🌲Akaezomatsu Forest Trail🌲 I recently took a stroll through Akaezomatsu Forest‼︎ This is one of the recommended spots to visit in the upcoming season✨ ___________________________ The trail behind Kawayu Visitor Center (@kawayu_vc) is an easily accessible, authentic forest where you can observe the rare Akaezomatsu and Todomatsu trees found in Japan. You can also request a 20 to 30-minute guided tour from the facility staff✨ Especially during this season (from early June to around July), it's recommended to see the clusters of Gozen Tachibana as they transform from white flowers to red berries. At the second-floor café (@cafesoftwood), you can enjoy meals and tea, making the most of your visit to Kawayu Visitor Center☕️🌿 _________________________________ Kawayu - Akaezomatsu Forest Located in Akan-Mashu National Park, Kawayu Onsen spreads at the foot of Mt. Io. This pure forest consists of Akaezomatsu trees that are about 200 years old. The acidic soil, covered in volcanic ash, creates a harsh environment for plants. The representative conifer of Hokkaido, Akaezomatsu, thrives here. Trees around 20 meters tall stretch endlessly, and the forest floor is covered with clusters of Gozen Tachibana. The patterns, scents, and sounds created by the limited plants enhance the charm of this mystical forest as you experience it. (Source: Akaezomatsu Forest Guide Map)

🌸🌸 Spring Kushiro Sightseeing Bus Tour [Sakura Edition] 🌸🌸 We are recruiting participants for a bus tour that explores the double-flowered cherry blossom "Kushiro Yaezakura" which originated in Kushiro.☺ Selected by Mr. Inazawa Rokuro, who was engaged in landscaping in Kushiro, this double-flowering variety was registered in 1981. The petals are layered beautifully, making it a very charming cherry blossom. We will visit notable spots in the city and enjoy a tour-exclusive bento at Yanagimachi Park, the venue for the "Kushiro Sakura Matsuri." Please come and enjoy the Kushiro Yaezakura in Kushiro, the final stop of the cherry blossom front in eastern Hokkaido!✨ Date: Saturday, May 16th, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Capacity: 30 people Participation fee: 6,500 yen (tax included) *Please pay in cash on the day. ・Children the same fee Meeting place: KKS Convention Center (Kushiro City Tourism and International Exchange Center) 　　　Gather at 8:50 AM For detailed information and applications, please check the official Kushiro and Akanko tourism website. *Please confirm via the link in the profile section. https://ja.kushiro-lakeakan.com/overview/20909/...

On April 10th, we announced the 'Wakoto Area Beach Clean-Up Activity' on social media. We recently received a report confirming that the beach clean-up around Wakoto was successfully completed! It seems that some participants joined after seeing the post from 'Teshikaga Navi'✨ That's great! May many people safely enjoy the beautiful Wakin Peninsula this year as well🧹🧼

🍶Enjoying Junmai Warm Sake Event in Kawayu Onsen🍶 The Enjoying Junmai Warm Sake Event in Kawayu Onsen will be held on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the Kawayu Kanko Hotel Convention Hall, Laputa. Many famous sake breweries will gather for this event to enjoy junmai warm sake. The fee is 7,500 yen per person, and ticket sales will end on June 13. It is said that sales will conclude once the capacity is reached, even before the deadline, so please act quickly! 🍶✨ Hot springs, warm sake, and delicious food. That's why Kawayu is irresistible. 【Enjoying Junmai Warm Sake Event in Kawayu Onsen】 Date and Time Sunday, June 21, 2026 17:20 - Registration / 17:45 - Doors Open / 18:00 - Start / 20:00 - End (tentative) Venue Kawayu Kanko Hotel Convention Hall, Laputa 1-2-30 Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga-cho, Kawakami-gun Tickets ¥7,500 (tax included) per person, all seated / half buffet style *Advance tickets only *Due to preparations, there will be no tickets available on the day of the event. Participating Breweries ⚫︎Kamikawa Taisetsu Sake Brewery (Kamikawa-cho) 《Kamikawa・Tokachi》 ⚫︎Fukutsukasa Sake Brewery (Kushiro City) 《Fukutsukasa・Goshikisai Cloud》 ⚫︎Sakai Shuzo (Yamaguchi Prefecture) 《Gohashi・NOTEN》 ⚫︎Hatashuzou (Shiga Prefecture) 《Daijiro》 ⚫︎Henmi Shuzo (Niigata Prefecture) 《Maaya・Itaru》 ⚫︎Moriki Shuzō (Mie Prefecture) 《Rumiko's Sake》 *Please note that participating breweries and their representatives may change. Ticket Purchase and Inquiries Kawayu Sake Association, Nishizawa Shoten Co., Ltd. Contact: Kaneko Phone Number: 015-483-2347 Email: kin311@aurora.ocn.ne.jp Check the flyer QR code image for temporary information and details!

[2026 Announcement of Akanko Lake Opening] The "Akanko Lake Opening" event, marking the beginning of the green season tourism at Lake Akanko, will be held on Wednesday, April 29th. There will be a brass band performance by the Akanko Compulsory Education School's wind ensemble, a tourism safety prayer ceremony, and a presentation of local specialties from Lake Akanko.

With the start of the new fiscal year, let me introduce how we at the tourism association provide information!

Notice of Cruise Ship Arrival🚢 The cruise ship "Westerdam" is coming to Kushiro! Passengers will disembark and enjoy sightseeing in Kushiro. We hope that all citizens will warmly welcome them with a friendly atmosphere😊 As the ship departs, there will be a drum performance by "Kotobuki Kodomo Ezo Taiko" to send them off👋 We look forward to everyone's participation✨ *Parking available for general visitors Date: Tuesday, April 28, Year R8 Arrival: 8:00 AM Departure: 5:00 PM Location: Kushiro Port West No.4 Pier East Side Seawall Local product stalls open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Send-off around 4:30 PM #Cruise Ship #Westerdam

On April 17, 2026, the Lake Mashu Safety Prayer Festival was held at Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace, and at the same time, the drive course connecting Lake Mashu First Observatory and Mt. Io, known as the Mashu Lake Iozan Sky Road, was opened🚙🐾 It seems that flags, as shown in the photos, are also on sale at Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace🚩 The view from the Mashu Lake Lounge within Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace is also beautiful✨ Be sure to check it out.

Looking into the river flowing through Akan Lake Onsen Town, I saw schools of wakasagi swimming upstream to spawn. It seems the fish are also sensing the arrival of spring☀️🐠✨️.

Introduction of Supporting Companies - 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The award-winning works of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we have presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the cooperation of local businesses in Teshikaga. On the official Instagram of Teshikaga Navi, we will gradually introduce the supporting companies that have collaborated with us. (In no particular order) This time, we would like to introduce "CAFE SOFTWOOD"! 📝 Teshikaga Navi offers a wide range of information, so please take a look! ✨ Thank you to "CAFE SOFTWOOD" for your support of this event. 🙇🛶 We appreciate your continued support for the "Teshikaga Photo Contest" and "Teshikaga Navi." https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

Introducing Our Sponsors: The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The award-winning works of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and each winner has received a prize. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the cooperation of local businesses in Teshikagacho. We will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported us on the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram. (In no particular order) This time, we would like to introduce "Teshikaga Town Lab (Teshikaga Marche)"! 📝 Teshikaga Navi has a wide range of information, so please take a look! ✨ Thank you to "Teshikaga Town Lab (Teshikaga Marche)" for your support in this event. 🙇🛶 We look forward to your continued support for the "Teshikaga Photo Contest" and "Teshikaga Navi." https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

Annual Event‼︎🛶✨ 【Announcement of Clean-Up Activity at Wakoto Beach】 On April 19th (Sunday), we will hold a beach clean-up starting at 10 AM, followed by a pork miso soup gathering at 11 AM‼︎ (We will serve pork miso soup to those who participate in the beach clean-up.) After that, from 2 PM, a basic life-saving course will be held at Teshikaga Fire Station for those who use the lake. Details of the Beach Clean-Up on April 19th (Sunday) 10 AM - Beach Clean-Up 11 AM - Pork Miso Soup Gathering 2 PM - Basic Life-Saving Course at Teshikaga Fire Station *The beach clean-up is a free participation event, starting at 10 AM at PETETOK on that day. Additionally, on April 29th (Wednesday), GOOD VIBES MARKET (FLEA MARKET) will be held‼︎ This first event will primarily feature local exhibitors, and it is planned to take place within the PETETOK premises. We look forward to your participation and inquiries🛶✨

In the Kushiro Subprefecture of Hokkaido (Kushiro City, Kushiro Town, Shibechacho, Tsuruimura, Akkeshicho, Hamanaka Town), we are distributing "Wetland Cards" at four Ramsar Convention registered wetlands: Kushiro Shitsugen, Akanko, Akkeshi-ko and Bekambeushi Shitsugen, and Kiritappu Shitsugen! The cards distributed at Akanko feature the early morning scenery of Akanko and Mt. Oakan🏔🌅. Please ask at the counter on the 1st floor of Akan Lake Marimukan for your "Wetland Card!"

Guide to JR Hokkaido’s Ōzora and Tokachi trains 😊 JR Hokkaido’s limited express trains Ōzora and Tokachi connect Sapporo with eastern Hokkaido (Obihiro and Kushiro). The journey from sapporo station to obihiro station takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes 🚊 From shinchitosekuukou station, take the Rapid Airport to minami chitose station and transfer to the limited express Ōzora or Tokachi. The travel time from shinchitosekuukou station to obihiro station is about 2 hours 30 minutes 🎵 Also, the trip from Kushiro Station to obihiro station on the Ōzora limited express takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes. All seats on the limited express Ōzora and Tokachi are reserved, so please make a reservation in advance 🤗 https://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/ekinet_jrticket/page.html#map...

From mid-April to May in early spring As the snow melts, Akan’s forests put on a show of flowers that delight the eye and richly color the woods. Why not take a walk along the boardwalk adjacent to the hot spring district and enjoy a picnic of wildflowers?

Today's Akanko Thanks to the rise in temperature, steam fog formed and created a magical scene. Some ice remains, but it is thin, so please do not go out onto the lake ice.

For residents of Michihigashi: “Use and Revive” Kawayu Accommodation Discount 2026 plan goes on sale!! This spring, why not use and revive at Teshikaga Kawayu Onsen with a great deal? The weekday and Sunday-only “Use and Revive: Kawayu Accommodation Discount 2026” plan for residents of Michihigashi went on sale March 23, 2026 at three properties affiliated with the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association. With the snow melting and spring almost here, stay at Kawayu Onsen this season and revive both your mind and body. 🌸

Onsen website "From the Information Desk" updated 📝🆙 The annual event report for "Forest Snow Park 2026 in Kawayu Onsen" has been updated ☃️✨ Although snow is already melting in Kawayu Onsen as spring approaches, please take a look.

🟢🟢🟢 Manhole covers are local items with different designs across the country. At Lake Akan Onsen they distribute manhole cards. The design features marimo and the red-crowned crane, and two actual covers match the card design (they appeared as the snow melted). After getting a card, take a stroll around the onsen and be sure to look for them!

🚢 Notice of Cruise Ship Call 🚢 The cruise ship Regatta is arriving in Kushiro! Passengers will disembark to enjoy sightseeing in Kushiro. We hope residents will welcome them warmly with a festive atmosphere 😊 When the ship departs, the Hokkaido Kushiro Ezo Daiko Preservation Society will perform taiko drums to see it off 👋 We look forward to everyone’s participation ✨ *General visitor parking available* Date and time: March 26, 2026 (Thursday) Berthing 8:00 Departure 17:00 Location: Earthquake-resistant Passenger Ship Terminal Local product stalls 10:00–14:00 Farewell performance around 16:40

STV Sapporo Television Broadcasting’s Dosanko Weekend devoted two full weeks to Teshikaga, showcasing it in depth👀❣️ They featured the miraculously clear Lake Mashu, the rare skin-beautifying waters of Kawayu Onsen, delicious local cuisine, and even scenes of people patiently digging into the sand at Sunayu with shovels to reach the hot springs… and much more. Thank you for beautifully introducing all the things to enjoy in Teshikaga 👾💫 It was a lot of fun.

⛰️ Mashu-Kussharo Trail 🚶‍♂️ Would you like to walk with an MKT guide? Join the event and complete the full MKT route (62.5 km)! Please take part in any of the events held three times in 2026 and three times in 2027. You may of course join just one event. Those who attend all sessions will receive an original MKT commemorative gift! https://mashukussharotrail.jp//
 
 Session 1 Saturday, May 30, 2026, 8:30–13:00 Lake Mashu First Observatory to JR Biruwa Station — 7 km 
 Session 2 Saturday, June 27, 2026, 8:30–13:00 Miruwa Spring to JR Kawayu-Onsen Station — 11 km 
 Session 3 Saturday, October 17, 2026, 8:30–13:30 JR Kawayu-Onsen Station to Sunayu — 14 km 
 
 Capacity: 10 people per session (minimum to run: 5) Participant requirements: Be in good health and able to walk about 10–15 km in one day. Maximum elevation gain is about 450 m. Participation fee: JPY 5,000 (tax included) per session * The fee includes guide services and accident insurance. * Participants will receive a section map for the route concerned. Contact NPO Teshikaga Trail Club mashu.kussharo.trail@gmail.com Mashu Kussharo Trail How to reserve: Apply via the QR code. We will send further details afterward.

Introduction to Our Sponsors – The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we have presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is made possible by the support of businesses located in Teshikagacho. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported us. (In no particular order) This time, we introduce Orchard grass! Check out Teshikaga Navi for a wide range of information. Thank you very much to Orchard grass for supporting this event! We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

Introduction to Our Sponsors – The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we have presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the support of businesses in Teshikaga. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that supported the contest. (In no particular order) This time we introduce Hotel Mashu‼︎📝Teshikaga Navi shares a wide range of information, so please take a look✨Thank you very much to Hotel Mashu for supporting this event 🙇❣️ We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and for Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

♨️Very Popular♨️ Weekday and Sunday-only accommodation discount for residents of Michihigashi, "Kawayu Stay Discount 2026", goes on sale from March 23.✨ The eligible period runs from April 1 to June 30, 2026, so please take advantage of it.🏃‍♂️💨 Kawayu Stay Discount 2026 ・Eligible Dates Weekdays and Sundays between Wednesday, April 1, 2026 and Tuesday, June 30, 2026 ※Excluded dates: May 2 to May 5 ・Eligible Area Residents of Michihigashi: Kushiro, Nemuro, Okhotsk, and Tokachi regions ・Participating Properties Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura, Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu (members of the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association) ・Discount Amount Adults: 2,000 yen　Children: 1,000 yen　(no limit on consecutive nights) ・How to Purchase Via each property's official website or by phone The program ends when the budget runs out, so neighbors, please make use of it.

Introducing Our Sponsors – The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we have presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the cooperation of businesses located in Teshikagacho. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that support this contest. (In no particular order) This time, we introduce Fugetsudo Confectionery‼︎📝 Teshikaga Navi shares fun and delicious information, so please take a look✨ Thank you very much to Fugetsudo Confectionery for supporting this event🙇❣️ We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

🌸🌸Spring Kushiro Sightseeing Bus Tour [Cherry Blossom Edition]🌸🌸 We are now accepting participants for a bus tour that visits Kushiro’s native double-flowered cherry, Kushiro-yae. ☺ Kushiro-yae is a double-flowered variety selected by Rokuro Inazawa, a landscaper who worked in Kushiro City, and it was registered as a cultivar in 1981. Its petals layer upon one another in many folds, giving it an exceptionally charming appearance. The tour visits notable cherry-viewing spots around the city, and participants will eat an original tour bento at Yanagimachi Park, the venue for the Kushiro Cherry Blossom Festival. As the final stop of the cherry blossom front, enjoy Kushiro-yae here in Michihigashi Kushiro. ✨ Date and time: May 16 (Sat) 9:00–13:00 Capacity: 30 people Participation fee: ¥6,500 (tax included) *Please pay in cash on the day. ・Children pay the same price Meeting point: kks convention center (Kushiro City Tourism and International Exchange Center) Assemble at 8:50 For more details and to apply, please check the link in our profile ^ ^

It's finally Saturday tomorrow📺❣️ 📢Program Broadcast Announcement📢 The finale of Teshikaga town features will air on STV Sapporo Television Broadcasting's Dosanko WEEKEND on Saturday, March 14, starting at 9:25 AM👀✨ Last week's first episode about Teshikaga showed the miraculously clear view of Lake Mashu, let visitors enjoy hot springs and footbaths, and savor delicious Mashu Wagyu… among many other wonderful highlights🍦🧚🏻‍♀️ We can't wait to see what the finale brings this weekend❣️Please be sure to tune in‼︎

Introducing Our Sponsors: The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning works of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and prizes have been sent to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the support of businesses in Teshikagacho. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that supported us. (In no particular order) This time, we would like to introduce Watanabe Experience Ranch‼︎📝 Teshikaga Navi shares fun and delicious local information, so please take a look✨ Thank you very much to Watanabe Experience Ranch for cooperating with this event. We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

It’s already the season when the snow melts… This is how the Sakhalin Spruce Forest has looked recently 🌲 I feel the sound of melting snow droplets falling onto leaves, trees, and roofs has a relaxing effect. I hope you can enjoy a little of these natural sounds ☺️