In this experience, you will walk through the snow-covered terraced rice paddies wearing “kanjiki”, traditional snowshoes.

The beautiful terraced rice paddies have been cultivated and passed down from generation to generation since ancient times. In Tokamachi, the rural lifestyle centered on terraced rice paddies is still alive and well. Wearing traditional kanjiki, you will be reminded of the traditional winter life.

Under the guidance of a guide, put on your kanjiki and walk on the snow, becoming a part of such a landscape. The view of the terraced rice paddies in winter, covered with pure white snow, is truly spectacular!

After walking for a while, you will have a special tea time on the snow. Enjoy warm local natural herbal tea and sweets.

Experience the winter pleasures that only a snow country can offer.

The Tokamachi/Uonuma area of Niigata Prefecture is a snowy region, with several meters of snow in the winter. Immerse yourself into the beauty of authentic “snow country” life through this tour!

1. Snowshoe through the beautiful scenery created bythe snow-covered terraced rice fields. Also enjoy a special tea time on the snow.
2. Dinner with ‘local moms’ to cook traditional dishes and spend an enjoyable evening socializing.
3. Stay in a renovated traditional house all to yourselves.
4. Visit the Tunnel of Light (Kiyotsu Gorge), a must-seeartwork of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale.

This is a tour to experience making traditional sandals.

Cultivation of rice has been popular in Niigata Prefecture for a long time so various craftwork using straw as material is very common. Until seventy to eighty years ago, during the winter period, each family had been making income by making sandals or other items made out of rice straw.

Nowadays though, it is rare to see crafts made from straw and there are only a few people who makes them, so this craftwork have become very valuable. Craftwork experiences like making these straw sandals have become rare and looking at this handiwork as it is weaved little by little is like looking at a masterpiece.

In this experience, you will make straw sandals with the local craftsmen in the area. You will have an option to make sandals using rice straw or colorful cloths as materials. Please indicate your choice of material when you book the tour.
You will have a choice of cloth design and color for the slipper strap and sandal so you can create your own unique craft!

The finished sandal can be worn when you go to the beach or river during the summer or can also be used as a home slipper or as an interior décor. How about making an original sandal to remember your trip?