hilly and mountainous areas. 83% of the towns land is forested and the local Japanese larch wood is used for new public buildings. This beautiful wood can be seen in the Town Hall and the Ashoro Junior High. Biomass Ashoro values the environment and has started the "Ashoro Biomass Town Plan" The plan is to build a local system that provides biomass resources and ways to use them. Ashoro produces wood pellets from untapped wood and promotes biogas plants that use livestock manure. Transportation The main way around Ashoro is by vehicle but at comprehensive bus system does exist. A bus runs from Ashoro to Obihiro nine times a day. Ashoro has two national highways that meet in Ashoro, Highway 241 runs east/west, and Highway 242 runs north/south. In 2003 the Dotto Expressway opened in Ashoro, connecting it to major centers such as Obihiro and Sapporo. In 1910 the first railway between Ikeda and Ashoro opened. The railway was extended and eventually connected Ashoro to Obihiro and Sapporo. The rail way station recently closed. The old rail station has now become a tourist landmark celebrating the town's history and significant figures. Recreation Various recreation facilities exist in Ashoro. The first town gymnasium opened in 1990 and was followed with a heated pool in 1994. Various baseball diamonds and soccer fields exist as well in the winter elementary schools create speed skating rinks. Ashoro also boasts many park golf courses that are available to all citizens. Citizens also participate in other cultural activities like kyūdō and taiko. Napal Center Ashoro is home to one of the five Napal Centres (Nature-pal). This center is used for various activities such as English camps, outdoor camps, floor curling and is often used to house sports teams or people from out of town. It promotes nature and community spirit. Tourism Ashoro is the gateway to Lake Onneto, Lake Akan and Mount Meakan. Citizens from all over Japan and the world come to visits these sights. Butterbur Ashoro is also known for its large butterbur that can grow up to three meters tall and have a diameter of 10 cm. Butterbur plays such a significant role that the town mascot, Ayumi-chan, carries a piece of butterbur. Rawan butterbur is nationally renowned and has been designated as a Hokkaido Heritage. Ashoro Museum of Paleontology This museum is located in Ashoro and is dedicated to fossils found around