SNOW COUNTRY
Heavy snowfall leads to a new way of life
More than half of Japan's land area experiences heavy snow each winter.
In particular, the area between the Japan Sea and central mountain
ranges has excessive amounts of snow and is known as
'Yukiguni' or 'Snow Country'. Uonuma, Yuzawa,
Tokamachi, and Tsunan in Niigata Prefecture have some of the
heaviest snowfall in the country (up to six meters, or 18 ft.) These places
have been designated 'Extreme Snowfall Zones' and receive special
assistance from local governments, such as snow removal and
maintaining transportation and communication systems. In some
places, the weather is so severe that automobile traffic has been cut off for
several months. Although spring, summer and fall are typically mild,
local people have developed a unique culture because of the prolonged winter.
The thatch-roofed farmhouses of the past,
called 'Nakamon-zukuri', were specially
designed to withstand heavy snowfall and to
connect the main living quarters with the cattle
and horse shed, as well as the bathing
facilities. Nowadays, new developments in snow tolerant housing have
gained popularity. In particular, 'Rakusetsu-shiki' has a steep roof for
snow to easily slide off and 'Taisetsu-shiki' features extra strong pillar,
beam and wall construction calculated to support the weight of up to 3
meters of snow. Additionally, 'Yusetsu-shiki' warms the rooftop with
solar batteries or heating oil in order to melt snow as it falls, preventing
harmful accumulations. These architectural innovations illustrate the
local people's ability to wisely adapt to six months of wintery weather.
In 'Snow Country',
folks don't refer to
getting rid of the snow as
'Yuki-oroshi' (scraping the snow)
like other snowy areas in Japan. Rather, they say
'Yuki-hori' (digging the snow) as they shovel loads
of wet, heavy snow off their roofs.
'Kanjiki', a Japanese type of snowshoe, is
essential in this region. For centuries, locals have
used this traditional footwear to get around in the
snow and to prevent themselves from falling off slippery
roofs. The shape and design of 'kanjiki' depends on the
amount and quality of snow,
as well as their intended usage.
Citizens eagerly anticipate
preparations for the New Year as
it is the most celebrated festivity
in 'Snow Country'. On
'koshogatsu' (Little New Year), a
variety of snow festivals are held
in various locations in the hopes
of an abundant harvest for the coming year. People also build snow
huts called 'Kamakura' around this time.
With a landscape blanketed in pristine, sparkling snow, it's no
surprise that the culture of 'Snow Country' is built around snow.
The
local people have developed a cultural identity and unique sense of
self connected to the long, harsh winters they must endure. Patience,
fortitude and resilience come naturally to them. Sadly, a decrease in
snow accumulations in recent
years has been attributed to
global warming, threatening the
unique lifestyle of the 'Snow
Country' people. Of course, we
know these folks will persevere,
understanding nature's ways
and forever cherishing their
pure, snowbound world.
* Black-and-white photos shown here were taken in 1950's.
Premium local food is a direct result of the
abundant clear water from the region's
snow melt. 'Koshihikari' is a very popular
variety of rice cultivated throughout
Japan, but the crop harvested in 'Snow
Country' is most highly sought after and
sold at the most expensive price. The main
reason for this is that the plentiful
snowmelt here produces the most
delicious rice. In addition, the day to night temperature variations and superior
agricultural technology contribute to excellent 'Koshihikari' rice. It follows that
high quality rice produces high quality sake and the production of local sake in
Niigata Prefecture is reputed as being one of Japan's finest. Superb locally brewed
sakes are prized by 'jizake' lovers all across Japan.
Weaving textiles has long been a successful and necessary occupation in 'Snow
Country'. The process of weaving 'Asanuno' (hemp cloth) is a long and
wearisome task, requiring much patience,
and usually takes two or three months to
complete. This is the perfect task for
occupying oneself during long winters
and the final product of beautifully
textured fabric is a great
reward. 'Asanuno' fabric is
often used for summer
kimonos.
Blessed with heavy snowfall, there are a number of ski
resorts in 'Snow Country' areas that offer fantastic
powder conditions. Yuzawa has 16 ski resorts which
range from the huge Naeba ski resort to more intimate
family resorts. Conveniently, most are located near
train stations. Standing right by the Joetsu Kokusai
Station in Minami Uonuma City, Joetsu Kokusai Ski
Resort offers great skiing and a superb hotel. Matsudai
Family Ski Area is also close to Matsudai Station in
Tokamachi City and features moderate slopes perfect
for beginners and families. After an active day on the
slopes, skiers can enjoy a hot bath at Matsudai Onsen
close to the station.
Operated by Uonuma City, Suhara
Ski Area is famous for its giant slopes and is especially
popular with snowboarders. Also, New Greenpia
Tsunan in Tsunan is one of the most popular resort
complexes in the prefecture.
With such excellent snow
conditions, alpine
enthusiasts will revel in the
variety of slopes and hot
spring baths, as well as the
great selection of hotels and
'ryokans' in 'Snow Country'.
Experience a snowy winter in Japan with the convenient JR EAST PASS!
GALA Yuzawa is a short 77 minutes trip
on the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo.
Access is simple, with the ski resort
connecting directly with
Gala Yuzawa Shinkansen
Station. One doesn't
even need to pack bulky
equipment as
skies, snowboards and clothing are all available at the
resort. English speaking staff can help non-Japanese
speakers, as well. To visit GALA, it is recommended that
visitors purchase affordable and flexible JR EAST PASS.
Only foreign tourists visiting Japan on a "Temporary
Visitor Visa" are eligible for this exclusive pass. Enjoy
winter sports like never before at GALA Yuzawa!
Please see pg.36 for more details.
More than half of Japan's land area experiences heavy snow each winter.
In particular, the area between the Japan Sea and central mountain
ranges has excessive amounts of snow and is known as
'Yukiguni' or 'Snow Country'. Uonuma, Yuzawa,
Tokamachi, and Tsunan in Niigata Prefecture have some of the
heaviest snowfall in the country (up to six meters, or 18 ft.) These places
have been designated 'Extreme Snowfall Zones' and receive special
assistance from local governments, such as snow removal and
maintaining transportation and communication systems. In some
places, the weather is so severe that automobile traffic has been cut off for
several months. Although spring, summer and fall are typically mild,
local people have developed a unique culture because of the prolonged winter.
The thatch-roofed farmhouses of the past,
called 'Nakamon-zukuri', were specially
designed to withstand heavy snowfall and to
connect the main living quarters with the cattle
and horse shed, as well as the bathing
facilities. Nowadays, new developments in snow tolerant housing have
gained popularity. In particular, 'Rakusetsu-shiki' has a steep roof for
snow to easily slide off and 'Taisetsu-shiki' features extra strong pillar,
beam and wall construction calculated to support the weight of up to 3
meters of snow. Additionally, 'Yusetsu-shiki' warms the rooftop with
solar batteries or heating oil in order to melt snow as it falls, preventing
harmful accumulations. These architectural innovations illustrate the
local people's ability to wisely adapt to six months of wintery weather.
In 'Snow Country',
folks don't refer to
getting rid of the snow as
'Yuki-oroshi' (scraping the snow)
like other snowy areas in Japan. Rather, they say
'Yuki-hori' (digging the snow) as they shovel loads
of wet, heavy snow off their roofs.
'Kanjiki', a Japanese type of snowshoe, is
essential in this region. For centuries, locals have
used this traditional footwear to get around in the
snow and to prevent themselves from falling off slippery
roofs. The shape and design of 'kanjiki' depends on the
amount and quality of snow,
as well as their intended usage.
Citizens eagerly anticipate
preparations for the New Year as
it is the most celebrated festivity
in 'Snow Country'. On
'koshogatsu' (Little New Year), a
variety of snow festivals are held
in various locations in the hopes
of an abundant harvest for the coming year. People also build snow
huts called 'Kamakura' around this time.
With a landscape blanketed in pristine, sparkling snow, it's no
surprise that the culture of 'Snow Country' is built around snow.
The
local people have developed a cultural identity and unique sense of
self connected to the long, harsh winters they must endure. Patience,
fortitude and resilience come naturally to them. Sadly, a decrease in
snow accumulations in recent
years has been attributed to
global warming, threatening the
unique lifestyle of the 'Snow
Country' people. Of course, we
know these folks will persevere,
understanding nature's ways
and forever cherishing their
pure, snowbound world.
Blessed with heavy snowfall, there are a number of ski
resorts in 'Snow Country' areas that offer fantastic
powder conditions. Yuzawa has 16 ski resorts which
range from the huge Naeba ski resort to more intimate
family resorts. Conveniently, most are located near
train stations. Standing right by the Joetsu Kokusai
Station in Minami Uonuma City, Joetsu Kokusai Ski
Resort offers great skiing and a superb hotel. Matsudai
Family Ski Area is also close to Matsudai Station in
Tokamachi City and features moderate slopes perfect
for beginners and families. After an active day on the
slopes, skiers can enjoy a hot bath at Matsudai Onsen
close to the station.
Operated by Uonuma City, Suhara
Ski Area is famous for its giant slopes and is especially
popular with snowboarders. Also, New Greenpia
Tsunan in Tsunan is one of the most popular resort
complexes in the prefecture.
With such excellent snow
conditions, alpine
enthusiasts will revel in the
variety of slopes and hot
spring baths, as well as the
great selection of hotels and
'ryokans' in 'Snow Country'.
Experience a snowy winter in Japan with the convenient JR EAST PASS!