Minakami Adventure Festival - October 1st & 2nd

Snow Country has plenty of opportunities to get out into the outdoors and fresh air, with Minakami being one of the most well-known. Minakami has become one of the best places in the country to go if you are looking for adventure and the Minakami Adventure Festival is a yearly event that showcases the activities on offer. This year's event is set for Saturday October 1st and Sunday October 2nd.

There are lots of live events, discounts on all the major attractions in the area and also an adventure race that the general public can get involved with. The town really comes alive with activities for the family and stalls for many of the major outdoor brands offering their wares at discounted prices.

The flyer above gives you a good idea of what is going on or you can check out the Minakami Adventure Festival website, though it is only in Japanese. It is always a good weekend and well worth making the short hop up from Tokyo.

Summer Splash in Minakami - September 3rd 2011

The Summer Splash event in Minakami is next weekend. For anyone not familiar with the event it is the summer version of the popular Snow Splash live music and performance events. There is a full line up of bands representing different styles of music, performance artists and DJs, all of whom will keep the crowds moving well into the early hours.

The event itself is hosted at Canyons Outdoor Adventure Center and most party goers will be taking part in one of the outdoor adventure activities that have popularized Minakami of late. For those after a dose of fun and adventure there are plenty of activities available, from canyoning, rafting, canoeing, mountain-biking, bungy jumping or paragliding. Most activities have a family option available so it is a great destination to head to with the children.

Snow Country - Arrive in Style II

We've mentioned the possibility of getting to Snow Country by steam train and for the die-hard steam engine fans among you there is even a super stylish-commemorative baseball cap.

Be the envy of your friends. And if this isn't enough for you there is a whole range of steam engine themed gifts available - mouse pads, fans, stamps...

Koshihikari Rice

Snow Country has a proud gourmet tradition and central to this is the rice production of the region. As we approach the end of summer we are getting close to rice harvesting season, and everywhere you look, the rice fields are covered in green. A common image used is the the green sea: gusts of wind move the mature rice plants as if waves are passing through them. The four seasons are an important part of life in Japan and it is a beautiful time to visit Snow Country.

The Koshihikari strain of rice is grown in many parts of Japan but the rice grown around Uonuma is highly prized and frequently commands the highest price in Japan. One of the main reasons for this is the  due to the snow. As the snow melts in spring, all that crisp, pure water floods the rice field and helps produce such a tasty end product. The frequent rains of early summer and hot, humid temperatures afterwards provide ideal growing conditions.

Rice has always been an important crop in this area. It stores well over the snowbound winter and is also the base for many of the important products of the area such as sake, rice crackers and the different mochi sweets. The stalks of the rice plant are used to make tatami and in times past were also used to manufacture over garments, headwear and footwear for use in the snowy months. It is easy to see why it is highly revered in these parts.

The rice farmers work hard all summer and autumn but the snow buries their workplace for half the year (something many modern workers should pray for) forcing them to pursue other lines of work. If you find yourself in Snow Country for winter there is a good chance that your minshuku owner, lift operator or ski instructor has had a hand in producing that delicious bowl of steaming koshihikari rice you tuck into a lunch time. The deep, leathery tan is normally a good indicator.

Glass Making at Taiga Glass

Snow Country has a proud heritage in the arts and even today is still home to many craftsmen from different disciplines. Taiga Glass is a small artisan operation just outside Minakami handcrafting glass jewellery and trinkets. The designs are unique and the attention to detail is fantastic, as each piece is made with passion and dedication.

There are many pieces on display incorporating a variety of colors and styles which will sure to capture the heart of any fashionista out there.

The other great attraction they offer is the chance to have a go at glass making yourself. It doesn't matter if you have no experience in this niche craft as everything is well explained and it doesn't take long to pick up the basics of what you are supposed to be doing - although turning out finished pieces to the quality of the owner is not guaranteed. You get a real feel for the passion and dedication involved as your make you masterpiece.

Yuzawa Summer Matsuri

Obon is festival season in Snow Country and yesterday and today saw the Yuzawa Summer Matsuri in full swing. The east side of Echigo Yuzawa station was crammed with food stalls, games for families and kids as well as a stage with dancers and shamisen players. Lots of families were enjoying the summer activities and then coming down to the festival.

The warm summer temperatures held for most of the day but the clouds came in towards evening and it looked as if the rain was going to put a dampener on things. Luckily, although it rained quite hard for a while, it didn't last too long and the fireworks still went ahead slight behind schedule.

The firework show was fantastic with a huge, loud display that drew plenty of appreciative "Ahhs" from the spectators. Today saw the team waterpistol battle and the portable shrines make an appearance

Echigo Tsumari Art

Every three years there is the Echigo Tsumari Art Festival. Artists from around the world are invited to contribute with the aim of revitalizing the region. Anywhere is fair game for an installation with the outdoors, old buildings, town streets and schools hosting works of art.

The next big year is 2012 but this summer there is plenty on display with 160 works of art dotted around the region that can be viewed as well as festivals held in the different towns in the Tokamachi and Tsunan regions.

That's a lot of art to see but if you are looking for a quick taster, there is a handy beginners guide put together by the organizers that takes you round a few different routes.

Yuzawa Bike Rental

Yuzawa has great transport links with the Joetsu Shinkansen, HokuHoku Line, Joetsu Line and the Hakutaka Line all stopping at Echigo Yuzawa station. There is also a good network of local buses to take you around. Occasionally though you might want a bit more freedom and the chance to wander off the beaten track. Thankfully it is really easy to hire a bike in Yuzawa  with bicycles for rent inside the station and at the Information Office just outside the West Exit of Echigo Yuzawa station

You won't be winning the Tour de France on one of the rental but you'll have great fun exploring.

Theodor Von Lurch and the Start of Skiing in Japan

A quick explanation about the giant yellow mascot that was gracing the streets of Yuzawa during the Yukata Matsuri on Saturday night. [You can see him at the bottom of this post...] 2011 was the 100 year anniversary of the introduction of skiing in Japan and that big, cuddly, yellow fellow is the man responsible.

He is Major Theodore von Lerch who came over to try to teach the Japanese army how use skis at a resort in Niigata Prefecture. Apparently he had mixed success and there may have been problems adapting to the deep, Japanese snow. He seems to be fondly remembered though and with Japan's love of big mascots, it is likely that he will be around for much longer.

Just so you know what he was supposed to have looked like...(image from Wikimedia Commons) and he is now fondly known as Reruchi San.

English OK!

Snow Country is gradually implementing systems to become even more accessible to international visitors and one of the initiatives is to let people know where English is spoken. The first English OK! sign is already up and you can expect to see many more appearing in the coming months.

Information centers, restaurants, hotels and other operators are all eligible for the sign and it should make negotiating SnowCountry even easier.

Shiozawa Bokushi Doori

Shiozawa is often seen as the very heart of Koshihikari rice country. It is not just agriculture that it is famous for though. It also has lots of temples, shrines and sites of historical interest. Recently the main street of Shiozawa had a facelift and reverted to a period look.

The wide footpaths are perfect for ambling up the street, imagining what life would have been like back in the day, or ducking into one of the local restaurants or cafes for refreshments. If you are in Japan with the family there is a good little park just off the main street for the kids to let off some steam.

SnowCountry - Arrive in Style

The Japanese have an amazing, modern train system but there is a way to go back to the past and travel in style. Several steam engines are still in service and running the line between Takasaki and Minakami in Snow Country.

It is a great way to travel and is a big hit with the train-mad population. When the steam train arrives at Minakami on the weekend there are hordes of fans armed with cameras jostling to get a photo. You'd think it was a royal visit coming into town by the crowds. If you are around Minakami at midday the steam train is on display for a while, posing for photos, before making the return trip.

Yuzawa Yukata Matsuri

It was a busy night last night in Yuzawa as the locals came out en masse to enjoy the Yukata Matsuri. The main street, Onsen Gai, was pedestrians only and was filled with throngs of people and outside dining. Lots of folk made the effort to get dressed up in summer yukatas, adding to the spectacle.

There were plenty of attractions with taiko drummers, traditional dancers, free portraits for those in yukatas and a free prize draw. Food stalls were everywhere selling great festival food and local specialties with the local restaurants putting on a great spread.

There was also an appearance by the Major Theodor von Lurch who introduced skiing to Japan.

Next weekend is the Yuzawa Summer Matsuri and promises to be even busier.

Fuji Rock Over For Another Year

It's a few days since Fuji Rock at Naeba Ski Resort finished and Yuzawa is now pretty much back to normal after its yearly invasion by the masses. The weather tried to put a dampener on the festivities but the festival goers are a hardy bunch and a great time was head by all.

The festival organisers have a strong environmental focus which can be tough with tens of thousands gathering in the same place but it still remains one of the best music festivals set out in nature. Energy use is from self-generated sources, and even the paper rubbish is recycled for use during the next year's event.

Also, as one Brazilian tourist was overheard to remark, the Japanese people themselves contribute to making the festival a great success. Their friendliness, welcoming nature and consideration make Fuji Rock a great place for people of all ages to hang out and enjoy the music.

Good time this year and we're already counting the days until the next one.

SnowCountry Stamps

You know an area is on the up-and-up when Japan Post release some commemorative stamps!

The rich natural environment around Minami Uonuma gets the treatment in one set.

And Untoan Temple is celebrated in another.

Use these and your postcard will be the envy of all others.

Snow Country A-Kyuu Gourmet and Local Produce

SnowCountry is well known for the quality of its food. Part of the reason for this is the use of fresh, local ingredients. The Koshihikari rice gets a lot of the press but there is a thriving agricultural tradition in Snow Country that ensures the chefs of the region are well supplied with seasonal goodies.

The people living here benefit as well, as there are an abundance of small holders selling direct to the public. Drive along any main road in SnowCountry and there is a good chance you will see a stall selling the freshest fruit and vegetables.

Many of the supermarkets support the local farmers by having sections of locally grown, fresh foods alongside their usual produce. Buying local is good for the environment, good for the local community and great for the consumer. Next time you head past a little stall, make sure to drop in and get the freshest, tastiest food SnowCountry has to offer usually at a bargain price.

Tomioka White Gallery

Souichiro Tomioka was an artist from Niigata Prefecture who took inspiration from the snowscapes of Snow Country and other areas. He gained international recognition and now has a permanent exhibition close to Hakkai san. His works capture the bleak beauty of the area and will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in SnowCountry during the winter months. His simple style appeals to many and it is a rare visitor who doesn't leave with some memento of his work from the gift shop. Highly recommended.

Tomioka White Museum

Daigenta Canyon

You don't have to go far in Snow Country before you find stunning natural beauty, and if you find yourself in Yuzawa, Daigenta Canyon should be on your list of destinations. There are woods, mountains and a lake with plenty of made-made and natural attractions.

The kids will get a kick out of feeding the fish, a boat trip on the lake, or a nature walk. If you are feeling creative you can try your hand at making traditional soba, or have a crack at pizza making, both under the expert eye of local professionals. Or just kick back in a world class Italian restaurant and soak up the serenity. There is also a camp ground if you want to extend your stay in the great outdoors.

Daigenta Canyon

Yairo Watermelon

Snow Country produces many great seasonal products and one of the most refreshing tastes of summer are the watermelons from Yairo. Snowcountry is well know for its top quality rice but the watermelon are also up there. This small town in the north of Snow Country has watermelon fields all over and you can see the fruit by the side of the road ripening.

Ice cold watermelon on a hot day is an absolute treat and a real taste of summer.