Nakazato Autumn Festival - October 11 & 12 2014

The koshihikari rice grown in the valley in this part of Snow Country is often touted as the best in the whole of Japan. All that snow that falls in the winter melts in spring and runs off the mountains into the rice fields. This pure water is perfect for growing delicious rice. The farmers are hard a work at the moment bring that new rice in. If you've ever fancied having a go at harvesting rice by hand, the Nakazato Autumn Festival is worth checking out.

There are 100 spots available for people who would like to be set loose on a rice field with a small sickle. It costs 1,000JPY and takes place on October 11th. A small price to pay for bragging rights every time rice hits the table for the whole of the next year.

October 12th sees that rice being cooked along with several other autumn favorites at Nakazato Ski Resort. There are also other attractions at the festival to entertain you while you enjoy the local flavors.

Details on the Nakazato Tourist Association website.