Hello! 🙋‍♀️ This is Shintoku Tourism Association. Today we promoted Shintoku Town aboard a special train organized by JTB, the “Japan no Shun” service. 🚃🎤 About 160 guests from across Hokkaido as well as Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka joined the four-day tour, which focuses on spring blooms in eastern Hokkaido. 🌼🌺🌷✨ On board, during the 30 minutes between Shinyubari and Shimukappu, we introduced dairy farming, soba noodles, local activities, and connections to the railway, and livened things up with cheese tasting 🧀 and a raffle awarding Shintoku soba. 🎊 Although the tour did not include a stop in Shintoku Town for sightseeing this time, we did our best to promote the town so that visitors will stop by on their next trip to eastern Hokkaido or choose Shintoku products through mail order or hometown tax donations. 💪🔥 #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Tourism Association #Shintoku Station #JR special train #JTB #Train travel #Kyodogakusha #Shintoku soba #Furusato tax donation #Japan no Shun #Flower tour

Bibai Tourism and Products Association. "Bibai City, Hokkaido" is visited by many tourists for its abundant nature, mild climate, and delicious food. From now on, I would like to introduce the charm of Bibai City in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! First of all, Bibai City is read as "Bibaishi" and is located between Sapporo City and Asahikawa City, and is located within about one hour from both cities. Bibai City is served by National Route 12 connecting Sapporo and Asahikawa, and the section from Bibai City to Takikawa City is a straight road that continues all the way, and there is a road that boasts the longest straight-line distance in Japan. As for the weather and climate of Bibai City, a refreshing breeze blows through in spring, a cool climate continues in summer, and beautiful snowscapes spread out in winter. You can enjoy the atmosphere of the four seasons, and the beauty of each season brings new discoveries every time you visit. Introducing popular tourist spots in Bibai City! First of all, Miyajima Swamp is one of the world's leading spots where you can see migratory birds such as geese and swans. It is located about 30 minutes by bus from JR Bibai Station, and every year about 70,000 birds come from Russia far north of Hokkaido in spring and autumn. Especially in the early morning and evening, when you can see the herd, the sight of the sky and swamps filled in black is a masterpiece. In addition, the "Coal Mine Memorial Forest Park" is a tourist attraction not to be missed. Bibai City once flourished from coal mining. In this park, which was built on the site of the former coal mine, you can see a tower that transports coal from deep underground, and a raw coal pocket for storing coal. As a valuable tourist spot where the memories of the coal miners of the past coexist with the nature of the present, it was 2007 Heisei 19 selected as an "Industrial Heritage of Modernization". Next is "KAN YASUDA SCULPTURE MUSEUM ARTE PIAZZA BIBAI". The works of world-renowned sculptor Kan Yasuda are exhibited here. His works blend in with the surrounding landscape, as if they were one with nature, providing peace and emotion to visitors. At Tomei Park, a vast park located in a hilly area, 2,000 cherry trees bloom during the cherry blossom season, and the "Bibai Cherry Blossom Festival" is held, and it is a popular tourist spot where you can enjoy the illuminated cherry blossoms at night. And at the "Bibai City Experience Exchange Center", even first-time visitors can easily experience pottery such as pottery and painting, and can be enjoyed by both children and adults. The last thing I would like to introduce is "Sorachi Shrine". This shrine is watched over by an old tree that is over 900 years old, and you can experience "making bangle protection" from natural stone. On your trip to Bibai City, please enjoy delicious meals. In particular, Bibai City's "Bibai Yakitori" is a local gourmet that you can't miss. It is one of the seven major yakitori in Japan, and is made by skewering chicken, chicken liver, inner eggs, gizzards, and onions. As a local soul food, it is a popular gourmet for a wide range of generations from children to adults. Please try it when you come to Bibai. And "Torimeshi" It is a local dish that has been passed down for more than 100 years, and because rice, stir-fried meat, and motsu are cooked with soy sauce, sugar, and sake, and almost no other ingredients or seasonings are used, the aroma and taste have a strong chicken flavor, and it has a taste different from other mixed rice. We look forward to welcoming you with rich natural scenery, sightseeing spots where you can feel history and culture, delicious food, and warm hospitality! Stay tuned for future posts!

Nice to meet you all! Hamanaka Town is the Tourism Association! Since this is my first post, I would like to introduce myself to the Hamanaka Town. Hamanaka Town is a small town with a population of 5300 in the Akkeshi of Hokkaido. Hokkaido Hamanaka Town is a place full of charm where nature, climate, culture, food, and the warmth of the people envelop all visitors. The average annual temperature in Hamanaka Town is 5.5°C, making it one of the coldest regions in Japan. The cold wind carried by the cold current brings the unique climate and weather of the four seasons of Hamanaka Town. Designated as the sixth quasi-national park in Hokkaido in March 2021, Akkeshi Kiritappu Kombumori Quasi-National Park has two large wetlands, Bekanbeushi Wetland and Kiritappu Wetland. Although Kiritappu Wetland is a low-lying area of less than 3 meters above sea level, it is a valuable tourist spot where you can see alpine plants due to the wetland environment, and many people visit it. We hope you will enjoy the magnificent scenery in each season, such as the snowy scenery created by the harsh cold of winter and the about 300 kinds of flowers that bloom from spring to autumn! Hamanaka Town is the birthplace of Monkey Punch, the original author of "Lupin the Third," and has been revitalizing the town featuring "Lupin the Third" for more than 10 years. Lupin III wrapping buses, wrapping trains, and wrapping hire cars run throughout the city, signs of Lupin and Inspector Zenigata are installed at the station, and Monkey Punch's work room is reproduced in the Monkey Punch Collection at the Hamanaka Town Cultural Center, and there are many exhibits where you can fully experience the world of Lupin the Third. At "Kiritappu Onsen Yuyu", there is also a sale of original goods of Lupin the Third that can only be obtained here, so it is recommended as a souvenir. Surrounded by nature Hamanaka Town there are many popular scenic sightseeing spots. "Biwase Observatory" is a spot where you can overlook the rich nature of the Hamanaka Town and has a breathtaking view. Cape Azeti is located at the western end of the Kiritappu Peninsula and gives you a sense of the grandeur of nature. Cape Kiritappu is located in the rough waves of the Pacific Ocean. Wild sea otters live in the surrounding area, and if you're lucky, you can even see them from the promenade leading to the tip of the cape. In addition, there are campsites and relaxation places, and camping with a superb view overlooking the magnificent sea is popular. When you visit Hamanaka Town, enjoy fresh seafood and popular gourmet food. Kelp, salmon trout and autumn salmon, Toxilazu, saury, hairy crab, Hanasaki crab, Hokkai striped shrimp, hokki shellfish, clams, natural oysters, octopus, etc. are specialties, and fresh seafood that can only be tasted in Hamanaka Town will make tourists' tongues growl! Hamanaka Town milk is produced in a high-standard environment and is also used as a raw material for the world-famous ice cream brand "Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream". The umami that spreads in your mouth is unforgettable once you taste it. You can experience the charm of Hamanaka Town to the fullest through the events and festival held throughout the year. The "Hamanaka Cherry Blossom Festival" held in late May is a popular event held at Hamanaka Cherry Blossom Park, a cherry blossom viewing spot in the town. At the Cape Kiritappu Festival held in mid-September, you can visit Cape Kiritappu Lighthouse and taste seasonal seafood at the food stall village. Hokkaido AkkeshiHamanaka Town is a moving experience that visitors will never forget, with its natural scenery as far as the eye can see, delicious local cuisine, and the warmth of the local residents. We will continue to send out attractive information on Hamanaka Town, so thank you! !!

Walking around the Tokachigawa Onsen Guide Center, you’ll find fields full of canola flowers. Their vibrant yellow pops against the blue sky. It’s become a wonderfully pleasant season.

We introduce Tomakomai City's tourist information center! At the center, they also sell local mascot Tomachoppu goods and regional specialties! 😊 You can also find merchandise related to anime and manga works connected to Tomakomai City, attracting many fans! ✨ Tomakomai City is even listed among the 88Anime Pilgrimage Sites in Japan that fans want to visit, reflecting its ties to many works. When you visit Tomakomai City, be sure to drop by the tourist information center!! Bicycle rentals are also available! (Limited period only) [ Address ] 053-0022 1st floor, Friend Building, 5-11-5 Omotecho, Tomakomai City, Hokkaido ( Bus stop serves as a landmark 🚌 ) [ Hours ] 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Let us introduce Tomakomai City's local mascot!! This is the deputy city bird (fukushichou), Tomachop!! 🎉✨ Tomachop was born in 2011 from an idea by junior high students in Tomakomai City. The name combines things connected to Tomakomai City. Tomachop even appears in the smartphone game "Uma Musume" and is loved not only locally but across Japan 💖 Tomachop warmly looks forward to your visit!! 🎈🦢 ≪ Tomachop Profile ≫ ・ Name: Tomachop ・ Birthday: August 22 ・ Bird Age: Forever five years old (approximately) ・ Address: Utonai 053, Tomakomai City ・ Hometown: Lake Utonai ・ Hobbies: Skating, going out, and eating snacks (munch munch) ・ Favorite Food: Surf clam rice burger (hokkigai rice burger) ・ Special Skill: Chop ・∀・ノ ・ Future Dream: To become the mayor of Tomakomai City

Nice to meet you all! This is the Tomakomai City Tourism Promotion Division. Tomakomai City is a city facing the Pacific Ocean in the central Hokkaido region of Hokkaido, with a population of about 170,000, about one and a half hours by car from Sapporo City, and about 30 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport. Tomakomai City is also known as the largest port city in Hokkaido. There is a port in the city where large ships and cargo ships come and go, and various goods are shipped to all over Japan. In addition, the Tomakomai Ferry Terminal is served by large passenger ships from Hachinohe Port in Aomori Prefecture, Sendai Port in Miyagi Prefecture, and Oarai Port in Ibaraki Prefecture, making it a gateway for sightseeing in Hokkaido by private car or motorcycle. It has also developed as an industrial city since ancient times, and the paper industry has flourished since the Meiji era, and it is known as a "paper town". The city is home to steel mills and petrochemical plants, which play an important role in supporting Japanese industry. Recently, renewable energy power plants have also been constructed, and the development of industries that are friendly to the global environment is progressing. On the other hand, it is also a city rich in nature, such as Lake Utonai, a Ramsar wetland, and Mt. Tarumae, a triple active volcano that is rare in the world. Tomakomai City is characterized by a comfortable climate throughout the year, with cool summers and less snowfall in winter than other parts of Hokkaido. At Tomakomai's major summer event, the Tomakomai Port Festival, there are many events such as stage events such as comedy live performances and song shows that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike, as well as citizens' odori parades on Ichijo-dori Street and Ekimae-dori Street. A cool fireworks festival is also held at the port, and vivid fireworks colors the night sky of Tomakomai with the vast Pacific Ocean in the background. In 2022, about 300,000 visitors visited, about twice the population. Tomakomai City has various attractions such as nature, port, industry, culture, and festival. You will be able to spend a pleasant time with the beautiful scenery of the four seasons, fresh seafood, historical buildings and museums, and warm contact with people. Please visit Tomakomai City and enjoy its charm to the fullest.

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

Here are today's views of Onneto and Yunotaki. The weather was great, and the location was perfect!

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!

The seasonal winter road closure on the prefectural road leading to Onneto, the mysterious lake in Ashorocho, was lifted on April 7. Most of Onneto is now ice-free except for a few patches. Please come visit Ashorocho during Golden Week! Note: Onneto is about a 45-minute drive from town. It is colder at the site than in town, so dress warmly. There is no direct public transportation to Onneto, so please use a rental car or other private transport.

Today it was 🍝 pasta at Mr. Erable.