Tokamachi | Snow Country Little New Year: Traditional straw raincoat wearing and snow cave fireplace experience, grilled rice cakes and sweet sake for a bountiful harvest 038
| Departure / Meeting Point: | ミオンなかさと (MION 中里) 第二停車場 |
|---|---|
| Duration | Half-day experience (approximately 2 hours) |
| Operating Period | 2027-01-10 ~ 2027-02-28 |
| Minimum Number of Participants | 2 ~ 6 people |
| Price (per person) |
Adult: ¥13,000 Child: ¥13,000 |
| Age Restriction | 6 歲以上（需家長陪同） |
Itinerary Details
Step into the secret base of the snow country, "Honyara Cave".
Unlike typical “kamakura” (snow houses), these in Tokamachi are called “honyara-do” (snow caves). This is the heart of the local “Small New Year’s” celebrations, symbolizing family reunions and prayers for a bountiful harvest in the coming year. Surrounded by pure white snow walls, the air is filled with the aroma of charcoal-grilled mochi (rice cakes), creating a tranquil and warm atmosphere—a truly captivating microcosm of Niigata’s winter.
A Snow Country Experience Through Time: Straw Crafting
Donning traditional papyrus hats and straw boots, along with wooden snowshoes, is not just about taking photos; it’s about learning through physical experience about the wisdom of our ancestors in coexisting with nature in snowy areas. With professional guidance, you’ll understand the function and cultural context behind each piece of equipment.
Itinerary
Snow Country Equipment and Culture Introduction (Applicable to both daytime and nighttime sessions)
Assembly and Safety briefing
Meet at MION Nakazato. The guide will introduce the snow country history of Tokamachi and give a safety briefing on snow activities.
Traditional cold-weather gear experience
With assistance, you can change into snow boots and ski boots. After putting them on, try walking steadily on the snow using traditional snow boots, experiencing a completely different feel from modern snow boots.
Snow Cave Fireside Gathering and Little New Year Customs
Guided tour of the snow cave interior and lighting (nighttime only)
Enter the hand-built snow cave. The nighttime sessions will be accompanied by a magical lighting ceremony, allowing you to feel the warm yellow light emanating from the snow house in the azure night.
Seven-wheel charcoal grilling food experience
Gather around the “Seven Wheels” charcoal fire inside the snow cave and bake local rice cakes and marshmallows by hand. Enjoy a bowl of warm, non-alcoholic amazake while listening to the guide tell the story of the “Tori-tsui” bird-scare song.
Important Information & Cancellation Policy
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Important Notes: This tour is for self-driving only; please ensure your rental vehicle has snow tires. Space inside the snow cave is limited (maximum 6 people), so we recommend wearing heavy, waterproof, and slip-resistant winter clothing. A full refund will be issued in case of cancellation due to severe weather such as blizzards.
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キャンセルポリシー：
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7 days before departure: 30%
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3 days before departure: 50%
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Previous day and current day: 100%
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