Tsubetsu, town in Abashiri district, Hokkaidō, Japan
Tsubetsu is a small town in the Okhotsk Subprefecture's Abashiri district in eastern Hokkaido. It sits in a quiet area surrounded by forests and fields, with low traditional buildings spread across the landscape and clean air throughout the region.
The town was founded in 1919 when it separated from the larger village of Bihoro and later became an official town in 1946. It has maintained its rural character throughout this period of administrative changes.
The mascot Maruta-kun, embodied as a wooden log, represents the town's deep connection to forestry and the natural world. It appears at local festivals and reflects how the community takes pride in its rural heritage and love for the land.
The town is easily accessible from Memanbetsu Airport, which is about 30 minutes away, and can be reached by train or bus from larger cities. Since it is small with few tourist facilities, visitors should come prepared for a quiet stay where most places are within walking distance.
From Tsubetsu Pass, visitors can witness a sea of clouds spreading over the large Kussharo Lake caldera, shifting through different colors at sunrise. During summer, fireflies appear in the streams of the 21st Century Forest, creating a memorable natural display.
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