Town Map The campground is open again this year!! You may pitch your tent anywhere within the tent site you like⛺ 500 yen per night (per tent) Please check in at the management cabin near the go-carts! ※Check-in hours are from 9:00 to 16:30 This map shows places in Nishiokoppe where you can shop and take part in activities, along with laundry and bathing information, so please make good use of it! Paper maps are distributed at the management cabin and the Tourist Information Center Satōjūmu (Rizumu). Feel free to ask us anytime. We look forward to your visit *^-^* #Nishiokoppe Village #Forest Park #Campground #Town Map #Paid Campsite

Searching for spring in Miyanomori! Just when we thought temperatures would warm toward summer it turned sharply colder on Saturday, May 25. In the past, I explored around Nishiokoppe Shrine with Mr. Takada, who once served as the regional revitalization team’s wood-learning (mokuiiku) coordinator and as a forestry curator for the Board of Education. Since bear sighting reports last spring, Miyanomori has been a place we haven’t had many chances to enter. The snow has completely disappeared, and grasses are growing vigorously as we walked, spotting the white flowers that bloom in spring. With the pocket field guide Mr. Takada gave me in hand, I looked down at the ground and up into the trees to observe them. If you listen closely, you can hear bird calls between the rustling of leaves. People around the village often teach me the names of flowers and wild plants, but I struggle to remember them. Little by little, I hope to learn by comparing photos with real specimens, sometimes tasting or smelling them and using my five senses. I enjoy walking alone, but it’s also fun to stroll with a few people and listen to their voices. Thank you to everyone who joined us! #Nishiokoppe Village #Miyanomori #nature #spring #wood learning #community education #walk #nature observation #If you find new spruce buds, be sure to touch them

[Giant Setoushi-kun Appears!?] Roadside Station Kam sits along National Route 239. At its entrance a giant Setoushi-kun appears for a limited time! We were able to borrow hay rolls wrapped in white plastic from local dairy farmers in the village, so we decided to go all out and paint Setoushi-kun. When only orange and green were used, passersby puzzled over whether it was a pumpkin or a mandarin… (laughs) Once the eyes were added, it instantly looked like Setoushi-kun! Please stop by and take a look when you pass through! We’ve also included before-and-after photos *^-^* #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #local mascot #Setoushi-kun #oversized #hay roll #limited time #Roadside Station #Kam

Shibazakura Phlox Marche On May 19, I visited the Phlox Marche held at Shibazakura Takinoue Park. It was the perfect moment of full bloom, and a pink carpet stretched as far as the eye could see.🌸 That day featured a “Local Mascots Gathering,” with booths set up side by side from Omu, Engaru, and Monbetsu. Several large tour buses arrived, and the line for soft serve never seemed to shrink. I was amazed by how many visitors came! At the Nishiokoppe booth, we sold Ezo deer leather crafts, pet food, and drinking yogurt from Milk Design Co. Many people enjoyed the park with their dogs, which helped sales of deer jerky and Achilles sticks for dogs sell well. When the local mascots appeared, many children were delighted. It was adorable to see all the different characters lined up *^-^* Items sold at the Phlox Marche are also available at Hotel Morimu and Roadside Station Kam. We look forward to seeing you again at another lively event! #Takinoue Town #Shibazakura Park #Shibazakura Festival #Phlox Marche #Marche #Booth Exhibits #Local Mascots Gathering #Setoushi-kun #Nishiokoppe Village #Game Management Association #Ezo deer #Milk Design

Would you like to practice self-care in a holiday forest? The door of Burari Café opens again after a long time! Saturday, June 8, 10:00 AM At Burari Café, opposite the former Kitami Shinkin bank We will hold a mindfulness meditation and aroma workshop! Meditation led together with a yoga instructor and a session to make an aroma spray. Lunch will be available ^O^ At the last event, many ingredients came from Nishiokoppe Village, and the lunch had a wonderfully comforting flavor! Per person: 4,500 yen (drink fee 200 yen extra). Come by and drop in for a visit. We look forward to your reservation. Please call 080-5179-3861 (Takahashi). #Nishiokoppe Village #Burari Café #self-care #holiday forest #Yoga #Studio Yoga #Aroma・Tarot Minazuki #Monbetsu

How do you get there from Sapporo? A friend is going to visit and asked, “How can I get to Nishiokoppe?” so I made this guide!! The Nishiokoppe Village website lists access information, but I summarized fares and travel times in a table, so please use this as a reference. If you drive, using the expressway takes about four hours. If you use public transport, transfer waiting times can add up, so it may take half a day. This time I’ll introduce a route combining train and bus and a route using buses only. I think the route via Nayoro is the easiest, but there are also express buses from Sapporo to Monbetsu, so coming via Monbetsu is another option. The only public transport serving Nishiokoppe Village is buses.🚌 Roads are safely maintained in winter, so you can ride with confidence. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. And please feel welcome to come and visit Nishiokoppe Village! #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Sapporo #Access #Public transport #Bus #Express bus #JR #Limited express

“Delicious, Fun Spring Marche” A tasty gourmet fair with a children’s festival Nishiokoppe Marche! This year it was held again over three days during Golden Week. On the first day, such strong winds blew that tents almost flew away ΣﾟДﾟ This time the village’s Western-style restaurant, Harapeko-do, also took part! They sold Margherita pizza. At the children’s festival there were the usual rock–paper–scissors events, a kids’ lottery, yo-yo fishing, and candy fishing ✨ Some children were so tempted by the attractive sweets and toys that they tried again and again. Here are the other vendors! * Setoushi-kun pancakes and chiffon cake * Soba and udon topped with wild vegetable tempura * Ezo deer meatballs and deer simmered in red wine The tempura stuffed with plenty of wild vegetables and other fillings was delicious even eaten on its own!^^! During the market the Flower Park was open free of charge, and many people enjoyed viewing the spring blossoms. It makes us happy to see the Roadside Station bustling. Thank you to everyone who came!! #Nishiokoppe Village #Roadside Station #Kam #Nishiokoppe Marche #GW #Gourmet #Children’s Festival #Flower Park #Flowers #Spring

[Lively Forest Park] The forest park in Nishiokoppe Village reopened on April 29, at the start of Golden Week. Last year it was under renovation, and this was my first time seeing the playground equipment actually in use. I was surprised by how many people showed up on opening day! Many visitors came to make the most of the free-access play equipment. Some rode the go-karts again and again, and others kept batting at the batting cages for hours, while some enjoyed a peaceful picnic. The crowd grew even larger in the latter half of Golden Week when food trucks arrived, and the inflatable dome was continually full. Even the equipment that wasn’t free kept running. It was so pleasant to watch a park filled with the sounds of people enjoying themselves. Please come visit again! Look forward to the campground opening in early June. #Nishiokoppe Village #Forest Park #Golden Week #Opening Event #Renewal Open #Plenty of Play Equipment #Northernmost Batting Center #Sharp-turn Go-Karts #The cherry blossoms were beautifully in bloom

"Kaasan" from Nishiokoppe makes her CD debut! Keiko, affectionately known as "Kaasan." After hearing her story, singer-songwriter Riku Nakanishi wrote and composed a song for her, and it has finally been released on CD!! This CD release event is a special evening featuring people connected to Kaasan. You can also meet Koppe, who plays the shovel shamisen! *Event Details* Saturday, June 15 Hotel Morimu, Nishiokoppe Village Doors 5:30 PM / Show 6:00 PM Tickets 4,000 yen (includes snacks and all-you-can-drink) *Contact* 090-5194-8944 (Kametsu) 090-8707-0944 (Takahashi) CDs will be on sale at the venue! Reservations accepted until Monday, June 10. Feel free to contact us. We look forward to seeing you! #Nishiokoppe Village #CD Release #Keiko Takahashi #Kaasan #Riku Nakanishi #Local Friends #Yutaka Suzuki #Shovel Shamisen #Song #Youth Is Now

Notice: Komu Island Closed This is an announcement from the forest art museum Komu (Komu). Due to internal construction, the Komu Island area will be closed to visitors from Wednesday, May 15. We expect the area to reopen sometime in June or later. (Other areas remain open as usual for visitors.) We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. Also, Komu is now selling a new product! It’s that face carved from wood! ^^! You can probably tell what it is from the outline alone. Please come see the real thing! #Nishiokoppe Village #Forest Art Museum #Komu #Komu Island #No entry #A hint of coolness #New product released #Setoushi-kun #Face #Woodwork

[Notice about the Forest Park] Reopened on Monday, April 29th, here is information about the park’s playground equipment! —NEW— ★ Bouldering Climb all over the stage wall! Use is free. Shoe rental costs 100 yen. ★ Inflatable Dome This is also free to use. Lie back and feel the soft, pristine dome with your whole body! ※Open from 9:00 to 16:30 In addition to the newly installed equipment, we offer the northernmost batting center, go-karts, and other attractions that provide a break and fun for families. A paid campsite is scheduled to open in early June. ※500 yen per night Please enjoy Nishiokoppe to the fullest. #Nishiokoppe Village #Forest Park #Campsite #BBQ House #Reopened #Golden Week #Events available

[Forest Park Reopening] The forest park that underwent renovations last year finally reopened on Monday, April 29!! To celebrate the reopening, we will hold events through Monday, May 6, the final day of Golden Week. On the opening day, playground equipment will be free to use all day, and kitchen cars will appear from Friday, May 3 to Monday, May 6. Also… On Friday, May 3 we will hold the Go! Anpanman Show! There will be two performances, at 11:00 and 14:00. For more details, please contact the numbers below. We look forward to welcoming many visitors. *Contact* Tourist information center Satoyume: 0158-85-7125 Nishiokoppe Village Office, Industry and Construction Division, Forestry and Commerce Section: 0158-87-2111 Note: The campground is scheduled to open in early June. #Anpanman Show #Kitchen cars #Candy-sculpting #Nishiokoppe Village #Forest Park #Reopening #Golden Week #Events will also be held at Kimu and Kamu!

Signs of spring in Miyanomori A friend called me, so I wandered behind the shrine. At my feet, small blue flowers were blooming. Ezo-engosaku (erythronium-like spring flower) They say they also bloom around Kōrakuen. Climbing the steep slope of the ski area you find white Kita-kobushi blossoms in full bloom. At eye level I found buds that hadn’t opened yet. A fuzzy, downy flower bud had fallen to the ground. When I put it in my palm, it felt somehow cute. When the Kita-kobushi blooms, cherry blossoms are said to begin opening before long. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Four seasons #Miyanomori #Kita-kobushi #Ezo-engosaku

[Spring Window Art in Kam] On Saturday, April 13, Roadside Station Kam hosted an event to paint pictures on windows! This time we commissioned a professional artist to create coloring spaces on some of the windows. First, we visited the Flower Park before it opened and observed the crocuses just beginning to bloom and the trails mice likely left after tunneling through the snow. It was heartwarming to see children walking in a line along the stones that border the flower area. The event was themed “Flowers and Animals,” so I was glad we could look at the flowers that are actually blooming as the snow melted before we started drawing. As the windows filled with color, Roadside Station Kam seemed to brim with spring cheer. It was a short one-hour event, but thank you to everyone who participated! The artwork will be on display until mid-May. A Kam Marche is also scheduled from Friday, May 3 through Sunday, May 5. Please stop by Roadside Station Kam! #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Window Art #Painting #Drawn on windows #Crayons #Coloring #Flower Park #Kam #Roadside Station #Marche from Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5

[Komu Wood's Golden Week Festival] Golden Week is approaching! Have you decided on any outings? This year too, the forest museum Komu will host a Golden Week Festival! [Friday, May 3] 11:00 – Parent-and-child castanet workshop [Saturday, May 4] 11:00 – Parent-and-child castanet workshop 13:30 – Parent-and-child block-stacking contest (free to join) [Sunday, May 5 & Monday, May 6] 11:00 & 14:30 Sakhalin fir distilled water making experience 13:00 Violin and piano recital When we went to see the Sakhalin fir used for the distilled water, its green leaves were sparkling in the sun. Touch the wood, make something, and enjoy music at Komu's Golden Week events. We look forward to your visit. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #GW #Komu #Forest Museum #woodworking #mokuiiku (wood learning) #recital #Sakhalin fir #castanets #building blocks

[Library Introduction] In a corner of the community center, a sunlit library sits quietly. Right inside the entrance, we showcase this month’s new releases, recommended picture books, and titles listed on the “Children’s Reading Campaign” list. In the children’s area, where shoes are taken off, you’ll find picture books and children’s titles, along with wooden puzzles and stuffed animals. You’ll also spot wooden toys on top of the bookshelves. There is a shelf of books related to Hokkaido as well. Opening hours are shown in the image. On Wednesdays only, the library is also open in the morning. Feel free to drop by. #Nishiokoppe Village #Library #books #reading #Lending period is two weeks #skylight #A book on how to cook wild plants was helpful

Chicken Butchering Gathering Known as the "Bird Gathering," this event was held the day after the screening of "A Butcher Shop Story" as a collaborative program. The event took place at Minami Farm, a dairy farm in Nishiokoppe, and nearly 50 people attended. The plan was to slaughter four chickens and enjoy them as a meal. The first chicken was handled by a professional, and from the second onward volunteers who wished to took part in slaughtering. The birds that were slaughtered were skillfully broken down into parts by experienced hands. Cut into small pieces and placed on skewers, the meat began to resemble the yakitori sold in shops. During the butchering, feathers that had fallen drifted on the wind. Some of the children present held those feathers as if they were precious. In addition to bite-sized pieces and a whole roasted bird, we enjoyed ramen served with a soup made by simmering the chicken with vegetables. Every dish that participants brought to share was delicious. The sweet Filipino-style rice balls were also tasty. There was even a surprise performance of shovel shamisen. It was a day that made us appreciate having such a gathering nearby. Thank you to everyone who helped. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #chicken #butchering #Bird Gathering #Minami Farm #potluck dish #feathers drifting in the wind #feather quill #shovel shamisen #spring weather

A Family That Raises Cattle, Slaughters Them, and Turns Them into Meat A special screening theater was set up in the public hall’s audiovisual room A screening was held on Saturday, April 6. Living cattle and the beef people eat. For some reason, the process between those two seems hard to see. Valuing life and gratefully receiving life as food. For that purpose, a family running a certain butcher shop has passed down their craft and faced life and meat directly. The butcher and the community’s ties. The sound of drums with leather skins thunders through town during the danjiri festival. It was 106 minutes packed with many themes. Across three screenings, about 60 people in total attended—thank you. #Nishiokoppe Village #Public Hall #Audiovisual Room #Screening #The Story of a Certain Butcher Shop #Yashio Film Company #Scattered Children’s Handwriting #Free Admission #Thanks for the Sound System #Block Play Behind the Scenes of the Screening

***Fukujusou Have Bloomed*** When it gets warmer, the first flower to bloom is said to be the fukujusou. I found them near Satoyume and managed to capture both buds and blossoms with my camera. These plants open their flowers as temperatures rise and close them on cool mornings and evenings. #Nishiokoppe Village #Fukujusou #Fuku-koku-sou #Heralds of spring #Flowers #Be careful not to confuse them with butterbur scapes (fukinotou)

Camellias Blooming in the Greenhouse When I visited Roadside Station Kam at the end of March the greenhouse was filled with camellia blossoms. Even while the flower park lay blanketed in snow, it felt wonderful to find a space where you can enjoy bright, colorful flowers. At this time of year, potted orange kaffir lilies (clivia) liven up the area around the mechanical organ. If you stop by during a drive to rest, I hope you take a moment to see the flowers and relax. #Nishiokoppe Village #Roadside Station Kam #greenhouse #Roadside Station #camellia #pot #flower #the scent is also soothing

How to Harvest Sap and Make Chiffon Cake Held as a winter nature-watching event A project to collect sap from white birch trees. Participants gathered in front of the community center and rode a bus to the collection site. “Do you know what sap is like?” In response, one elementary school student gave a detailed explanation, prompting cheers of “Oh!” from the group. At the site, an outdoor lesson began on how to drill holes to collect sap and on the tools used for harvesting. Because temperatures had dipped in the days just before the event, no sap could be collected, but using sap gathered last year, participants also made chiffon cake. They mixed the batter and poured it into molds. Both children and adults worked with lively expressions. The baked chiffon cake was fluffy and disappeared in no time. Chiffon cake is sold irregularly at Yumemura Mori no Garden during events, so if you see it, please consider buying one! #Nishiokoppe Village #birch sap #mokuiiku (wood learning) #chiffon cake #Yumemura Mori no Garden

Screening in Nishiokoppe We will screen the documentary film “A Story of a Butcher Shop” in Nishiokoppe. The film follows a family who raise their own cattle, carry out slaughtering and butchering themselves, and sell the meat they process. Admission is free and open to everyone. This is a film we hope you will watch through to the end. Date and time: Saturday, April 6, 2024 10:00~, 13:30~, 18:30~ (running time: 106 minutes) Venue: Nishiokoppe Village Community Center, Audiovisual Room Please join us along with the related event the next day. #Nishiokoppe Village #Community Center #Audiovisual Room #Screening #A Story of a Butcher Shop #Butcher Shop #Cattle #Beef #Yashiho Film Company #Free Screening

Bring Spring to the Windows with Paintings Days with highs above 0°C are gradually increasing. At Roadside Station Kam in Nishiokoppe Village we will hold a painting event in April! This time’s theme is “Flowers and Animals.” We are eagerly recruiting children to paint together! Feel free to contact us. Date and time: Saturday, April 13, 2024, 10:00–11:00 Who can join: Junior high school students and younger (capacity about 20) Fee: Free Contact: 0158-85-7125 Application deadline: Friday, April 5, by 5:00 PM We have tasty gifts prepared, so look forward to it! #Nishiokoppe Village #Roadside Station #Kam #painting #window art #Flowers and Animals #Welcoming spring #Young children also very welcome

Koppe Mother Has Debuted Usually, she’s the village’s only supermarket cheer, calling out brightly at Q‑Mart. Yet she also gives the impression of running around the region with a shovel shamisen in hand. That very “Koppe Mother” has made her singing debut in Nishiokoppe! She stood between two artists and sang boldly to the end. It seems the recording finished smoothly, and we can’t wait for the CD release. May the song that holds her life reach many people. #Nishiokoppe Village #Koppe Mother #LIVE #GA.KOPPER #Birthday #Congratulations #Singer Debut #CD Release Is Almost Here #Delicious Pizza #Girls at the Reception

"Savoring Shirakaba Sap" How do you collect sap from trees? When you think of sap, maple syrup and lacquer might come to mind. This wood-education event not only gathers sap but also uses the collected sap to bake chiffon cake! Adults and children are welcome. Capacity is 20 people, so please book early. #Nishiokoppe Village #Wood Education #Shirakaba Sap #Collection #Yume-mura Forest Garden #Chiffon Cake #Reservation Required

[Let's dig up some treasures!] This is an announcement from the puppet theater circle Doremi. On Wednesday, March 20th, a public holiday, we will hold a Treasure-Finding Market instead of a flea market! Everything is free!! At this event you can take home any items you like. We plan to unload the flea market inventory that was at the Nishiokoppe Marche! Tableware, toys, clothes, stuffed animals, books… you’ll find a wide variety of items. Next door to the Treasure-Finding Market, we’ve prepared a room where you can enjoy indoor games, so feel free to drop in! Venue: Community Center (Meeting Room & Daycare Room) Time: 10:00–15:00 What to bring: Your own bag #Nishiokoppe Village #Puppet Theater Circle Doremi #Flea Market #Treasure-Finding Market #Free #Big Clearance #Community Center #Hotel Morimu

Snow Drawing After an unusually warm spell, snow is falling across many areas again. In Nishiokoppe, snow has once more covered the ground. On the wide white canvas, we used colored water made with food coloring to draw pictures and write words! We prepared three food-color shades: red, yellow, and blue. The children mixed them to create greens, browns, and even blacks. They scooped up the colored snow and showed it to us. By the way, the temperature was minus 7°C. Even with a fire going, you can’t hide the cold in your feet… Thanks to the bonfire, we could also enjoy roasted marshmallows, so that made it all worth it.

Snow-Covered Miya-no-Mori The third Wildlife Class for the village elementary school students This time, the theme was “Let’s Search for Treasures in the Winter Forest!” The highlight was a snowshoe treasure hunt through Miya-no-Mori, which spreads across and above the ski area. Each treasure had a transmitter attached, so using a tool called a Yagi antenna, the children traced signals while climbing up and down the slopes. When listening to the sound from the receiver, everyone focused and strained their ears to find the direction with the least noise. The weather was clear. With the air so crisp, it was an ideal day for walking through the snowy Miya-no-Mori. The kids seemed a little disappointed that the many treasures they found were not food or warm drinks, but they did take home venison stew as a souvenir. On a personal note, I was also happy to reunite with the university student I met during the summer camp session.

"Washed Setoushi-kun" He should have fit snugly in the jacket pocket, but Setoushi-kun accidentally fell onto the road. He was dirtier than ever before, so we decided to wash him right away. When we put detergent on him and tried to soak him in water, he seemed to be made of a material that floats, and he bobbed up and down as he surfaced. It takes time for him to dry. We decide to wait patiently.

Snow Falling from the Roof My first winter spent in a snowy region. I was surprised by the thick blanket of snow on the roof, and it felt fresh to watch that snow slowly shift and fall. When it falls, the flakes are soft and float down gently. But the accumulated snow on the roof makes a heavy "thud" as it comes down. I heard that if it hits a car directly, it can dent it badly. As temperatures rise, falling snow becomes a hazard, so please take great care.