Bird Eye Exhibition at Tomioka White Art Museum

We've mentioned the Tomioka White Art Museum before and it is highly recommended for a relaxing side trip to take in some minimalist art inspired by the local snowscapes.

There is a new exhibition running from March 16th to June 24th called Bird Eye. Souichiro Tomioka employs his distinctive style on the snowy vistas he has seen but this time it is looking down on his subjects from the dizzying heights of a helicopter.

The works takes in views of mountains, ice floes, rivers and lakes seen from the sky and using only the bare essential colors. As always the art is beautiful. Head here on a warm spring day as you can almost feel the cold emanating from the pictures.

Ryugon ryokan - traditional luxury

There are some amazing place to stay in Snow Country with many of them boasting centuries of history providing top quality accommodation to weary travellers. The inns on old trade routes are fantastic places to stay and you can often feel the history that surrounds you. Ryugon is one such inn and even if you just see it from the exterior it looks like it belongs in another period. The interior doesn't disappoint either.

The inside of this ryokan has been lovingly restored and is all dark beams and whitewash. There is a definite sense of peace and tranquillity as your footsteps echo down the wooden corridors. Each room is a suite with plenty of space to relax and admire the landscaped gardens outside. The hot spring baths are also famous and have been the location for commercials in the past.

The ryokan sits at the base of Sakado mountain from which the local lords controlled the area, and Ryugon has long links with the surrounding temples being firmly entwined in the rich history of the region. It is a great base if you intend to explore the area, and if you are staying over winter there are ski resorts close by. Even non-skiers can head up the nearby Hakkai-san ropeway to enjoy the stunning views of mountains and valleys.

Ryugon really is a class apart and if you are looking for a truly unique accommodation experience it will never disappoint.

Hakkaisan Fire Walking - October 20th

October 20th every year is the date of the Hakkai san Firewalking Festival. This bi-annual events sees Shinto acolytes walking across hot coals to guarantee health and prosperity for their families.

It's an amazing sight in itself but is also in a beautiful part of Snow Country. Hakkaisan Shrine is a famous power spot, and nestled at the base of the imposing mountains it is a relaxing place to be. The nature in this area is lovely and the trees are already changing to their autumn colors. The Hakkaisan Ropeway affords you a fantastic view of the area and is also worth a trip.

If you are in the area this is an eye-opening festival and with plenty of other attractions close by, you can easily make a day of it.

New Skate/Snowboard Shop in Muikamachi

Welcome news for Snow Country boardriders as a new Skate and Snow Boutique opens up in Muikamachi.

Given the amount of ski resorts in Snow Country and the popularity of skiing and boarding among the young, it often surprises visitors that there are not more gear shops round these parts.

High Push are hoping to fill this gap in the market.

They had a rather painful Gland Opening on 8th September but seem to have recovered enough to keep business hours. As well as hawking the big names in snowboard and skate gear and fashion they hope to be a bit of a hub for all things board in and around Minami Uonuma.

Best of luck to them.

Hakkai san River Trek - Oct 21st

It's September already - where as the year gone. It is still pretty warm but with autumn just around the corner it is soon going to be prime hiking season in Snow Country. Stunning autumn colors and beautiful natural vistas abound in this area, and there are always plenty of events to help you get out and about in nature with other like-minded people.

On Sunday October 21st Hakkai san will be hosting the outdoor lovers for some nature hiking. There are three courses on offer depending on how much you want to push yourself. Choose from 22, 15 or 9 kilometer hikes and as always there will be delicious local food waiting for you as you reach your goal.

The Dream Sky Train

The Hokuhoku Line runs from Muikamachi, via Tokamachi out towards the Sea of Japan Coast. On the way through the mountains it has to pass through about 35 kms of tunnel. Tunnels are pretty dull at the best of times (unless you like that sort of thing) but on these trains they have found a very good use for them. While the train is in the tunnel they project animation and light shows on the roof of the carriage accompanied by uplifting music.

It is a great use of down-time and makes for a very interesting journey. It is always a great hit with the kids and is worth making the trip for even if you have no reason to head out to Naoetsu.

There is almost 20 minutes altogether of showtime as the train travels through 5 separate tunnels. There are several different shows, each with different themes, from fireworks, under the ocean, constellations, and outer space.

For a taste of the action there are some sample videos on the Hokuhoku Line Japanese webiste or some basic information on the English website.

Minami Uonuma Skate Park

We're still in winter with plenty of weeks of snow left in the season. Most resorts will close sometime in April with higher ones hoping to go to Golden Week at the beginning of May, and some resorts in big snow years have been open at the start of June. It is a big snow year this year so we will have to see how long the winter fun can continue.

There is plenty to do in Snow Country come spring and we will try to keep you updated.

This one is a bit far away but the Minami Uonuma Skate Park opens May 29th with a big Opening Event.

For board riders looking to keep active skating is a great off-season alternative and it has a firm following here in Snow Country. It is an active community and you can keep up to date on the goings on their blog

Family Snow Walk - 4th March

We've had a few days of good weather recently in Snow Country, with blue skies and bright sunshine. It is probably too early to get excited about the arrival of spring yet and there is sure to be more snow on the way. However, as the weather gets better and the temperatures get a bit warmer it is a great time to get out and explore the mountains and there are plenty of events scheduled to help you do that.

One of these is a family snowshoe trek around Sakado in Muikamachi aimed at 3rd - 6th year elementary school students. Kitted out with snowshoes that help them stay on top of the snow they can experience a mountain adventure. Animal tracks, snowy forests and stunning views of the surrounding valley and mountains.

It's bound to be a great day out and a fantastic experience for the youngsters with the obligatory onsen to warm up after a fun-packed day.

Minami Uonuma Snow Festival - Feb 11 & 12

February is a busy time in Snow Country. It is mid-winter and there are plenty of festivals and events to keep you amused. We've covered the Tokamachi Snow Festival. It is the biggest in the area but there are plenty more around, with almost every town in the region having some kind of snow festival at some point in the winter.

Saturday February 11th and Sunday February 12th it is the turn of Muikamachi to hold their Snow Festival which has been running for over 60 years.

It takes place this year on the road down from Muikamachi Station and will feature all the staples of a Snow Country Festival - great local foods, snow sculptures, fireworks and music. Saturday it runs from midday to 9pm and on Sunday from 10 - 3.

If you are in the area it will make for a great trip to get a taste of local culture.

Ski Resort Opening Dates - Minami Uonuma

We have listed the opening dates for resorts in the Yuzawa area and here are the planned opening dates for resorts that are further up the valley in the Minami Uonuma City district. Again it is worth noting that these are the planned days and will depend on there being enough snow for the resort to open. Delays are likely if the weather does not cooperate.

Joetsu Kokusai - 10 December
Ishiuchi Maruyama - 17 December
Centreleisure Maiko - 17 December
Muikamachi Hakkaisan - 23 December
Itsukamachi - 23 December
Mt. Grand View - 23 December
Muikamachi Ski Resort - 23 December
Hakkaisan Sanroku - 23 December
Chateau Shiozawa - 24 December
Ishiuchi Hanaoka - 29 December

Yukiguni Mushrooms

It is definitely autumn up in Snow Country at the moment. The leaves are on the turn, the rice has been harvested and the supermarkets are full of autumn treats like chestnuts and persimmons. Another autumn favorite are mushrooms. As you hike around the mountains here you often stumble across different types of mushrooms growing freely around and they are something of speciality crop here in Snow Country.

Good mushroom harvesting areas are closely guarded secrets among the locals and you have to be careful if you are out collecting as there are some poisonous varieties around as well. If you love the taste of fresh seasonal mushrooms then you may well recognize this character...

It is the logo for Yukiguni Maitake which is one of the best known mushroom producers in this area. Maitake is one of their most prized varieties of mushrooms but they produce many others aswell. They have facilities all over Snow Country and also run an amazing restaurant in Muikamachi that lets you try their produce in all its glory. There is also a little shop and information center next door for all your mushroomy needs.

Snow Country prides itself on the quality of its cuisine and the ingredients that go into it. Mushrooms have long been a staple ingredient, especially at this time of year and form the base for many of the soups and stews that help take the chill off as the temperature drops. The mountains have traditionally played an important role in feeding the local populace. You'll see local foragers scouring the slopes for mountain vegetables in spring and searching for mushrooms at this time of year. A bit of local knowledge and it is amazing what you can find.

Naoe Kanetsugu Heritage Museum

We've mentioned Naoe Kanetsugu before - one of Snow Country's most famous sons who had a bit of a resurgence recently as the subject of an NHK drama. He was born just outside modern day Muikamachi and spent much of his life in and around Snow Country. For those interested in his life and times there is a heritage museum located in Zenibuchi Park.

The museum itself is a recent addition to the park and the building was moved from a different area to its currently location. Its thick wooden beams demonstrate the high level of craftmanship that was employed to construct the traditional houses and it is supposed to be a similar building to the birthplace of Kanetsugu.

Inside there are displays of weapons, armor, manuscripts and household artifacts from Kanetsugu's period which help you get a feel for life in samurai times. Behind the museum is Mount Sakado which was an important fortified dwelling in his day.

The park too is a beautiful location. In spring it is one of the best places in the area to check out the cherry blossoms and is always full of people enjoying picnics. It also has a large pond ( in which Kanetsugu's father is supposed to have drowned) and lovely landscaped gardens. The hiking trail up Sakado is just a short stroll away

Hakkai San Firewalking - October 20th

It was a beautiful day for the fire walking at Hakkai San yesterday. Clear blue skies and the leaves starting to change their colors in the surrounding mountains.

It is a Buddhist festival and walking across the hot coals guarantees health and happiness for you family and loved ones. 

Plenty of people turned out for this festival which is held on October 20th every year, with organisers saying there were around 5,000 people turning out to watch or take part.

I wonder what happens if it rains?

Weaving in Shiozawa

As previously mentioned weaving was traditionally an important cottage industry in Snow Country and the making of kimonos was an important part of life. Through October and until November 22nd some of these traditional handiworks will be on display in Shiozawa. Take a stroll along the recently renovated Shoizawa Bokushidori and over 30 shops are displaying kimono that were produced in the area and are family heirlooms.

It is a great opportunity to see pieces of history that are not normally on display and they offer an interesting insight into the past. You can also check out the museum for a bit more detail on the weaving and spinning, and they have a working loom and other artifacts relating to the craft.

They also sell material that has been woven in this area as it is still being produced today. Many places you go will have small squares of material for sale. A popular souvenir you can buy is a "furoshiki" - it is a small piece of cloth used to wrap a lunch box, and is often brightly colored or with an interesting pattern. It is a great option in this day and age as it does away with the need for a disposable bag.

Fire Walking at Hakkai San - October 20th

Rural Japan has many interesting festivals that offer a unique insight into Japanese culture. Snow Country is no exception and has a calendar full of interesting events, from newly weds being thrown down a hill to semi-naked men trying to battle their way into a shrine.

Tuesday October 20th sees another interesting local festival with the fire walking at Hakkai San. Hakkai has long been regarded as a sacred mountain and its shrine is seen as an especially powerful area.

This is a festival that takes place in Spring and Autumn and is an amazing sight. Cedar wood is burnt until there is a bed of red hot coals and then Shinto devotees walk barefoot over them guaranteeing the health and safety of their friends and family. It is not only limited to believers but the general public too can put their faith to the test and take a stroll across the coals. This is probably not one for the faint-hearted but your loved ones would be impressed to see you putting your body on the line for their well-being.

Even if you don't fancy the heat of the fire walking, it is a great festival and a fantastic one to watch.

New Rice Season

It is officially harvest time and the new season rice is out there to be enjoyed. Snow Country is proud to produce such high quality rice and visitors to the region are always keen to see what the fuss is about. Try it and you will see.

There is a campaign running at the moment to let people try some traditionally cooked Koshihikari rice fresh from the harvest. Lots of shops and accommodations are participating so if you are in Snow Country, pick up a leaflet with a map and head along to your favorite location to try the rice. You won't be disappointed.

If you see one of these contraptions you know there is likely to be delicious rice underneath and you will probably be able to pick up the scent as you approach.

There is a prize draw you can enter as part of this campaign and if you are lucky enough to win, you could be heading home with a 2 kg bag of Koshihikari.

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.

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.

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.

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.