherry trees on Mt. Shintoku Shrine🌸 are just about in full bloom, and the light-up💡 has begun. This year we switched to LED lighting, which is gentler on nature🥰 and makes the cherry blossoms glow. Last night they were about 30% open; some branches are fully in bloom while others still show tight buds. Today looks like a chilly rainy🌧️ day, but daytime temperatures are expected to warm up from tomorrow☀️, and the cherry blossoms should reach full bloom🌸 by Golden Week. On the 30th, the Shintoku Shrine⛩ grounds will host the 'Shintoku Shrine Mountain Cherry Blossom Festival' for the first time in four years. Please enjoy spring with the Higan cherry trees in Shintoku this Golden Week📷! #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #Shintoku Shrine #Higan cherry tree #night cherry blossoms #light-up #beautiful #Shintoku Shrine Mountain Cherry Blossom Festival

This is the state of Onneto and Yunotaki today. The weather was great and it was a great location!

The 11th Sword Exhibition will be held at the Sendai Domain Shiraoi Motojinya Museum from April 22 Sat. ~ May 7 Sun.. You can also see special precious swords.

Hello!🙋‍♀️ This is the Shintoku Town Tourism Association. Next weekend on Sunday, April 30th, the Shintoku Shrine Mountain Cherry Blossom Festival, which was canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic, returns for the first time in four years. On the day, starting in the morning🌄 at the precincts of Shintoku Shrine⛩, there will be a brass band performance🎷 and a demonstration of the Shintoku Ondo dance, along with a karaoke contest🎤 that includes daring dives, and from midday a thrilling prize raffle🎊. Around 2,300 Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees🌸 spread across Mt. Shintoku, centered near the shrine grounds, making it one of Hokkaido’s top cherry blossom spots✨. Today the trees are only about 20% in bloom, with some blossoms already open. They may reach peak bloom around the end of the month. This year, please come and enjoy the mountain cherry blossoms of Shintoku as part of the festival 👀♪♪♪ #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #Shintoku Shrine #Ezo-yamazakura #Peak bloom #Cherry Blossom Festival #Food stalls #Karaoke #Barbecue #Prize raffle

This is the scene at Suzuran Park, Otofuke’s cherry blossom spot. It’s almost full bloom, and the nighttime illumination of the blossoms has already begun! The wind is strong and chilly at this seasonal change, but spring is just around the corner.

Hello viewers of Cool Japan Videos, this is the Tomakomai Tourism Association. On this account, we’ll introduce the many attractive tourist spots of Tomakomai City, one of Japan’s leading industrial cities and the largest port town in Hokkaido. Tomakomai is very easy to reach: about a 90-minute drive from Sapporo City and about a 30-minute drive from New Chitose Airport. When you visit, rental bicycles are available, so we recommend touring while feeling the great outdoors on your skin. Now, let us introduce Tomakomai City’s proud sightseeing spots. ■ Mt. Tarumae Designated a natural monument of Hokkaido, this stratovolcano features a globally famous double rim. You can drive up to the 7th station, and from there it’s about a 50-minute hike to the summit, making it an easy climb to enjoy sweeping views and alpine plants. ■ Midorigaoka Park From the observation deck on the hilltop plaza, you can take in panoramic views of Tomakomai City. With fountains and flowerbeds, plus an athletics stadium and a rugby field, many people use it as an outdoor sports park. ■ Kin-Dainuma Park Centered on Lake Kin-Dainuma, which has a 1.6-kilometer shoreline, the park is surrounded by pristine nature. You can enjoy facilities year-round, including Arten, one of Japan’s largest auto campgrounds, a canoe base, a park golf course, and the Yunomi no Yu bathing facility. ■ Northern Horse Park A popular spot where visitors can interact with horses. You can experience horseback riding, guided pony rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, sleigh rides, riding lessons, the Happy Pony Show, and horse trekking. Next, we’ll introduce some of the popular local gourmet treats that are one of the pleasures of visiting Tomakomai. Tomakomai City boasts the largest catch of surf clams (hokkigai) in Japan, often called the king of shellfish. While they’re known as a premium sushi topping, in Tomakomai you can buy them casually. As a port town, there’s also plenty of seafood like salmon and atka mackerel, plus local specialties such as haskap berries, Tomakomai ramen, haskap-based sweets called yoitomake, Tarumae jingisukan (grilled mutton), and hokki curry—popular flavors you should try when sightseeing. We’ll continue to share many more recommended Tomakomai attractions that we couldn’t fit into this post, so please look forward to them!

On April 7, the winter road closure on the road leading to the mysterious lake Onneto, a tourist attraction of the Ashoro, was lifted. Today, Onneto is almost completely ice with some exceptions. Please come ♪ to GW Ashoro *Onneto takes about 45 minutes by car from the city center. The temperature is lower than in the city, so please come in warm clothes. There is no direct public transportation service to Onneto, so please come by rental car.

Today it was 🍝 pasta at Mr. Erable.

You can overlook Lake Akkeshi.

Hello!🙋‍♀️ This is the Shintoku Town Tourism Association. Even today, when the cold has returned a little, I went to Shintoku Shrine⛩️ to see the cherry blossoms. Under a cloudy sky🌬️ and with the chill in the air, I wondered if the buds would be smaller, then drove🚗💨 up to the shrine's mid-slope. Peeking at a bud on the same branch as the tree, it didn't seem to have changed much...😓 No, no—the pink color🌸 is deeper and there are more buds than yesterday. When I asked the chief priest standing in front of the shrine office, he said, "Maybe two to three more days." It looks like the cherry trees will be in full bloom this weekend!💓 Right now the azaleas and forsythia are also at their best!✨ #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Mount Shintoku #Shintoku Shrine #Ezo-yamazakura (Ezo cherry) #A little more #Forsythia #Karumurasaki azalea #In full bloom

This is the Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Association in Otofuke, Hokkaido. Otofuke is pronounced "Otofuke-chō". We plan to share captivating information about hot springs, sightseeing spots, superb local cuisine, access, and weather through Cool Japan videos! Please spend a dreamlike time in Otofuke’s Tokachigawa Onsen, where spectacular natural scenery and blissful hot springs soothe the body and mind. First, an introduction to the hot springs that heal both body and spirit. Tokachigawa Onsen features a rare spring quality and was designated a Hokkaido Heritage site in 2004, ahead of many other hot spring areas in Hokkaido. Tokachigawa Onsen is famous in Japan as a rare moor hot spring. The term "moor" comes from the German word for lignite and refers to springs that flow through lignite layers containing ancient plant-based organic matter; the water has an amber color and a slightly viscous texture. The hotels and ryokan lining the hot spring town offer carefully designed open-air and indoor baths, letting you fully enjoy the beautifying waters, and some facilities also offer day-use hot springs. Otofuke’s sightseeing spots brim with charm that makes you lose track of time. Roadside Station Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen is a treasure trove with a market showcasing local fresh ingredients and specialties, a spa where you can enjoy the Hokkaido Heritage moor hot spring in swimwear, hands-on craft workshops, and four restaurants. At Tokachi Ranch, which spans vast grounds, a viewing platform offers 360-degree views of Tokachi’s grand landscape. From mid-January to the end of February, snow exercise for horse health care is open to the public. At Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden, you can glimpse the production process of a popular confectionery maker and try your hand at making sweets. Tokachigaoka Park is perfect for families, centered on the large flower clock "Hanakku" with an 18-meter diameter and a 10.10-meter second hand, surrounded by seasonal blooms. Tokachigawa Onsen in Otofuke hosts many attractive events. In early summer, the Moor Hot Spring Firefly Viewing enchants visitors with fireflies lighting up the night at Tokachigawa Onsen. Many tourists come to see the fluttering fireflies, enjoying a special time that feels in harmony with nature. The winter event Sairinka creates a fantastical space of synchronized sound and light with about 600 illuminated objects, including a 5.4-meter symbol tower. Otofuke’s Tokachigawa Onsen holds various appealing events throughout the year, including those mentioned above. Along with the hot springs, sights, and delicious food, we hope you enjoy seasonal events as well. Access to Tokachigawa Onsen in Otofuke, Hokkaido: about 2 hours by car from New Chitose Airport, about 3 hours by train from JR Sapporo Station, and about 20 minutes by car or taxi from Obihiro Station. Otofuke’s Tokachigawa Onsen awaits you with beautiful nature, restorative hot springs for body and mind, and inspiring sightseeing spots!

Yubari City, Hokkaido is located in the central Hokkaido region of central Hokkaido and is a city with many attractive sightseeing spots interwoven with nature and history. When many people hear the name "Yubari City", the words "Yubari Melon" and "Financially Bankrupt City" may come to mind. Yubari City also once prospered due to the coal industry, one of the main industries of the Japan. However, as time changed and the demand for coal decreased, Yubari City was affected by it, and by 1990, all the coal mines were closed and the city was in a difficult situation. After that, it experienced financial collapse in 2007, but now measures are being taken to revitalize the city. Yubari City has such a history, but it is about 60 minutes from New Chitose Airport, the northern gateway, and about 90 minutes from Sapporo, making it a popular tourist destination. At the Yubari City Coal Museum, you can learn about the history of the coal industry in Yubari City and learn about the development of Yubari City. Dynamic exhibitions that utilize actual coal mining sites as tourism resources are popular and have become a place visited by many tourists. Yubari City is rich in nature as well as from the summit of Mt. Yubari at an altitude of 1,668 meters, and a 360-degree panoramic view spreads out, and you can see the beautiful scenery of the four seasons. In addition, with the completion of the Yubari Shuparo Dam in 2015, you can enjoy aquatic activities such as canoeing at Lake Shuparo, which has become the fourth largest water reservoir in the Japan. At the waterfall top park, colorful flowers and trees grow over, and you can feel the four seasons of Yubari City closely. The "Chidoriga Falls" in the park is a superb view of countless large and small waterfalls and strangely shaped rocks. If you come to Yubari City for sightseeing, please enjoy gourmet food and masterpieces. Speaking of Yubari City, Yubari Melon! Why not taste the sweet and juicy Yubari melon in summer? Yubari potatoes and canned beans are also popular gourmets. The population was 116,000 in 1960, when coal mining flourished, but today it is less than 7,000. Yubari City is sometimes compared to a ghost town, but if you actually visit, you can learn about the history of Japan industry and enjoy nature and gourmet food. After about 16 years since 2007, Yubari City has reached the goal of paying off its debt in four years. In order for citizens and tourists to come back to Yubari City after paying off their debts, we would like to introduce the attractions such as sightseeing spots and history of Yubari City in the Cool Japan Video!

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!

This is the "Nayoro Sightseeing & Town Planning Association" in Nayoro City, Hokkaido. Nayoro City is located in the northern part of Hokkaido and is known for producing glutinous rice, which boasts the largest acreage in Japan, and asparagus, which boasts one of the highest yields in Hokkaido. Since it is located in the north of Hokkaido, where the cold is severe, the temperature is low throughout the year, especially the average temperature in January is -8.6°C, and the average temperature in February is -14.9°C, which is the lowest among Japanese cities. At dawn in the cold winter season, the water vapor in the air freezes into small ice crystals, and you can see the "diamond dust" of the fantastic scenery that sparkles in the sun. You can also experience the sun pillar, where the reflection of the light of the diamond dust looks like a pillar in Nayoro City. Here are some of the highlights, sightseeing spots, and popular gourmet foods in Nayoro Town. First of all, I would like to introduce "Nayoro City Kitakuni Museums". Nayoro City Kitakuni Museum is a facility built for the purpose of learning about the natural environment and culture of northern countries and connecting them to the future. In the "Kamui Forest" corner, you can learn about the nature and culture of the Ainu. In addition, in front of the Kitakuni Museum, the SL snow removal train "Kimaroki" is on display, so please take a look. Next, I would like to introduce "Nayoro Park". The park is surrounded by a forest that combines virgin forests and artificial forests, and the cherry blossoms in the park bloom in late May, and many cherry blossom viewers visit. There is also a park golf course, a tennis field, and a baseball field in the park, making it a facility that everyone from Adult to children can enjoy. The last place I would like to introduce is "Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park". Seasonal flowers bloom in the park, and the summer sunflower field became popular as a filming location for the 2011 movie "Stargazing Dog". There is an auto camp site, and it is also a base for bikers who enjoy sightseeing in Hokkaido. There are many other recommended spots such as "Nayoro City Astronomical Observatory Kitasubaru", "Nayoro Piyasiri Ski Resort", and "Mt. Piyasiri". When you come to Nayoro City, please enjoy the specialty products as well as the sightseeing spots. Nayoro City is a thriving agricultural area where glutinous rice, glutinous rice, asparagus, pumpkin, sweet corn, etc. are produced. Please enjoy nutritious vegetables grown in the great outdoors. These Specialty Products of Nayoro City can be purchased at Roadside Station "Glutinous Rice Village Nayoro". Access to Nayoro City is about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car from Asahikawa City and about 2 hours and 45 minutes by car from Sapporo City. We will continue to regularly send out Information that will make you want to visit Nayoro Town, which is full of attractions, so please look forward to it.

This is the Shintoku Town Tourism Association. On a morning that brought back the cold with a dusting of powdery snow❄️, I visited the marsh where skunk cabbage blooms, which I learned about yesterday. Walking along the old Karikachi Line railroad ruins called the “Poppo no Michi”🐿️ that lead from town toward Karikachi Pass, I began to spot skunk cabbage here and there along the way!💓A little farther on, in a small marsh fed by a stream, there were skunk cabbages everywhere—skunk cabbage, skunk cabbage, skunk cabbage❗️❗️❗️I found a spot with firm footing and stood among them, inhaling their gentle, sweet scent. It was a morning that let me feel the breath of spring in Shintoku while winter still lingered.✨