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With over 20 years of experience in guiding canoeing tours in Eastern Hokkaido
Sanae Kinase works as a Sustainability Co-ordinator
helping to drive initiatives to protect the rich nature and culture of Teshikaga and its surrounding areas
We talk to Sanae about her own personal experience in this vast and relatively unexplored region of Japan and how her small town has become one of the leading examples of a sustainable tourist destination
Teshikaga is a town that places great importance on its efforts to protect the area's rich nature and the lives of the people that live there, so that they may be passed on to future generations. My role involves sustainable community development – we want everyone who lives in Teshikaga to be a part of how it develops as a sustainable tourism destination. I coordinate with experience providers, and for our new website
I worked with the graphic designer and copywriter
There is much for you to choose from - enjoy horseback riding
Learn about Ainu culture through a craft experience with local Ainu people
a number of sauna facilities have opened in the area
There are many lodging facilities with saunas
but there are also facilities that specialize in them
You can even enjoy a tent sauna while camping on the lakeside – a wonderful way to slow down and unwind
Another local dish that you should try is imo dango potato dumplings
a soul food that has been loved by locals for a long time
and sweet potatoes grow well due to the large temperature difference between summer and winter
Potato dumplings are made by mashing boiled potatoes and kneading them with potato starch
They have a chewy texture and are deliciously seasoned with soy sauce
Iou Rest House are good places to try handmade potato dumplings
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for more Japan-related news and updates
Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages
VUILD has completed a tower-like sauna in Teshikaga, Hokkaido, shaped from curving modules resembling a stack of LEGO. Its free-form surfaces characterizing both the interior and exterior have been parametrically prefabricated from three-dimensionally processed Cypress wood blocks
which were produced using a 5-axis CNC machine
the architects have ensured an optimal thermal environment by ensuring that the heat rises to the upper floors and that users can adapt to the temperature by moving in a spiral manner
hinoki blocks of varying heights — serving as both the finish and the structure — are integrated
creating seating to efficiently utilize the vertical space
all images courtesy of Hayato Kurobe
regulating temperatures sufficiently is an absolute requirement
and so VUILD conceived the space to achieve the perfect balance of minimizing distance between users while not excessively increasing the volume and thus the load on the stove
Airflow and temperature control can further be easily adjusted by opening and closing the slit windows in the entrance and top fittings
indirect lighting was embedded in the wall above the staircase’s central column
creating a meditative ambiance that gives the illusion of being close to others yet feeling far away
The Tower Sauna’s overall form is asymmetrical, with each block member holding a distinct shape. VUILD has implemented an intricate construction method, reminiscent of ancient architecture, that is made possible by the Japanese practice’s pursuit of digital technology in architecture
The sizes and assembly methods of the components were determined through repeated studies of the overall shape and the balance
culminating with a composition that stacks the cypress members in a manner similar to assembling children’s toys
The three-dimensional grooves in the cypress members — fixed horizontally and vertically with screws — function as tenon and mortise to prevent them from shifting up and down
its free-form surfaces have been parametrically prefabricated from processed Cypress wood blocks
the Tower Sauna’s overall form is asymmetrical
the architects have ensured an optimal thermal environment by ensuring that the heat rises to the upper floors
integrated hinoki blocks create seating of varying heights
indirect lighting creates a meditative ambiance that gives the illusion of being close to others yet feeling far away
name: Tower Sauna architect: VUILD | @vuild_official
photography: Hayato Kurobe
designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function
but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style
Teshikaga Town Regional Development Cooperation Team / Doto TV / Freelance Announcer / Videographer
She quit her job as an announcer at a commercial TV station and joined the Teshikaga Town Community Development Cooperation Volunteers
The town of Teshikaga has endless possibilities
and we are working to promote its charms in a variety of ways
We spend our days pursuing co-creation beyond city promotion
Summary of the 1st Teshikaga Town Council Regular Meeting of 2025
Summary of the December 2024 Teshikaga Town Council Regular Meeting
We graduated from the Community Development Cooperation Corps
Reflecting back on my two years in Teshikaga during the quarantine period
Making the most effective use of the Regional Development Cooperation Volunteer Program in Japan
Seasonal “news” of Hokkaido can be checked by category
You can check the information of your “town” in one place
Events” held throughout the province are easy to find and can be saved
This page has been automatically translated by Google Translate service
Auroras have been observed across the world
after a series of solar flares erupted from the sun
while sightings may continue over the coming days
Japan's National Institute of Information and Communications Technology said that since Wednesday there have been at least seven eruptions on the sun's surface
which likely triggered a geomagnetic storm
The government agency cautioned that global positioning and communications systems could be disrupted
The northern lights are believed to have been spotted in Hokkaido and Ishikawa Prefecture
They were barely visible to the naked eye but were caught on camera
A curtain of colored light was also seen in Britain on Friday
and further sightings could occur over the next few days
People in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Inner Mongolia also saw the light show
Town begins work to block Mt. Fuji photo spot due to unruly tourists
Tokyo-Hakata shinkansen trains to offer private rooms from FY 2026
FEATURE: "Tour of lies" stretches imagination in Tokyo's Asakusa
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Yoshiaki Imai was working in Kyoto as a director for TV when his job sent him to Kawayu Onsen for the first time
located in eastern Hokkaido’s Akan Mashu National Park
was to be the subject of a program focusing on the area’s natural onsen (hot springs).googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); });
found himself deeply attracted to the region’s raw nature and subsequently decided to build a second home nearby Lake Kussharo
He had briefly considered relocating to Kyushu’s Yakushima Island
but realizing he needed a more permanent change
he finally opted to move to his Lake Kussharo home in 2000
In addition to the region’s low cost of living
Imai was attracted to the artistic possibilities offered by its dramatic scenery
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Town
Today I saw a fox walking on Lake Kussharo
I usually don't see animals other than swans walking on the lake
so I dashed out to take a picture as soon as I spotted it
but I was knee-deep in snow and my shoes were sticky
The fox also noticed us and ran off to the shore
The photo shows frozen Lake Kussharo and Mt
The contrast between the fox's simple presence and the grandeur of the lake and mountains is overwhelming
"Aisu of Lake Mashu," who captured this beautiful moment in time
--Please tell us about the time you took this photo
I was driving in the Lake Kussharo area for work
I have to go to the Lake Kussharo area several times a month
and I had been taking pictures of the scenery and swans each time before
I was driving along and a fox walking on the lake happened to come into view
I hurriedly parked my car in a safe place and headed out to take a picture
I was knee-deep in snow many times and my shoes were sticky with snow
At first I was trying to get a close-up of the fox
but the fox must have sensed that I was getting close
because by the time I got to the lakeshore
So I gave up on trying to get a close-up of the fox and switched to a landscape composition
hoping that the fox would go to a better background
Then the fox went to the mountain where I took this picture
could you tell us about the camera you actually used
but it was still a bit far away and I cropped it slightly
If I had only had a smartphone this time I don't think I would have been able to take these photos
Lake Kussharo as seen by "Lake Mashu no Aisu
It is very rare to see foxes walking on the surface of the lake
they are usually easy to spot when they are walking on land
and not only foxes but also Ezo sika deer appear
(Please be careful not to touch wild foxes
be careful of Ezo sika deer and other animals that may jump out at you.)
full of Hokkaido's magnificent nature and wildlife
実際の投稿はこちら<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ja" dir="ltr">Today I saw a fox walking on Lake Kussharo
<br>I usually don't see animals other than swans walking on the lake
so I dashed out to get a shot the moment I spotted it
but I was knee-deep in snow and my shoes were sticky 😂 <br><br>The fox noticed us and ran off towards the shore
<a href="https://t.co/T50If12vqj">pic.twitter.com/T50If12vqj-</a></p> Lake Mashu Aisu (@mashukoice) <a href="https://twitter.com/mashukoice/status/1769289336363897076?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17
2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><h3 class="ptn_5"> Check it out as well!</h3>
"It's too good..." Record of a trip to the northernmost remote island of Japan
Video filmed by university students becomes a hot topic: "It's youth"
5 easy-to-participate social good events in Hokkaido [May 2025]
"Amazing view..." It's like another world
A photo taken in the "city of steel" Muroran is a hot topic: "It's overwhelming"
"As long as the fish is tasty...?!" The welcome party for a new recruit from Hokkaido is too difficult
"They're the kind of people who sprinkle salmon roe on top."
"They're so cute!" I feel comforted by the baby goats growing up healthy on a farm in Hokkaido
"What a cute creature" - A baby seal growing up quickly is soothing
Seeing it moving around so hard makes people say "It's like an angel" and "Grow up big"
Home to Sapporo's classic miso ramen as well as new culinary concoctions
Tucked away amongst the narrow streets of Sapporo’s entertainment district Susukino lies Ganso Ramen Yokocho. Lit up by a cyberpunk-esque neon entrance sign, the small alleyway is home to 17 ramen shops, serving Sapporo’s classic miso ramen among other creative culinary iterations of the dish. It’s probably the best place in Sapporo to satisfy your ramen craving.
Nowadays, shops in Ganso Ramen Yokocho are adapting Omiya’s classic miso ramen by using various different broths and toppings. Hokkaido is home to some of the finest seafood in Japan, if not the world. Ramen shops have been taking full advantage of that.
The broth is deep, rich and packed full of umami with the thick noodles soaked in all that flavor. The char siu is beautifully tender and has a slight smokiness thanks to the shichirin grill. To top it off, the perfectly marinated egg oozes into the soup, tying everything together.
At Teshikaga, using the same miso broth, there’s ramen topped with scallops and crab, alongside sweetcorn and butter.
When in Teshikaga, try the gyoza dumplings with gyoja ninniku, an important ethnobotanical food plant for the indigenous Ainu people of Japan. This is a type of wild onion that has a beautiful sweetness and aroma.
In other shops in Ganso Ramen Yokocho, shimijimi (broth based around clams) is popular for its delicious salty oceanic taste. The aptly named Shimijimi store serves a light shimijimi broth combined with miso. It’s usually topped with some classic char siu, marinated egg and some more clams. While ramen can often be heavy and oily, at Shimijimi, the ramen is light, delicious and irresistible.
Then there’s Toraya, offering a unique burnt miso flavor known as “kogashi” which gives ramen a charred and smoky taste. They also use miso in many other ways such as kogashi spicy ramen and even a curry miso ramen.
These are just a few of the 17 ramen shops in Ganso Ramen Yokocho, but each and every one of the ramen bowls offers great foodie delights.
Hot spring ryokan brand KAI, operated by Hoshino Resorts, will open its second property in Hokkaido by 2026.
KAI Teshikaga will be located at Kawayu Onsen in Teshikaga, home to Lake Mashu as well as Japan’s largest caldera lake, Lake Kussharo. The entire region is known as the Akan Mashu National Park which is mostly protected as a nature conservation area.
The resort will be an establishment to be developed simultaneously as the Akan Mashu National Park Kawayu Onsen Town Development Master Plan.
KAI Teshikaga will be a continuation of the KAI brand’s vision, following KAI Poroto, of embracing the surrounding nature of a hot spring ryokan as they aim to weave the natural beauty of Teshikaga into every aspect of their hospitality.
Seafront stays and heritage charm at Penang Marriott Hotel
Is Your Business Listed On TTGmice Planner Online?
Other singles simply feel marginalized in work cultures that assume their employees will be coupled up
“We’re going to have a team holiday party this year,” says communications executive Aimee Colton
“and it’s annoying because everyone brings their partner or spouse
(The survey defines single as being neither married nor living with a partner.)
according to the Office of National Statistics
singledom has become more common across all age groups
the share of single women grew from 27% in 1992 to 41% in 2015
The share of single men increased from 40% in 1992 to 51% in 2015
may be making it harder for some people to find partners
The most common reasons they cited: They were prioritizing other parts of their lives at the moment
As staying single becomes less stigmatized
even more people may wind up choosing that path in the years ahead
These changes mean it’s high time for workplaces to adjust to the new reality
leaders sometimes ask questions based on the assumption that everyone has a romantic partner and/or kids—of course
some single workers do have kids,” says DePaulo
But managers should be sensitive to the fact that employees’ relationships and responsibilities are not limited to just partners and children
That awareness will also make employers more attuned to the realities of people from marginalized groups
who may be less likely to live in traditional nuclear households
particularly if they’ve experienced rejection and estrangement from biological relatives
Recognizing the legitimacy of the family you choose
rather than strictly the one you’re born or adopted into
is a far more inclusive and relevant approach for the contemporary workplace
In both formal sessions and casual conversations, workplace leaders should seize the opportunity to communicate their respect for all kinds of families and relationships
If a manager wants to talk to their team about work-life balance
it’s more productive to ask open-ended questions about what kinds of struggles employees are experiencing than to center the conversation around working parents’ circumstances specifically
When catching up with a single employee over coffee
it’s considerate to ask after the people in their life
just as one might inquire about a married colleague’s spouse
a project aimed at organizations looking to better support singles
He says that one concrete step workplaces can take to recognize the broad array of relationships people have is to create leave policies that allow people to care for any loved one
and fewer than one-third are likely to rely on a spouse to whom they are legally married.”
if you have a close friendship that is “equal status to a marriage
And one of the people gets sick with cancer.” Under the Family and Medical Leave Act in the US
“you cannot take a family leave to care for that person
need not be bound by these limitations when developing and funding their leave policies
which can be designed to encompass care for anyone close to the employee
workplaces can expand bereavement leave to include loss of any kind
rather than limiting it to a member of the immediate family
child-free and single people often feel they can’t say no to putting in more hours
The solution here isn’t for employers to demand more working hours from parents
but to acknowledge that single and child-free people have perfectly valid reasons for not wanting to work on weekends or stay at the office until 9pm
When companies make it clear that work-life balance is a priority for everyone
Paid parental leave is one of the most important ways that workplaces support employees with kids
McGraw says companies should offer similar benefits to those without kids
is that “instead of investing into a family
they get to invest in their own professional and personal growth.”
found that 56% of companies offered a four-day workweek to employees with children
whereas only 36% made the option available to workers without kids
The same survey also found that married employees receive 3.6 more days of paid time off per year than single employees
and contributed $118 more per month to married employees’ healthcare plans
the fairest approach may be for companies to offer “a menu of benefits
regardless of marital or relationship status
This type of program, sometimes called “cafeteria-style” benefits
so that people can choose the options that best suit their lifestyles
“I think raising children to be contributing members of society is incredibly important,” says McGraw
give more of their time and money to charity
If you spend your Saturdays working at a soup kitchen
in parallel to the launch of the beta version of the new web-based platform
In comparison to conventional Japanese timber construction
the house consists of a thick timber frame providing a high thermal insulation performance despite the harsh
The project also utilizes the ‘Béquille’ system
a new method of construction devised by VUILD to significantly speed up the construction process and reduces costs
With NESTING the start-up seeks to challenge and improve the current homebuilding process in Japan
and ultimately make it easier to design plan
and construct more efficiently and cheaply. NESTING enables anyone to freely design their own building
the platform will provide a real time estimate to a given design and actively update depending on the different options chosen
the start-up aims to develop the application so that it can be used simultaneously for everything from land acquisition to output detailed estimates and planning drawings
VUILD completes the digitally prefabricated prototype housing using their new digital platform NESTING
the client worked on the design under the supervision of VUILD’s designers
The residence is configured in an L-shaped layout
with a large deck located on the southern end facing the main residence
dining and kitchen rooms have been optimized for the requirements of this specific site and the client requirements
the floor plan can be altered and customized to different uses and needs with the NESTING application
The Japanese architectural start-up has developed and employed a new democratized construction method
to create a more time effective construction process
This new system enables elements to be cut by Shopbot machines and assembled by a small team
and can be raised and set in place on site in a single day
It takes an additional three days to fit in the load bearing walls and sashes between its main structure
a laminated timber Béquille system is used, wherein warp resistant 3×6 plywood is freely cut to shape
The length of the sheets is limited to 2.5 meters, meaning that many joints are ultimately required to create a single frame
the timber frame was constructed using VUILD’s new Béquille’ system
The house is located in the town of Teshikaga
which is encompassed by nature with Lake Mashu
Lake Kussaharo and Akan Mashu National Park covering approximately two-thirds of its area
with an average annual temperature of 5.4°C that can reach as low as -20°C in winters
the wood-frame house achieves G2 of HEAT20
the standard for thermal insulation performance
the walls of NESTING 0001 are much thicker
with ample insulation to help achieve such environmental standards despite the cold climate
the architects utilize timber window sashes
and hot spring water as a heat source to achieve thermal comfort with a low energy consumption
The architects also install solar panels and storage batteries so that all electricity can be supplied off-grid
simulations were conducted to confirm that using a single AC/heater unit will create an ideal thermal comfort environment
it becomes easier to identify areas where gaps are likely to occur in the structure
and to mitigate these areas to construct a highly airtight house in a shorter time period and with fewer carpenters on site
compared to conventional Japanese timber construction
the house’s walls are much thicker for better thermal performance
dining room and kitchen space on the first floor
NESTING will provide a real time estimate to a given design
the assembly of the Béquille system frame
the structure is assembled in the workshop beforehand and transported during the building process
name: NESTING 0001 designer: VUILD
structure: DN-Archi Environmental Facilities Planning
designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions’ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
outdoor camping
Camping is a classic outdoor activity to enjoy the magnificent nature of Hokkaido
you can enjoy an extraordinary experience in the scenery of each of the four seasons
we will introduce 23 campgrounds near Kushiro and in the Nemuro area
including campgrounds where you can also enjoy hot springs and lakeside campgrounds with spectacular views
Kushiro Yamahana Park Auto Campground is located in a large 570-hectare park that stretches to the west of Kushiro Marshland
Facilities include spacious and private tent sites
and Kushiro City Fureai Horse Park are located adjacent to the park
offering a full range of leisure facilities
A campground in an area where tourist facilities such as a roadside station are gathered
There are athletic facilities and a railroad museum
The adjacent 36-hole park golf course is also popular
There is also a menu of hands-on activities
such as "woodcraft" to make a red-crowned crane clip
and "potato digging" at a farm in the fall
This campground with full facilities is surrounded by forest and is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring
where you can spend a quiet and relaxing time in the rich nature
Nearby is a mountain stream where you can fish and play in the water
selected as one of Otobetsu's eight new scenic spots for its magnificent autumn foliage
This campground is located on the shores of Lake Tatsukotake
It is a great place for marshland exploration
where you can observe marshland flora and fauna
Visitors can also enjoy walking along the wooden path around the lakeside
With private deck sites overlooking the lake
this campground is a safe place for beginners to spend time
and other activities are also nearby and can be enjoyed in combination with camping
This campground is equipped with grass-lined tent sites
a nearby animal house where you can meet small animals
walking trails where you can spend time among plants and nature
making it a fun place for the whole family
which looks like a cow when viewed from above
has a campground as well as playground equipment and hands-on facilities where visitors can experience ice cream and sausage making
This campground is adjacent to a fun "sunayu" (sand bath) where you can quickly create your own outdoor bath by digging in the sand
visitors can enjoy playing in the water and canoeing while camping in summer
There are many hot springs of different qualities in the vicinity
making it a perfect base for visiting hot springs
This is an auto campground with a great view of Kunashiri Island on a clear day
as well as a cooking building and restrooms
A quiet campground dotted with trees and grass
The log cottage-style footbaths with covered natural hot spring baths in the grounds are spacious and relaxing
The campground is also close to the Lake Akan hot spring resort area
making it easy to take a day trip and enjoy sightseeing at Lake Akan
This campground is located in a park on a small hill near the city center
In addition to free sites in a soft grass area
including auto sites with a power supply for a more private feel
Nearby there is a roadside station with a direct sales shop
and a walking trail where wild birds can be observed
The Tsuru-no-sato Camping Field is attractive for its large grass field (about the size of five soccer fields) and convenient accessibility
Although adjacent to Kushiro Marshlands National Park
it is also close to Tsurui Hot Springs and downtown Tsurui Village
making it easy to get in touch with nature in Tsurui Village
The Tsuru-no-sato Camping Field offers camping all year round
Nijibetsu Auto Campsite is a well-equipped campground with a cooking building and flush toilets as well as a barbecue house
It is also recommended as a base for sightseeing in East Hokkaido
beautiful green lawn with a comfortable feeling of openness and is bordered by a small slope
and the campground is surrounded by a pleasant breeze and is also a good place to see stars
it is also a convenient base for touring the popular East Hokkaido area for riders
This campground is located on the lakeside of the Wakoto Peninsula
which is attached to the south side of Lake Kussharo
you can pitch your tent close to the edge of the surf
There is also a free outdoor hot spring near the campground
which attracts many repeat visitors and locals
This campground is located at the southernmost tip of Hamanaka Town on the Kiritappu Peninsula and is surrounded by the sea on all sides
creating a fantastic atmosphere as a veil of mist covers the magnificent cape landscape
Visitors can enjoy camping in a rich natural setting while fully appreciating the view of the cape surrounded by flowers
A campground where you can enjoy a different atmosphere from everyday life in a quiet place surrounded by nature
It is also possible to stay for consecutive nights
A small river and a large open space make it a perfect campsite for children
this campground is surrounded by deep forest and full of wild nature
Other than the cooking facilities and restrooms
allowing you to enjoy the outdoors to the fullest
Each tent site has a fire pit where you can warm yourself by the fire and enjoy the unique time that passes in the forest at night
Near the campground is a hidden hot spring
surrounded by the calm Notsuke Bay and quiet forests
bungalows with the gentle scent of wood and free tent sites are available so that you can enjoy outdoor life as you wish
you can see colorful flowers such as skunk cabbages and Japanese rosebushes
A campground on a hill with the best view of the sea
auto sites and free sites facing the Sea of Okhotsk
A selection of rental items is also available
where you can enjoy Hokkaido's unique fishing depending on the time of year
Especially popular are pink salmon and chum salmon fishing
which lasts from August to October each year
The campground is located in Nakashibetsu Midorigaoka Forest Park
It is a 30-minute walk from the city center
and there is an open space and playground equipment in the center of the site
Most of the park is an unspoiled natural forest
and a variety of trees can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons
Tangji Motomura Campground is located about 1 km from National Highway 391 along the lakeside
It borders the shore of Lake Tangji and is a scenic spot suitable for experiencing the great nature
All information is current as of April 2024
Please check the official website for details
The 21 recommended campgrounds in the Goshi area near Lake Toya
Family-oriented camps with a variety of fun activities
and Kamikawa Area: 22 Campgrounds Recommended for the Year 2024
Camping in contact with nature and animals
Recommended 13 campsites near Hidaka and Erimo
The 21 recommended campsites in the suburbs of Rumoi and Soya area for 2024
Camping to enjoy the ocean and spectacular views all around
The 20 best campgrounds in the Tokachi area near Obihiro
Camping to see the star-filled sky from the vast land
An application by an individual in China to register a trademark using the name of Japan's indigenous Ainu people has been criticized for being an attempt to profit off their culture
Documents disclosed by the Japan Patent Office showed Wednesday that an application was lodged to trademark "AINU" for products such as smartphone cases or computer mice
The filing was made in March by an individual in Shenzhen
The application was pending as of Tuesday and the JPO only said it will make a decision based on trademark law
Face masks embroidered with indigenous Ainu designs popular in Japan
Indigenous Ainu group in Japan to appear in 35 textbooks, 6 subjects
It is unclear whether the applicant was aware of the significance of the word Ainu when filing for the trademark and the person's agent in Japan who processed the paperwork only confirmed to Kyodo News that the request was made through a patent office in China
"I don't know if (the applicant) had considered a specific ethnic group," the agent said
"I think the patent office will reject it if it is considered offensive."
The application comes as the Japanese government plans to open the National Ainu Museum and Park in Hokkaido this year to promote a wider understanding of the ethnic minority that is indigenous to the nation's northernmost main island
"We believe that it is an attempt to profit off our community
We want the government to object," said Hiroshi Hirono
who heads an association that advises those wishing to develop products using traditional Ainu design
Japan last year enacted legislation aimed at protecting and promoting Ainu culture through the provision of financial assistance
stipulating for the first time that they are an indigenous people
Spots
Hot springs・Inn
Hokkaido is a region blessed with beautiful nature
where you can enjoy many spectacular views
Hokkaido is also home to many hidden hot springs
perfect for those who want to relax during their trip
Here are 15 hidden hot springs and famous hot springs in Hokkaido that you definitely want to visit
Enjoy a trip to soothe your body and mind at these wonderful hot spring spots
which has oil-rich spring water that is unparalleled nationwide
has a distinctive petroleum smell and is known for its high moisturizing and heat-retaining properties
as well as for its skin-beautifying properties
it has attracted the attention of people suffering from chronic skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis
and many people from all over the country visit the hot springs for therapeutic purposes
Seseki Onsen is a hot spring made of stones in the sea
It is a dynamic hot spring full of wildness
where depending on the tides it can be inaccessible (submerged in the sea at high tide) or too hot (as the 64°C spring water does not become diluted at low tide)
It was featured in the TV drama "From the North Country" and has become known nationwide
Hot spring and secret hot spring lovers from all over Japan visit the hot spring
Yoroushi Onsen is said to have been discovered and developed in 1916 by Nishimura Takeshige
steam floats leisurely amid the changing scenery of the four seasons
There used to be several hot spring inns here
and the area was bustling with visitors seeking therapeutic baths
Teshikaga Town is located in the Kussharo Caldera
a depression created by volcanic eruptions
Water veins heated by underground magma flow into the town as an abundant hot spring
Kawayu Onsen is a hot spring with spring water unique to this volcanic source
The highly acidic spring water can even dissolve a nail that has been soaked in it
and it is expected to have a skin-beautifying effect by dissolving old dead skin cells and making the skin smooth
The moor springs that gush out from the hot spring town are a rare type of spring that has been designated a Hokkaido Heritage Site
At the spa attached to the "Roadside Station Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen," you can casually enjoy the moor springs in your swimsuit
at the nearby Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Guide Center
you can experience various outdoor activities throughout the four seasons in the natural surroundings of Tokachigawa Onsen
this famous hot spring boasts a history of over 100 years
are extremely luxurious and are available for day trips
there is a secluded inn quietly nestled in a separate building
There is also a popular natural open-air bath
This secret hot spring has been in operation for 120 years
deep in the mountains surrounded by virgin forest
where you can relax listening to the murmuring of the river and the chirping of wild birds
the hot springs have continued to use 100% free-flowing spring water
and the view from the open-air bath allows you to feel the beauty of nature in every season
This hot spring inn is located near Lake Onneto
one of Hokkaido's three most hidden lakes
and the fresh spring water from the active volcano
and this is a hidden hot spring where you can enjoy bathing in a location surrounded by untouched nature
Goshiki Onsen Ryokan is proud of its free-flowing hot springs
which come in two locations: a large public bath and an open-air bath where you can enjoy the natural scenery
The name is said to come from the fact that "there are five different types of spring water
whereas normal hot springs have two types," and "the water is mixed with sulfur
so it looks five different colors depending on the day." This hot spring will soothe your body after a day of skiing or mountain climbing
It is popular as a rare natural open-air bath on the seaside
generated by the heat source of the Esan volcano
making it a dynamic hot spring with a bathtub in the sea
The bathing hours change daily depending on the tides
and the bath is submerged at high tide and can only be bathed at low tide
Located a short distance from the Jozankei Onsen hot spring town
Hoheikyo Onsen is popular for its famous hot springs that flow directly from the source
are one of the largest in Japan and offer a sense of openness
creating a fantastical location with rising steam from the hot springs
If you stop by after enjoying winter sports at the nearby ski resort
you can soothe your fatigue in the open-air baths while watching the snow
Its attractions include a natural open-air bath with spring water at your feet
of which there are said to be only about 20 in the whole country
and an open-air observation bath where you can gaze out at the natural beauty of Lake Shikotsu while soaking in the water
The natural open-air bath is a rustic structure with only rocks separating the bath area from the lake
and has maintained its appearance unchanged since the facility was established
This is a dynamic hot spring where you can become one with the nature of Lake Shikotsu
along with the scenery that changes with the seasons
The spring quality is a rare "bicarbonate dioxide spring" in Japan
The carbon dioxide expands the capillaries in the skin and mucous membranes
improving blood circulation without increasing the heart rate
Even people with high blood pressure can lower their blood pressure without putting strain on the heart
so this hot spring is known in Europe as the "heart bath" and is considered a precious hot spring
including large public baths for men and women
Hidden baths are dotted along the walking paths on the premises
allowing you to enjoy a playful open-air bath
why not visit on a special occasion such as a wedding anniversary
It has long been popular as a hot springs cure
and many people stay for long periods to treat illnesses and injuries
It is also famous for the huge "travertine dome" formed by the lime contained in the hot spring
which has been designated as a natural monument of Hokkaido
Bathing while looking at the travertine dome from the inn's open-air bath will be a unique experience
[7 minutes walk from Sapporo Station] Enjoy hot springs
A comfortable stay at the 605-room "Sapporo Hotel by Granbell"
[Updated for 2025] A complete guide to accessing Daiwa House Premist Dome (Sapporo Dome) and nearby hotels
"So cute it's unfair" - Feel the healing power of a sleeping miniature horse
[Information on the early opening on April 25th] Sapporo Odori's newest attraction
Floor details and highlights of "4PLA" opening in summer 2025
A hotel in the center of Sapporo with a superb sauna and large public bath
Experience the warmth that is unique to Hokkaido at "Danyuki Sapporo"
[2025 Edition] 7 recommended cherry blossom spots in the Kitami and eastern Hokkaido areas
Enjoy cherry blossom viewing in the great outdoors
2023Must-See Art Festivals in Japan 2023Tokyo Art Beat presents a selection of Japan's best art festivals and triennials in 2023
The list will be updated as new information becomes available
Suzu Theater Museum “Ark of Light” Photo by Keizo Kioku
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The “Study: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival 2023” is a pre-event for the upcoming “Osaka Kansai International Art Festival (TBC)” scheduled to be held in 2025
The festival aims to study the relationship between art and people
The second edition will introduce 42 artists and curators from Japan and abroad
one of the participants of “documenta fifteen.” In addition to contemporary art
the art fair will also feature vintage Scandinavian furniture and NFT art
and researchers list include Yoichi Ochiai
Venue: Grand Front Osaka, Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library, etc.Schedule: January 28 - February 13 (Art Fair: February 10 - 12)https://www.osaka-kansai.art/en/
The 13th “Extreme Cold Art Festival” will take place at Kawayu Onsen in Teshikaga Town
The main venue is the Yukimori Outdoor Museum
located in an extremely cold forest with temperatures reaching below -15°C
More than 40 contemporary artworks by international artists such as Thomas Kimmerlin
Showa Yugaku Museum will feature works by Koro Ihara
The festival also offers an artist-in-residence program and is currently accepting applications
The details are available on the official website
Venue: Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga-cho, Kawakami-gun, HokkaidoSchedule: February 2 - March 3http://acaf.teshikaga.asia
“Art Award IN THE CUBE” is held every three years and invites artists to express themselves in a cubic space
Based on the theme of “Where ‘Reality” Goes,” 14 works were selected from nearly 600 entries this year and will be exhibited at the Museum of Fine Arts
including workshops by chosen artists and lectures by judges
Venue: The Museum of Fine Arts, GifuSchedule: April 22 - June 18https://art-award-gifu.jp/en/
The exhibition featured works by a wide range of international and domestic artists
More details on the upcoming festival and participating artists will be announced soon
Venue: Chiyoda-ku, Chuo-ku, Bunkyo-ku, Taito-ku, etc.Schedule: Second half of 2023 (TBC)https://tokyobiennale.jp/
The “Oku-Noto Triennale” is returning to Suzu City
which was postponed due to the pandemic and held later in the fall of 2021
featured 53 artists from 16 countries and regions
The highlight of this edition is a new café/restaurant space designed by Shigeru Ban
which will be built next to the Suzu Theater Museum
While previous rest spaces were only temporary tents
visitors can enjoy the spectacular view in a more comfortable environment this time
the following artists have been confirmed to participate: Ana Laura Aláez
Venue: Suzu City, Ishikawa PrefectureSchedule: September 2 - October 22 https://oku-noto.jp/ja/index_en.html
The “Nakanojo Biennale” is an international contemporary art festival held every two years in Nakanojo Town
The 2021’s edition was held online and on-site under the theme of “-PARAPERCEPTION- From Beyond Perception.” In addition
an exhibition featuring 13 artists who moved to the prefecture after participating in the festival was held from November 19 to December 11
More details and participating artists will be announced soon
Venue: Various locations in Nakanojo Town, Gunma PrefectureSchedule: September 9 - October 9https://nakanojo-biennale.com/english
“Art Saitama,” which started in 2016 as “Saitama Triennale,” is scheduled to be held for the third time this autumn
Produced by Takashi Serizawa and directed by the contemporary art unit [mé]
the festival will attempt to discover the diverse and intriguing “I” by “looking” at the world from a new perspective
Venue: Former Civic Hall Omiya, etc.Schedule: October 7 - December 10https://www.city.saitama.jp/004/005/001/004/index.html
※ “Yokohama Triennale 2023” was scheduled for December 2023
but due to the postponement of the museum’s renovation
the opening date has been changed to March 2024
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Hokkaido--Rare natural phenomena make Hokkaido in the far north a special place to visit
But knowing in advance when they will occur is another matter altogether
frost flowers and “jewelry ice” formations
and provide information on a dedicated website to promote tourism
an associate professor of glaciology and oceanography at the Kitami Institute of Technology here
is working to predict dates and times when such phenomena are expected by analyzing remotely collected meteorological data and accumulated records
The team will install more than 10 cameras
two meteorographs and four thermometers in the Hama-Koshimizu
the Rebunto and Rishirito islands and other areas in the Okhotsk and Soya regions by the end of March
It intends to provide long-term predictions to assist tourists from faraway regions planning trips to the nation’s northernmost main island
“Our aim is to increase the probability of encountering rare natural phenomena and make it a springboard for tourism in Hokkaido after the novel coronavirus pandemic,” Tateyama said
Researchers said they have accurately predicted the occurrences of mirages and odd-looking suns seven times out of eight since February 2021
When a sea of clouds appeared at the Tsubetsu pass and over Lake Mashuko in eastern Hokkaido
they managed to shoot footage in high-definition 4K video
A website called Shiretoko Portal was set up on a trial basis to provide predictions of mirage occurrences
camera footage and other information from selected areas are available for viewing
a meteorograph and other built-in equipment will be installed at 20 locations annually from fiscal 2022 to continue observations
The proposed sites include the Tokachigawa and Tokorogawa rivers for jewelry ice formations and the town of Rikubetsu for diamond dust
Researchers plan to set up cameras at points across Hokkaido that boast one-of-a-kind natural phenomena
they will use virtual reality video footage of rare natural phenomena and provide transportation tips on how to get to each destination
The research constitutes one of the model tourism projects to be pursued by a national university organization in Hokkaido
which will be formed in April through the merger of the Kitami Institute of Technology
the Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine and the Otaru University of Commerce
More tourists risking life and limb to reach Hokkaido shrine
Algae that killed off marine life in Hokkaido from Russia
Chance image shows how sandstorm unfurls in Gobi Desert
Rare birds found at site of planned wind farm in Hokkaido
Photo by Japan astronaut shows blizzard brewing over Hokkaido
Information on the latest cherry blossom conditions
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A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry
Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors
chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life
A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II
In-house News and Messages
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Event
March in Hokkaido is the season when you can feel both the vestiges of winter and the footsteps of spring
Here are 7 recommended events taking place in Hokkaido in March
Image source: SAPPORO COLLECTION 2024 SPRING/SUMMER
Image source: Sounkyo Tourism Association
Image source: Lake Mashu Tourism Association
Image source: Winter Wine Party in NIKI –Masked Grape Party-
Image source: Fukushima Town Tourism Association
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Expanding the circle of exchange in Minami-ku
a community market created by students together with the local community
Enjoy seasonal spring gourmet food and Golden Week
10 recommended events in Hokkaido [May 2025]
5 recommended events in Sapporo [May 2nd - 6th
[2025 Edition] 16 Flower Events in Hokkaido: Cherry blossoms
In 1987, the first sparks of what would become decades-long love affair were kindled between Seattle-based photographer Michael Kenna and the landscape of Japan
the photographer has spent countless nights and early mornings traversing the country’s mountains
and temples in search of moments that transcend the terrestrial and approach the divine
watching them spring to life once more during long hours in the darkroom
Kenna’s newest book, Forms of Japan
unveils two hundred and forty of the artists photographs of Japan
veering into photography when he was on the threshold of becoming a priest
His photographs have long been rooted in notions of spirituality and grace
but it’s by way of the natural domain that he reaches towards something more; the pathway to infinite reverie lies in the Earth and its rhythms
if only we’re willing to stay silent long enough to hear its secrets
the sacred and the mortal are inextricably linked
Kenna’s photographs of Japan are taken in long exposures—often up to ten hours—and yet in their stillness
the photographer acknowledges the inevitable passage of time
but despite its remoteness—and the solitude invoked in Kenna’s imagery— its landscape is never stationary