Experience local hunting traditions and wild game cuisine at two unique farmhouse lodgings. At Kayaya, feast on freshly hunted meat in a thatched-roof home and learn about sustainable practices. Meanwhile, Deguchiya shares the centuries-old Akiyama Matagi heritage, offering venison and bear amid reverence for mountain deities—an unforgettable cultural immersion.

Snow Country’s sake scene is evolving as global interest grows. Visitors can explore various breweries, taste rare varieties like nigori and doburoku, and pair sake with unexpected foods. With improved export quality, young drinkers worldwide enjoy new flavors. Tours, tastings, museums, and ancient brewing methods offer a deeper appreciation of YUKIGUNI’s sake heritage.

Embark on a culinary journey through YUKIGUNI, Japan’s Snow Country, and savor its renowned soba noodles. Experience the unique flavors of locally-grown buckwheat, crafted into various soba dishes. Explore charming restaurants and discover the artistry and tradition behind this regional specialty. From classic styles to innovative creations, a soba adventure awaits in YUKIGUNI.

Savor the exquisite taste of Koshihikari rice, the jewel of YUKIGUNI. Grown in the pristine environment of Japan’s Snow Country, this premium rice is renowned for its exceptional flavor and texture. Learn about its cultivation and unique characteristics, and experience the culinary artistry that elevates Koshihikari to a celebrated delicacy. Taste the difference of YUKIGUNI’s finest rice.

Discover Agricore Echigo Winery, nestled in the heart of YUKIGUNI’s stunning landscape. Experience award-winning wines crafted from locally-grown grapes, reflecting the unique terroir of Japan’s Snow Country. Enjoy wine tasting, tours of the vineyard, and stunning views, creating a memorable wine country experience. Sample the flavors of YUKIGUNI’s vineyards.

Experience Snow Country like never before on a cycling and vegetable-picking tour in Yuzawa. Ride e-bikes through scenic mountains, gather fresh sansai (wild mountain vegetables), and enjoy a traditional cookout featuring tempura and miso soup. Perfect for nature lovers, this tour blends outdoor adventure with Snow Country’s rich food culture.

Discover the fascinating myths and legends of Snow Country, including tales of the Yuki Otoko (Japan’s snowman), the spiritual power of Abbot Hokko, and the mysterious Dragon Cave on Mt. Naeba. From heroic bears to weaving rituals, these stories reveal the deep cultural and historical roots of this unique region.

Explore the unique charm of Japan’s izakaya, traditional pubs where food, drinks, and lively conversations come together. In YUKIGUNI, discover family-run izakaya offering local specialties like Tsumari Pork sashimi, kakuni doria, and culturally rich dishes like kirizai-don. Perfect for a relaxed evening, izakaya blend great food with authentic cultural experiences.

Discover the rich tradition of sake in YUKIGUNI, home to renowned breweries like Aoki Shuzo, Tsunan Sake Brewery, and Hakkaisan. With high-quality local rice and pure water, this region produces premium sake. Explore brewery tours, learn about sake pairings, and visit the Ponshukan museum for tastings, gifts, and even a unique sake bath experience.

Discover YUKIGUNI’s farm-to-table dining with fresh, seasonal ingredients and sustainable practices. Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine at Kometaro, creative buffets at Echigo Matsudai Satoyama Shokudo, and comforting home-cooked meals at Irori Jinen. These restaurants embody local culinary traditions, offering a unique experience that supports health, sustainability, and the preservation of regional food culture.

Did you know that only 70 minutes away from Tokyo, you can immerse yourself in a gastronomy that reflects the unique local culture?

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.

Over 150 years ago in the Edo Period, celebrations in YUKIGUNI featured traditional dishes like mochi, zoni, azuki-gohan, salmon, and pickled mountain plants. Limited transportation led to preservation methods like salting. These dishes and techniques, passed down through generations, remind us to appreciate the resourcefulness and gratitude of our ancestors.

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.

Zenmai, a wild vegetable from Japan’s mountains, reflects the traditions of YUKIGUNI. Harvested in spring and preserved through labor-intensive methods, it’s a key winter staple and part of New Year’s celebrations. This rare delicacy symbolizes resilience and showcases the harmony between nature, culture, and the enduring spirit of the snowbound region.

Gastronomy tourism connects travelers to the heart of local culture through food. Beyond eating, it involves exploring the origins of ingredients, traditions, and regional specialties. From selecting restaurants to discovering local sake and wine, such experiences enrich journeys, offering a deeper understanding of terroir, culinary heritage, and the stories behind flavors.