Minami Uonuma/Tokamachi/Tsunan (Muikamachi) in Traditional culture experience

• Age 10～Age 99
• 3～4 hours
• 13:30

It is an experience to make "Zori" which is a traditional footwear. [Snow Country & Rice Grocery/Straw Crafts in Niigata Prefecture] Niigata Prefecture has had a long history of rice cultivation, and various straw crafts using rice straw have been actively carried out. Until 70 to 80 years ago, during the snowy winter months, families made zori sandals using rice straw to earn an income. Nowadays, craftsmen using straw are very rare, and it is rare to see crafts using straw. This kind of experience of actually making sandals has become a rarity, but seeing how the shoes are made by hand in a blink of an eye is a masterpiece. [What you can do in this experience] In this program, you will make such a sandal with a local straw craftsman. You can choose whichever you like, the sandals made from rice straw or the cloth sandals made from colorful cloth. You can choose your favorite cloth for the thongs and cloth sandals from the available cloths, so you can create your own stylish sandals by combining them. The sandals you make can be worn as sandals at the river or the sea in the summer, or you can use them as slippers at home or as interior decoration. How about making an original handmade sandal to commemorate your trip? *Cloth sandals are optional and cost an additional 500 yen. *Only Japanese and English are supported.

• For Rainy Days
• In Door Activity
• For Groups

• Age 5～Age 99
• 3～4 hours /4～5 hours
• 09:00

[Summary] Learn traditional Tokamachi cooking from local mothers. Not only will you cook, but you'll also help harvest and source ingredients, creating a delicious feast made with fresh ingredients! [Schedule] Meet at a designated location in Tokamachi City at 9:00 AM. After gathering the ingredients, you'll move to the cooking venue and prepare the food under the guidance of the instructor's mother. The menu will generally consist of three side dishes, rice, and miso soup. As seasonal ingredients will be used, the menu will be a surprise until the day of the tour. Once the food is ready, enjoy a chat with the instructor's mother as you savor the meal! (You may discover a new flavor.) The tour will conclude around 1:00 PM, with a drop-off location. *Available in Japanese and English only.

• For Rainy Days
• In Door Activity

• Age 5～Age 99
• 1～2 hours
• 09:00 / 10:00 / 11:00 / 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00 / 16:00 / 17:00

[Regional common coupons (electronic only) are available! ] It is an experience to make a traditional craft "Chinkoro" handed down in Tokamachi. [What is “Chinkoro”? 】Every Tokamachi citizen has made “Chinkoro”, a small colorful doll made of rice flour. The word chinkoro means “puppy” and is often made in the shape of a puppy or the Chinese zodiac of the year. It is made around January every year and displayed in the house, but because it is made of rice flour paste, it cracks and breaks in a few weeks. It is said that the more broken pieces there are, the better the luck. The culture of making chinkoro is said to have started in the Edo period, but the original origin is not well understood. [What you can do in this experience] In this program, you will make Tokamachi's traditional craft Chinkoro while being taught by a local Chinkoro craftsman. You can make your own original penis, such as anime characters, mascots, animals, etc., regardless of the traditional puppy or zodiac. It is an experience that everyone can enjoy regardless of age or gender. Please make sure to make a lucky charm, Chinkoro, as a souvenir. *Only Japanese and English are supported.

• In Door Activity
• For Groups

• Age 6～Age 80
• 2～3 hours

Experience a charcoal grill inside a kamakura! You can eat freshly grilled rice cakes. At night, candles are lit in the kamakura. *Fireworks and sake tasting are available as options. *You can grill the anbo (rice cake) from the anbo experience on a charcoal grill and eat it. Our staff will be able to speak simple English and use a translator. If you are unsure, we can also assist you with an interpreter (fees apply).

• In Door Activity
• For Groups

• Age 16～Age 80
• 3～4 hours

This is an experience where you can actually wear a kimono, not just see it, but wear it, such as Honshiozawa, a traditional Japanese craft with a delicate texture and a crisp feel, and Shiozawa Tsumugi, which was created by applying the techniques of Echigo Jofu, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. In a kimono, you can stroll around Bokushi Street, where the streetscape of Shiozawa-juku on the Mikuni Kaido remains. *Staff can speak simple English and use a translator. <Please inquire> We can also accommodate original plans, such as lunch included.

• Age 6～Age 80
• 2～3 hours

In the snowy room called "Hon-yara-do," there is a charcoal kotatsu that does not use electricity! You can eat rice cakes and sweets while sitting in the kotatsu. At night, candles are lit in the Hon-yara-do. *Fireworks and hotpots are available as options. *You can grill the "anbo" from the anbo experience on a charcoal grill and eat it. Staff will be able to speak simple English and use a translator. If you are unsure, we can also provide an interpreter (for a fee).

• In Door Activity
• For Groups

• Age 20～Age 50
• Over 6 hours on the day
• 11:30

Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, is one of the snowiest areas in the world. This tour will take you to see and experience the traditional event "Muko-nage and Suminuri," also known as the "Strange Festival of Echigo," held on Little New Year in the snow-covered Matsunoyama region. On December 5, 2024, Japan's "traditional sake brewing" was registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO! Niigata Prefecture has the most sake breweries in Japan, and alcohol is an inseparable and deep connection to the city. This time, you can visit Tsunan Brewery, sample sake, and shop! It's cold, but your body and mind will be warmed by this tour, where you can enjoy Tokamachi in winter!

• For Groups