Yuzawa Yukata Matsuri

It was a busy night last night in Yuzawa as the locals came out en masse to enjoy the Yukata Matsuri. The main street, Onsen Gai, was pedestrians only and was filled with throngs of people and outside dining. Lots of folk made the effort to get dressed up in summer yukatas, adding to the spectacle.

There were plenty of attractions with taiko drummers, traditional dancers, free portraits for those in yukatas and a free prize draw. Food stalls were everywhere selling great festival food and local specialties with the local restaurants putting on a great spread.

There was also an appearance by the Major Theodor von Lurch who introduced skiing to Japan.

Next weekend is the Yuzawa Summer Matsuri and promises to be even busier.

Fuji Rock Over For Another Year

It's a few days since Fuji Rock at Naeba Ski Resort finished and Yuzawa is now pretty much back to normal after its yearly invasion by the masses. The weather tried to put a dampener on the festivities but the festival goers are a hardy bunch and a great time was head by all.

The festival organisers have a strong environmental focus which can be tough with tens of thousands gathering in the same place but it still remains one of the best music festivals set out in nature. Energy use is from self-generated sources, and even the paper rubbish is recycled for use during the next year's event.

Also, as one Brazilian tourist was overheard to remark, the Japanese people themselves contribute to making the festival a great success. Their friendliness, welcoming nature and consideration make Fuji Rock a great place for people of all ages to hang out and enjoy the music.

Good time this year and we're already counting the days until the next one.

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.

Snow Country A-Kyuu Gourmet and Local Produce

SnowCountry is well known for the quality of its food. Part of the reason for this is the use of fresh, local ingredients. The Koshihikari rice gets a lot of the press but there is a thriving agricultural tradition in Snow Country that ensures the chefs of the region are well supplied with seasonal goodies.

The people living here benefit as well, as there are an abundance of small holders selling direct to the public. Drive along any main road in SnowCountry and there is a good chance you will see a stall selling the freshest fruit and vegetables.

Many of the supermarkets support the local farmers by having sections of locally grown, fresh foods alongside their usual produce. Buying local is good for the environment, good for the local community and great for the consumer. Next time you head past a little stall, make sure to drop in and get the freshest, tastiest food SnowCountry has to offer usually at a bargain price.

Tomioka White Gallery

Souichiro Tomioka was an artist from Niigata Prefecture who took inspiration from the snowscapes of Snow Country and other areas. He gained international recognition and now has a permanent exhibition close to Hakkai san. His works capture the bleak beauty of the area and will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in SnowCountry during the winter months. His simple style appeals to many and it is a rare visitor who doesn't leave with some memento of his work from the gift shop. Highly recommended.

Tomioka White Museum

Daigenta Canyon

You don't have to go far in Snow Country before you find stunning natural beauty, and if you find yourself in Yuzawa, Daigenta Canyon should be on your list of destinations. There are woods, mountains and a lake with plenty of made-made and natural attractions.

The kids will get a kick out of feeding the fish, a boat trip on the lake, or a nature walk. If you are feeling creative you can try your hand at making traditional soba, or have a crack at pizza making, both under the expert eye of local professionals. Or just kick back in a world class Italian restaurant and soak up the serenity. There is also a camp ground if you want to extend your stay in the great outdoors.

Daigenta Canyon

Yairo Watermelon

Snow Country produces many great seasonal products and one of the most refreshing tastes of summer are the watermelons from Yairo. Snowcountry is well know for its top quality rice but the watermelon are also up there. This small town in the north of Snow Country has watermelon fields all over and you can see the fruit by the side of the road ripening.

Ice cold watermelon on a hot day is an absolute treat and a real taste of summer.