“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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🚨Schedule Change🚨
[Sightsee Hands-Free! Luggage Delivery Service Now Available]
From Saturday, January 24 to Sunday, March 1, 2026, Teshikaga Town will operate the 2026 Winter “Teshikaga Eco Passport” town shuttle bus (reservations required in advance) and, during the same period, offer a luggage delivery service called “Sightsee Hands-Free.” This convenient service lets you drop off your bags at a designated location and have them delivered to your pickup point while you freely and lightly explore Teshikaga. You won’t need to carry your luggage yourself, so you can spend all your time and energy on sightseeing. No advance reservation is necessary. Please take advantage of this opportunity.
Period
Saturday, January 24 to 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
*Valuables, fragile items, hazardous materials, precision instruments, and frozen or refrigerated goods cannot be accepted.
Drop-off locations and hours
A: JR Mashu Station 8:30–11:30
B: JR Kawayu-Onsen Station 8:30–12:00
C: Kawayu Onsen Town Hotel until 11:00
(Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu, Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura)
*Please note that the C reception hours have changed.
Pickup locations and hours
A: JR Mashu Station 15:00–16:30
B: JR Kawayu-Onsen Station 14:00–17:00
C: Kawayu Onsen Town Hotel from 13:30 onward
(Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu, Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura)
________________________________________
Use it like a coin locker—no delivery! Luggage storage only
We also offer a luggage-only storage service that acts like a coin locker without delivery. Use it as needed to suit your schedule.
Fee: 700 yen (tax included)
A: JR Mashu Station 8:30–16:30
B: JR Kawayu-Onsen Station 8:30–17:00
Inquiries
Mashu Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association)
015-482-2200 Reception hours 9:00–17:00 on weekdays
masyu_as@peace.ocn.ne.jp
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●A Big Hit! Sarurun Kamuy — A Journey to Meet the Red-Crowned Cranes●
Now Recruiting Participants for Sunday, February 8 and Sunday, February 15 ☺
Special early-morning entry to Akan International Crane Center!
Under Director Kawase’s guidance, observe the cranes as they arrive.
In February, at the peak of the season, come and watch the cranes dance gracefully.
Application Deadline: Friday, January 29
*Limited availability remains for Sunday, February 8!*
Please make reservations by phone directly (^^)/
Kushiro Tourism & Convention Association: 0154-31-1996
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Introducing hot spring inns in Teshikaga♨️
Teshikaga has two hot spring areas, Mashu Onsen and Kawayu Onsen. The water quality and therapeutic effects vary by spring and by inn, so be sure to check out a variety of hot spring accommodations✨A second and third guide are in preparation. Please look forward to them😉🔥
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Kushiro winter park!
KKS Convention Center (Kushiro Tourism and International Relations Center) forecourt
Friday, Saturday and Sunday from January 17, 2026 to February 8, 2026
Fridays 5:00 PM–8:00 PM / Saturdays and Sundays 4:00 PM–8:00 PM
Saturday, January 24 — human curling 🧑🏻🥌 drew a lively crowd!
Skating ⛸️ among the illuminations is simply wonderful ✨
Now happily underway 😊
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●A Huge Hit! Sarurun Kamuy — A Trip to Meet the Red-Crowned Cranes●
Recruiting participants for Sunday, February 15
Special early-morning entry to Akan International Crane Center GRUS!
Under the guidance of Director Kawase, we will observe the cranes’ arrival.
February is peak season. Come and watch the cranes dance in the sky.
The crane tour is highly popular every year.
The application deadline is Thursday, January 29, so please apply soon (^^)/
*If the minimum number of participants is not met, the tour will be canceled (10 people).*
Sunday, February 15
Meeting time 6:55 AM
Meet and dismiss at Kushiro Tourism and International Relations Center (KKS Convention Center)
7:00 AM Depart KKS Convention Center
7:50 AM Arrive at Akan International Crane Center GRUS
Observe the cranes’ arrival
9:30 AM Depart Akan International Crane Center GRUS
10:20 AM Arrive at Kushiro Station (you may disembark)
10:25 AM Dismiss at KKS Convention Center
For details and to apply, follow the link below🔗
https://www.kushiro-lakeakan.com//
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Ice Land Akan is now open.
We look forward to welcoming you.
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🚂 SL Winter Marsh Train on Friday, January 23rd 🚂
Steam from the SL billows up into the sky above the station.
Excited.
My heart races.
Is it almost here?
It’s here—😆
Both the riders and the photographers
share the same feeling✨
They wave to each other
thinking, “SLs are wonderful!”👋
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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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