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.
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!
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.
YUKIGUNI’s heavy snowfall shapes its culture and lifestyle, from seasonal traditions to unique crops and textiles. Rooted in the ancient coexistence with nature seen in Jomon culture, this region offers insights into sustainable living and artistic heritage, exemplified by snow-inspired customs, preserved wild foods, and iconic flame-shaped earthenware.
Winter in YUKIGUNI is marked by numerous unique festivals and events that celebrate tradition, community, and the snow-covered landscape. From the fiery “Hyakuhatto” praying for harvests to the symbolic “Flower Water Celebration” for newlyweds, these gatherings bring warmth and meaning to the long, snowy season, preserving cultural heritage and fostering unity among locals.
Japanese onomatopoeia is deeply tied to YUKIGUNI’s snow-filled life, reflecting the natural environment and cultural heritage. Unique words describe snow-related phenomena like “Yukimakuri” (snow rolls) and “Shinshin” (quiet snow), while ingenious practices like snow preservation for carrots and snow bleaching showcase ancestral wisdom. This vocabulary enriches the experience of living in harmony with snow.
