The first stop is Yasuo Toyama's wild flower gallery. This artist, who appears on NHK, draws beautiful, life-sized pictures of the seasonal flora. Each picture has one of the species next to it which makes for a visually stunning display.
There is a full range of works for sale with the postcards and business cards being especially popular.
Next stop is a storage facility with walls packed with snow. The temperature is just above freezing and offers a great respite from the summer humidity outside.
The cold temperatures from the snow keep the rice and vegetables in the perfect state and help them become sweeter and more tasty. The proof of any pudding is in the eating so you are invited for a tasting of some of their wares, including one of the best rice balls you will ever eat.
The last stop on Tour E is Yakushouji. It is a hard place to classify but is a treasure trove of curios in a temple. The outside gives nothing away but when you venture through the door there is plenty to take in.
Beside the temple, there are shrunken heads from New Guinea, intricate treasures from Tibet, works of art from famous Europeans, relics from Burma alongside ancient works of art from Japan and China. It is not what you expect to find in rural Japan but a fascinating surprise nonetheless. (No photos inside unfortunately so you'll have to check it out for yourself.)
The bus tours runs to a schedule until the end of July 2011. For more information contact the Snow Country Association: info@yuzawaonsen.gr.jp
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