Bokushi Suzuki – The Literary Giant of Snow Country
By Matt Klampert In the past, before telephones, television, and
By Matt Klampert In the past, before telephones, television, and
YUKIGUNI – Lives shaped by snow Staying in the snow
By Matt Klampert These days, the YUKIGUNI region of Japan
By Matt Klampert This winter season I had the heart-stopping
I love traveling and staying in traditional Japanese ryokanBut I
By Matt Klampert In our overview of the many “strange
By Matt Klampert It will come as no surprise to
By Matt Klampert The area of YUKIGUNI in Niigata and
By Matt Klampert Whenever I plan to visit somewhere I’ve
Places in Japan like YUKIGUNI, which have become synonymous for their natural beauty are also known for their quality ryokan: rustic Japanese-style hotels with traditional baths. However, in this same area there also exists whole onsen villages, which are many onsen and hotels in the same area. As some hot springs can be rather remote, onsen villages are good for travelers who prefer a livelier atmosphere. Today we will be discussing one such onsen village: Matsunoyama Onsen in Tokamachi! Let the tour begin!
Jomon pottery is said to be one of the oldest pottery in the world. The most famous example is the Kaengata earthenware, which was on display at the British Museum. There are many different types of Jomon earthenware, but the Kaengata earthenware has only been found in the area of present-day Niigata Prefecture, suggesting that Niigata Prefecture has been a cultural centre for the past 5,000 years.
Art in this region of Japan has a long and storied history, including that of YUKIGUNI’s best-known artist: the painter and sculptor Uncho Ishikawa. Born in Edo (modern day Tokyo) in 1814, he was something of a young prodigy in his day. At only 20 years old he had already become a master craftsman, and was given the name Ishikawa as a sign of membership into the famed Ishikawa group of artisans. Very little of Uncho Ishikawa’s early work still exists; instead, his reputation largely rests on the art he has left behind in temples around the Niigata region, for which he has been given the moniker “The Michelangelo of Japan.”
By Matt Klampert Whenever I went out for Japanese food
By Matt Klampert In the past, we have written about
By Matt Klampert When it comes to the YUKIGUNI town
In a previous article, we discussed the recognized health benefits of natural therapies like visiting an onsen. These sort of remedies are a far cry from modern Western medicine, but they are still being used today by people in order to maintain their physical and mental health. Likewise, for those who have had their fill of the hot spring and want to experience something new, the YUKIGUNI area is also home to a licensed forest therapy base in the town of Tsunan.
By Matt Klampert These days, people are starting to rethink
When planning a fun-filled vacation at YUKIGUNI, there’s no reason to go it alone: today, we are introducing the invaluable Tourist Information Center! Located just outside the Echigo-Yuzawa shinkansen station, this is your one-stop shop for all your regional travel needs. It also just so happens that they are very friendly, and are ready and eager to help you!
By Matt Klampert Beautiful, Green YUKIGUNI Despite its name, the
In YUKIGUNI (snow country), the weaving industry has always been a popular winter job. The exquisite handwork of the weavers has been highly valued.
At the heart of the diversity of Japanese culture lies, in fact, a single cultural source. This is the topic of the Jomon culture, which after a long time has once again become an enigmatic and fascinating place.
If you’re looking for an intellectually stimulating trip to an undiscovered part of Japan, we think you’ll love this topic.
Did you know that only 70 minutes away from Tokyo, you can immerse yourself in a gastronomy that reflects the unique local culture?
Sakura Quality is a certification system for accommodation facilities that
A-grade is pronounced “eikyu” in Japanese. This is the same pronunciation as the Japanese word “eternity”. In other words, “A-grade” also means Japanese food culture that should be preserved forever.
Japanese food culture is not just about sushi, kaiseki and ramen. Japan has a diverse range of climates and climates, and a unique food culture to match. Here we introduce you to the unique culinary culture of YUKIGUNI, a country where snowfall is rare in the world.
YUKIGUNI was a natural birthplace for “preserved food”. You’ll find this knowledge everywhere you look in the way of life and culture of YUKIGUNI.
To stroll around to different places to eat is fine, but sometimes it is good to concentrate on the dish that is right in front of you. When you find something delicious where you are, spare a thought for the ingredients involved and the person who grew them. Try to get a feel for the way the terroir and the culture are connected. The story that envelops the food will enrich your journey.
A culture that has lasted for 10,000 years, unparalleled in world history. Living in harmony with nature. Villages arranged in a circle so that they can see each other, which develops the connections of people. Plenty of time because we are buried in snow in winter. Something that has been left behind in modern times is there. Something fundamental. Jomon asks us “What is richness?”
Let’s close our eyes, sharpen our senses, and contemplate the ancient Jomon culture of Japan.
Through the Jomon culture, which lived in harmony with the forest for 10,000 years, you may find hints for thinking about modern society.
If you want to know more about Japanese undiscovered food culture, read the story about the Zenmai (royal fern): the people of YUKIGUNI love wild vegetables, and the royal fern is the most precious and special of them all. This is a story about a little-known Japanese food culture.
Scattered across YUKIGUNI are fabric production areas. These fabrics have, since ancient times, had a deep connection with the climate, nature and the life of the people of YUKIGUNI. We visited local people involved in the production of these fabrics.
What kind of place is “YUKIGUNI (Snow Country)”, a place that was visited, loved and written about by the famous Japanese writers such as Kawabata Yasunari, Dazai Osamu, Sakaguchi Ango and Suzuki Bokushi? Let us take you on a journey in their footsteps.
Many people who come to the YUKIGUNI (snow country) for skiing or snowboarding probably only remember places like the ski resort or the train station. And that’s a real shame!
When we come across something delicious, we think about the ingredients and the people who grew them.
An essay on gastronomy by travel writer Chizuru Asahina.
Let’s take a trip to this pure white world where white snow lies in thick layers.
“Hyakuhatto, Hyakuhatto, one hundred rice is ittogosho, Jumonshu is 16 cups, 16 cups.”
