Echigo Yuzawa sake - Shirataki

Snow Country is well-known for the quality of its rice. The famous Koshihikari rice from the region is often regarded as Japan's highest quality and tastiest. The snowmelt each year floods the rice fields with the crystal clear, pure water. With these two perfect ingredients the Japanese sake made in Snow Country is also some of the best. There are plenty of local brands but just a stones throw from the station is the Shirataki Brewery.

This family owned brewery has a long history of sake making and produce a full range of different grade sakes. They also offer a tour of the facilities, during which you get to learn all about the process of sake making and afterwards you get to try a few of their different products. They have a great English website that is a good jumping off point if you are new to the subject of sake. Armed with a bit more knowledge there is a whole world of sake to get acquainted with.

Minakami - Adventure Sports and Onsen

Snow Country is made up of several towns and just over the border in Gunma prefecture is Minakami. It was once a popular get-away for city dwellers due to its proximity to Tokyo and abundance of onsen. Recently it has become well known as a hotspot for outdoor adventure activities. Canoeing, mountain biking, paragliding, rafting, canyoning and Japan's highest bungy jump are all available in this spa town.

Close by are Japanese's biggest outdoor onsen, Takaragawa, and one of Japan's famous 100 peaks, Mount Tanigawa. Stunning natural beauty with the mountains and rivers (especially during autumn with the changing of the leaves) , Minakami will be a hit with thrill seekers or those after a bit of R&R. As the temperature and humidity rise over summer the activities on the rivers and lakes really come into their own.

Snow Country Spring Water.

Snow Country spring water has arrived - move over Evian and San Pellegrino. Sisul have started bottling and selling the mineral-rich spring water from Snow Country.

Snow Country hosts the Indian Ambassador

Snow Country played host to the Indian Ambassador last week as he came to support performances of Indian Dance in Tsunan and Tokamachi.

After the Tohoku Earthquake the Indian disaster relief team were one of the first on the scene and the Indian community are very active in Japan. The performances were thoroughly enjoyed by the Snow Country locals and offered a great insight into Indian culture.

Official Snow Country Website

If you need an overview of some of the highlights in the area then take a look at the Snow Country website. It will give you the run down of places to go, things to see and some of the food, events and activities on offer.

Live Jazz in Iwappara

Most people know Iwappara for its ski resort with wide open runs perfect for beginners, or perhaps the awesome Italian restaurant up there but it is also home to the Pitt Inn which is host to some great live music. It is actually a branch of the Pitt Inn in Shinjuku which hosts some of the biggest jazz names in Japan. Saturday night saw jazz pianist Yousuke Yamashita grace the stage.

He played two sets, one on his own and one with a saxophonist both of which were a huge hit with the audience. The Pitt Inn is an intimate venue with a great atmosphere and an awesome place to catch a concert.

Snow Country Information in Yuzawa

If you find yourself in Yuzawa and need some pointers for things to do while you are here, or some recommendations for good places to eat, just drop into the Tourist Information Centre. Head out of the West Exit of Echigo Yuzawa Station and it is the first building you will find on your right (map link below.) English speaking staff can make sure you get the most out of your stay here.