A Way of Life with Snow at Its Heart.
Niigata is Japan's capital for rice and snow, and Tokamachi has the best of both. Only half an hour from Echigo Yuzawa and two hours from Tokyo, Tokamachi is an authentic, rural Japanese area that has a lot to offer. Tokamachi is surrounded by mountains and forests in the interior of Niigata Prefecture . The most visited spot in Tokamachi is undoubtedly the terraced rice fields. You will find flat and wide rice paddies all over Niigata , but those in Tokamachi extend up and onto the slopes of the mountains. These layers of rice paddies are beautiful throughout the day, every day of the year.
Tokamachi may be surrounded by cold snow for 4 months out of the year, but it is full of warmth from the kindness of residents, relaxing hot springs, delicious food, and beautiful scenery. This countryside city is host to hundreds of modern artworks which are dotted around the area. During winter the activities are just as endless as the snow. And in spring, the area transforms into a gorgeous destination of lush greenery, mountains, wildlife, and a cuisine unique to the snow country of YUKIGUNI. There are also so many delicious local specialties due in part to the heavy snow that falls throughout winter. When spring comes, wild vegetables pop up in the mountains, and the rice fields are cultivated using the pure snow leftover from winter for especially delicious koshihikari rice.
Besides rice terraces, the Bijin-bayashi Forest is another major checkpoint in Tokamachi. Its Japanese name literally means "forest of beauties," and it's not difficult to see why—the myriad of beech trees stand tall and gracefully like the silhouettes of beautiful women. Colors change continuously throughout the seasons, but the forest maintains a fairytale look all year round.
Every three years Tokamachi is host to the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, a huge international art exhibition that features around 300 works of art scattered around. Art afficionados and casual fans alike can witness the unique combination of artwork with nature not only as a backdrop, but a component to art.
Tokamachi may be surrounded by cold snow for 4 months out of the year, but it is full of warmth from the kindness of residents, relaxing hot springs, delicious food, and beautiful scenery. This countryside city is host to hundreds of modern artworks which are dotted around the area. During winter the activities are just as endless as the snow. And in spring, the area transforms into a gorgeous destination of lush greenery, mountains, wildlife, and a cuisine unique to the snow country of YUKIGUNI. There are also so many delicious local specialties due in part to the heavy snow that falls throughout winter. When spring comes, wild vegetables pop up in the mountains, and the rice fields are cultivated using the pure snow leftover from winter for especially delicious koshihikari rice.
Besides rice terraces, the Bijin-bayashi Forest is another major checkpoint in Tokamachi. Its Japanese name literally means "forest of beauties," and it's not difficult to see why—the myriad of beech trees stand tall and gracefully like the silhouettes of beautiful women. Colors change continuously throughout the seasons, but the forest maintains a fairytale look all year round.
Every three years Tokamachi is host to the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, a huge international art exhibition that features around 300 works of art scattered around. Art afficionados and casual fans alike can witness the unique combination of artwork with nature not only as a backdrop, but a component to art.
