[Notice of the 1st Tsubetsu Photo Contest] In order to rediscover the charm of Tsubetsu Town, it has been decided to hold the "1st Tsubetsu Photo Contest". Please show us the photos you have taken so far that are full of the charm of Tsubetsu Town. The winner of the highest prize will receive "Tsubetsu Wagyu beef worth 20,000 yen"! When applying, please be sure to send a printed copy of your work. The application deadline is [postmarked by the day of Thursday, February 15, 2024]. For details, please see the attached flyer image or our website. If you have any questions or inquiries, please contact the NPO Tsubetsu Tourism Association at 0152-77-3771. Although the application period is short, there is no shooting period, so works that have been shot in the past are also welcome. It's the first time we've held the event and we're starting from scratch, so we'd be very grateful if you could share this article and spread the word! And most of all, we are looking forward to receiving many applications!

Nice to meet you! This is the Tsubetsu Tourism Association. With a population of about 4,100 (as of 2023), Tsubetsu-cho, Abashiri-gun, Hokkaido, is located in eastern Hokkaido and is a town rich in nature with forests occupying about 80% of the town's area. In this first post in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, we will introduce the charm of Tsubetsu Town, which is blessed with nature! The climate of Tsubetsu Town is characterized by high temperatures in summer and severe cold in winter due to the influence of drift ice. There is little rainfall, sunny days, and the sunshine rate is one of the best in Japan. We will introduce access to Tsubetsu Town. By plane, it takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes from Haneda Airport to Memanbetsu Airport. It takes about 45 minutes from New Chitose Airport to Memanbetsu Airport. If you use JR (Limited Express), it takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes ~ 5 hours from JR Hokkaido Sapporo Station to Kitami Station. The bus takes the "Highway Bus Dreamint Okhotsk-go" from Sapporo Station to Kitami Station in about 5 hours. Access by car is about 5 hours from Sapporo Station to Tsubetsu Town. Tsubetsu Town, which is rich in forests, has been certified as a "Forest Therapy Base (R)" for the healing effects of forests that have been scientifically elucidated! At the Tsubetsu Townspeople's Forest Nature Park, which is called "Nonno Forest" by the residents of Tsubetsu, you can walk in the forest throughout the year. In addition, the "Nonno Forest Nature Center" attached to the Nonno Forest has various guided tours, so you can easily experience forest therapy (R). (Reservation required) There are many popular sightseeing spots in Tsubetsu, but this time we will introduce the most recommended spots! Lake Kussharo is a caldera lake in which rainwater accumulates in a large depression created when a volcano erupts. The Tsubetsu Pass Observatory located at Tsubetsu Pass on the outer ring of the Lake Kussharo caldera is located at an altitude of 947 meters, the highest of the surrounding observation facilities, and is a superb scenic spot where you can see not only Lake Kussharo, but also the Sea of Okhotsk, the Daisetsu Mountains, and the Sea of Clouds. The sea of clouds can be seen from June to autumn. Many photographers also visit to capture the beautiful scenery of the sunrise and sea of clouds. Aioi Railway Park, which has been converted into a park from the site of the former Kitami Aioi Station, is an irresistible spot for railway fans who have preserved rare old rolling stock such as "Kiha 22" and "Suhafu 16". There is also a café "Station Building Cafe Holoka" in the old station building, where you can enjoy home-roasted coffee and sweets made with local ingredients. Located in the forest, Roadside Station Aioi Biological Product Center is ideal for enjoying local gourmet food and looking for wonderful souvenirs. Kumayaki House, which sells freshly baked Aioi specialty kumayaki, is a popular shop that sometimes has a line on holidays. The "Sobiosan Museum" in the roadside station sells handmade tofu, juwari soba noodles, and other specialty products of Tsubetsu Town, as well as handmade products. You can also buy cute Kumayaki goods! Tsubetsu Town is dotted with campsites where you can enjoy nature. "21st Century Forest Campsite" is a campsite with a large lawn near the city. There are many children's playground equipment and it is popular with families. Since the Tsubetsu River flows, you can enjoy fishing and playing in the water! If you stay for one night, one tent will cost 500 yen. Other costs will be incurred depending on the conditions, so please check the official website when you come. The period of use is from May 1 ~ October 31 (may change depending on weather conditions) "Chimikep Lake Campground" is a free campsite located on the shore of Chimikep Lake surrounded by primeval forest. There is also a "Wild Bird Park" on the north side of Lake Chimikep where you can enjoy bird watching. In addition, there is a bird observation house, an arboretum, a hotel, and a walking path in the vicinity. The period of use is mid-May ~ the end of October (may change depending on weather conditions, etc.) Please note that auto camping is not possible.) Next, we will introduce the gourmet food that Tsubetsu Town is proud of! In Tsubetsu Town, onions are grown with special cultivation and organic cultivation. When heated, the sweetness increases and it is difficult to boil and crumble, which is a characteristic of onions from Tsubetsu Town! In addition, "Tsubetsu Wagyu" is an exquisite beef from Tsubetsu Town that is also recognized as a brand beef. Tsubetsu Wagyu beef raised on rice straw or wheat straw has a moderate amount of fat crossing, and the recommended cooking method for Wagyu beef with a juicy taste is yakiniku or sukiyaki. Onions and tsubetsu Wagyu beef are also sold at the hometown tax payment in Tsubetsu Town. Tsubetsu is full of hotels where you can stay comfortably! Please spend a relaxing time surrounded by beautiful nature. Lakes, forests, mountains, and other natural blessings of Hokkaido can be enjoyed in Tsubetsu Town. Please experience the unique charm of Tsubetsu Town and make memorable memories of your trip. We will continue to deliver information about Tsubetsu Town in the future. Thank you in advance!