Discovering YUKIGUNI Tour

Embark on a 4-day exploration of YUKIGUNI, an undiscovered Japanese region. Begin in historic Shiozawa, renowned for its weaving heritage, breweries, and medieval townscape. Savor local cuisine at a refined ryokan or learn from culinary masters. Encounter breathtaking nature, world-class contemporary art, and unwind in carefully chosen TIMELESS YUKIGUNI luxury inns.

Join us on this special 4-day journey with your family and friends, and create memories you’ll treasure forever. Experience the vibrant culture, welcoming community, and exquisite gastronomy of YUKIGUNI—an undiscovered gem waiting for you in Japan.

Tour Highlight

  1. Explore artisan workshops, visit historic sake breweries, and wander through streets rich in medieval charm.
  2. Experience the rich culinary culture unique to YUKIGUNI through exquisite dishes at traditional inns or cooking classes led by local experts.
  3. Immerse yourself in an extraordinary world where breathtaking natural beauty meets a global art ambiance.

TOUR INFORMATION

The trip begins in Shiozawa, where the weaving tradition dates back to the Middle Ages. In this small area you will find workshops producing exquisite textiles, historic breweries and a medieval town centre.

The next thing to do is to immerse yourself in the rich food culture that only YUKIGUNI can offer. Taste gastronomic delights in a well-designed ryokan, or learn about local cuisine from a local master in a quaint house.

MAD Architects Create A Tunnel Of Light in Echigo-tsumari Art field
MAD Architects Create A Tunnel Of Light in Echigo-tsumari Art field

Next, immerse yourself in a natural landscape of overwhelming scale and be surrounded by contemporary art. This is the “Echigo-Tsumari Art Field”, a world-famous contemporary art village.

And we have chosen to stay at TIMELESS YUKIGUNI, a collection of luxury inns. As time spent in a ryokan is a big part of any trip, we have carefully selected ryokans that embody YUKIGUNI culture.

This tour is also featured in JNTO

Itinerary

Day 1

Discovering YUKIGUNI Tour

Echigo Yuzawa, the gateway to YUKIGUNI, is just 70 minutes from Tokyo. Enjoy a packed lunch featuring Japan’s finest rice on your way to Shiozawa. Visit a traditional Honshiozawa weaving workshop and explore Bokushi Street’s medieval charm, including a historic sake brewery with sake tasting. Stay at ryugon, a beautifully renovated ryokan blending modern design with traditional architecture.

Accommodation: ryugon

Day 2

Doma cooking
Leandro Erlich's work in Echigo-tsumari Art field
Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art
Irori - Japanese traditional fire-pit

On the second morning, relax in the spacious comfort of ryugon. Join local mothers in the traditional “Doma” kitchen to learn and enjoy regional cuisine. Visit a “Yukimuro” snow room in Uonuma Village, where YUKIGUNI’s wisdom enhances the flavor of sake and vegetables. Explore a contemporary art museum before heading to Matsunoyama Onsen, renowned for its healing properties. End the day with a cultural dining experience around a traditional ‘irori’ hearth in a historic Japanese house.

Accommodation: Hinanoyado Chitose
Dinner: Traditional irori experience (sitting and eating around the fire)

Day 3

Snow trekking in a vast landscape
Ma Yansong / MAD Architects, “Tunnel of Light” Photo: Nakamura Osamu
Ma Yansong / MAD Architects, “Tunnel of Light” Photo: Nakamura Osamu

After leaving the inn, visit a scenic spot with stunning panoramic views of river terraces. In winter, enjoy a snowshoe hike through breathtaking snowy landscapes. For lunch, savor soba noodles made using a traditional method recognized as a YUKIGUNI A-grade gourmet experience. End your journey at a remarkable location in the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field, surrounded by the captivating contemporary art installations of Kiyotsu Gorge.

Accommodation: Takahan or Kaikake Onsen

Day 4

Our journey concludes back at Echigo-Yuzawa. Take a ropeway to the mountain summit for breathtaking views of Yuzawa City. Explore the souvenir shops inside Echigo-Yuzawa Station before heading home. This marks the end of your cultural discovery in YUKIGUNI. From here, it’s just a 70-minute Shinkansen ride back to Tokyo, making it a perfect getaway.

Price

210,000 YEN〜 per person

In case of one room for 2 persons

(Charges will vary depending on the transportation and number of people)

Contact Us

Feel free to reach out and let’s start planning your perfect escape!

Step 1: Get in Touch

Wondering where to stay or what unique tours to try? Just drop us a message! We’re here to answer any questions and help you feel at ease.

Step 2: Let’s Plan Together

We’ll chat about your style, budget, and travel dates to create a personalized itinerary that’s perfect for you.

Step 3: Confirm & Explore

Once you love the plan, we’ll finalize the details. Then, all that’s left is to set off on an unforgettable Snow Country adventure customized just for you!