On Saturday, February 21, the Forest Snow Park 2026 in Kawayu Onsen will take place in front of the Kawayu Visitor Center. With the theme "Play in Kawayu's Winter," a variety of activities and events will be offered again this year. There are plenty of experiences for adults and children alike, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, campfires in tipis, Sakhalin fir (akaezomatsu) distillation workshops, wooden coaster making, and slide talks. Hot milk and homemade cookies prepared by students from Teshikaga High School will be available in the tents on site. Please come with friends and family. Forest Snow Park 2026 in Kawayu Onsen (Event Overview) Date and Time: Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10:00–21:00 Venue: Kawayu Visitor Center and surrounding area (Kawayu Onsen 2-2-6, Teshikaga) Admission: Free (All programs are free to enjoy.) ※ Food and drinks are sold separately. Activities <10:00–16:00> ● Cross-country skiing　● Ski-shoe experience　● Snowshoe experience <Ongoing> ● Snow play area　● Campfire in a tipi Events ● Forest stories and a forest walk　13:00–14:00 ● Sakhalin fir distillation experience　10:00 / 11:00 / 12:00 / 14:00 / 15:00 ● Wooden coaster making　10:00 until supplies run out ● Slide talk "With Reverence for the Brown Bear"　15:30–17:00 ● Free talk session　17:30–19:00 ● Stargazing　18:45–19:30 ● Snow candles　17:00–21:00

😉Come hear presentations by high school students from Kyoto😉 Students from Ritsumeikan High School in Kyoto will visit Kushiro next month, March☺ They will present what they felt while touring and learning about Kushiro over several days! How does Kushiro look through the eyes of high school students from outside Hokkaido? These students, who study in a completely different environment, investigated Kushiro’s tourism and industries and will offer proposals for Kushiro’s future as the result of their findings. ✨ This is a very valuable opportunity, so please come and join us(^^)/ ● Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 ● Venue: Kushiro Lifelong Learning Center meeting room 705 and 706 ● Time: Registration 9:00, starts 9:15, ends 10:45 No prior registration required ・ Free admission

Everyone, come on over! Teshikaga⭐️Fireworks Village On Sunday, February 22, 2026, Teshikaga⭐️Fireworks Village will take place on the grounds of Teshikaga Junior High School! The event runs from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM and features endless handheld sparklers, hot-air balloons, food trucks, and more. Some activities have limited spots depending on the program, so please join early⌚️💦 At the same time, the downtown venue will host the Teshikaga Downtown Photo Gallery! Enjoy a collaboration between Teshikaga High School and Miyazaki Flower Shop, food trucks and Teshikaga Marche vendors, and a small snow slide! Come and join us☃️🎆✨ Check the flyer for details!! We look forward to seeing you☃️💕

●Lotus Leaf Ice on the Kushiro River● On the Kushiro River today, many lotus leaf ice floes were drifting. This phenomenon occurs when several conditions line up, so you might not see it at certain times of day, and finding it always brings a smile☺ It feels like I’ve seen more of it this year than usual. You’re more likely to spot it on cold mornings. You might see it around Nusamai Bridge, Kusuri Bridge, and Asahi Bridge. The beautiful scenery makes the cold disappear‼ Enjoy the magical winter of Kushiro in February to the fullest✨

A chilly 1°C yet unusually warm for Akanko in February in the early morning It was cloudy, but that very cloudiness made the scene—snow and the dark-looking conifer forest—resemble an ink-wash painting as I walked across the surface of Lake Akan Today was warmer than yesterday daytime, so the lake ice softened and water rose in places; for safety we altered part of the route and ended the tour 30 minutes early, but everyone enjoyed Akanko’s nature You can reserve the early-morning walking tour from the URL below 　　↓ https://ja.kushiro-lakeakan.com/things_to_do/19977/... *Because this winter has been mild, please understand that, depending on lake ice conditions and for safety reasons, the tour route or tour end time may change.

🖼️Onsen website 'From the Information Distribution Bureau' updated📝🆙 The 16th Gokkan Art Festival, a winter event at Kawayu Onsen, opened on February 2. This annual festival takes place around the same time each year and draws many visitors. Event period: From Monday, February 2, 2026 to Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Venue: Around ARtINn Gokkan Art Transmission Device (Kawayu Onsen 3-2-40) The festival offers a delightful space filled with beautiful art. Come and visit🧑‍🎨🎨

Everyone come! Teshikaga ⭐️ Fireworks Village — Downtown Venue Teshikaga Downtown Photo Gallery on Display! On February 21 and 22, 2026, a photo gallery will be held on Teshikaga Chuo-dori Shopping Street (the street in front of the former Kushiro Shinkin Bank). A collaboration between Teshikaga High School and Miyazaki Flower Shop, food trucks and the Teshikaga Marche, and a small snowy slide for children are also planned. There will be a fireworks display on the night of February 22, so please enjoy both days. [Event Schedule] 2/21 (Sat) 3:00 PM–9:00 PM Photo Gallery / Illumination 2/22 (Sun) 10:00 AM–3:00 PM Photo Gallery / Illumination / Otochu Shoten / Teshikaga High School x Miyazaki Flower Shop / Food Trucks / Camp Meals / Pop-up Marche / Mini Slide Please see the flyer for details. Note that the photo gallery and the fireworks venue are at different locations, so be careful‼︎🚨We look forward to seeing you!

Akanko in the early morning of February 9th chilled down to −16°C! Despite the heavy clouds, we were still able to catch a clear sunrise☀ The wind was a bit strong, but in spots where the trees sheltered us, frost flowers appeared❄✨️ You can book the early morning walking tour from the URL below. 　　↓ https://ja.kushiro-lakeakan.com/things_to_do/19977/... Please note that the tour route and start time may change depending on ice conditions on the lake and the weather.

2026 Sapporo Snow Festival 8-chome Hiroba! At the Akan Tourism Association booth, our beloved Marimokkori from Lake Akan is making an appearance!! Our association staff are sharing the charms of Lake Akanko together with it♪ Please come and see us 🟢

Early morning walk tour on February 8! It was forecast to be cloudy, but the sky cleared beautifully. Though small, we saw frost flowers and caught MtMeakan and the moon together♪ I couldn’t capture it in photos, but diamond dust also appeared. We tried freezing soap bubbles in subzero temperatures, poured hot water into the air to watch it freeze, and enjoyed full-body winter fun at Lake Akanko with Nordic-style snow angel play♪ You can book the early morning walk tour from the URL below. 　　↓ https://ja.kushiro-lakeakan.com/things_to_do/19977/... Please note that the tour route and start time may change depending on lake ice conditions.

Teshikaga Town Public Hall Presents How to Enjoy Teshikaga’s Starry Sky 13th Session: “Learn About the Total Lunar Eclipse!” — Join us🔭🌕 A total lunar eclipse will occur on March 3. To mark this event, we will learn about total lunar eclipses and, if the sky is clear, observe the phenomenon together! How to Enjoy Teshikaga’s Starry Sky consists of a lecture to deepen your knowledge of Teshikaga’s night sky plus a segment on current astronomy topics. Let’s enjoy the magnificent starry sky together🌌 For details, please check the February issue of Teshikaga Public Relations. We look forward to many people joining us🌟

📝♨️ Hot Spring Website "From the Information Dispatch Office" Updated📝🆙 Notice from the Tourism and Commerce Division, Kawayu Onsen District Improvement Office: We will hold an open-house style briefing on the reorganization and redevelopment of the Kawayu Onsen district. The event will take place at Kawayu Furusato Kan on March 1 and March 2. Please feel free to drop by!

The judging meeting for the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest was held ✨ The winners will be announced in mid-February. Stay tuned for the results 🏆📸

🏮✨ Onsen website "From the Information Desk" updated📝🆙 The Kawayu Onsen lanterns, first unveiled at last autumn’s Kawayu Marche, were formally lit at a ceremony late last year and are now displayed at hotels, souvenir shops, restaurants and other spots throughout the Kawayu Onsen district. This time we bring you a story about the "Kawayu Onsen Lanterns," which are becoming one of the faces of the Kawayu Onsen district🏮❄️Please take a look🐻

🧊Appearance of lotus-leaf ice🧊 This year, lotus-leaf ice has begun appearing frequently. In the bitter cold, a combination of conditions seems to form these shapes.😊 They often vanish by the afternoon even if visible in the morning, but the other day they stayed afloat in perfect form long after the sun rose. You won’t see them every cold day, so consider yourself lucky if you do.✨ Winter in Kushiro is wonderful! Come and visit us ^ ^

Winter Hanabi, fireworks that light up Akanko’s frozen night sky🎆 Starting tonight! The venue features not only fireworks but also an original ceremony✨ ⁡ Event period ▶︎ February 1 (Sun)–March 1 (Sun) ※From March 2–15, only fireworks will be launched ⁡Time ▶︎ 7:45 PM Welcome Ceremony 8:00 PM Fireworks display ⁡ ✼••┈┈••✼••┈┈••✼••┈┈••✼••┈┈••✼ Enjoy Akanko more conveniently and economically with Marimo Pay🉐 ⁡ Marimo Pay is a tourism app that lets you gather information about Akanko, make reservations, and complete payments all on your smartphone! For details, visit the link in the profile! Instagram profile https://www.instagram.com/akan_tourism_association/...

Warm up your chilled body from the winter cold… Here’s a recommended day-trip hot spring guide for you♨️

Kawayu Onsen website article updated 📝🆙 An article about “Kawayu Onsen’s Enkiri Bath Tour” has been posted ♨️❄️ Please take a look ✨ Kawayu Onsen’s Enkiri Bath Tour Stroll through highly acidic hot springs that can even dissolve nails, and let them melt away your daily frustrations, fatigue, and bad ties to refresh yourself! Why not try Kawayu Onsen’s new plan, the “Enkiri Bath Tour”? *The map on the third page is for staying guests 🗺️ https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/activity/990/...

🍽️♨️🐚 Kawayu Onsen Akkeshi Clam Fair Starts in March At three ryokan affiliated with the inn association (Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura, Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu), original clam dishes will be served at dinner or breakfast during the fair. Enjoy hearty, flavorful large clams and revive your spirits—eat clams to recharge! Soak in the hot springs to revive yourself, too♨️✨

🚨Schedule Change🚨 [Sightsee Hands-Free! Luggage Delivery Service Now Available] From Saturday, January 24 to Sunday, March 1, 2026, Teshikaga Town will operate the 2026 Winter “Teshikaga Eco Passport” town shuttle bus (reservations required in advance) and, during the same period, offer a luggage delivery service called “Sightsee Hands-Free.” This convenient service lets you drop off your bags at a designated location and have them delivered to your pickup point while you freely and lightly explore Teshikaga. You won’t need to carry your luggage yourself, so you can spend all your time and energy on sightseeing. No advance reservation is necessary. Please take advantage of this opportunity. Period Saturday, January 24 to Sunday, March 1, 2026 Fee 1,000 yen (tax included) Luggage size Total of length, width, and height up to 160 cm / weight up to 25 kg *Valuables, fragile items, hazardous materials, precision instruments, and frozen or refrigerated goods cannot be accepted. Drop-off locations and hours A: JR Mashu Station 8:30–11:30 B: JR Kawayu-Onsen Station 8:30–12:00 C: Kawayu Onsen Town Hotel until 11:00 (Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu, Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura) *Please note that the C reception hours have changed. Pickup locations and hours A: JR Mashu Station 15:00–16:30 B: JR Kawayu-Onsen Station 14:00–17:00 C: Kawayu Onsen Town Hotel from 13:30 onward (Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu, Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura) ________________________________________ Use it like a coin locker—no delivery! Luggage storage only We also offer a luggage-only storage service that acts like a coin locker without delivery. Use it as needed to suit your schedule. Fee: 700 yen (tax included) A: JR Mashu Station 8:30–16:30 B: JR Kawayu-Onsen Station 8:30–17:00 Inquiries Mashu Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association) 015-482-2200 Reception hours 9:00–17:00 on weekdays masyu_as@peace.ocn.ne.jp

●A Big Hit! Sarurun Kamuy — A Journey to Meet the Red-Crowned Cranes● Now Recruiting Participants for Sunday, February 8 and Sunday, February 15 ☺ Special early-morning entry to Akan International Crane Center! Under Director Kawase’s guidance, observe the cranes as they arrive. In February, at the peak of the season, come and watch the cranes dance gracefully. Application Deadline: Friday, January 29 *Limited availability remains for Sunday, February 8!* Please make reservations by phone directly (^^)/ Kushiro Tourism & Convention Association: 0154-31-1996

Introducing hot spring inns in Teshikaga♨️ Teshikaga has two hot spring areas, Mashu Onsen and Kawayu Onsen. The water quality and therapeutic effects vary by spring and by inn, so be sure to check out a variety of hot spring accommodations✨A second and third guide are in preparation. Please look forward to them😉🔥

Kushiro winter park! KKS Convention Center (Kushiro Tourism and International Relations Center) forecourt Friday, Saturday and Sunday from January 17, 2026 to February 8, 2026 Fridays 5:00 PM–8:00 PM / Saturdays and Sundays 4:00 PM–8:00 PM Saturday, January 24 — human curling 🧑🏻🥌 drew a lively crowd! Skating ⛸️ among the illuminations is simply wonderful ✨ Now happily underway 😊

●A Huge Hit! Sarurun Kamuy — A Trip to Meet the Red-Crowned Cranes● Recruiting participants for Sunday, February 15 Special early-morning entry to Akan International Crane Center GRUS! Under the guidance of Director Kawase, we will observe the cranes’ arrival. February is peak season. Come and watch the cranes dance in the sky. The crane tour is highly popular every year. The application deadline is Thursday, January 29, so please apply soon (^^)/ *If the minimum number of participants is not met, the tour will be canceled (10 people).* Sunday, February 15 Meeting time 6:55 AM Meet and dismiss at Kushiro Tourism and International Relations Center (KKS Convention Center) 7:00 AM Depart KKS Convention Center 7:50 AM Arrive at Akan International Crane Center GRUS 　　　　Observe the cranes’ arrival 9:30 AM Depart Akan International Crane Center GRUS 10:20 AM Arrive at Kushiro Station (you may disembark) 10:25 AM Dismiss at KKS Convention Center For details and to apply, follow the link below🔗 https://www.kushiro-lakeakan.com//

Ice Land Akan is now open. We look forward to welcoming you.

🚂 SL Winter Marsh Train on Friday, January 23rd 🚂 Steam from the SL billows up into the sky above the station. Excited. My heart races. Is it almost here? It’s here—😆 Both the riders and the photographers share the same feeling✨ They wave to each other thinking, “SLs are wonderful!”👋

✨“Konkon Rokon Sparkling Kushiro Stamp Rally” Opening Event✨ The stamp rally, running from Saturday, January 24 to Sunday, March 8, kicks off with an opening event at Tancho Kushiro Airport! On the day, we will distribute raffle tickets for a photo session. Everyone who takes part in the raffle will receive either an Alolan Vulpix or a Vulpix sun visor. Guests wishing to participate should gather at the venue at the ticket distribution time (^^)/ Date and time: Saturday, January 24, 2026 Venue: Tancho Kushiro Airport, 2nd floor departure lobby Program: 10:30–10:45 Raffle ticket distribution 　　　 11:00–11:30 Raffle and photo session *Approximately 20 groups are expected to be selected as winners Organizers: Kushiro General Subprefectural Bureau; Kushiro Tourism & Convention Association

📢Announcement📢 [Travel hands-free! Luggage delivery service now available] In Teshikaga, from Saturday, January 24, 2026 to Sunday, March 1, 2026, the 2026 winter “Teshikaga Eco Passport” town shuttle bus (advance reservation required) will run, and during the same period we will offer a luggage delivery service called “Travel Hands-Free.” This convenient service delivers your luggage from the drop-off location to your chosen pick-up spot, letting you explore Teshikaga light and free while your bags are transported. You don’t need to carry your luggage yourself, so you can spend your time and energy fully on sightseeing. No advance reservation is required for the luggage service. Please take advantage of this opportunity. Period Saturday, January 24, 2026 – Sunday, March 1, 2026 Fee 1,000 yen (tax included) Luggage size Total of length, width, and height up to 160 cm / weight up to 25 kg *We cannot accept valuables, fragile items, hazardous materials, precision instruments, or frozen/refrigerated items. Drop-off locations and reception hours A: JR Mashu Station 8:30–11:30 B: JR Kawayu-Onsen Station 8:30–12:00 C: Kawayu Onsen town hotels until 13:00 (Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu, Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura) Pick-up locations and times A: JR Mashu Station 15:00–16:30 B: JR Kawayu-Onsen Station 14:00–17:00 C: Kawayu Onsen town hotels from 13:30 onward (Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu, Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura) ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ Use instead of a coin locker! Luggage storage without delivery available! We also offer a luggage storage-only service that does not deliver items and can be used like a coin locker. Please use this option according to your needs. Fee: 700 yen (tax included) A: JR Mashu Station 8:30–16:30 B: JR Kawayu-Onsen Station 8:30–17:00 Contact Mashu Tourism Association 015-482-2200 Reception hours 9:00–17:00 / weekdays masyu_as@peace.ocn.ne.jp

NHK General TV’s asaichi morning show broadcast live from the rock terrace at Kawayu Onsen in Teshikaga. During filming in subzero temperatures, an accident caused a hot spring egg to freeze 👀🥚❄️ — everyone in the studio still looked happy and seemed to enjoy it ✨

Sunset in Kushiro! It was dazzling✨ 16:13 from the Earthquake-resistant quay