“Kamui” is the Ainu word for the spiritual beings that dwell in nature and animals, and in particular “the kamui of water” represents the spiritual presence in water, symbolizing the region’s abundant water blessings and its relationship with people.
The Kamui of Water Tourism Area lets you experience a land shaped by a water deity, where wetlands, lakes, volcanoes, and Ainu culture weave together the story of the earth.
At the Kushiro Wetland, Japan’s largest wetland, you can enjoy vast scenery that is home to the specially designated natural monument, the red-crowned crane, and observe seasonal nature along boardwalks and trails.
Lake Akan is known as the only place in the world with large spherical colonies of marimo, and through facilities that teach marimo ecology, Lake Akan Onsen, and Lake Akan Ainu Kotan you can encounter Ainu culture that has been passed down alongside the water.
At Lake Mashu, visitors are greeted by the mysteriously deep blue water called “Mashu Blue” and a caldera lake that boasts some of the world’s highest water clarity.
Nearby at Lake Kussharo and Mt. Io, you can also see the dynamic natural expressions created by volcano and water, such as lakeside hot springs and steam vents.
We warmly present the stories of water, land, and culture that you can only encounter in the Kamui of Water Tourism Area.
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✨“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
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📢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
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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 ✨
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Sunset in Kushiro!
It was dazzling✨
16:13 from the Earthquake-resistant quay
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Roadside Station Mashu Onsen
Roadside Station Mashu Onsen sits in Teshikaga. You can enjoy tasty food, local souvenirs, a footbath, and a dog run area, among many other offerings 🐶❣️ It can serve as a convenient base for exploring the Teshikaga area. Some products are available only here, so be sure to check them out on site‼︎🚙💨♨️
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A time-traveling SUP experience tour KUSHIRO//
January 16, 10:00 AM A winter-only SUP tour on the Kushiro River took place ☺️
The temperature that day was -7°C.
With instructor support,
we set off for the Kushiro River, where lotus leaf ice floats‼︎
I was a little scared and nervous at the start,
but as I got used to it, it became more and more fun.
I never imagined I’d be cutting through lotus leaf ice and SUPing in the middle of the Kushiro River ✨
It felt like a dream 🥹
Some people worry about the cold,
but it’s not as cold as you’d think.
You warm up as you paddle 😊
If you do fall in, rest assured you wear a drysuit and life jacket.
They’re waterproof and keep you afloat right away 🛟
Kushiro River × SUP = a rare experience ✨
Open for participants until Saturday, January 24. We’re accepting sign-ups ☺
For details and to apply, follow the link in the comments!
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SL Winter Shitsugen Train trial ride‼︎//
A trial ride for the SL Winter Shitsugen Train, which began operating on Saturday, January 17th, was held on the 14th~🚂Enjoy the unique sounds, vibrations and smells of the steam locomotive, the view of Kushiro Shitsugen sliding past the windows, and the train’s retro interior✨Use all your senses to take it in‼️If you’re lucky, you might spot wild animals🦌This experience is for tourists and local residents alike—come and feel the charm of the SL😊
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Announcement
NHK General TV’s Asaichi plans a live broadcast from the Bedrock Terrace at Kawayu Onsen in Teshikagacho.
Date and Time
Wednesday, January 21 — during the 9 a.m. hour
The program will feature the new Kawayu Onsen spot “Bedrock Terrace,” where bedrock stretches from MtAtosanupuri, and local specialty products made using the hot springs.
Please tune in.
Note: The schedule may change due to breaking news or other circumstances.
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Ice Land Akan, the on-ice activity area on Lake Akanko, opens on January 19th♪
Activities available starting tomorrow include:
1. Smelt fishing (wakasagi fishing)
2. Banana boat rides
3. Four-wheel ATV rides
You can fully enjoy the vast snowfield on the lake now that it is completely frozen.
For the best deals when enjoying Lake Akanko, use the dedicated reservation site and Marimo Pay!!
Access the link in our profile♪
Instagram profile https://www.instagram.com/akan_tourism_association/...
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Kawayu Onsen website “From the Information Desk” updated 📝🆙
A report article about the currently peak-season “Kawayu Onsen rime ice” has been posted ❄️☃️
Beautiful snowy scenes are lined up, so please take a look ✨
https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/1003/...
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