This year's 15^th Japanese Geopark National Conference in Tokachidake (Biei/Kamifurano) will be held in September 2025. Mt. Apoi Geopark is also holding a pre-conference tour.

On Tuesday, Feb 4^th, I went to Biei Town for the initial executive committee meeting for the national conference, and the 3^rd Hokkaido Geoparks Administration meeting. There was only one issue, it had been snowing heavily around the meeting date. Just last night 120 cm of snow fell in Obihiro and 70cm in Shikaoi Town. I ended up taking a roundabout route due to various road closures: Samani - Hidaka Town - Shimukappu Village - Biei. Along this route, Furano had the most snowfall.

Several trucks were parked on the side of the road in Shimukappu Village since the road to Tokachi was closed.

I experienced blizzard-like conditions near Gakuda Station in Furano.

Biei has many quaint stone buildings. There were many tourists from South Korea and China as well.

It was sunny but starting to snow as I reached the entrance to the meeting venue.

The general meeting to establish the executive committee.