[Niigata, Tokamachi] A local guide will guide you through the town of snow and kimono

Experience the culture and history of Tokamachi, a town of heavy snow and kimono, on a stroll through the town. A local guide will show you hidden gems, including backstreet art and architecture unique to snowy regions. Example: Meet at Tokamachi Station. See architecture and "ganki" (traditional Japanese-style walkways) that offer insights into life in a snowy region. Stroll through the backstreet art! Stop for a break at a local cafe. See the stone carvings scattered along the greenway, then head to the Tokamachi Museum and Information Center. Afterward, shop at the roadside station "Cross Ten," which offers a wide selection of local products and souvenirs. The tour lasts approximately 120 minutes. Please let us know your preferred start time when registering. Fees for food, drink, and museum admission are not included.

Tokamachi City is known as the "Kimono Town," a city that has long flourished through its textile industry. On this tour, you'll explore the historical background of how the textile industry has shaped this city. Other highlights include the "Gangi" arcades, unique to snow country areas, and traditional architectural styles designed to withstand heavy snowfall. By touring the city and comparing the "Kimono Industry Heritage" and "Snow Country Wisdom" that quietly live on in the modern cityscape while comparing current and past architecture, you'll discover the city's deep story that you won't notice on a simple tour.

We'll show you the "true face" of this town, including hidden gems only locals know about and artworks tucked away in back alleys that aren't found in guidebooks. The real joy of a walking tour is being able to see scenery you'd never encounter just passing by in a car and experience the warm everyday lives of the local people. Your guide is a local who knows Tokamachi inside and out. You'll stop by a Japanese sweets shop for a break along the way, or browse beloved local shops, and you'll feel as if you're living in the town as you enjoy a relaxing, in-depth stroll.

The meeting point is the easily accessible Tokamachi Station. The tour is compact, taking approximately two hours, and no special equipment is required, making it easy to join in between trips or travel. The course content can also be flexibly adapted to suit the interests of participants, the weather, and the season. Please let us know your requests, such as "I want to focus on history," "I want to see artworks," or "I want to visit a roadside station with a wide selection of souvenirs." You can also efficiently tour major spots such as the Tokamachi Museum, Information Center, and the roadside station "Cross Ten."