If you're coming all the way to Hokkaido in winter, you should definitely enjoy playing in the snow.

However, I'm not looking for something as serious as skiing or snowboarding; aren't there some places that are easier to enjoy with kids?
For those looking for something like that, we recommend the "Tokachi Ecology Park Winter Festival".

*This article was created in March 2016.
The latest information and details for the 2017 event are as follows:CLICK HEREPlease see.

<Table of Contents>
1. What is the Tokachi Ecology Park Winter Festival?
2. Here are our top recommended attractions!
2-1. Just like a jungle tour at a certain theme park! Snow rafting experience
2-2. A cross-country skiing experience that's a little different from skiing and snowboarding.
3. After playing, fill your stomach with Ecopa's gourmet food!
4. How do I access Tokachi Ecology Park?

The "Ecopa Winter Festival" is held every winter at Tokachi Ecology Park (commonly known as Ecopa), which boasts a vast area of ​​141 hectares (equivalent to about 26 Tokyo Domes).

Here, you can enjoy a variety of winter attractions with free admission.

① Cross-country skiing experience

You can explore the vast plains of Ecopa by cross-country skiing.
You can choose from three courses: 2km, 4km, and 7km. Skis, ski boots, and poles are available for rent, so all you need are gloves to enjoy the fun.

Example price: 1 set of skis (2 hours, 300 yen)

② Snowshoeing experience

You can explore the snow-covered fields of Ecopa wearing snowshoes, an item unique to snowy regions.
These are also available for rent with stock included, so you can start playing right away even if you go empty-handed.

Example price: Snowshoeing (1 set, 2 hours, 300 yen)

③ Snow tubing experience

You can ride on a rubber tube the size of a car tire and slide down a snowy slope for an exhilarating experience.
The exhilarating speed, unlike anything you'd experience with a regular sled, is sure to captivate not only children but adults alike.

Example price: Snow tubing (1 hour, 300 yen)

④ Snow rafting tour

It's like a banana boat ride on snow.

Explore the plains and forests of Ecopa while being pulled by a snowmobile in a giant rubber raft.
If you're lucky, you might even get to see cranes, swans, squirrels, and other animals up close.

Example price: Snow raft tour (Ecopa Plains course: 500 yen for high school students and older)

⑤ Footbath (Limited time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM)

A footbath is a welcome relief when you're feeling cold or tired from playing in the snow.
As long as you bring a towel, you can use the bath for free.
Soaking your feet in the moor hot springs bubbling up in the Tokachi River might leave them feeling incredibly smooth and moisturized!

⑥ Hot air balloon experience (held on limited dates)

A hot air balloon attraction will also be available once during the event period.
Since this is a rare event with limited dates, if the timing is right, be sure to take advantage of the hot air balloon experience that offers a panoramic view of the spectacular scenery at Ecopa.

Example price: Hot air balloon ride (2,100 yen for junior high school students and older)

With so many attractions, it's hard to decide which one to go on...

For those of you who are interested, here are some recommended attractions that our reporters have experienced.
Just by experiencing these two things, you can enjoy yet another deeper side of Hokkaido.

2-1. Just like a jungle tour at a certain theme park! Snow rafting experience

Snow rafting tours offer an exhilarating experience as a snowmobile pulls a raft boat at high speed.
The feeling of gliding through vast snowfields and forests is reminiscent of a jungle tour at a certain theme park.

By the way, as you can see, the ground and trees are very close, so even if you get excited, you shouldn't lean out of the boat or put your hands out.

If you have small children with you, please drive at a slower speed.
However, the boat is too large for a child to sit in alone, so make sure a parent or guardian holds the child securely while they ride.

It's about a 20-minute walk along the forest trail. The time flies by as you enjoy the scenery.
If you're lucky, you might even spot red-crowned cranes, squirrels, or flocks of swans, so be sure to observe carefully during your visit.

2-2. A cross-country skiing experience that's a little different from skiing and snowboarding.

Cross-country skiing is an Olympic sport, but unless you grew up in a snowy region, you probably rarely get the chance to try it, right?
At Ecopa, you can easily experience this for as little as 300 yen for two hours.

Ski boots, skis, and poles are all available for rent, so all you need to bring are gloves. A wide range of sizes are available, from 20.5cm to 28.5cm.

You can choose from courses of 2km, 4km, or 7km, but if you're a beginner, not good at exercise, or out of shape, you should definitely choose the 2km course.

Even if you choose the shortest 2km course, if you're not used to it, you'll want to cry about halfway through.

Since the workout is quite intense, it's a good idea to bring a towel or something similar, as you'll likely sweat a lot.

However, that only makes the joy of finishing the race all the more special.
Soak your tired feet in a footbath and let them warm up slowly.

After you've finished playing in the snow, why not take a break and enjoy some gourmet food at Ecopa?

Example of fees)
Yotsuba soft serve ice cream... 250 yen
Shihoro Plateau ice cream... 170 yen
Tokachi beef frankfurter... 250 yen
Pork curry made with Mall pork... 500 yen

You can enjoy delicious Tokachi cuisine at reasonable prices, without disappointing quality.

It's about a 25-minute drive from Obihiro Station.
1. Go from Obihiro Station to Aoba-dori, then continue straight to Wakaba-dori.
2. Proceed along Wakaba Street to Higashi 10-jo South, then turn left when you merge onto Yayoi Street.
3. Proceed along Yayoi Street, and when you merge onto National Route 38, turn right and go straight.
4. Turn left at the intersection in Satsunai Kyoei-cho, and continue straight ahead to Tokachi Chuo Ohashi Bridge.
5. After crossing the Tokachi Central Bridge and merging onto Prefectural Road 73, turn right.
6. Continue straight along the road and you will see a sign for "Hokkaido Prefectural Tokachi Ecology Park".
7. Turn right at the sign and you will arrive at Tokachi Ecology Park.

*If you are going by bus from Obihiro Station
There are buses to Ecology Park from Obihiro Station Bus Terminal and Tokachi Bus Route 45, but reservations are required between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Please contact Tokachi Bus if you wish to use their services.
Obihiro Station Bus Terminal: 0155-23-5171
Tokachi Bus Headquarters: 0155-37-6500

<Spot Information: Tokachi Ecology Park>
Address: 1-1, Minami 18-chome, Tokachigawa Onsen, Otofuke-cho, Kato-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0155-32-6780　　　
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 17:00 PM
Official URL:http://www.tokachi-ecopark.jp/
Winter Festival Website:http://www.netbeet.ne.jp/~ecopark/index.html

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