Rice Plant Art 2011 - October 10th

Rice is probably the most famous export of Snow Country but not content to just grow it, it also becomes a medium for creative expression. Using several different varieties of rice plant, and without the use of any pesticides or fertilizers this picture has been created in a local rice field. The theme for this year's creation was "Daruma" - the lucky doll that is traditionally used for encouragement.

The field is due to be harvested by hand on October 10th and people are welcome to join the fun (meeting in Echigo Yuzawa Station from 10.30 to 11.) The rice is due to be donated to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in March in Fukushima.

Historical Snow Country - Kanetsugu Naoe

Snow Country has plenty of historical sights and many of them are linked back to the same characters. One of the most well known Kanetsugu Naoe who was a trusted commander of Kenshin Uesugi, the local ruler of this area towards the end of the sixteenth century. This was brought very much to the forefront recently when he became the subject for the NHK drama "Tenchijin" in 2009.

He was born around Sakado in Muikamachi and became well known for loyalty, dignity and good judgement. He studied at the Untoan Temple at the base of Sakado and throughout his life valued the importance of education and culture, rising to be a trusted commander for the Uesugi clan.

As you travel around Snow Country you are sure to see references to this period and to Kanetsugu Naoe. Tenchijin and the character for love are also widely used in the area. The Sakado is his old stomping ground and has plenty of sites he would have know himself. Untoan too is well worth a visit.

Yairo Matsuri - October 9th

Yairo is famous for its watermelons but it also produces plenty of other foods that are equally tasty and on October 9th they have a festival celebrating the autumn harvest.

The festival itself is held at Yairo No Mori Park, which is worth a visit at any time (and is just around the corner from the Echigo Winery and the amazing Yummy Ice Cream Shop.) This park is a fantastic place for children with lots of climbing apparatus, giant bouncy balls and loads of space for the kids to charge about. The adults can supervise from the relative peace of the public BBQ areas.

The Festival is free to attend and like many autumn festivals, the food is the star with local specialities and freshly harvested produce in abundance. There are also games for the children, entertainment on the large stage, dancing and other activities for the whole family such as hot-air ballooning. These festivals are a great way to get close to small town Japan, make new friends and interact with the local population.

Yuzawa Half Marathon

Friday was a National Holiday and scheduled to be Yuzawa Town's Sports Day. This is a fun tradition where the different sections of Yuzawa square off against each other in some fun athletic contests. Unfortunately, due to a waterlogged sports field, it had to be called off this year. Nonetheless, the main sporting event of the weekend, the Yuzawa Half Marathon, 10km Run and Fun Run on Sunday would still go ahead.

Saturday night saw Eki Dori on the East Side of the station closed to traffic and all the local businesses setting up food stalls to give the competitors one last feed before the big day. There were tables in the street with locals and visitors alike sitting down and enjoying the cool evening.

There was a great turn out for all events with locals and runners from further afield enjoying the warm autumn weather - great conditions for running. Plenty of spectators headed out to cheer on the participants and much of the route was lined with support. The route itself has a stunning backdrop and took the competitors around a great little tour of the area.

It was a really well organised, fun day and has certainly inspired some of us to dust off our running shoes for next year.

Autumn Colors by Canoe

The changing of the leaves is a big autumn event in Japan as it marks the transition of the seasons, and many people flock up from the cities to check out this beautiful sight. Hiking is an immensely popular way to take in the scenery and Snow Country is spoilt for choice when it comes to peaks to climb or scenic hiking trails. There are many other ways to get out into nature to admire the natural colors, from long gondola rides,  high ropeways, or drifting down the river in a raft.

Another option to get a different take on the whole thing is from the peace and tranquillity of a lake as you spend a relaxing few hours paddling around with nothing but the small splash of your paddle as it dips into the water to distract you - a world away from the hustle and bustle of modern city life.

I Love Canoe offer lake tours in the Minakami area that offer unparalleled views that you would never normally get to see. No previous experience is required so anybody can enjoy paddling around the lake and all the gear you require is provided. The tour is also a great family activity as even very young children are welcome to come along and join the fun.

Hakkai San Autumn Colors and Seasonal Produce

This is a beautiful season to visit Snow Country. The surrounding mountains are covered in different types of trees and the changing of the colors in this area is stunning, with each variety having different hues at different times. Down on the valley floor the rice is ready to harvest and the delicious new rice and other produce is a source of local pride. The are lots of great ways to see the autumn colors and one of the best is to hop on one of the bus tours.

A great option is the autumn tour leaving from Muikamachi Station, running from October 8th to November 6th. It drives along the scenic Skyline road which has stunning view down the valley and across the local peaks. It then arrives at Hakkai San Ropeway which will whisk you up to the lookout for more great views and a close up of the autumn colors. They are also offering freshly prepared rice balls from newly harvested koshihikari rice and the famous local mushroom soup. Once back down, there is a stop at the Tomioka White Museum for some more stylized landscapes before heading back to the station.

This tour has a bit of everything to let you capture the very essence of Snow Country - local produce, natural beauty and unique culture.

Kinare, Tokamachi - Kimono and Traditional Crafts

Kinare is a community center in Tokamachi that has a host of things to keep you occupied and the opportunity to try your hand at several Japanese crafts. It also acts as one of the main hosting areas for the Echigo Tsumari Art Festival.

Tokamachi is well known for its links to artisanal crafts, being a major center of kimono production. Back in the day it was cut off by the heavy snows for the whole winter and the population spent much of their time stuck inside. Weaving beautiful kimono material was a major cottage industry and as soon as the roads were passable in spring the city merchants would rush to the area to snap up these local works of art. There is still a Kimono Festival each spring in the town. At Kinare there is a kimono museum and exhibition that takes you through the history. They also offer the chance for visitors to get dressed up in traditional Japanese attire. The family can have their portrait taken clothed in stunning kimono and experienced what is involved in getting dressed in these long gowns.

There are also other workshops available that you can take part in. Weaving on a loom played a big part in the history of Tokamachi and you can try yourself, opting to make your own cloth of varying sizes, depending how ambitious you feel.

Other workshops include dyeing and hand painting silk.

With all these craft workshops you get a great memento of your time and effort to take away with you, and you will often be amazed how good your finished product is. The tuition and guidance you receive is first rate and you will leave with dreams of starting up your own cottage industry.

If you are in the Tokamachi area then a trip to this cultural exchange center is a must. And with an onsen on site as well, you really could spend the whole day here.

Muikamachi Fureai Matsuri - Sunday October 2nd

One of the joys of Autumn in Snow Country is the recently harvested produce and the resulting festivals to celebrate another successful growing season. Sunday 2nd October is the annual Muikamachi Fureai Matsuri which is a great day out for the whole family. The Festival is a chance for all the local producers and businesses to show off the local delicacies and famous produce.

The Festival is held in front of Muikamachi Station and kicks off at 10am, running through to three o'clock in the afternoon. There is a flea market, live entertainment and music shows and lots of stalls serving up the tasty locally produced dishes.

The mushrooms from the area are particularly well-known and the local mushroom soup is a wonderful way to chase away any autumn chills. The local farmers are well know for their agricultural prowess and the freshness of all the food on offer is a testament to their skill and the rich soil of the surrounding valley.

The area is also well known for its surrounding mountains and the views of the autumn colors will be well worth the trip.

Kaikake Onsen

If you are coming to Snow Country, checking out a few onsen is an absolute must. Any onsen is great in our book, but there are so many different kinds it is worth trying a few just to experience the variety. Kaikake Onsen, between Kagura and Tashiro ski resorts is definitely worth checking out. It belongs to a type of onsen known as "hitou" or hidden/secluded onsen. These are onsen that are definitely off the beaten track so are well worth the extra effort of tracking down.

Kaikake Onsen has a long history going back several hundred years. It was well known among travelers as it is situated on the Mikuni Highway which used to be the main thoroughfare from the plains up into what is now Niigata prefecture. It had a reputation for refreshing and renewing weary travelers and is fulfilling that role to this day, though is probably much easier to reach than it used to be if you were walking.

There are several different hot spring baths to sample at Kaikake Onsen, and being a secluded onsen, the natural views from the baths are stunning. The seasons are well represented in the surrounding nature. There is also a fantastic inn here that offers the full traditional experience and amazing local cuisine

Kawabata's Snow Country

Snow Country (Yukiguni in Japanese) can refer to any place that gets high quantities of snow, but it has become associated with this area of Japan thanks in part to the novel of that name by Yasunari Kawabata finished in 1948 (though a work in progress for much longer.) He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1968 (the first Japanese writer to receive the prize) and his Snow Country novel played a large part in that.

The novel itself is about a stark love affair between a Tokyo-ite and an onsen town geisha set against the bleak backdrop of a Niigata winter. There is a good English translation available for those interested in the story which is full of understated feeling and symbolism.

The novel begins with the train coming out of the Shimizu tunnel, the long tunnel under the mountains that connects Niigata to the Kanto Plains. It emerges into a different world blanketed in snow, and this is an experience that is not uncommon to modern travellers. It is still possible to come by that train but most visitors now arrive by shinkansen, though it is a similar experience. It is not uncommon to see no snow at all as you head up from Tokyo but after passing under the mountains you emerge into Snow Country and the change in scenery is surprising.

Kawabata spent time in Yuzawa writing the book and is familiar with the area. He stayed at Takahan Ryokan, a traditional inn set on a hill at the far end of Yuzawa that conducts great views down the valley. It has been remodelled since his day but they have kept his room and also have a small museum dedicated to the book and resulting films.

The museum is open to non-guests and offers some great period photographs and details about the author. While you are there you should take an onsen too as the source of the spring is right underneath the ryokan giving it some of the best water in the whole area.

The book is an interesting read and gives some insight into what life was like living in such a snowy area before many of our modern conveniences, as well as interesting information about the culture of the day. If you are in Yuzawa itself, the ground floor of the Yukigunikan also has a mock up of the room and some belongings of Kawabata, who committed suicide in 1972. Also as you come into Echigo Yuzawa Station you will see the main female character in the book, the onsen town geisha Komako, represented by the West Exit. The character was based on an actual geisha.

Getting pampered at Otowaya, Yuzawa

The default R&R option in Snow Country is taking an onsen. Lounging around in natural hot spring baths has a habit of soaking away all your stresses and worries. There are many different types and styles of onsen, with different water properties offering different curative benefits. The outdoor baths add to the experience as you can lie back and enjoy the beauty of nature at the same time. For the onsen aficionado there are masses of onsen to explore in Snow Country.

Ryokans pride themselves on their onsen baths and each one will have a particular theme in mind. Otowaya in Yuzawa has some beautifully designed onsen and a couple of private baths that are also stunning in their elegance and simplicity. They also go a step further and offer a unique relaxation option in the form of hot stone beds.

The beds are located in their own wood panelled room that is filled with relaxing music and calming aromas. There are two styles of bed that offer slightly different experiences. Fresh out of the onsen, wrapped in a clean gown and spread out on the soothing warmth of the stone it is easy to drift off and lose track of time.

After time in the healing room there is an attached private bath to complete the experience. Plenty of thought has again gone into the design and luxuriant outfitting of this room, with the emphasis firmly on relaxation.

This is a great concept for the ryokan and is a real treat if you are looking to spoil yourself or pamper a loved one. The best thing is that you don't have to be a guest of the ryokan to use these facilities so anyone looking for a bit of luxury can book in.

Takumi no Sato Autumn Festival - October 22nd & 23rd

There is a day of fantastic family fun coming up at Takuminosato Craft Village with their Autumn Festival. There are loads of activities on offer with things to eat, displays, performances and some handmade portable shrines. This is an annual happening and is always a popular day out with families and children.

 As with all things at Takuminosato, children are actively encouraged to get involved and it is a great opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture.

 The food on offer is traditional local fare and the flavors are typical for autumn in Snow Country.

 Mochi making is always a favorite as you get to pulverize the rice yourself, which takes good teamwork and timing. The result is well worth it as you will then be able to eat delicious mochi.

This is part of the worship of the god of fire that is in the Taineiji Temple at Takuminosato. Uniquely Japanese sights abound at local festivals and offer a great opportunity for visitors to see countryside life in Japan close up, as a opposed to big city sprawl.

Don't miss out. Saturday October 22nd and Sunday October 23rd.

Takumi No Sato Craft Village

Snow Country has many places where you can try your hand at some traditional regional crafts but probably one of the most comprehensive and fun is Takuminosato. This is a small village of restaurants and workshops showcasing techniques that have been in use for time immemorial. Not only do you get to see how many of the things you see in souvenir shops are made, but you can also get involved at the same time.

There are many different crafts to choose from so there is bound to be something of interest for all the family.
Making paper, bells, soba noodles, weaving, wood-working, pottery, straw weaving, pendants, glass blowing, dried flower crafts, painting. There are over 20 workshops to choose from and with the expert tuition of the resident artisans you will leave with a truly memorable keepsake from your time there.

 Traditional Japanese washi paper making

 Delicate handmade bells

 Weaving how it used to be done

Soba making is a game you can eat.

There is no end to the time you can spend here, and it is quite a large area so why not take advantage of the bicycle hire to get around? Food and fresh local produce are available, and there is also a pick-your-own fruit orchard and onsen close by. For family fun in Japan this is hard to equal.

This map gives you and idea of the range of activities available.

Naeba Dragondola

Snow Country has some pretty amazing feats of engineering. For a while the ropeway in Yuzawa was the biggest capacity in the world, only recently having lost that title. It still has one of the world's longest gondolas though. Naeba's Dragondola links Naeba resort to Tashiro resort. It usually runs in the winter but every year it opens up so visitors can enjoy the amazing views of the changing autumn colors. Perfect for those not keen on too much trekking with their natural beauty.

This year the autumn season for the Dragondola lasts from Saturday October 8th to Sunday November 6th. It takes about 15 minutes to travel almost five and a half kilometers to Tashiro, giving you plenty of time to take in the views while enjoying a snack. It is a fantastic ride and a really novel way to enjoy the seasonal colors. The view from the Tashiro Station is also pretty impressive.

Traditional Japanese Ryokans

Japanese hospitality is rightly famous, and no trip to Snow Country would be complete without sampling it. The ryokan (Japanese inns) leads the way with stunning service, immaculately presented food and a unique style of accommodation that you must try, at least for one night. No trip is complete without it.

There are many styles of ryokan with some keeping to the traditional model and others updating the concept a touch, but wherever you go you will be able to expect variations on a tried and tested theme.

You stay in a tatami room and may even choose to take your dinner in the room. At night the table is moved aside and thick, comfy futons are laid out on the tatami mat floor. You can truly shed the worries of the world along with your clothes as the ryokan will provide you with a yukata robe to wear while you are there.

Most ryokan take pride in their onsen, and there are people who travel around to sample the different styles of these hot spring baths. The outdoor ones are a fantastic way to relax and enjoy the stunning views on offer.

The other big attraction of a ryokan stay is the food. Typically you can expect your dinner to be an elaborate affair of many small dishes which keep on arriving. You may not know what everything is but it will have been lovingly plated up and look so good it almost seems a shame to tuck into it. These miniature works of art taste even better than they look. Wash it all down with a few glasses of the local sake and  your relaxation will be complete.

There is a huge choice of ryokan in most areas of Snow Country so no matter where you decide to go, there should be an amazing option for you to experience the very best of Japanese hospitality. Onsen, dinner, another onsen, best sleep ever, and then an amazing breakfast before the adventure continues.

Echigo Wine

Snow Country is famous for its sake but everywhere you go you will also see plenty of local wine and probably the most common is Echigo Wine. It is brewed up in Urasa in a really pretty facility surrounded by vineyards and is not what you expect to find in the Japanese countryside.

You are welcome to look around the premises which would not be out of place in any famous wine growing region in the world. The winter snow is used for refrigeration and the vineyard, surrounded by the mountains and nearby Hakkaisan takes advantage of the same rich soil that produces such tasty koshihikari. There are several different varieties of grapes grown here and you can taste the different wines produced as well as purchase your favorites.

Probably the best part though is the restaurant. The menu has a great range with several different styles of cuisine and accompanying wines to complement your food. There are usually a couple of great value sets that let you try several different of the wines with some great matches.

Hot Snow Festival - 18 September

Looking for a Big Air Session in September? Gala Yuzawa have you covered. We have mentioned their Bag Jump before and it has proved a bit of hit this summer in Echigo Yuzawa. Hopefully it will prove to be an annual fixture and what chance of it being up in the park in GALA Yuzawa this winter? I digress....

Sunday September 18th they are having a bit of party, with some pro riders throwing down and all-comers welcome to flip and spin with the pros. Get some tips, hang out, watch the good/the bad/the ugly launch off the kicker and get to know some of the locals. It is bound to be a good day.

Sakae Village Autumn Harvest Festival

With all the talk of autumn produce in Snow Country, it is time for a reminder about the Sakae Village Autumn Harvest Festival. It takes place on the third Sunday in October every year, which is the 16th this year and is always a huge hit for individuals and families alike.

Sakemura, or Sakae Village is proud of its agricultural heritage and has a thriving community of locals who work the land. The Autumn Harvest Festival gives them a chance to showcase their wares. Many people's favorite part of this festival is the chance to sample the incredibly fresh, recently harvested fruit, vegetables, mushrooms and rice. There are stalls offering all kinds of local specialties and delicious seasonal dishes. The great flavors and country life are sure to inspire you to keep fresh, local ingredients as an integral part of your diet.

Don't forget - Sunday 16th October
Sakae Village in Nagano Prefecture.

Koshihikari Harvest

The first newly harvested rice of the season in now in the shops though the harvest has yet to start in earnest in Snow Country. The rice harvest is a sure sign of autumn and the changing of the seasons that play such an important part in Japanese life.

The temperatures start to drop (although there should be plenty of fine days ahead) and the preparation for the long cold winter begins - the nights here are already starting to feel colder. After the heat and humidity of the summer, the cooler days of autumn are a welcome change for most. The hikers especially make the most of this season and nature obliges with a fantastic show of autumnal colours. Most areas of Snow Country put on an amazing display of the changing of the colours as the surrounding mountains are all covered in trees and the variety of species means a broad range of colours. The colours won't be at their best for a few weeks but looking up into the mountains you can already see them starting to turn and they are well worth a trip to come and see. Some of the more famous areas are the Hakkaisan Ropeway, the boat trip on Okutadami Lake, the Tanigawadake Ropeway and the Dragondola at Naeba. All of these offer amazing views with the minimum of effort. Those more physically inclined are spoiled for choice as every area of Snow Country offers stunning scenery.