【Event Information】 ❄️Enjoy winter in Higashikawa-cho! The “Higashikawa Ice Festival” is here❄️ 🗓Date and Time: Saturday, January 17 and Sunday, January 18 📍Venue: Hagoromo Park and surrounding areas ✨A showcase of ice and snow artistry returns this year! ・Features the 12th Hokkaido Ice Carving Higashikawa Competition entries and ice and snow sculptures by general participants ・Rainbow slope and tube sliding — plenty of snowy play for all ages! ・A fireworks display lighting up the night sky🎆 ・Enjoy local gourmet food and hands-on experiences like ice glass and igloo making ・A rally game tournament (fee required) will also be held ❄️Packed with winter-only fun experiences! Bring your family and friends and come join us✨ 📄For details, please see the flyer.

📢 Notice of Resumed Operations Asahidake Ropeway will resume service from Thursday, December 11✨ Groomed courses are available in the MtAsahi winter area⛷ Skiing and sliding equipment may be brought into the gondolas and station buildings. 🕘 Hours: 9:00–15:40 (last ascent 15:20) 💴 Fare: Adults ¥2,800 / Children ¥1,750 (round trip) For the latest information, check the Asahidake Ropeway official website

🎄✨ Higashikawa Christmas Market 2025 ✨🎄 Held Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, 2025! This weekend, Higashikawa will be decked out in Christmas cheer 🎅 About 100 vendors will gather across three venues—Sentopia I and II, Kyosei Plaza Sorairo, and Higashikawa Town Cultural Gallery—offering pastries and bread, Christmas goods and gifts, a furniture & interior exhibition, workshops, and more! A free, Christmas-themed shuttle bus will operate between the three venues 🎁 *At certain times, regular vehicles may be used.* 📅 Schedule Dec 6 (Sat) 9:00–17:00 Dec 7 (Sun) 9:00–16:00 📍 Venues • Sentopia I and II • Kyosei Plaza Sorairo • Higashikawa Town Cultural Gallery Two days to enjoy winter in Higashikawa ❄️ We look forward to welcoming you!

[Notice] The promenade leading to Hagoromo Falls will be closed for the winter season, with access restricted from 0:00 on Sunday, October 27, 2025. 📍 Closed section: Hagoromo Bridge to Hagoromo Falls 📅 Closure start date: 0:00 on Sunday, October 27, 2025 Please note that the temporary restroom in the parking area will be decommissioned on October 31, 2025. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

🎶【Event Announcement】 Kyogo Kawaguchi Cafe Tour — Higashikawa Performance! Singer-songwriter Kyogo Kawaguchi’s nationwide tour, held under the concept of “relaxing in a cafe while enjoying music,” returns to Higashikawa-cho for the first time in three years since 2022. Tickets for this live show are now also on sale at Roadside Station Higashikawa “Michikusakan.” Experience Kawaguchi’s live voice in the intimate, cafe-style setting unique to the cafe tour. 📅 Thursday, November 6 📍 Higashikawa Community Exchange Center (Nishi 4-go Kita 8, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido) 🕖 Doors open 18:30 / Start 19:00 🎫 ¥3,500 (drinks not included) Ticket sales period: Until November 5 (ends when capacity is reached) If you wish to purchase, please speak to the shop staff at Michikusakan during business hours (9:00–17:00).

🚧 Notice: Partial Closure of the Asahidake Nature Trail Strong winds on the night of September 20 knocked down trees along sections of the Asahidake Nature Trail. For safety reasons, some sections are currently closed to passage. If you plan to visit, we recommend checking the exact closed sections in advance. 🔍 Please refer to the map below for the detailed affected areas. The latest conditions are being updated regularly on the Asahidake Visitor Center official website. For a safe and secure walk, please be sure to check it.

[🗻This winter, head to Higashikawa-cho! JAL Furusato Support Discount starts✈️] Higashikawa-cho in Hokkaido lies about a 10-minute drive from Asahikawa Airport🚗✨ Nestled against Daisetsuzan National Park and Mt. Asahidake, it is a town overflowing with natural beauty. 💧This unusual town has no central waterworks and uses snowmelt water directly in daily life. 🍚The Higashikawa rice grown with this mineral-rich water is a popular branded rice across Japan! ❄️In winter you can enjoy sublime dry powder—the perfect ski paradise🎿 Cafe hopping is also recommended☕️✨ ▼Right now, visit Higashikawa-cho at a great price with the JAL Furusato Support Discount! 👜A subsidy of 7,000 yen per night of accommodation (up to 3 nights) 🎁Plus, the first 100 guests will receive 150 g (one go) of Higashikawa rice! *This subsidy applies only to reservations made through the JAL Furusato Support Discount eligible page. ・ Travel period: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 – Saturday, January 31, 2026 ・ Booking period: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 – Friday, January 30, 2026 🔽Check the QR code for details!

Autumn “Kurashi Tanoshiku Festival” is here! 🍁 Fresh local produce and seafood for sale 🍅🐟 Handmade crafts 🧶 Flea market 🛍 Enjoy gourmet food from kitchen cars 🍔✨ Plenty of hands-on activities too! Come create end-of-summer memories with us 😊 📣 Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31, 9:00–16:00 📍Kitoushi Forest (Nishi-5-go Kita 44, Higashikawa-cho) 🚗 Parking available 📞 Inquiries: 0166-82-2632 (Higashikawa Promotion Corporation)

The long-closed “phantom roadway” Chobochinai Route will reopen for a limited time again this year. The Chobochinai Route, long closed to traffic, will open a little earlier than usual this year! 📅 Friday, August 22, 2025, from 11:00 AM ■ What the phantom roadway is This road is an extremely limited route that is usually passable for only about one month, from mid-September to mid-October. It is called the “phantom roadway” because it can be used only when the water level falls to its lowest. Early October in particular coincides with peak autumn foliage, drawing many visitors from both inside and outside the route. 📌 Open section Dodo Route 1116 (Chobochinai Gate to Higashikawa-kita 7-sen Gate) 📅 Opening date and time From 11:00 AM on Friday, August 22, 2025 ※ The schedule may change or be canceled due to weather or road conditions. ※ The start of the winter closure period is undecided at this time. 🚧 Cautions There are no maintained sidewalks, and some sections are narrow. Please take extra care with vehicle passing, sharp curves, and road surface conditions. Enjoy the nature of Higashikawa while driving safely. PS. The photos were taken in past years.

In the nature trail of Asahidake Onsen town, traces of a brown bear (💩) were found. These signs can be seen in this area every year, but this is the first confirmation this summer. Many people enjoy walking this trail, but it sees fewer visitors than Sugatami Elua and, in particular, the spot where signs were found is some distance from the road. 📣 When walking the trail, please note the following: ・Avoid going alone. ・Carry a bear bell and bear spray. ・Refrain from traveling during dim hours such as early morning or dusk. If you find any traces, please report them to the Asahidake Visitor Center. - Asahidake Visitor Center - TEL: 0166-97-2153 (9:00–17:00) We appreciate your cooperation to ensure a safe walk.

【Event】Don to Koi Festival in Higashikawa-cho on August 2 and 3 📣 Don to Koi Festival in Higashikawa-cho — Now Happening! The Don to Koi Festival, a summer tradition in Higashikawa-cho, returns this year! The event is packed with activities the whole family can enjoy. We look forward to welcoming you! 🗓 Schedule Saturday, August 2 — 11:00 to 21:00 Sunday, August 3 — 9:30 to 15:00 📌 Venue Special event site for the Higashikawa-cho Don to Koi Festival (Photo Street pedestrian zone / Hagoromo Park) ⭐ Main attractions (excerpt) 🤣 Mid‑summer Comedy and Impression Show — Saturday, August 2 at 13:30 🎤 Guest Live Performance — Saturday, August 2 at 19:00 🎆 Fireworks Display — Saturday, August 2 at 20:30 Also, outstanding performances on the Hagoromo outdoor stage Don to Koi food stalls from the pedestrian zone to Hagoromo Park a mochi‑tossing event on the Hagoromo outdoor stage and more Lots of fun activities await! 📞 Organizer: Higashikawa Don to Koi Festival Executive Committee (inside the Higashikawa-cho Chamber of Commerce office) TEL: 0166-82-2750

Hello, everyone! Here is an event announcement!! The 3rd Higashikawa-cho Kids Bike Race ● Date: Sunday, August 24th, 2025 ● Registration deadline: Friday, August 1st, 2025 Please see the flyer for details. Contact: Kitoushi Kids Bike Race Executive Committee (mail:kitoushitaikai@kazokuryokoumura.jp) https://www.kazokuryokoumura.jp/kidsbike20250824/...

Notice!! Bear sighting near Mt. Asahidake Around 4:30 p.m. on June 17, a bear was sighted near the Gamaiwa parking area, about 6 km before the hot-spring town on the Dodo Asahikawa–Asahidake Onsen Line heading to Asahidake Onsen. Please exercise extreme caution if you are passing through the area. If you sight a bear, report it immediately to the contact below. Higashikawa-cho Agricultural Promotion Division, Forestry and Agriculture Promotion Office TEL 0166-82-2111 (ext. 152)

Hello everyone. Thank you very much for always using Roadside Station Higashikawa-cho “Michi-kusakan”. We update the chalkboard at Michi-kusakan with events and local information, so please take a look❣ *Chalkboard information is updated irregularly!*

Higashikawa-cho will have a booth at Hibiya Music Festival 2025! We will exhibit at Hibiya Music Festival 2025, a two-day, free, borderless music festival open to everyone, held on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, 2025. ■ Hibiya Music Festival 2025 Overview Name: Hibiya Music Festival 2025 Date and Time: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 10:30–20:30 Sunday, June 1, 2025, 10:30–20:30 Venue: Hirakawachou Park (Hibiya Park, 100-0012 Chiyodaku, Tokyo Metropolis) Admission: Free ※Some food stalls and programs require payment Organizer: Hibiya Music Festival Executive Committee Planning and Production: Seiya Co., Ltd. (Higashikawa-cho official partner company) / THE FOREST ▼ For details, see the official website https://hibiyamusicfes.jp/2025/... ■ Higashikawa-cho Booth: Music × Photography × Furniture! Have your photo taken to commemorate Hibiya Music Festival! Local photographers from Higashikawa-cho will offer free photo sessions with chairs from Higashikawa-cho. Commemorative photos and the digital files will be provided free of charge at the special booth. ※Higashikawa-cho: Exhibit at Kusachi Hiroba! ▼ Photo Schedule Three sessions each day. Session 1: 10:30–12:30 Session 2: 13:30–15:00 Session 3: 16:00–17:30 Photographers living in Higashikawa-cho will take the photos! Hokuto Wada (instagram:@hokutowada) Ryo Yasui (instagram:@prophoto_sou_yasui_makoto) Higashikawa-cho Economic Promotion Division TEL 0166-82-2111 (ext. 134) https://hibiyamusicfes.jp/2025/...

To residents and visitors of Higashikawa-cho and surrounding areas On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, a brown bear was sighted along Prefectural Route 1160 (Asahidake Onsen Line). Please exercise extreme caution if you are traveling through or using the nearby area. Date and time: Wednesday, May 28 Location: On the road and near the bridge in front of Daisetsu Asahidake Gensui Park, heading from Prefectural Route 1160 (Asahidake Onsen Line) toward Higashikawa-cho. Number of bears: One (encountered twice) Situation: The bear ran from the T-junction of Prefectural Route 1160 (Asahidake Onsen Line) toward the Asahidake Gensui area. After fleeing into the forested area, it appeared on the road again before running off. We will continue to update with the latest information, so please remain alert. If you spot a bear, please report it immediately to the contact below. Higashikawa Town Agricultural Promotion Division, Forestry and Agriculture Promotion Office TEL 0166-82-2111 (ext. 152) https://reurl.cc/W0ZGYO...

Good morning, everyone. Event announcement!! On June 1, 2025, the “Town of Photography” will celebrate its 40th anniversary. On this milestone 40th birthday, we will hold a variety of events so townspeople and everyone who supports us can enjoy the Town of Photography. At the Higashikawa Town Cultural Gallery, there will be a photo exhibition and talk by local photographer Minoru Okuda, an answer reveal for the crossword published in the May public relations issue, and a talk event tied to the publication of the Town of Photography 40th Anniversary Magazine. At the Higashikawa Town multipurpose exchange facility Sento Pure, there will be hot air balloon flight experiences, food trucks, a concert by Tokiko Kato, and te-tetsu hand-held fireworks by the Higashikawa Tetotetsu Fireworks Entomo-kai. The main event will be a birthday celebration with everyone gathered, singing “Happy Birthday” together with Tokiko Kato to mark the town’s 40th birthday! We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating the Town of Photography’s 40th birthday, and we hope many of you will come. On the day of the event, the parking lot on the Sento Pure grounds will be unavailable because of the hot air balloon and te-tetsu fireworks events, so please use nearby public parking such as the JA Higashikawa lot or the Higashikawa Town Office parking. For details, please see the attached flyer. Contact: Higashikawa Town, Town of Photography Division TEL 0166-82-2111 (ext. 590)

I was interviewed! I would be happy if I could share the warmth of Higashikawa-cho—the natural beauty and its welcoming people—with many people ☺️ Please have a read if you like~ 🥰 https://jcation.com/satoapp/1042/...

🌸 At Higashikawa-cho’s famous cherry spot, Kitoushi Forest, cherry blossoms are a little late this year. They usually peak during Golden Week, but as of May 2 they are still in bud. It looks like it will take a little longer before full bloom. 🌱 In the meantime, the forest offers spring wildflowers like katakuri and ezohengosaku. Pale purples and blues of these delicate blooms herald the arrival of spring. 🐤 Kitoushi Forest is also a haven for wild birds, making it a perfect spot for birdwatching! ❄ And Higashikawa’s symbol, Mt. Asahidake, is once again a world of silver. The contrast of the snowy peak against the blue sky is stunning, offering spectacular views. 🌿 Come and enjoy the nature-filled town of Higashikawa during Golden Week! 🚗

🚴‍♀️✨ Starting today! Bike rentals are now available! Based at Roadside Station Higashikawa Michikusa-kan, you can now rent bicycles! Choose from serious road bikes to electric-assist bicycles and reserve according to your needs 😊 📍Location: 1-1-15 Higashimachi, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 🕘Hours: 9:00–17:00 📞Inquiries: 0166-68-4777 🔗 For details, visit the Higashikawa Tourism Association website!! Feel the breeze and go discover the charms of Higashikawa 🌿

Hello everyone! Notice‼ To all users of the Asahidake cross-country ski course from Thursday, April 24 to Friday, April 25 Due to sewer pipe work at the Higashikawa Town Asahidake Youth Campground during the period below, construction vehicles will pass through the cross-country ski course and work will take place in some sections. Date and time: Thursday, April 24 to Friday, April 25, 9:00–15:00 As a result of the work, areas around the site may be temporarily unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience to users and ask that you follow on-site directions and guidance to ensure safety. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Contact Asahidake Visitor Center Address 071-1472: Asahidake Onsen, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido TEL: 0166-97-2153 OPEN 9:00–17:00

✨Event Now Underway✨ Suntory Ichirinka From April 14th, it is open on weekdays only from 10:00 to 15:00. (A collaborative project with JA Higashikawa) Please come and experience the richly aromatic tea 🍵 Carefully selected tea leaves brewed with the spring water of Asahidake—one sip and your heart will unwind…🌸 Enjoy it to the fullest! 😁😁

From Monday, March 24, 2025 to Wednesday, March 26, 2025, snow-removal work will take place in the parking lot in front of Asahidake Visitor Center. Therefore, the parking lot will be unavailable during the above period. The Visitor Center will remain open as usual. We apologize for the inconvenience during this period and ask for your understanding and cooperation. We will announce completion of the work on the Visitor Center’s website as soon as it is finished.

Thank you for always visiting Michikusakan, the Roadside Station Higashikawa. We regularly update the blackboard at Michikusakan with event and local information, so please take a look! *Please note that the blackboard is updated irregularly!*

Winter season only! Snow Adventure Ride 🚴‍♂️ Limited-time plan for the snowy season ❄️ Conquer snowy trails with an exceptional ride experience! Why not try the trending fat bike this winter? Equipped with extra-wide tires, it glides over snow and mountain paths with ease. It offers outstanding stability and traction, and its stylish design is another draw. 📌 What makes fat bikes special? ✅ Designed for snow: wide tires resist sinking and let you ride comfortably on snow ✅ Excellent cushioning: absorbs shocks for a smooth, stable ride ✅ Great for beginners: recommended for those who prioritize safety and comfort over speed 📅 Rental hours: 10:00–15:00 (no nighttime rentals) 🔔 About reservations 📍 Reservations accepted up to 6 hours in advance 📍 Cancellations accepted up to 3 hours in advance ⛄ Enjoy a special winter experience! Book now and make the most of your snow ride!

It’s snowing in Higashikawa today❄️ A row of snowmen stands in front of Roadside Station Michikusakan!⛄ The winter scenery is truly beautiful, so come and see it for yourself! We make snowmen every day! If you’re interested in building snowmen, please speak to us—we’ll make them together❣

Thank you for waiting. We are pleased to launch this season’s new rice for Reiwa 5! #New Rice #Higashikawa-cho #Hokkaido #Roadside Station Higashikawa Michikusakan #Yumepirika #Nanatsuboshi #Oborozuki #Specialty Rice

Introducing the post of the "Higashikawa Tourism Association" COOL JAPAN VIDEOS official social media account! Higashikawa, Hokkaido is a town located in the center of Hokkaido. Natural water from melting snow is used for rice, vegetables, restaurants, and other daily water in the town. The hot springs in Daisetsuzan National Park are also one of the attractions.

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video, nice to meet you! We are the Higashikawa Tourism Association. We will share attractive tourism information about Higashikawa-cho in Hokkaido, home to Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan’s largest national park, on Cool Japan Video, so please look forward to it! Higashikawa-cho sits in central Hokkaido and overflows with natural blessings. It enjoys excellent access, about a 10-minute drive from Asahikawa Airport to the town center. Uniquely for Japan, Higashikawa-cho does not have a public water supply system. Beautiful natural water formed by Daisetsuzan’s snowmelt seeping deep into the ground serves as the town’s domestic water and is used in many places, including restaurants. Agriculture benefits from these abundant water resources, producing delicious rice and vegetables with exceptional flavor. One of Higashikawa-cho’s charms is its proud hot springs. Higashikawa-cho has two hot spring areas, Asahidake Onsen and Tenninkyo Onsen, both located within Daisetsuzan National Park. Around Asahidake Onsen there is no typical hot-spring town; the landscape is carefully managed with height limits and spacing regulations. Day-trip bathing is available, so please stop by during mountain climbs or hikes. You can luxuriate in the hot spring while soaking in the natural scenery. Tenninkyo Onsen is also popular for its reputed benefits for diabetes and arteriosclerosis. Two hot-spring facilities operate there, and as of June 2023 both lodging and day-trip bathing are available. Nearby you can enjoy Hagoromo Falls, selected as one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls. Beyond hot springs, Higashikawa-cho offers many attractive spots where you can feel nature’s breath. - Asahidake Visitor Center Opened in 2019, Asahidake Visitor Center provides information on the nature of Daisetsuzan National Park and guided tours. You can view a diorama of the spectacular viewpoints for mountain climbing. Seasonal exhibits, AR displays, and VR goggles allow a virtual experience of the Daisetsuzan mountains. - Daisetsu Asahidake Gensui Park This park is the source of Higashikawa-cho’s natural water, rich in calcium and minerals. You can freely collect spring water that Daisetsuzan’s snowmelt naturally filtered over centuries. - Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway The roughly 10-minute aerial ride from the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway Sanroku Station at 1,100 meters to Sugatami Station at 1,600 meters offers grand panoramic views and seasonal scenery. From the ropeway, beginners can enjoy a trekking course of about one hour. The hike to Asahidake’s summit takes about two hours from here, and the peak rewards you with a 360-degree panorama including the Tokachi Mountain Range, MtAshibetsu, and Mt. Shokanbetsu. - Canmore Ski Village (Kitoushi Forest Park) This ski area is inside Kitoushi Forest Park, a 15-minute drive from Asahikawa Airport. With six courses, it caters to beginners through advanced skiers and is popular with many international visitors. Kitoushi Forest Park also has a campsite and cottages, so overnight stays are possible. - Lake Chubetsu At the foot of Daisetsuzan National Park, Lake Chubetsu offers canoeing experiences. You can enjoy seasonal vistas from fresh greenery to autumn colors and snow-capped scenes. Local guides support participants, so even first-timers can join with confidence. Higashikawa-cho’s population is about 8,400 people (as of June 2023). Thanks to strong child-rearing support and convenient access from the airport, the town has seen an increase in residents in recent years. Its rich natural environment makes it an ideal place for a stress-free life. The Higashikawa Town Immigration Experience lets people live here for three months up to one year. The town operates a municipal Japanese language school, and around 600 foreign residents live here, with strong support for international students. Higashikawa-cho is a place full of nature’s gifts. Aiming to be a photograph-friendly town with beautiful seasonal nature, it has declared itself the Photo Town, the photography culture capital. Higashikawa-cho offers abundant natural environments, hot springs, delicious food, and the warmth of local people. We will continue to bring you plenty of charming information about Higashikawa-cho in Hokkaido, so thank you for your support.

In the past, there were many brick factories, but even their remnants have become fewer. The "chimney of the Yoshimura brick factory" in Sakuraoka, Higashikawa Town, suddenly appears. From winter to early spring, the bushes and bushes disappear, so you can see the whole picture. Since there is a crack, I wonder when I will not be able to see this male figure?