Hello everyone watching the Cool Japan video! This is the Takinoue, Okhotsk Tourism Association from Hokkaido. In our first post for the Cool Japan video, we will provide you with all the tourist information about Takinoue Town in Hokkaido. You will discover Japan's largest Shibazakura Takinoue Park, the beautiful Kinsenkyo Gorge with its many waterfalls, and the region that produces the highest amount of domestic Japanese mint. By the time you finish reading, you will surely feel, "I want to visit Takinoue!" Please enjoy until the end! ■What kind of town is Takinoue, Hokkaido? An essential aspect of discussing the attractions of Takinoue Town is its nickname, "Kaori no Sato" (Fragrant Village). The sweet scent of Shibazakura flowers, the refreshing aroma of Japanese mint, which boasts a significant portion of domestic production, and the fragrance of timber from the forestry industry gently envelop the entire town with the changing seasons. All of Takinoue's tourist spots are places where nature and human activities deeply intertwine, making it a perfect destination for those who want to enjoy travel with all five senses. ■How to access Takinoue, Hokkaido? The Doto Expressway and the Asahikawa-Monbetsu Expressway extend to Takinoue Town, located midway between Asahikawa City and Monbetsu City, making it possible to take an express intercity bus from Sapporo in just 3 hours and 30 minutes, allowing for day trips. For visitors coming from outside Hokkaido, it is convenient to use Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport, which is about 50 minutes away by car, or Asahikawa Airport and Memanbetsu Airport within a 2-3 hour range. There are no JR stations within the town, but express intercity buses operate from Sapporo and Asahikawa. Please stop by as a transit point for sightseeing in Asahikawa and Okhotsk. ■Basic information about Takinoue, Hokkaido Takinoue Town is located in the northern part of Hokkaido, with a total population of about 2,128 as of the end of March 2026. The town is surrounded by mountains on three sides, except for the east, with Mt. Teshio (1,558m) and Mt. Kitami Fuji (1,306m) towering above, while the clear Shokotsu River runs through the town. It is particularly gaining attention from travelers who want to experience the great outdoors, making it a prime area for driving trips and nature tourism. ■Recommended tourist spots in Takinoue, Hokkaido 【Shibazakura Takinoue Park】Japan's largest pink carpet The symbol of Takinoue Town is Shibazakura Takinoue Park. The approximately 100,000 square meters (about 2.14 times the size of Tokyo Dome) of Shibazakura flowers spread across a small hill in the city center, creating a pink and purple carpet that captivates visitors from early May to the end of May. Starting from just a box full of seedlings over 60 years ago, the Shibazakura has grown into one of Japan's largest colonies. On sunny days, you can stroll through the sweet fragrance while enjoying views of the Daisetsuzan mountain range and the Kitami Mountains. The entrance fee is 500 yen for adults during the Shibazakura blooming period. 【Kinsenkyo Gorge】A stunning valley of waterfalls and clear streams The approximately 4.2 km long gorge, dotted with various famous waterfalls such as Rakuyō Falls, Kōryū Falls, and the Couples Falls, is truly breathtaking. The walking path in Kinsenkyo Gorge is paved with wood chips, making it easy on the feet, and from spring to autumn, you can enjoy forest bathing while observing rare alpine plants and many wild birds. Especially during the autumn foliage season in Kinsenkyo (from early to late October), you can enjoy the magnificent waterfalls competing with the fiery autumn leaves, and walking events with guides are very popular. 【Herb Garden】Experience the "Fragrant Village" with all five senses The Herb Garden (Kaori no Sato Herb Garden) is a symbol of Takinoue, known as "Kaori no Sato." From June to September, a vast 4-hectare garden with about 300 types of herbs blooms, allowing for a five-sensory experience of seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, and tasting. At the Fragrance House on the hill, you can also enjoy light meals and experiences using the herbs harvested from the garden. It is a must-visit spot for summer tourism in Takinoue, where you can fully experience the refreshing aroma unique to one of Japan's leading Japanese mint production areas. 【Ukishima Wetland】A high moorland in a hidden paradise Nature lovers should definitely visit Ukishima Wetland. This high moorland at an elevation of 850 meters is dotted with various ponds of all sizes, and the "floating islands" created by the roots of wetland grasses create a rare landscape. Diverse alpine plants such as Ezo Isotsutsuji, Chinguruma, and Mōsengoke grow naturally, and Ezo salamanders and many wild birds also visit. You can enjoy the original nature of Hokkaido on a round trip hike of about 2.5 hours, making it a special hidden spot with only great nature and tranquility. Nature guides who walk with local guides are also popular. 【Yokushokuen】A garden registered as a northern landscape heritage. An original garden created by a single person as if painting on the earth. From the end of April to October, a unique landscape unfolds, changing its expression with the seasons as plants thrive. ■What are the recommended gourmet foods and specialties of Takinoue, Hokkaido? 【Japanese Mint (Domestic Japanese Mint Oil)】 A specialty product that Takinoue Town proudly offers, responsible for most of Japan's domestic mint production. It can be widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food, and is available for purchase at the roadside station "Kaori no Sato Takinoue" and others. 【Shibazakura Soft Serve Ice Cream】 A classic Takinoue gourmet sold within Shibazakura Takinoue Park during the Shibazakura Festival, featuring a pale pink color that catches the eye. The scent of Shibazakura and its gentle sweetness are popular, making it perfect for social media. ■When are the events and festivals in Takinoue, Hokkaido held? 【Fairytale Village Takinoue Shibazakura Festival】(May) The largest event of the year is held every year from early May to the end of May at Shibazakura Takinoue Park. On weekends, you can enjoy the "Phlox Marche" (food and market, workshops, mini live performances), and the "Shibazakura SKY Cruise" viewed from a helicopter is also very popular every year. 【Fairytale Village Takinoue Hometown Festival】(August) An event packed with activities such as log cutting championships, bon odori dances, fireworks festivals, gorge walks, and a grand lottery, allowing you to fully enjoy the local summer. 【Kinsenkyo Autumn Leaves Walking Event】(October) A seasonal tradition that concludes the autumn in Takinoue. Held in mid-October, you can enjoy the magnificent waterfalls and fiery autumn leaves while walking the Kinsenkyo walking path with experienced guides. The gorge, about 4.2 km long, is dotted with various famous waterfalls such as Rakuyō Falls and Kōryū Falls. The walking path is paved with wood chips, and you can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the seasons, from the fresh greenery of spring to the autumn foliage. ■We look forward to welcoming you to "Kaori no Sato" Takinoue Town! Japan's largest "Shibazakura Takinoue Park," the beautiful Kinsenkyo Gorge, the "Herb Garden" filled with the fragrance of 300 types of herbs, and the mystical "Ukishima Wetland." Please enjoy the unique experiences that can only be had in Takinoue Town, surrounded by the great outdoors of Hokkaido! We will continue to provide the latest information about Takinoue through the Cool Japan video, so thank you for your continued support! Official website of Takinoue, Okhotsk Tourism Association https://takinoue.com