Three Ways to Enjoy the Akajomatsu Forest Stroll through the woods, sometimes stepping close to a tree, sometimes stepping back to take it all in… If you use not only your sight but also your hearing, smell, and touch, one surprising discovery after another awaits. Notice the seasonal changes and your walk in the forest becomes even more delightful. Behind the Kawayu Visitor Center there are two walking trails centered on a natural stand of Akajomatsu firs. This time, we created this text with reference to and excerpts from part of the "Akajomatsu Forest Guidebook" available at the Kawayu Visitor Center. The brochure describes many more ways to enjoy the forest beyond these three. For more details, please see the brochure mentioned above.

Teshikaga Sea of Clouds A grand panorama filling Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu In Teshikaga you can see a sea of clouds over Lake Mashu in the early mornings. (Season: around June to October) Different observation decks let you enjoy the sea of clouds from various angles. We recommend staying overnight in Teshikaga and heading to the sea-of-clouds viewing spots at dawn during this season. 🛏️✨ For more details, see Teshikaga Navi. 📝🚗💨 https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/unkai/...

Kawayu Ganban Terrace, the origin of Kawayu Onsen. This sightseeing spot features hot water gushing out where it flows down from Mt. Iou. It is also an area that symbolizes Kawayu Onsen and underwent renovations in October 2024, drawing even more attention as a tourist spot. Here we introduce the charming Kawayu Ganban Terrace. For more details, please see Teshikaga Navi. 〈Kawayu Ganban Terrace〉 Location: Kawayu Onsen area, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido Phone: 015-482-2200 (Mashu Lake Tourism Association) Fee: Free Season: Open year-round Hours: 24 hours https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/18129/...

This is an announcement of Kaede no Yu's May Closed Day- ̗̀📣 The Vacation in May is on the 7th (Water) and 8th (Thursday). We will be open during Golden Week, so we are ♨️ looking forward to your Use 𓈒𓂂𓏸

〈Lake Kussharo〉 ~The country’s largest caldera lake~ Lake Kussharo, the nation’s largest caldera lake set in rich nature, unfolds a majestic Hokkaido landscape while gently welcoming visitors along its shores with a broad, embracing character that draws many people in. In summer, campers, canoeists and sailors come to enjoy water sports, and in winter many swans—travelers from Siberia—gather on the lake. There is also a free open-air bath anyone can use, so you can stay and relax. Here we present a compact guide to the many charms of Lake Kussharo. If you want to learn more, check out Teshikaga Navi ☺️🚗 https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/kussharoko/...

〈Lake Mashu〉 Lake Mashu is a mysterious lake whose deep blue waters seem to swallow you and whose appearance shifts moment by moment with the movement of the clouds. Here we summarize the basic information about Lake Mashu. If you want to learn more, please visit Teshikaga Navi. You might discover new charms of Lake Mashu! https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/mashu/...

🚽Notice of Temporary Closure for Sand Bath Public Toilet Due to Additional Repairs🚽 The Sand Bath public toilet in the Kussharo Lake Sand Bath parking area, which underwent repairs last month, will be temporarily closed for additional work from Monday, April 14, 2025, through Thursday, April 17, 2025. Closure period: Monday, April 14, 2025, 8:00 AM – Thursday, April 17, 2025 Location: Sand Bath Parking Area, Miruwa, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido The public toilet repair site is dangerous during the construction period, so please refrain from using or entering the area. The facility is scheduled to reopen as usual from the morning of April 18, but the schedule may change depending on the progress of the work. We will post any updates on this site, so please check regularly. Please note that the parking area will remain available during the public toilet closure. We sincerely apologize for the repeated closures and any inconvenience caused. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. https://masyuko.or.jp/news/sunayutoiletagain/...

🚗 Reopening of the Kussyaro–Mashu Lakeside Route for Winter Road Closure 🚗 This is an announcement about the reopening of the Kussyaro–Mashu Lakeside Route from its winter closure. During winter, the route was closed due to frozen road surfaces and accumulated snow. We will lift the closure for the section affected and reopen it as follows. "Kussyaro–Mashu Lakeside Route (Prefectural Route 52)" This road leads from Kawayu to the Third Viewing Platform at Lake Mashu. The road closure will be lifted and the road will reopen on the following date. Friday, April 11, 2025, from 10:00 AM Contact: Kushiro Construction Management Department, Teshikaga Branch Office (015-482-2147) https://masyuko.or.jp/news/kussharomashuroadkaijyo/...

The roadside station "Mashu Onsen" is hosting an exhibition of the winning entries from the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest! 📍Mashu Onsen Roadside Station, 2nd-floor exhibition hall Exhibition period: April 1 – April 31 All 20 works are on display🐾 A lovely selection of award-winning photos awaits—please come and see them📸🌱 ✴︎ Grand Prize ✴︎ “Enchanting Lake Surface” by Kunishi Murakumo (first image) 〈Teshikaga Navi — Introduction to the winning works〉 https://masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r07/...

Ramen is coming to Asama Hot Spring!!!! "Act 4 Asama Hot Spring Raamen Festival Noodle Warlord" Held in Date & Time: April 18 (Fri), 19 (Sat) 10:30~20:00 　　　　　20th(Sun) 10:30~15:00 Location: Hot Plaza Asama Hot Spring Plaza The nearest bus stop is Asama Hot Spring The Car parking lot is the Kiss Car on the north side of the Seuiheim Matsumoto Stadium Ramen is a ticket system 1,000 yen per ticket Kitchen Car from four ramen shops in Nagano Prefecture gathered. Enjoy the different flavors. In addition to that, drinks, bandit grilling, soft serve ice cream, etc. are also sold. And the centerpiece Events is the "Moteke Grand Lottery" 　The grand prize can be drawn with two ticket stubs with a lot of luxurious prizes, ♡♡ including a 30,000 yen Accommodation coupon for the Asama Onsen Ryokan Association. Eat ramen, take a relaxing bath in the Hot Spring, and relax. We look forward to seeing you. 　

Yachiyoza Story – Regular Yamaga Lantern Dance Performance “Yachiyoza Story – Regular Yamaga Lantern Dance Performance” is a special program combining a tour of Yachiyoza, a Meiji-era playhouse over 100 years old, with a performance of the Yamaga lantern dance. Watching the lantern dance in that nostalgic, otherworldly setting feels especially glamorous! Please enjoy this luxurious chance to experience the charms of Yamaga all at once. Location Yachiyoza Schedule Please check the following URL for event dates. https://www.y-kankoukyoukai.com/sp_page01.php... Date and Time One show daily, starting at 10:30 AM (about 60 minutes) ・Rokyoku performance “The Birth and Revival of Yachiyoza: Wasamon.” (Rokyoku performer Minatoya Koyuki) ・Yamaga lantern dance performance ・Yachiyoza tour and commemorative photos with the dancers Admission Fees Adults: 1,530 yen per person (Yachiyoza admission + 1,000 yen for lantern dance viewing) Elementary and junior high students: 770 yen per person (Yachiyoza admission + 500 yen for lantern dance viewing) ※Group discounts (15 or more) and combined tickets including Yachiyoza and the Lantern Folk Craft Museum are also available. ※Includes shopping vouchers usable at stores in Yamaga. Notes ・From 10:30 AM until around 11:30 AM, only guests holding tickets for Yachiyoza Story may enter. ・You may visit Yachiyoza for a tour even on days when Yachiyoza Story is not held. ・Event dates are subject to change. Thank you for your understanding. Contact Yamaga Onsen Tourism Association 0968-43-2952 Yachiyoza 0968-44-4004 ※If you are coming with a group of 15 or more, please make a reservation in advance. If your group has fewer than 14 people, you may come on the day without a reservation.

【2025 Summer Circulation Bus "Teshikaga Eco Passport" Planned】 The 2025 summer service of the Mashu–Kussharo sightseeing loop bus, which visits the main scenic spots in Teshikaga, has been confirmed. The loop bus ticket, Teshikaga Eco Passport, will again be available this year in two options: a two-day pass and a three-day pass, so please consider using it for your summer trip. We will announce bus timetables and other details once they are finalized. 【Operating Period】 Saturday, July 26, 2025 – Sunday, August 31, 2025 【Sales Locations】 ・JR Mashu Station ・Kawayu-Onsen Station 【Inquiries】 Mashu-ko Tourism Association (general incorporated association) 015-482-2200 (Weekdays 9:00–17:00) 【Timetable】 This timetable is provisional. It will be finalized in mid-May. For details, please check the announcements on Teshikaga Navi. https://masyuko.or.jp/news/2025summermoekopassaruyo/...

"Haruiro Shoku Night Market" https://atagawa-kyuhun-tomoru.jimdofree.com// On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the "Haruiro Shoku Night Market" will take place across the entire Atagawa Onsen area!! About 1,200 Taiwanese lanterns now decorate Atagawa Onsen, coloring the streets with warm light and steam to create a magical scene. Thanks to everyone, it will be one year since the 2024 lighting ceremony! From 12:00 to 21:00 on the day, more than 20 stalls will offer local delicacies and Taiwanese street food, along with Taiwanese goods and cultural items you can feel and enjoy! You can experience Taiwanese traditional culture with performances like Chinese lion dance, erhu music, and sky lantern releases—there is plenty to see and do! The local Atagawa Dokan Taiko drum performance will be beautifully lit red by the lanterns, creating a perfect atmosphere. Enjoy the soothing nights of Atagawa Onsen. *Parking around the area is limited, so please take the Izu Kyuko Line and relax while you enjoy the event♪ https://atagawa-kyuhun-tomoru.jimdofree.com//

Shinshu High Yamazakura Festival Takayama Village is dotted with Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) that are over 100 years old. Led by the 600-year-old Tsuboi Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms), Water the Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) of Mizunaka, the Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) of Akawa Kannon, the Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) of Nakashio, and the Edohigan cherry blossoms of Kurobe are called the Shinshu Five Great Cherry Blossoms of Takayama, and Events such as Cherry Blossom Trek Tour are Held in in conjunction with the good cherry blossom season. Please take a look at the single cherry blossom that blooms quietly in the mountain village. For more information on cherry blossom Information and Events, please check the Home page.

It’s very windy and snowing heavily in Teshikaga today🌀 Please be careful when going out⚠️⛄️🌨️❄️

Notice of Temporary Closure for Sandayu Public Toilet Repairs The Sandayu public toilet in the Sandayu parking lot at Lake Kussharo will be temporarily closed for repair work from Monday, March 17, 2025, through Friday, March 21, 2025. Closure period: March 17, 2025 (Monday) from 8:00 AM to March 21, 2025 (Friday) Location: Sandayu Parking Lot, Miruwa, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido For safety reasons, please refrain from using or entering the facility while the public toilet is undergoing repairs. The facility is scheduled to reopen as usual from March 22, but the schedule may change depending on the progress of the work. Any changes will be posted on this site, so please check for updates. Please note that the parking lot will remain available during the public toilet closure. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused during the closure period. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Teshikaga has enjoyed clear skies for several days. Warmer temperatures have begun to melt the accumulated snow little by little☃️ However, evenings still bring a sharp drop in temperature, making roads and walkways harder to drive and walk on… Please stay alert and practice safe driving and walking at all times🚗🚶⚠️👟

Hello, this is the Yugawara Hot Spring Tourism Association! Located in Yugawara-cho, Ashigarashimo District, Yugawara Town, Kanagawa Prefecture in the southwestern part of Kanagawa Prefecture, Yugawara Hot Spring is popular with many people as a charming Hot Spring resort nurtured by rich nature and history. This area, which has long been loved as the "inner courtyard of Kanto", is blessed with the sea, mountains, and rivers, and is characterized by various ways to enjoy it throughout the year. Please enjoy the quaint atmosphere of "Yugawara Onsen Town" and healing spots such as Hot Spring. The quality of Ryokan's facilities and hospitality is also high, and an increasing number of facilities are ranking high in the Hot Spring Sightseeing spot ranking. It is not only a place to Use One Day Hot Spring and Accommodation, but also an ideal location for Hiking, training camp, and sports Events. At this Yugawara Hot Spring, which has a good reputation by word of mouth, we will Broadcasting Recommendations so that you can spend a relaxing holiday, so please look forward to it. 【Access to Yugawara Hot Spring】 ◆Access to Yokohama Station - Yugawara Station From Yokohama Station to Yugawara Station, it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes without Transfer on the JR Tokaido Main Line. Good Access is also a recommended point. If you want to Use Car, we recommend going south on Route 135 via Tomei Expressway or Odawara Atsugi Road route. If there is no traffic jam, you will arrive at Yugawara Onsen Town in about one and a half hours. ◆Access to Shinjuku Station - Yugawara Station From Shinjuku Station, the main routes are to Use the JR Shonan Shinjuku Line or the Tokaido Main Line and Transfer at Odawara Station. It takes about 2 hours. Transfer are small and you can come comfortably. In the case of Car, Use Metropolitan Expressway and Odawara Atsugi Road, and arrive in about 2 hours ~ 2 and a half hours. 【About Yugawara Hot Spring】 Yugawara Hot Spring is a high-quality location where you can feel the sea breeze and enjoy the tranquility of the mountains at the same time, even if you look at it nationwide. A variety of Accommodations such as Ryokan and Hotel are scattered around, and there is also a wide variety of facilities that Implementation Day-use Hot Spring. In addition, Hiking courses and walking paths are maintained in Shiroyama and Mt. Nango, and it is a big attraction to be able to walk while enjoying the seasonal flowers and greenery. Held in training camps and sports tournaments for many student and adult sports teams, and the warm climate and good practice environment are supported. We receive many reviews from those who visit for sightseeing, such as "I like the relaxing atmosphere" and "I can enjoy an extraordinary feeling even though it is close to the Central Tokyo". 【Historical background of Yugawara Hot Spring】 Yugawara Hot Spring has a long history, and it was the only Hot Spring in eastern Japan to be mentioned in the "Manyoshu" published in the middle of the Nara period about 1,300 years ago. It is said that many samurai and village people have visited the Hot Spring Cure since ancient times. Hot spring treatment was an important therapy for the people of that time, and it is said that Yugawara's hot spring had a high reputation as a "famous hot spring". After the Meiji era, Access was improved by the maintenance of the railway, and many tourists from Japan and abroad and literary giants such as Akiko Yosano, Toson Shimazaki, Doppo Kunikida, and Ryunosuke Akutagawa visited from Japan and abroad, including Natsume Soseki. Even today, it continues to be supported by a wide range of generations as a Hot spring resort where traditional Hot spring therapy culture and modern tourism facilities coexist. 【Introduction of the spring quality of Yugawara Hot Spring】 Many of the Spring quality in Yugawara Hot Spring are mainly alkaline Hot Spring, and they are also popular for being soft on the skin and Hot water for beautiful skin. Soaking in a bathtub makes it easy for your body to warm up from the core, and you can expect Relief from fatigue recovery and relaxation effects. It is recommended that you can enjoy this blessed hot spring not only in the large public baths of hotels and ryokans in Yugawara Onsen Town, but also at one-day hot spring facilities. 【Popular Sightseeing spots of Yugawara Hot Spring】 ◆Fudo Falls Fudo Falls, a spectacular waterfall with a height of about 15 meters, is a spot where you can fully feel the power of Nature. There is also a promenade and a tea shop around the waterfall, where you can refresh yourself in the air full of negative ions. On the left side of the waterfall is a Shrine dedicated to Fudo Myoo, and you can also pray for Success in life and protection from evil. ◆ Makuyama Park Makuyama Park, which is not to be missed when sightseeing in Yugawara, is Famous as a Famous landmarks for Ume plums and cherry blossoms. Especially during the Ume plum season, the entire park is dyed a beautiful light red color, and it is crowded with many Cherry blossom viewers. Hiking courses are also available in the park, making it easy for everyone from small children to adults to enjoy. ◆Yoshihama Beaches If you want to enjoy summer leisure while sightseeing in Yugawara, "Yoshihama Beaches" is recommended. With a transparency boasting the highest ranking "AA" water quality, it is full of life every year with people enjoying marine sports. Outside of the Bathing in the sea season, it is also a great date spot to stroll while admiring the majestic sea or watch the sunset on the horizon. ◆Shitodo no Iwaya For those who want to feel the history of Yugawara, "Shitodo no Iwaya" is recommended. It is said to be the cave where Minamoto no Yoritomo hid from the Taira clan in 1180. The interior of the cave, surrounded by rough rock faces, is filled with a mysterious atmosphere, and you can feel as if you have traveled back in time. ◆ Sunday Sightseeing Morning Market The "Sunday Sightseeing Morning Market", which is Held in every Sunday morning at the "Manyo Park Yugawara Sōyu Entrance Square", is one of the recommended Spot in Yugawara, where Fresh Local ingredients and Specialty products are lined up. In the lively market, you can get not only seafood and Delicacies of the mountains, but also vegetables, fruits and processed goods Cultivation by Local farmers at reasonable prices. It is popular not only for tourists but also as a kitchen for local residents, and you can experience the rich food culture of Yugawara just by looking at the morning market. 【Specialty products and Gourmet of Yugawara Hot Spring】 ◆Hot spring manju Standard Yugawara souvenirs are "Hot Spring Manju". and different types of Koshian and Tsubuan, each store has a different flavor and Commitment. It is a One of a kind that can be enjoyed not only after after a bath, but also as a souvenir. ◆Yugawara mandarin orange jam Speaking of Yugawara, it is also famous as a famous mandarin orange production area. Packed with the sweetness and aroma of fresh mandarin oranges, "Yugawara Mandarin Orange Jam" is a recommended Gourmet unique to Yugawara. It goes well not only on bread, but also as a topping for yogurt or ice cream. 【Yugawara Hot Spring Events and Festivals】 ◆Yugawara Hot Spring Fireworks Festival The Yugawara Hot Spring Fireworks Festival, which brightens the summer night sky, is a major Events that attracts many tourists every year. The colorful fireworks that are launched illuminate the night sky and the surface of the sea, creating a fantastic sight. There are also Ennichi and stalls around the venue, so you can fully enjoy the atmosphere of the summer Festival. Many Ryokans and Hotels in Yugawara Hot Spring also have Accommodation Plans tailored to the fireworks festival. 【Enjoy Hot Spring Enjoy sightseeing】 Yugawara Hot Spring is an attractive sightseeing spot where you can enjoy history, nature, and rich hot spring culture. Access from Yokohama and Shinjuku is also good, and you can enjoy it on a day trip or at an accommodation, so it is recommended for everyone from those who want to come to play to those who want to enjoy the Hot Spring carefully. At Yugawara Hot Spring, which is highly rated by word of mouth, please spend a special time of healing. This Account will Broadcasting Recommendations for Yugawara Hot Spring, so please Enjoy it!

A six-minute walk from Tomakomai Station. At Machinaka Exchange Center, located at the intersection of Tomakomai Ekimae Hondori and Sanjo Dori, you can enjoy a free foot bath and hand bath using hot spring water. Please stop by while sightseeing or shopping.

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

The 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Entries 5/5 The Teshikaga Photo Contest has reached its 14th edition this year. While digital submissions and SNS entries have become common in recent years, the Teshikaga Photo Contest keeps a classic format by judging printed works. For this edition, we invited Takeshi Mizukoshi, a Teshikagacho resident and internationally known mountain photographer, as a special judge to help select the winners. For the 14th contest, we accepted entries in four categories—Starry Skies, Sea of Clouds, Activities (Experiences), and Open—from November 1 to December 25, 2024. Out of 154 submissions, 20 works won prizes! Here we present five Special Prize winners and the Organizing Committee Special Prize. With this announcement, we have published all the winning works of the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest. Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest! Congratulations to the prize winners 🎊 ✴︎Special Prizes✴︎ "Kiriwataru" (Mist Spreading) Shizuo Murakami "Bridge of Hope for the Future" Maruni Urata "Ice Opening in the Bitter Cold" Yoneko Tazawa "Moonlit Lake Mashu" Noriyuki Hatahashi "Reunion" Yui Amy Murakami ✴︎Organizing Committee Special Prize✴︎ "The Call Within the Silence" Go Kan-iku

Hello! This is the Yamaga Onsen Tourism Association. Yamaga Onsen is a famous hot spring in northern Kumamoto Prefecture with a history of over 1,300 years. Its waters are characterized by alkaline simple hot spring quality, known for enhancing skin beauty. The water is clear and colorless, tasteless and odorless, with temperatures ranging from 39 to 45°C. This account will share recommendations and the latest information about Yamaga Onsen, so please follow us! ◆About Yamaga Onsen, Kumamoto Prefecture You can enjoy flowing-only (gensen-kakenagashi) hot spring water at many inns, and there are plenty of outdoor baths and family baths available for day use, making the area beloved by both visitors and locals. The town offers a historic atmosphere, and popular sights include Yachiyoza Theater and the Buzen Highway. ◆Access to Yamaga Onsen Yamaga Onsen is conveniently accessible from Fukuoka. By car: Take the Kyushu Expressway and exit at Kikusui IC or Ueki Interchange; it takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Fukuoka City. By bus: Take the Hinokuni Bus from Fukuoka Tenjin to Yamaga Bus Center, about 1 hour and 20 minutes. From the bus center, hot springs and attractions are within walking distance. ◆History of Yamaga Onsen Yamaga has long been a hot spring town. In the Edo Period it prospered as a post town along the Buzen Highway, where many travelers stopped for healing baths. In the Meiji Era the playhouse Yachiyoza was built, adding cultural appeal to the hot spring area. Today, the town continues to enchant many visitors as a hot spring town where history and tradition live on. ◆Popular attractions in Yamaga Onsen ・Buzen Highway The Buzen Highway runs through the heart of Yamaga Onsen and preserves the historic streetscape of an Edo Period post town. Along the cobblestone road you will find white-walled townhouses and old folk houses, perfect for a stroll through a retro atmosphere. Cafes and souvenir shops dot the area, making it an ideal spot to buy local specialties. ・Sakura-yu Hot Spring Sakura-yu, a symbol of Yamaga Onsen, is a public bathhouse with roots in the Edo Period. It was restored in 2012 as one of Kyushu’s largest wooden hot springs using traditional Japanese construction methods. The spacious main bath retains the charm of wooden architecture and offers flowing-only hot spring water. It’s an easy place to enjoy a soak between sightseeing. ・Yachiyoza Theater Built in 1910 (Meiji 43), Yachiyoza Theater was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 1988 (Showa 63). It features lavish ceiling paintings and a revolving stage, and performances are still held today. You can tour the interior and experience the atmosphere of this historic theater. ・Yamaga Lantern Folk Art Museum This facility exhibits Yamaga City’s traditional craft, the Yamaga lantern. Inside, you can admire the beauty of gold lanterns made from delicate Japanese paper and learn about their production process. ・Kongojoji Temple / Stone Gate Kongojoji Temple, with a history of 1,300 years, features an imposing Stone Gate that evokes foreign lands. ◆Local specialties and souvenirs of Yamaga Onsen ・Lantern Monaka Lantern Monaka is a signature confection of Yamaga Onsen shaped like a gold lantern. Its crispy wafer shell is filled with delicately sweet red bean paste, making it a popular souvenir. ・Yamaga Yokan Made in the traditional way, Yamaga Yokan is known for its gentle sweetness and moist texture. It pairs well with green tea or coffee and is a welcome gift. ◆Events and festivals at Yamaga Onsen ・Yamaga Lantern Festival Held annually on August 15 and 16, the Yamaga Lantern Festival is one of Kyushu’s premier summer events, when the whole town glows with mystical light. The Thousand Lantern Dancers, where more than a thousand performers dance gracefully, is a breathtaking sight. ・Yamaga Lantern Romance: A Hundred Flowers, A Hundred Lights Held every winter, Yamaga Lantern Romance: A Hundred Flowers, A Hundred Lights welcomes visitors with enchanting lights created from Japanese umbrellas and bamboo installations along the historic streets. The Buzen Highway is illuminated at night, offering photogenic scenes unlike any other time of year. ◆Enjoy Yamaga Onsen in Kumamoto Prefecture Yamaga Onsen is a hot spring town known for waters that beautify the skin and for its historic attractions. In addition to overnight stays, there are many outdoor baths and family baths available for day visitors, and the area consistently ranks highly on hot spring lists. Beyond the baths, Yamaga Onsen offers diverse pleasures—local cuisine, traditional crafts, and festivals—so please come and visit.

★Lake Suwa / Kami-Suwa Onsen — A Ryokan with Delicious Food: Hama no Yu ※Kami-Suwa Onsen: The Yutama Legend At Kami-Suwa Onsen there is a “Yutama” legend that says the goddess of Suwa Taisha was carrying bathwater for her makeup on cotton as she moved from the Upper Shrine (Kamisha) to the Lower Shrine (Shimosha). Some of that water fell along the way and formed the hot spring known as Yutama. Now, in this cold season don’t we all want to soak in a warm onsen? Food lover Kasai turns into “steam-emitting Kasai” when he sweats in winter, with steam rising from his head, haha. Lately I’ve actually gotten hooked on onsens! First, I’d like to introduce the local Kami-Suwa Onsen!!! For the first feature, we received cooperation from Hama no Yu!!! Above all, Hama no Yu’s baths let you enjoy the garden view, and their baths are made from the now-rare black granite. And the ultimate feature is their heat retention!!! This heat retention is one of their strongest points in the whole country!!! Please stay with them and enjoy their baths, which are available 24 hours a day!!! • Men’s Bath There are four baths: a black granite bath, a cypress bath (bubble bath), a rock open-air bath, and a herbal bath. Men can relax and recover from fatigue in the herbal bath♨. A dry sauna and cold plunge are available. The large public bath is open 24 hours! • Women’s Bath There are four baths: a black granite bath, a cypress bath (bubble bath), a rock open-air bath, and a lavender bath. In the women’s bath you can especially enjoy the lavender bath♨, with its delightful fragrance and excellent relaxing effect. A mist sauna and cold plunge are available. The large public bath and the lavender bath are open 24 hours! ☆ Private Bath “Asa no Yu” A private bath is available where families can soak together in private, so if you have small children you can enjoy the onsen without worry, just like at home♨. Fee: 45 minutes / 2,200 yen (tax included) • Source: Nanatsugama Source (a mixed spring of Shin-Mitsugama No.1 source, Shin-Mitsugama No.2 source, Ayame source, and Yanaginami source) • Water Quality: Simple sulfur spring (weakly alkaline, hypotonic, high-temperature spring) • Indications: Neuralgia / Muscle pain / Joint pain / Frozen shoulder / Motor paralysis / Joint stiffness / Bruises / Sprains / Chronic digestive diseases / Hemorrhoids / Sensitivity to cold / Convalescence / Recovery from fatigue / Health promotion Everyone, please consider staying at Hama no Yu to enjoy this proud onsen and the ryokan’s pride—its delicious meals!!! https://www.hamanoyu.co.jp//

The 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Entries 4/5 The Teshikaga Photo Contest celebrates its 14th year this time. While recent years have favored digital submissions and entries via social media, the Teshikaga Photo Contest follows a classic format, judging printed works. For this edition, we invited Takeshi Mizukoshi, an internationally known mountain photographer who lives in Teshikagacho, to serve as a special juror. For the 14th contest, we accepted entries from November 1, 2024, to December 25, 2024, across four categories: Starry Skies, Sea of Clouds, Activities (Experiences), and Open. From 154 submissions, 20 works won awards! Today we present five Special Prize winners. Congratulations! 🎊 The final installment will appear in the next post. Stay tuned📸♪ ✴︎Special Prize✴︎ “Morning Awakening, In the Calm” Hazuki Yamada “As in Ancient Times” Masao Kainuma “A Night of Complete Ice Cover” Masaru Murakami “Nature’s Vitality” Tadashi Takeda “Charge” Toshikazu Yanagihori

The 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Entries 3/5 This year marks the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest. While digital submissions and social media entries have become common in recent years, the Teshikaga Photo Contest preserves a classic format by judging printed works. As a special juror, we welcomed Takeshi Mizukoshi, an internationally known mountain photographer who lives in Teshikagacho, to help select the winners. For the 14th contest, we accepted entries in four categories—Starry Sky, Sea of Clouds, Activities (Experiences), and Open—between November 1 and December 25, 2024. From 154 submissions, 20 works won awards! Today we present five winning entries. Congratulations! 🎊 Next up is 4/5—stay tuned 📸♪ ✴︎Winning Entries✴︎ “Love at First Sight” Yasunori Kobayashi “Dawn” Naoya Andachi “Lake Kussharo in Winter” Miki Furusawa “River at Dawn” Kejiro Suzuki “Ehehe” Rie Ishida

【Junki Yarinome Photo Exhibition Sense of Wonder】 At present, Kawayu Visitor Center is hosting "Junki Yarinome Photo Exhibition Sense of Wonder." An artist talk will take place on March 1, and applications are now being accepted. Please take this rare opportunity to join us ⛰️❄️ Outdoor lovers and photography fans will be treated to Junki Yarinome’s wonderful stories♪ 【Junki Yarinome Photo Exhibition Sense of Wonder】 Saturday, March 1, 2025 Kawayu Nature Salon Vol.3 "Artist Talk" Venue: Kawayu Visitor Center lecture room Time: Doors open 13:00 Talk 13:30–15:00 Admission: Free Capacity: 15 people (advance registration required, junior high school students and older, first-come, first-served) ...Junki Yarinome (Yarinome Junki)... Born in Abashiri, Hokkaido. Born in 1992. He completed graduate studies at Hokkaido Bunkyo University Graduate School. After graduating, he moved to Teshikagacho in 2017, began working as an outdoor guide (canoeing, trekking), and made regular trips to snowy mountains his life’s work. Since 2021 he has worked independently as Outdoorguide YARINOME, combining guiding and photography work. He is also active as a rider for MOSIRITA Snowboard.

The 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Entries 1/5 This year marks the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest. While digital submissions and entries via social media have become common in recent years, the Teshikaga Photo Contest follows a classic format by judging printed works. For this edition, we welcomed Takeshi Mizukoshi, an internationally known mountain photographer who lives in Teshikagacho, as a special juror to help select the winners. For the 14th contest, we accepted entries in four categories—Starry Skies, Sea of Clouds, Activities (Experiences), and Open—from November 1 to December 25, 2024. Out of 154 submissions, 20 works won awards. The Grand Prize went to Koshirou Murakumo’s “Enchanting Lake Surface.” Congratulations 🎊 We will present all the winning entries over five installments starting this week, so please look forward to them 📸♪ *Grand Prize* “Enchanting Lake Surface”: Koshirou Murakumo

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

♨ Atagawa Yukemuri Night Market ♨ Under the glow of Taiwanese lanterns in Atagawa, why not enjoy local gourmet dishes? The venue is a 7-minute walk from Izu Kyuko Atagawa Station. For your visit to the event, please arrive by the convenient and comfortable train service. [Atagawa Yukemuri Night Market] Date: Saturday, March 1st, 5:00 PM–8:30 PM Venue: Atagawa Hana Hanapa~ku Contact: "Atagawa Lights Up Jiufen" Town Development Council (Higashiizu Chamber of Commerce and Industry) TEL: 0557-95-2167

Tomorrow! Mashu⭐︎Snowland 2025 Last year's Mashu⭐︎Snowland closed amid great success, and now it returns this winter with even more to offer. Enjoy a very long snow slide, winter barbecue in the cold, a fun lottery, and many more attractions. The timetable is now available, so gather your friends and join us! Mashu⭐︎Snowland 2025 Event Details Date and Time: Saturday, February 15, 2025, 10:00–20:00 Venue: Teshikagacho, Yunoshima Park Attractions: a very long snow slide, candy toss, Snowball Fight Japan Championship, winter barbecue, fireworks display, fun lottery * Admission is free and open to everyone. * Buy a barbecue ticket with a lottery ticket to enjoy the winter barbecue inside the venue and take part in the fun lottery! Barbecue Ticket with Lottery Ticket Advance winter barbecue ticket: 1,500 yen; same-day ticket: 2,000 yen * Both advance and same-day tickets allow participation in the fun lottery. Main ticket outlets: Shokudo to Kissa poppotei / Third place Livingbar221 Sumiya Ishihanaki Kinko / Mashu izakaya Mokkiriya Inquiries: Mashu⭐︎Snowland Executive Committee (090-5951-9471 Nishizaki) Supported by: Teshikagacho Chamber of Commerce Lake Mashu Agricultural Cooperative Association, Mashu Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association)