【Tokachi Ashoro・Lake Akiiro Lake Onneto】 An attractive scenery that you want to visit even if you get up early, is the autumn leaves at their peak this week?! Lake Where Time Stops Lake Onneto Lake Onneto Lake Onneto is a beautiful lake with a circumference of 2.5 km located at the westernmost point of Akan Mashu National Park and at the foot of Mt. Meakan. It attracts many tourists with its beauty and native charm. It is a mysterious lake that changes color to clear blue, emerald green, and dark blue depending on the season, weather, and viewing angle. There is a wooden observation deck on the west side of the lakeside where you can overlook the Lake Onneto with Mt. Meakan and Akan Fuji in the background. There are walking paths around the lakeside, and you can enjoy the untouched nature surrounded by primeval forest. In the surrounding area, there are Onneto Yunotaki Falls Meakan Hot Springs and a national campsite (from June ~ the end of October) that is also the starting point for mountain climbing. @NPO Ashoro Tourism Association

Nice to meet you! It is the Tokachi Tourism Federation. We would like to introduce the attractive information of Hokkaido Tokachi, which is blessed with vast land and beautiful nature. First of all, we will deliver the basic information of Tokachi. Tokachi is made up of 19 municipalities, including the central city of Obihiro. "19 Municipalities of Tokachi" Obihiro City, Otofuke, Shihoro Town, Kamishihoro Town, Shikaoi Town, Shintoku Town, Shimizu Town, Memuro Town, Naka Satsunai Village, Sarabetsu Village, Taiki Town, Hiroo Town, Makubetsu, Ikeda Town, Toyokoro Town, Honbetsu Town, Ashoro, Rikubetsu Town, Urahoro Town The origin of the place name Tokachi in Hokkaido comes from the fact that it was called "Tokapuchi", which means Tokachi River in the Ainu language used by the indigenous people of Hokkaido. Due to the continental climate of Tokachi, the temperature in spring and summer is relatively high even in Hokkaido. In winter, the minimum temperature is -30 degrees Celsius, but there is little snow and there is a lot of sunny weather. The main route to Tokachi is from Tokachi-Obihiro Airport by plane. Tokachi Obihiro Airport is about one and a half hours from Haneda Airport and about 1 hour and 45 minutes from central Nagoya. By train, you can travel from Sapporo to JR Obihiro Station in as little as 2 hours and 24 minutes. Tokachi is a treasure trove of nature, and each of the 19 municipalities and regions is full of diverse attractions, and there are many sightseeing spots where you can encounter beautiful scenery and animals. In this post, we will introduce some of the popular sightseeing spots. Banei Tokachi (Obihiro Racecourse) in Obihiro City is the only racecourse in the world that holds the Banei Horse Race, where racehorses compete by pulling sleds. In the Banei race, you compete in strength, speed, and endurance. The powerful sight of running on the 200-meter-long course is a must-see! In addition, there is a "petting zoo" where you can interact with ponies and rabbits, and you can enter even on days when there are no races. The next place to introduce is "Tokachi Hills" in Makubetsu. It is a complex of nature and flowers spreading on the hill, and you can enjoy themed gardens with the main theme of "agriculture and food". Various flowers such as roses and herbs are in bloom, and you can enjoy the flowers throughout the year. At the garden café in the park, there are also menus that can only be eaten here, such as a sandwich caskoot made with roasted ham from the world's only national treasure (Hungarian national treasure) "Mangalica pork". Next, we will introduce the sightseeing spots around Tokachi Hills. "Kofuku Station" is about 20 minutes by car from Tokachi Hills. Booming in the 1970s with the catchphrase "From the land of love to happiness", the sacred place for lovers "Kofuku Station" is still a popular spot for couples wishing for happiness. From the end of April ~ the end of November, we also hold a "Kofuku Station Happy Ceremony" where you can experience a mock wedding. Aikoku Station, which also boomed like the Kofuku Station, is located about 15 minutes by car from the Kofuku Station. Currently, it is known as the "Transportation Memorial Museum", and the "Happiness Yuki" ticket monument in front of the station building is recommended as a photo spot. Tokachigawa Onsen, which can be reached in about 25 minutes by car from Tokachi Hills, is a hot spring village on the banks of the Tokachi River. "Mall Onsen", which can be enjoyed at Tokachigawa Onsen, has been selected as a Hokkaido Heritage Site and is a valuable plant-based hot spring in Japan. The effects of Mole Onsen include neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, chronic women's diseases, and sensitivity to cold. There are also hotels in the vicinity where you can take a day trip. While surrounded by beautiful nature, you can heal your daily fatigue by soaking in hot springs. In the Tokachi area, there are 15 roadside stations that provide local specialties, gourmet food, and tourist information. (As of July 2023) The railway station was renovated in 2011, and Roadside Station Ashoro Ginga Hall 21 is a roadside station in Ashoro that still retains the remnants of the railway. At the shop and bakery, you can enjoy bread made with Japan's largest butterbur, Rawanbuki, which is also a specialty of the Ashoro, and local gourmet dishes such as rawan buki soft at the restaurant. The local gourmet "pork bowl" that you can enjoy at the "Kumanoko Community Exchange Product Center Store" is also a gem that you can't miss! At the roadside station, you can spend valuable time unique to the region, such as food using local specialties. Please stop by for memories of your trip. Next, we will introduce spots where you can come into contact with the vast nature of Hokkaido. Lake Onneto, one of the three most secret lakes in Hokkaido, is a tourist attraction located in the westernmost part of Akan-Mashu National Park. Since the color of the water surface changes depending on the season and time, it is also called "Goshikinuma". The observation deck, where you can enjoy the view of the Lake Onneto with Mt. Meakan and Akan Fuji in the background, is a recommended viewing spot. The Taushubetsu River Bridge (Lake Nukabira) in Kamishihoro Town is a 130-meter-long concrete arch bridge built in 1937. There are about 60 arch bridges of various sizes that were previously used as the JNR Shihoro Line, and they are preserved as modern industrial heritage. In spring, the snow melts and the water level rises, and the reflection of the arch on the surface of the water can be seen on the glasses, so it is also called "Spectacle Bridge". Mikuni Toge (Kamishihoro Town) in Daisetsuzan National Park is the highest mountain pass in Hokkaido at an altitude of 1,139 meters. There is no doubt that you will be fascinated by the beauty and power of nature, such as the sea of fresh green trees and vivid autumn leaves. At Mikuni Pass Café at the top of Mikuni Pass, special menus such as home-roasted hand drip coffee are popular. The last "Tokachi Ranch" we will introduce is a vast ranch with an area of 4,092 hectares in Otofuke. We raise Hokkaido horses, sheep and cows. The 1.3km birch avenue that continues from the entrance of the ranch is a popular spot. In Tokachi, Hokkaido, various events are held throughout the year. The Tokachi Port Festival "Tokachi Port Fireworks Festival" held in Hiroo Town is the only fireworks festival held at the port in the Tokachi area. The underwater fireworks spreading on the surface of the sea are one of the highlights! In 2023, it is scheduled to be held on August 5. The "Obihiro Plain Festival" in summer, the "Obihiro Chrysanthemum Festival" in autumn, and the "Obihiro Ice Festival" in winter are popular festivals as "Three Major Festivals of Obihiro". In addition, the "Kachimai Fireworks Festival" held on the banks of the Tokachi River is a fireworks festival that is a hot topic for its highly entertaining composition. You can watch a fireworks show with music, lighting and fireworks. In 2023, it will be held on August 13. Tokachi, Hokkaido is an attractive region that harmonizes vast nature with gastronomy, hot springs, and sightseeing spots. We will continue to deliver sightseeing spots, events, gourmet information, etc. in the Tokachi area that we could not tell you in this post! Stay tuned!

On Sunday, June 4, we held the 2023 (Reiwa 5) Mt. Meakan Safety Prayer Festival. This year, about 30 people, including related organizations and general participants, attended and prayed for the safety of the mountain. After the ceremony, a mountaineering party was held with the pre-applicants. The weather was not very good, with light rain on the way and a very strong wind blowing near the summit, but each participant seemed to be enjoying the climb.

From today, June 1, the Onneto National Campground and UPI Onneto will start operations for this fiscal year. Please come and visit us!

Yesterday, May 31, we worked with related organizations to maintain the mountain trail of Mt. Meakan. Many people have already climbed the mountain, but when you visit, please prepare well, gather information, and keep in mind that it is an active volcano before climbing. For precautions, please see the Association's website.

Introducing the post of the official account of "NPO Ashoro Tourism Association"! Ashoro is a town full of nature located in the northeastern part of Tokachi. Lake Onneto is a popular tourist attraction in Ashoro. In addition, about 1.5 km walk from the Lake Onneto, Onneto Yunotaki Falls (Lake Onneto Yunotaki) was previously used as a secret hot spring. It is also designated as a national natural monument because it is a valuable place where manganese deposits are formed on the seabed and their effects can be confirmed on the ground. ◆Onneto Yunotaki Falls◆ 【Address】Hokkaido Ashoro Shigeru Ashoro National Forest 【Tel】0156-25-2141 (Forestry, Commerce and Tourism Office, Ashoro Economic Division) 【Access】 From JR Kushiro Station, take the Akan Bus bound for Akanko Bus Terminal→ get off at the last stop, about 20 minutes by car (about 2 hours 20 minutes in total)

This is the state of Onneto and Yunotaki today. The weather was great and it was a great location!

On April 7, the winter road closure on the road leading to the mysterious lake Onneto, a tourist attraction of the Ashoro, was lifted. Today, Onneto is almost completely ice with some exceptions. Please come ♪ to GW Ashoro *Onneto takes about 45 minutes by car from the city center. The temperature is lower than in the city, so please come in warm clothes. There is no direct public transportation service to Onneto, so please come by rental car.

What kind of place is Ashoro? We will introduce plenty of Ashoro attractions and sightseeing spots to everyone who sees the COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, so thank you! Ashoro is the largest town and village in Japan in the northeastern part of Tokachi. Forestry and agriculture are thriving, and about 80% of the town's area is forested. The population is about 6,500. Basically, you can travel by car in the town, and access by car from major cities in Hokkaido is as follows. ・About 1 hour by car from Obihiro ・About one and a half hours by car from Kushiro ・About one and a half hours by car from Kitami ・About 3 and a half hours by car from Sapporo ・About 3 and a half hours by car from Asahikawa One of the popular tourist spots of such a Ashoro is "Ashoro Galaxy Hall 21" in the center of the Ashoro. It was originally built as an ashiyoro station on the Hokkaido Chihoku Kogen Railway "Furusato Galaxy Line" and was registered as a roadside station in 2004, but after the "Furusato Galaxy Line" was discontinued in 2006, it was reopened in 2011 and became its current appearance. In the facility, the tracks and trains used for 95 years are reproduced by making use of the original platform. In addition, Ashoro is the birthplace of singer-songwriter Chiharu Matsuyama, and the "Chiharu Matsuyama Gallery" in the facility is decorated with her favorite guitar and stage costumes. "Onneto" is recommended for those who want to enjoy sightseeing spots surrounded by Ashoro nature. Onneto is a lake with a circumference of 2.5 km west of Akan-Mashu National Park and was formed by the eruption of Mt. Meakan about 2,000 years ago. Since the color of the lake surface changes depending on the season, weather, and where you see it, it is also called "Goshikinuma" and "Mysterious Lake". * It takes about 50 minutes by car from the Ashoro city center. * During the winter period (December ~ April), the road leading to the lake is closed and vehicles are not allowed to pass. For details, please see the website of the Ashoro Tourism Association. Finally, we would like to introduce some of Ashoro's most popular events. The "Ashiyoro Furusato Bon Odori Ryogoku Fireworks Festival" held every August is the largest event in the town where as many as 8,000 fireworks dye the night sky of Ashiyoro in vivid colors (* In 2022, only fireworks were launched). When sightseeing in Hokkaido, please come to Ashoro. Japan's largest town with untouched nature awaits you with the best hospitality.