Tokamachi Snow Festival starts tonight.

It is a big weekend for snow lovers with one of the biggest Snow Festivals in Japan starting tonight in Tokamachi. The Japanese do Snow Festivals in a big way and if you haven't been to one, you are missing out. Incredible snow sculptures are the main attraction but there are loads of things going on in and around the town too. Food, fireworks, a carnival, a beauty pageant, and it looks like it is going to snow most of the time too - just what a Snow Festival needs.

There is masses to see and do and some of it is spread around, so if some of you are enjoying the slops, while some have free time, this would be a great way to spend a day or two.

The Tokamachi Snow Festival runs through from 6pm tonight until 4pm on Sunday.

Tsunan Snow Festival 2013 - March 2

We seem to be on a bit of a roll with snow festival dates at the moment so just to make sure nowhere gets left out, here's the save the date for the Tsunan Snow Festival - March 2nd

Live music, treasure hunts, food and drink, igloos, snowmobiles and other winter-themed goodies. The really cool thing at the Tsunan Festival is the sky lanterns. These clever contraptions lift themselves up with their own hot air and hundreds of them illuminate the night sky. It is an amazing sight and one that you will not forget in a hurry.

Tsunan is constantly up there as one of the snowiest places in Japan so a trip here can be an eye-opening experience.

Tokamachi Snow Festival 2013 - 15-17 Feb

Another "Save the Date" post so you don't miss out on the best of Snow Country this winter. One of Japan's most impressive snow festivals takes place in Tokamachi every year and it is certainly worth seeing.

There is masses going on all weekend so you'll want to check out the event schedule a little closer to the time to make sure you are in the right place. There are snow carvings, a carnival, fireworks and loads of other events in and around the town.

There are some amazing sights and you really need to see some of the creations in person to fully appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into them. Check out some of these images to whet your appetite.

Tokamachi Snow Festival

Bridegroom Tossing - Jan 15th

Winter has a whole host of festivals and the first ones to come to mind are the snow festivals that dot the calendar here in Snow Country. However there are plenty more around and many of them are a little more obscure. It might have something to do with being cooped up in your home trying to deal with mountains of snow.

Matsunoyama Onsen certainly has one of the more "out there" winter celebrations. Any male resident of the village who was married in the previous year is thrown down a snow bank!

As if marriage wasn't tough enough already...

This takes place at about 2pm. Straight after that people get the ash from the bonfire, mix it with a little snow, and go around painting each other faces with it, chanting "Congratulation".

It is quite a sight, and a great time is had by all. Head up there for a very interesting day.

Snow Marathon in Tokamachi

Looking for a New Year's challenge? How about a Snow Marathon for a bracing way to welcome in 2013. If this sounds like your idea of fun you need to be in Tokamachi tomorrow for their New Snow Marathon.

There are a whole bunch of distances on offer from the half marathon down to a 3km so there is something from everyone, even the kids. With some heavy snow falling at the end of December there are sure to be some great views of Snow Country and once you finish you will be greeted back at base with a steaming bowl of pork soup and some freshly made mochi. That alone is almost enough to get me to don my running gear.

Own a place in Snow Country

Interesting article today on NewsOnJapan originally from BloombergBusinessWeek about traditional homes in the Japanese countryside being renovated and sold/rented.

This is something that has been happening in Snow Country too. There are plenty of properties out there that have fallen into disrepair as youngsters flee the countryside for a life in the city. Determined not to let these fantastic houses disappear some people have been stepping in to preserve them.

The Echigo-Tsumari Art Field has been turning some beautiful old buildings into works of art or using then as the settings for installation pieces.

You can even get involved if you are interested in having a place in the country of your own. Head along to some of the buildings that have already been renovated and you will be inspired. Preserving these fantastic timber framed buildings that are works of great craftsmanship themselves is a great project to be involved in.

La Festa roars into town

A real treat for classic car fans in Snow Country as La Festa roared into town today. A visual treat to be sure and you could even hear them coming a mile off - that deep throaty roar of high performance engines bouncing off the surrounding mountains.

A brief stop for lunch at NASPA New Otani in Yuzawa after passing through Tsunan and Tokamachi. This afternoon sees the tour heading over the other side of the mountain range into Gunma on the way to Shibukawa. They'll be back in Harajuku on Monday.

Plenty more images at the La Festa Gallery - check it out later for some great shots of these beautiful machines passing through this beautiful area.

Classic Cars - La Festa Autunno in Snow Country

Fans of classic cars and all things oily need to makes some space in their diaries in October for La Festa Autunno 2012. From 19th to 22nd October some amazing vintage vehicles will be making a round trip from Harajuku. As part of their three day tour they will pass through Tsunan, Tokamachi and Yuzawa in Snow Country, as well as scooting through parts of Gunma.

Map & Schedule

Even if you are not a fanatical petrol head, it is great to see (and hear) these old cars roar past. Many of them have been lovingly restored and are in impeccable condition. There are a few stops on the way so you can get up close and personal with the entrants.

This classic car rally has been going since 2001 and is sure to draw enthusiasts and the curious alike.

Quilting Expo in Tokamachi

Tokamachi is a town with a long history of kimono production. It is still well known for turning out beautiful material for the traditional Japanese dress. A walk around the town will turn up plenty of opportunities to buy bits of this stunning material - a dream for anyone who turns their hand to crafts from time to time. There is an active circle of patchworkers and quilters in and around Tokamachi and until the end of September they are having an exhibition of their work. Examples of their handicraft are on display in offices and business around the town. Their are some really amazing creations and if you find yourself in Tokamachi you are sure to stumble upon some. It may even inspire you to take up a needle...

Echigo Tsumari Art Triennale 2012

It is summer in Snow Country which mean time for art in the outdoors with the Echigo Tsumari Art Triennale.

This is an amazing project that is just get bigger and bigger. It is pretty difficult to describe everything that is involved, so it makes much more sense for you to just come up and check it out for yourself. Based in an around Tsunan and Tokamachi, there are projects and artwork from artists from all over the world.

The art itself is in different locations with different settings: abandoned buildings, fields, parks, great halls... You could spend days here and still not cover everything but you are guaranteed some amazing spectacles at every turn.

Their website is really comprehensive with some recommended itineraries to help you get the best of your time there, links to the best places to eat and of course a sneak peak at all the artworks (though they are all much more impressive in real life.)

It is a must see and a very unique art event. It runs until mid-September so you can come back again and again.

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.

Cross10 Tokamachi

Cross 10 is a road station just off the main street of Tokamachi. It has just had a refit and is now a great place to have a break or do a bit of shopping. It is right next to Kinare so there is plenty in the area to do if you have a bit of extra time.

There are a few different shops but they all celebrate the best of the area with local sakes, foods, materials and crafts. There are some really interesting souvenirs and you can be safe in the knowledge that they are all made by local craftsmen. The kimono heritage of the area is also prominent with material, accessories and kimonos for sale at a couple of specialist boutiques. Business card cases made out of kimono material are an example of one of the unusual items on sale.

 There is also a record-breaking display of hand-made decorations hanging from the ceiling as well as photographs and information about local events and attractions.

It is worth planning to eat there as there is a fantastic restaurant that specialises in local produce - seasonal and freshly harvested, prepared simply to showcase the fantastic flavors. It is also great value and is a modern take at Japanese fast food where organic local ingredients are the star of the show. Manma and cafe Yukimatsuri is the name of the establishment and it is highly recommended if you would like to savor the taste of Snow Country.

Kiyotsu Gorge

Snow Country is awash with places of breathtaking natural beauty which is one of the reasons so many people visit the region. The dramatic changes between the four seasons also mean that the scenery is constantly changing, offering up different colors and atmospheres throughout the year.

Kiyotsu Gorge is one of the most famous of these. Situated in the Joshinetsu Highlands National Park it has been designated a natural monument. The river runs between huge cliff faces which have very distinctive rock formations and covered in local flora that show off the colors of the season.

It is one of the three best gorges in the whole of Japan and is particularly well set up as a tourist attraction. There is plenty of parking nearby and a tunnel has been cut into the cliff to enable visitors to fully enjoy the views on offer with several panoramic viewing stations allowing close ups of the surrounding beauty.

Inside the tunnel there are also displays, information, videos and photos that let you get a real feel for the area.

You truely feel as if you are out in the wilds but it is not far from either Tokamachi or Yuzawa so is very accessible, and with plenty of other attractions close by it makes for part of a fantastic day out.

Tokamachi Kimono Matsuri - May 3

Here is one festival that you do not want to miss out on. And as it falls during Golden Week you have no excuses. The Tokamachi Kimono Festival is one of the highlights of the year in Snow Country and one of the most colorful festivals you are likely to visit.

The whole town gets involved and everywhere you look there are locals dressed in kimono. There are rental kimono available if you would like to join the fun.

Back in the day, the towns in Snow Country were all but cut off by the heavy snow and to pass away the long hours of a dark winter many an idle hand was turned to weaving. The kimono material of Tokamachi has long been famous and was much prized by the city folk. When spring came and the roads were finally passable the merchants would rush up to this region to purchase the handiwork of the housebound winter months. This festival at the beginning of spring captures the spirit of those times and celebrates Tokamachi's kimono heritage.

The kimono's on display around town and being worn out in the street are breathtaking. Everywhere you turn you are greeted with colorful designs and there are plenty of other attractions going on during the day as well.

More details and some more photos can be found on the Tokamachi Tourism page (Japanese).

Classic cars in Snow Country - June 8th/9th 2012

The classic car rally is passing through Snow Country again this year as they make their up from Ikaho. They drew the crowds last year as their roared through the quiet mountain towns and are set for a repeat performance in June, which is sure to get the vintage car aficionados excited.

They'll be in Tokamachi on Friday 8th June and then spending that night at the NASPA New Otani in Yuzawa. Saturday 9th June they start in Yuzawa and head down to Gunma where there will be plenty of chances to see them at different places including the Cycle Sports Center and Takuminosato.

For more details - http://splendore-ikaho.jp/newpage24.html

Tokamachi Anime Festival - Mar 10th

The March events keep on coming and Saturday 10th sees the first ever Tokamachi Anime Festival.

Pop culture comes to Snow Country. People dressed as their favorite cartoon characters, a parade, guest DJs, an all-singing, all-dancing maid cafe combo - it's sure to help the campaign to keep Snow Country hip and happening.

The action kicks off in the afternoon with the fancy dress parade at 1400 and will carry on into the night. You'll have to get their earlier if you would like to don your outfit and take part.

It's the first time for this festival in Tokamachi so it could become a fixture, filling the gap between the Tokamachi Snow Festival and the Kimono Festival (on 3rd May.)

Nakasato Kiyotsu Snow Carnival - March 10th

The run of snow festivals has not finished yet with plenty more going on as we approach March and spring time.

Nakasato Kiyotsu hosts their Snow Carnival on Saturday March 10th and for sheer variety of events, this one is hard to beat.

The action starts early in the morning and goes into the evening with different events taking place throughout the day, so you can pick and choose the ones that interest you and spend the rest of the time enjoying the slopes.

To give you some idea of the variety of things on offer here is a rough guide to the program.

Candle holder making
Snow soccer
Tubing
Frisbee Target Practice
Food Stalls
Candle Making
Snow Treasure Hunt
Setting the candles
Lighting the candles
Torchlight parade

For some great images of the action check out the gallery.

Shuttle buses will be running from Tokamachi Station.

Tsunan Snow Festival & Snowwave @ New Greenpia Tsunan - 25 Feb 2012

February is mid-winter is Snow Country and there is masses going on. Over at the New Greenpia Tsunan on Saturday February 25th there is the Snowwave big air event. It is open entry with big prize money up for grabs. If you don't fancy your chances competing on your snowboard then it will certainly be a great one to watch as the prize money will attract some great riders from all over Japan.

It promises to be a great event because as well as the snowboard competition there is also a line up of DJs, singers, MCs and performance artists who'll keep the party mood going long after the honors have been handed out.

It also coincides with the Tsunana Snow Festival that is being held at the same time. Snow sculptures, winter food, hot sake, kamakura - it has all the elements that make the winter snow festivals such a good evening out for the whole family. And with all that snow Tsunan has been getting off late there will be no shortage snow to sculpt.

Tsunan - One of the snowiest places in Japan

It was on the news last night that Tsunan is currently one of the snowiest places in Japan this winter. We've rolled into February in the middle of a period of heavy snowfall that is keeping everybody busy. It is an exceptional year and rivaling the winter of 5 years ago when Tsunan was also among the snowiest places in Japan. That year the Self Defence Forces were out in force to help with the snow clearing effort and students had to be airlifted from their homes to get to their college entrance exams.

To get an idea of how much snow is actually falling in Snow Country you can keep an eye on the Tsunan Town website where they have table with the snowfall for the year. It makes interesting reading. The data is for two locations in the area and the columns, left to right are
Temperature at 9am
Amount of snowfall for the day in cms
Total amount of snow built up at the location at 9am
Last year's total build up on that date.

From 26th to 31st January over 3 meters fell with an amazing 112 cms falling on 28th alone.

Snow Country is living up to its name. The silver lining though is that will be plenty of snow for the snow sculptures for neighboring Tokamachi's Snow Festival in the middle of this month.

Tokamachi Snow Festival - 17-19 Feb 2012

Snow Festivals are amazing sights and most people have heard of the one up in Sapporo every year. Less well known but equally impressive is the Tokamachi Snow Festival which is in its 63 year this year. It runs from Friday 17th February to Sunday 19th February, kicking off early evening/late afternoon on most days. It is an amazing spectacle and of all many winter festivals in Snow Country this is one you do not want to miss. It is definitely one of the top Snow Festivals in the whole of Japan.

The main stage itself, home to the Saturday night Snow Carnival is an amazing work of art that is designed to impressive. For a taste of what to expect, you can see some of the stages from past festivals here.

There is loads going on with plenty of festival food, more incredible snow sculptures and a variety of other events.

It's been a bumper year for snow so the artists have plenty of raw material to work with so we are expecting big things for this winter's Tokamachi Snow Festival.

Hopefully we will see you there.