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Day Trip: Cooking & Crafting with Locals + Instagenic Art Museum

¥9,200 – ¥9,600per person
Credit card payment
Try and feel authentic rural Japan in Tokamachi! It's only 30 mins away from Echigo-Yuzawa, easy to access too!

[Cooking lesson] Learn to make Tokamachi's local specialities from local "moms"

Make local delicacies that have been passed down for generations taught by local 'moms!’ Taste Tokamachi's dishes which consist of many types of mountain vegetables and fresh local ingredients. You also might learn Japanese culinary secrets from experienced ‘moms.’

Making your original “chinkoro”, Tokamachi’s little figurines prized for good luck

Chinkoro, is a traditional figurine from Tokamachi made out of rice flour paste. The word “chinkoro”, which means puppy is usually made and displayed at houses in January. They gradually dry out and crack after a couple of weeks and it is said that these cracks bring the owner good luck. It is part of this area’s slightly different culture. The puppy shape is just one of the many shapes these of these little figurines. The animals of the zodiac are also a popular theme. With this tour, you can make your own figurine using your originality and creativeness.

Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art, KINARE

Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale is world renown art festival which held in Echigo-Tsumari region, Tokamachi and Tsunan. And KINARE is one of main museums of the festival. You can enjoy unique and instagenic artworks which the artists from all over the world created with being inspired by the region. (*Self-guided part)

Immerse yourself in the local winter life at the traditional folk home, Toronoki House! (2D1N Private Tour)

¥55,000 – ¥60,000per person
Credit card payment
Charter this house borne from the passion of the owner and a German architect and have a winter experience like no other!   Hightlights 1. Play in the snow at the private fields! You will be able to have a snow experience unlike those at the ski resort! Such as the sled, snowtube, hiking with snowshoes, snowmobile, snowball fights, snow hut building and more! 2. Rice Terraces Trekking Walk around across beautiful Rice Terraces just near by Toronoki House. Local guide introduces the local livelihood which is deeply connected to rice terraces while trekking around. 3. Local Home-cooked meals & Sake Feast on the traditional local dishes prepared on the spot by local "moms." 4. Snow shovelling experience The Winter day in this region starts with this! Learn the techniques of using the shovel and snowdumps to clear the snow around the home!

Direct access from Echigo-Yuzawa! Immerse Yourself In The Local Winter Life (2D1N Private Tour)

¥12,600 – ¥26,000per person
Credit card payment
Direct access from Echigo-Yuzawa! Enhance your winter experience at an authentic traditional folk home in this snowy region of Japan!   Hightlights 1. Play in the snow at the private fields! You will be able to have a snow experience unlike those at the ski resort! Such as the sled, snowtube, hiking with snowshoes, snowmobile, snowball fights, snow hut building and more! 2. Japanese Hearth experience Using Japanese Hearth, Irori, is the traditional way to heat up food and grill fish or michi. 3. Local Home-cooked meals & Sake Feast on the traditional local dishes prepared on the spot by local "moms." 4. Snow shovelling experience The Winter day in this region starts with this! Learn the techniques of using the shovel and snowdumps to clear the snow around the home!  

3D2N Experience summer life of a snowy region

¥54,000 – ¥57,240per person
Why not experience how summer is like in one of the regions with the heaviest snowfall, Tokamachi! This tour is packed with summer activities like wild vegetable picking, nature walks, and of course meeting and interacting with the locals. Join us and immerse yourself in the local culture of this regions that has been coexisting with nature for many generations. *This tour is a private tour catering to 1 group per tour.

Highlight1　Savor the taste of Tokamachi's Specialities

Tokamachi is famous for Japan's No.1 rice Uonuma Koshihikari, however, not only its rice and sake, but also its vegetables are indeed terrific! Grill freshly picked vegetables with local aged pork, harvest the vegetables with locals in the farm and cook local cuisine together,... You can experience real food culture unique to the region.

Highlight2　Amazing walk in the picturesque rice terraces in Hoshi-Toge

Voted one of Japan’s “100 Countryside Selection”, the expansive rice terraces of Hoshi-Toge is Tokamachi’s main picturesque spots that has over 200 plots of varying sized rice fields producing the famous Uonuma Koshihikari Rice. In this guided tour, you will be able to enter the terraces and see the different aspects of this rice terrace. The local guide will also explain the history and recent developments of the rice terraces, as well as local lifestyles.

Highlight3　IZAKAYA Hopping with local guide

Explore local bars in Tokamachi, Niigata, where normal tourists are not familiar with, but actually has many great bars. Niigata prefecture has the biggest number of sake breweries in Japan, and said its sake is one of best as well. It is because it has been nurtured by high quality rice and great sake brewing technique that has developed during long winter covered by snow. Another reason is that many of locals simply like to drink! During this program, our local guide will take you to 3 hidden bars to discover local drinking culture.

Highlight4　Stay in Japanese falkhouse "KOME HOME"

KOME HOME is an accommodation facility created by keeping the external appearance of an traditional Japanese-style house as it is but with refurbished interiors equipped for modern-day living. Guests can enjoy the view of the rice fields from the windows. Staying at KOME HOME can provide much needed rest to relax and rejuvenate for a couple of days. Enjoy dining and moments of laughter with your friends and loved ones around a traditional Japanese sunken hearth (irori) in the common area. [caption id="attachment_2328" align="alignnone" width="683"]古民家Well Come Home　居間 古民家KOME HOME[/caption]

Highlight5　Travel back 10,000 years to the "Jomon period"

Tokamachi city in Niigata is where the oldest artefact in Japan, the “flame shaped pottery” was excavated.  It is even in the history textbook of schools in Japan. It was made in the "Jomon Period", 16,000 to 2,300 years ago, and was said to be a period of peace and prosperity. In the fall of this year, visit Matsudai Nohbutai and Matsudai History Museum to see how people lived even with 5 meters snowfall in the era.

Option: Wearing Yukata

Visit photogenic sites with wearing Yukata? We will provide everything from the wear to accessories to ensure you find the perfect style to suit you! +3,000yen/person (Yukata rental set for women includes yukata robe, undergarment, sash, cord, fabric belt, frontlet, decorative flower and sandals. For men, the set includes yukata robe, obi, cord, sandals and an undergarment. Please note hair and makeup are not included in the price. *Not included hair set.) [caption id="attachment_1874" align="alignnone" width="700"]まつだい「農舞台」 Matsudai Nohbutai[/caption] 美人林Bijin bayashi

3D2N Art Appreciation and Snow Country Experience Tour [Echigo-Yuzawa Station]

¥51,000 – ¥55,000per person
Enjoy contemporary art by Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale and cultural experiences in "Snow Country" Tokamachi throughout this tour. *This tour is a private tour catering to 1 group per tour.

Highlight 1  Appreciate Artworks of Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale

The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale is one of the world's largest international art festival. It is held once every 3 years in the Echigo-Tsumari region (Tokamachi and Tsunan, Niigata prefecture) since year 2000. The upcoming Art Triennale will be in summer of 2019, but you may also indulge in appreciating more than 170 artworks - which artists from all over the world have created - at any other time of the year*, as they are maintained as permanent exhibitions. So, local guide will take you to see several main artworks in Tokamachi. (*Except the time covered by snow...)   [caption id="attachment_1848" align="alignnone" width="700"]清津峡渓谷トンネル 清津峡渓谷トンネル Kiyotsu gouge tunnel[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1007" align="alignnone" width="700"]花咲ける妻有 花咲ける妻有　Tsumari in Bloom[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1058" align="alignnone" width="700"]リバース・シティー リバース・シティー Reverse City[/caption]

Highlight 2  Stay in Japanese falkhouse "KOME HOME"

KOME HOME is an accommodation facility created by keeping the external appearance of an traditional Japanese-style house as it is but with refurbished interiors equipped for modern-day living. Guests can enjoy the view of the rice fields from the windows. Staying at KOME HOME can provide much needed rest to relax and rejuvenate for a couple of days. Enjoy dining and moments of laughter with your friends and loved ones around a traditional Japanese sunken hearth (irori) in the common area. [caption id="attachment_2328" align="alignnone" width="683"]古民家Well Come Home　居間 古民家KOME HOME　居間[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1979" align="alignnone" width="683"]古民家Well Come Home　囲炉裏 古民家KOME HOME　囲炉裏[/caption]

Highlight 3　Kimono Factory Visit & Yuzen Dyeing Experience

Tokamachi is well-known for high quality Kimono textile production since almost 1000 years ago, so each Kimono factory in Tokamachi has its own techniques which they have inherited and continuously developed. In this special course, you will be able to see each Kimono production process by Kimono textile artisans, such as stencils, dye bath, brush-dye hand-painting, etc... Also, experience Kimono textile dyeing technique. [caption id="attachment_1168" align="alignnone" width="700"]着物工場見学（イメージ） 着物工場見学（イメージ） Kimono Factory Visit[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2174" align="alignnone" width="700"]友禅染体験（イメージ） 友禅染体験（イメージ）Yuzen Dyeing[/caption]

Highlight 4　Savor Snow Country Cuisins & Local Sakes

Tokamachi is famous for Japan's No.1 rice Uonuma Koshihikari and tasty Sake. Try out those local specialities through cooking with locals moms and hopping local Izakaya bars with a guid. Cooking with local moms -Make local delicacies that have been passed down for generations taught by local 'moms’ -Taste Tokamachi's dishes which consist of many types of mountain vegetables and traditional ingredients -Learn Japanese culinary secrets from experienced ‘moms’ -The menu will roughly consist of 3 dishes, rice and miso soup. As for the specific dishes, it will be a surprise for the day -You will also be provided with the recipe so that you may try it back home as well Izakaya Hopping -Enjoy authentic food & drinks from this snowy region that we highly recommend -Hop through 3 local bars and pubs with a local tour guide who speaks English, Mandarin Chinese or Japanese -Have a feast with a variety of food and drinks that you can try -5 drinks & 3 dishes are included (you can select from our menu) Local Specialities Sake: Niigata's sake is one of the best in Japan, because of high quality rice and great sake brewing technique that has developed during long winter covered by snow. There are many sake breweries there, so you should try as many as you can! Of course, Tokamachi's one! Vegetables: lavor. Some of veggies are aged under the snow or in the room covered by snow, so that its taste becomes sweeter and even more flavorful. Tsumari Pork: Also, local branded aged pork, Tsumari Pork, is very popular there. Since it is bred with healthy food and environments, it is very juicy and tender and contains 10 times more vitamin E than normal pork.

Highlight 5　Amazing walk in the picturesque rice terraces in Hoshi-Toge

Voted one of Japan’s “100 Countryside Selection”, the expansive rice terraces of Hoshi-Toge is Tokamachi’s main picturesque spots that has over 200 plots of varying sized rice fields producing the famous Uonuma Koshihikari Rice. In this guided tour, you will be able to enter the terraces and see the different aspects of this rice terrace. The local guide will also explain the history and recent developments of the rice terraces, as well as local lifestyles.

Option: Wearing Yukata

Visit photogenic sites with wearing Yukata? We will provide everything from the wear to accessories to ensure you find the perfect style to suit you! +3,000yen/person (Yukata rental set for women includes yukata robe, undergarment, sash, cord, fabric belt, frontlet, decorative flower and sandals. For men, the set includes yukata robe, obi, cord, sandals and an undergarment. Please note hair and makeup are not included in the price. *Not included hair set.) [caption id="attachment_1874" align="alignnone" width="700"]まつだい「農舞台」 まつだい「農舞台」 Matsudai Nohbutai[/caption] 美人林美人林 Bijin Bayashi Forest

2D1N Vegetarian Japanese Food Tour In Snow Country - Start/Finish: Tokamachi Station (2 hours from Tokyo)

¥40,000 – ¥50,000per person
Credit card payment
Have you ever struggled to find restaurants serving meat free dishes on the menu in Japan? Do you wish to maintain a healthy lifestyle while travelling? We offer a vegetarian tour that celebrates the healthy and revitalizing food scene in Tokamachi City! Tokamachi City in Niigata Prefecture is a thriving agricultural region in Japan and the home of the Uonuma Koshihikari brand rice. Just 2 hours from Tokyo, here you can find Japan’s longest river, the Shinano river, surrounded by mountains and superb nature. During the winter, snowfall can reach up to 5 meters! The local moms here say, the food in the olden times were vegetarian! Join us as we introduce you to the meatless possibilities of local good food and fun, chill vibe of countryside Japan. In Tokamachi, you can enjoy local sake and local craft beer along with freshly picked vegetables and traditional dishes while being immersed in rich nature. With focus on an environmentally cautious and planet friendly diet that is good for your health, this tour is sure to leave your stomach full and your senses fully satisfied!  

Make Vegan Sushi With A Master Sushi Chef

A master sushi chef has created a vegan version of Japan's most famous dish -Sushi! And now it is your chance to learn how to make them directly from the man himself! Sushi which is synonymous with fish to many, was actually made with vegetables and wild mountain shrubs in the mountainous regions of Japan in the past. Which makes this learning experience actually a very traditional art. As the nature rich region of Tokamachi is famous for its high quality vegetables and rice, it is an ideal location to try many varieties of vegetables in this traditional form of preserved food. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to taste and learn this healthy and delicious form of sushi from a master of this craft!  

Vegetables Harvest With A Local Farmer

There are many vegetables all over Japan that Tokamachi is proud to call homegrown! How about an experience to get into the vegetable gardens with a local farmer and do the harvest yourself? Once you tasted freshly picked vegetables from Tokamachi, there’s no doubt you will be hooked!  

Relax Your Body And Soul At The Hot Spring

There’s an onsen (natural hot spring) just about 15 minutes by car from central Tokamachi where you can experience Japan’s favorite pastime by bathing at an onsen! It is one of the most relaxing experiences as you will feel the hot spring’s water warm you to the core and relax both your mind and body. *Guests who do not want to go to the onsen can use the shower rooms at the guest house.  

Feast On Your Personally Harvested Vegetables

ベジタリアン　いこて Ikote is a restaurant that prides itself for serving only the best and freshest ingredients produced locally. The relaxing ambience and the aromatic fragrance of wood makes this restaurant an easy favorite among locals. At Ikote, the chef cook the vegetables you harvested! Because it’s a longstanding restaurant in the area, the experience will surely be a delicious surprise.  

Accommodation: Koryukan

Located just 8 minutes from Tokamachi station by walking, Koryukan is a 40 year old typical snow country folk house that has been renovated to accommodate guests. All of the rooms are barrier free. They serve delicious breakfast made from fresh ingredients produced locally which includes koshihikari rice made from Uonuma, miso soup and organic eggs from Tokamachi and among others. There are so many things which you can only have here! This inn is highly recommended in terms of location and food!  

【Day 2】

Learn About “Satoyama” At The Forest School Kyororo

At the natural science museum Kyororo, curators and researchers with doctoral degrees collaborate with local residents to study the nature and culture of the Matsunoyama area of Tokamachi City as well as introduce the wonders and charm of the area. Learn about the region’s natural ecosystem and feel your connection with nature as you indulge in eating fresh local vegetables during the tour.  

Tokamachi's Speciality: Hegisoba For Lunch

へぎそば Tokamachi is famous for Hegisoba noodles and one of the soba restaurants popular among local residents is Sobaya Seibei. Hegisoba is served in a wooden dish called a “hegi,” and is made with funori (seaweed), which gives it the smooth, firm texture that it is known for. Because there are many foreigners visiting there, Sobaya Seibei started to provide vegan soba dipping sauce (mentsuyu)! This is the first soba restaurant in Tokamachi that serves vegan dipping sauce.  

Visit Local Craft Brewery "Tsumari Brewing"

Tsumari Brewing is a Tokamachi’s very own craft brewery. Their Tsumari Beer brand was born in 2018 in Tokamachi City, with the passion of revitalizing local economy. Tsumari beer has three varieties starting from a brew with a hint of buckwheat flavor, "Soba Ale". "Soba Ale" which made with local buckwheat, is a sure hit for people who love soba noodles!   以上、2日間でたっぷりと十日町の食材を満喫していただくツアーです。ここに記載されている以上に間違いなく楽しんでいただけると思います。文字では伝えきれない、生産者との繋がりや空気の美味しさを是非現地で体験して下さい。

2D1N Winter Snow Country Experience Tour -Play, Lifestyle & Culture- [Start/End: Echigo-Yuzawa Station

¥5,800 – ¥61,200per person
Credit card payment
Stay, play and experience the local life at a local folk house located in the heart of this snowy region! We have a wide selection of activities for families or groups of grownup friends to enjoy! Our pick up/drop-off point is at Echigo Yuzawa Station, just 70 minutes from Tokyo Station.

Highlight #1 Charter and have a good time in your private snowfield or take a walk with the snowshoes!

On the afternoon of the first day, have a whole snowfield to yourselves to play in the snow or experience snowshoes. Sleds and equipment for snow fights are available at site. You can also have the option of booking a snowmobile! Take this opportunity to have a snowy experience with your friends and family that you cannot get at normal ski resorts! You can also try using the snowshoes that the locals used to traverse in the local winter. Soak in the winter scenery with this activity that is suitable for all ages.

Highlight #2  Stay in a stylishly renovated folk house – KOME HOME

Stay at an old traditional folk house that was renovated. The traditional concept and style has been preserved so that you and your family can really immerse yourselves in the atmosphere. You will have the whole house to yourselves (Limited to 1 group a day). [caption id="attachment_2328" align="alignnone" width="683"]古民家Well Come Home　居間 古民家KOME HOME　居間[/caption] 古民家Well Come Home　囲炉裏

Highlight #3  Dinner: Have a traditionally prepare meal paired with local sake or eat at our recommended restaurant

Dinner at the accommodation consists of traditional dishes prepared by the neighbouring homemakers and paired with the local sake. Tokamachi’s wide range of produce will ensure a very authentic experience that you cannot get from commercial eateries! If you do decide to eat out, there are a wide variety of eateries namely izakaya, sushi, unagi, soba, ramen, Korean, Italian etc. for you to choose from just 3 minutes away by car. We recommend that you eat in on the first night, and something nearby on the end night.  

Highlight #4  Winter scenery photography lesson or snowman making

You can choose between a winter scenery photography lesson or a snowman making session on your second day. In the photography lesson, a professional will guide you through and give pointers on the techniques to capture the beautiful winter through your lens. It is difficult to capture winter clearly as the light reflection from the snow will greatly impact the contrast. Where better to practice these shots in one of the most snowy regions in the world? If playing in the snow is more to your liking, you can also learn how to properly make a snowman or snow igloos!

Highlight #5  Lunch: Tokamachi’s famous Hegisoba

Tokamachi’s famous Hegisoba is made from a special ‘funori’ seaweed, and served on a container called a “Hegi”. Hence the name. The smooth yet chewy texture has captivated the palletes of locals and tourist alike. Also, the ‘funori’ seaweed was also used in the finishing process of kimono making, which is also another big industry in Tokamachi, making this seaweed another specialty of this region.

Highlight 6  Free time or participating in a special program

The afternoon of the 2nd day will be free and easy. We can arrange a variety of activities as following or else for you to join upon request. Or, you also can enjoy the rural trails, picturesque site visits by yourself!

3D2N Winter Snow Country Experience Tour -Play, Lifestyle & Culture- [Start/End: Echigo-Yuzawa Station]

¥12,000 – ¥100,000per person
Credit card payment
Stay, play and experience the local life at a local folk house located in the heart of this snowy region! We have a wide selection of activities for families or groups of grownup friends to enjoy! Our pick up/drop-off point is at Echigo Yuzawa Station, just 70 minutes from Tokyo Station.

Highlight #1 Charter and have a good time in your private snowfield or take a walk with the snowshoes!

On the afternoon of the first day, have a whole snowfield to yourselves to play in the snow or experience snowshoes. Sleds and equipment for snow fights are available at site. You can also have the option of booking a snowmobile! Take this opportunity to have a snowy experience with your friends and family that you cannot get at normal ski resorts! You can also try using the snowshoes that the locals used to traverse in the local winter. Soak in the winter scenery with this activity that is suitable for all ages.

Highlight #2  Stay in a stylishly renovated folk house – KOME HOME

Stay at an old traditional folk house that was renovated. The traditional concept and style has been preserved so that you and your family can really immerse yourselves in the atmosphere. You will have the whole house to yourselves (Limited to 1 group a day). [caption id="attachment_2328" align="alignnone" width="683"]古民家Well Come Home　居間 古民家KOME HOME　居間[/caption] 古民家Well Come Home　囲炉裏

Highlight #3  Dinner: Have a traditionally prepare meal paired with local sake or eat at our recommended restaurant

Dinner at the accommodation consists of traditional dishes prepared by the neighbouring homemakers and paired with the local sake. Tokamachi’s wide range of produce will ensure a very authentic experience that you cannot get from commercial eateries! If you do decide to eat out, there are a wide variety of eateries namely izakaya, sushi, unagi, soba, ramen, Korean, Italian etc. for you to choose from just 3 minutes away by car. We recommend that you eat in on the first night, and something nearby on the end night.  

Highlight #4  Winter scenery photography lesson or snowman making

You can choose between a winter scenery photography lesson or a snowman making session on your second day. In the photography lesson, a professional will guide you through and give pointers on the techniques to capture the beautiful winter through your lens. It is difficult to capture winter clearly as the light reflection from the snow will greatly impact the contrast. Where better to practice these shots in one of the most snowy regions in the world? If playing in the snow is more to your liking, you can also learn how to properly make a snowman or snow igloos!

Highlight #5  Lunch: Tokamachi’s famous Hegisoba

Tokamachi’s famous Hegisoba is made from a special ‘funori’ seaweed, and served on a container called a “Hegi”. Hence the name. The smooth yet chewy texture has captivated the palletes of locals and tourist alike. Also, the ‘funori’ seaweed was also used in the finishing process of kimono making, which is also another big industry in Tokamachi, making this seaweed another specialty of this region.

Highlight 6  Free time or participating in a special program

The afternoon of the 2nd day onwards will be free and easy. We can arrange a variety of activities as following or else for you to join upon request. Or, you also can enjoy the rural trails, picturesque site visits by yourself! Special Programs:

Try beer brewing! Hop planting experience for local craft beer "Tsumari Brewing" with its beer tasting and game meats BBQ

¥3,300 – ¥4,000per person
Interact with the locals
Credit card payment
This experiential tour takes us through the craft beer brewing process from cultivating seedlings to brewing with Tsumari Brewing, a company founded only this year in Niigata's own Tokamachi. This tour will be an in depth look at hops-- essential to the scent and bitterness of beer. In the afternoon will be Tsumari Brewing's Beer and Wild Game Barbecue (featuring wild game hunted locally!) Come and join us in brewing beer using local hops planted by your own hands! Attendees can be picked up from JR Tokamachi Station's West Exit before the event. The application deadline is TWO DAYS before the date of the event.

Shinano-river Rafting & Local Cuisine Cooking! Enjoy Nature And Interaction With Local People @Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture

¥37,000per person
Experience rural Japan in Niigata as your special summer trip!   THIS TRIP FEATURES;
  • Enjoy rafting in Japan's longest river! Feel great nature with beautiful rural scenaries.
  • Experience local cuisine cooking. Learn to make Tokamachi's local specialties from local "moms" e.g. Mixed Rice With Seafood (Wappa-meshi), Vegetable Stew (Noppe), Sauteed vegetables
  • Fun party with Game Meat cuisine
  • Try unique traditional bath, Goemon-furo