The distinct four seasons are one of the interesting aspects of life in Japan, and the people of Snow Country still have the affinity to nature that was so important to their ancestors. They are adept at using nature’s indicators to figure out what is doing on around them. We’ve previously mentioned mantis eggs as a predictor of snow depth and a certain bloom letting foragers know when bamboo shoots are ready to harvest. We found out another interesting belief a while ago. Th

The arrival of the cherry blossom season is a big event in the whole of Japan as it heralds the arrival of spring, and symbolises the fleeting nature of beauty. Spring is especially welcome in this region as it means another long winter of deep snow has been endured. If you are a keen photographer, here are a couple of suggestions of great places to see cherry blossom in Snow Country. This area tends to have them blooming while there is still snow around in the surrounding mo

The artist Tsuyoshi Hayatsu was born in Muikamachi in 1938. For the past 40 years he has been painting traditional houses in Snow Country, and across the whole of Japan. These traditional buildings, often with thatched roofs have been disappearing from the countryside but still live on thanks to the hundreds of canvases Mr. Hayatsu has painted. Since 1987 he has been displaying his works in the Hayatsu Gallery in Koide. The main room has a series of rotating images selected b

There are many traditional techniques that are still in use in present day Snow Country. One of the most visually stunning that we have witnessed recently is Yukisarashi, which is the process of laying lengths of kimono material out on the snow to be bleached. Weaving has a long history in Snow Country with evidence of material woven from plant fibres dating back to Jomon times. Shiozawa has long been a important town for textile manufacture and the cloth from this region has

Every area of Japan is incredible proud of its local produce. The fruit and vegetables that are grown tend to be of a very high quality, with local and seasonal produce playing an important role in the cuisine of each region. Snow Country is no exception, and the heavy winter snow and harsh climate have done much to shape the food culture around here. There are many famous food brands around, but one of the most unusual are the 雪下人参(YUKI SHITA NINJIN), or carrots from under t

Snow Country is full of great places to see the beautiful colors of a Japanese fall. If you have transport and you are up for a lovely drive, the Uonuma Sky Line is a fantastic choice. If you are going from the Minami Uonuma valley to the Tokamachi side of the hill you have to head up and over the mountains. When you get up to the pass there is a road that runs along the ridge and gives you some amazing views of the tree-covered mountain slopes and the valley far below. It is

This interesting object is traditional winter cold storage in Snow Country. It is a daikon-tsugura, and with the help of deep snow, is used to store radishes over winter. When everything is buried in snow for half the year vegetables are hard to come by and become a real treat. The residents of Snow Country have always been adept at preserving food to see them through the long winter. With the rice harvest finished in autumn, the straw is set aside to dry. Once it has dried a

The coming of spring is a time of joy in Snow Country, and there are many festivals around the region that celebrate the sights and tastes of the new season. One of the most vibrant is the Tokamachi Kimono Festival. Tokamachi is famous for kimono material, and on May 3rd each year they close off several of the main streets in the center of town and welcome the coming of spring. People of all ages dress in traditional attire and stroll around the streets. There are food stalls