This walking tour takes you from the Gimyo rice terraces to the Kamo rice terraces throughout the villages.

You can visit two of the most popular terraced rice paddies scattered around Tokamachi City.
Take a look at life in a ‘satoyama’ (a place where nature and human life intersect) as you walk through the villages and satoyama with a guide.

The approximately 1.5-hour course is mostly on paved paths, making it easy to walk, and anyone can participate, regardless of age.

The landscape of the satoyama with its terraced rice paddies, a symbol of Japanese culture.

Beautiful terraced rice paddies have been cultivated and passed down from generation to generation since ancient times. In Tokamachi, the satoyama lifestyle centred on terraced rice paddies is still alive today.

Tokamachi City in Niigata Prefecture is dotted with beautiful terraced rice paddies, of which the Gimyo Rice Terraces and Kamo no tanada

Have a go at “Chinkoro” making. A traditional craft that is passed down generations in Tokamachi.

Colorful and Cute! Craft Your One-of-a-Kind Lucky Charm “Chinkoro”

“Chinkoro” are traditional decorative dolls made from steamed rice flour (Shin-ko) that have been passed down for generations in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture. In this experience, you will knead the soft, mochi-like dough, color it vividly with food dye, and shape it freely into the year’s zodiac animal, pets, or your favorite characters. No special skills are required; the charm of this activity lies in the ability to return to a childlike state of mind and immerse yourself in creativity, much like an arts and crafts class. These small dolls, beloved as a winter tradition in Tokamachi, reflect the creator’s personality in their expressions. Please enjoy the pleasure of bringing into the world a unique “Chinkoro” that is the only one of its kind.

“The More It Cracks, the Happier You’ll Be”: A Mysterious Tradition of the Snow Country

These adorable dolls come with a unique legend specific to the snow country. As the Chinkoro dries, fine cracks appear on its surface. While cracks are usually seen as a sign of damage, locals believe that “the more cracks appear, the more happiness will find its way in through them.” It is a rare cultural concept where breaking is considered an omen of good luck. The enjoyment continues even after the workshop; taking your creation home and watching the cracks develop over time is part of the experience. This small, fleeting, yet beautiful lucky charm is a special cultural heritage filled with the history of Tokamachi and the warm wishes of its people.

Just Like Playing with Clay! A Traditional Experience for Kids and Adults Alike

Creating Chinkoro feels very similar to playing with clay, making it a highly accessible activity that anyone—from small children to the elderly, regardless of nationality—can easily enjoy. Local masters and guides will kindly teach you the tricks of the trade, so even those who don’t consider themselves dexterous can participate with confidence. Gathering around a table with family or friends, chatting about what shapes to make or laughing at each other’s unique creations, makes for a wonderful travel memory. You can take your finished Chinkoro home as a souvenir. Decorate your home with this happiness-bringing doll along with the memories of your journey.

“Chinkoro” is a famous traditional art form originating from Tokamachi. “Chinkoro” is the local term for “puppy”, and is a doll of a puppy made from rice flour.
It is made during the New Year celebrations, and if it cracks apart it is believed to bring good luck!

Scenic Walk Through Rice Terraces in a World of Silver

Tokamachi City in Niigata Prefecture is known as one of Japan’s heaviest snowfall areas. The rice terraces (Tanada), which wave with lush greenery in the summer, are completely transformed in winter, buried under meters of snow to become a mystical, silver world resembling an ink wash painting. In this experience, you will strap on “Kanjiki” (traditional Japanese snowshoes)—a folk tool that has served as people’s feet in this snowy region since ancient times—and step into this fantastic landscape. Enjoy the unique walking sensation of these traditional tools, which differs from modern snowshoes, as you satisfy your sense of adventure by treading on fresh, untouched snow. You will venture deep into the heart of the terraces, areas usually inaccessible due to deep snow, and have the 360-degree panoramic view of the silver world and the beautiful, undulating curves of the terrain all to yourself. It is a special experience available only in this season.

Discover the Satoyama Lifestyle with a Local Guide

The appeal of this tour goes beyond a simple walk on the snow. By exploring the rice terraces and the surrounding Satoyama (village forests) with a knowledgeable local guide for about an hour, you will touch upon the deep charm of this land. The guide will provide easy-to-understand explanations about the wisdom ancestors developed to survive the harsh winters, as well as the essential roles the beautiful rice terraces play in water control and ecosystem conservation. Through the guide’s eyes, you will also discover many signs of nature that you might otherwise miss, such as the footprints of small animals left on the snow or winter buds of trees waiting for spring. Even in the seemingly silent snowfield, you will be able to feel the pulse of the local lifestyle that has been passed down through generations and the vibrant workings of nature.

A Special Tea Time Amidst the Snow

After enjoying some light exercise trekking through the snowfields, the untouched snowy landscape transforms into your private open-air café. Surrounded by vast nature with nothing blocking your view, you will be served sweets and natural “Kuromoji” tea, brewed from the spicebush native to the mountains of Tokamachi. The refreshing and elegant aroma unique to Kuromoji helps relax both your mind and body. The moment you sip the hot, steaming tea in the crisp, clear winter air is an irreplaceable bliss. Gazing at the silent snowy scenery while warming yourself from the core with delicious tea is a luxurious relaxation experience that allows you to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the winter of the snow country with all five senses.