Yokote City in Traditional culture experience

• Age 1～Age 90
• Within 1 hour
• 10:00 / 11:00 / 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00

Snow is fun! Experience making a mini snow hut using Yokote's high-quality snow! Anyone, from families with children to those who just want to experience snow, is welcome to participate. Kamakura, a winter tradition in Akita Prefecture, has a history of approximately 450 years in Yokote as a New Year's celebration to worship the water god. The Yokote Snow Festival is held every year in mid-February and is famous for the construction of approximately 80 approximately 3-meter-tall kamakura throughout the city. In addition, approximately 2,000 mini kamakura are built by locals and children every year in the elementary school playground and Hebi-no-saki Riverside area near the festival venue, and are enveloped in soft candlelight at night. Why not create your own unique mini kamakura using the snow from Yokote, a region known for its heavy snowfall and the home of kamakura? Participants will receive a small souvenir.

• In Door Activity
• For Groups

• Age 5～Age 80
• 1～2 hours
• 11:00 / 12:00 / 13:00

Omonogawa Minkaen Kido Gorobei Village, where thatched roof houses from the Edo to Taisho periods have been relocated and restored, is a nostalgic space that makes you feel as if you've traveled back in time. Cherry blossoms in spring, green leaves in summer, maple leaves in autumn, and deep snow in winter... Why not try pounding rice cakes amid the changing scenery of the seasons? Enjoy the dynamic experience of pounding rice cakes using a traditional pestle and mortar, accompanied by the spirited call of "Yoisho!" ("Yoisho!"). Freshly pounded rice cakes are exceptionally delicious! Why not experience some good old Japanese culture with your family or a group? *This experience requires a minimum of 10 people to operate.

• For Rainy Days
• In Door Activity
• For Groups

• Age 0～Age 99
• 3～4 hours
• 10:00

This traditional Japanese cooking class can be enjoyed in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture. During this experience, you will learn "Kasane-ni," a traditional Japanese cooking technique dating back to the Edo period that brings out the natural flavor of ingredients without using sugar or oil. Kasane-ni involves layering vegetables and other ingredients in a pot in a specific order based on the principles of yin and yang, then adding water and slowly simmering. This method, which does not rely on unnecessary seasonings, produces dishes with a gentle flavor and a healthy diet. First, we will provide a clear explanation of what kasane-ni is and the healthy eating habits that Japanese people have valued. Afterward, participants will actually cook together and prepare a basic Japanese meal consisting of "ichiju-ichisai" (rice, miso soup, and one side dish). Our instructors will provide thorough support, ensuring even beginners feel comfortable participating. Beginners are welcome, as the knife skills and heat control are simple steps. After the experience, participants will take home a chart explaining the principles of yin and yang, as well as basic materials on kasane-ni, so they can practice kasane-ni at home. This experience will allow you to apply the healthy eating knowledge you learn in Japan not only during your trip, but also after you return home. Come experience Japanese home cooking and a food culture that heals the mind and body in Akita.

• For Rainy Days
• In Door Activity
• For Family