Tokamachi | Snow Country Little New Year: Traditional Straw Gear, Snow Cave Fireside & Local Winter Traditions
Itinerary Details
Step Inside Tokamachi’s Traditional “Honyara-do” Snow Cave
Unlike the familiar Japanese kamakura snow huts, the traditional snow shelters of Tokamachi are known as honyara-do. Built from packed snow, these shelters play an important role in the region’s Little New Year celebrations, bringing communities together and expressing wishes for a prosperous year and abundant harvest.
Surrounded by walls of pure white snow, gather around a charcoal fire and enjoy the aroma of freshly grilled mochi. The warm glow of the fire against the winter landscape offers a glimpse into the unique traditions and everyday wisdom of Niigata’s snow country.
Dress for the Snow: Traditional Gear and the Wisdom of Snow Country
Put on traditional snow-country gear, including woven straw hats, straw boots, and wooden snowshoes. More than just a photo opportunity, this hands-on experience reveals how generations of people in snowy regions adapted to and lived alongside nature.
With guidance from a local expert, learn how each piece of equipment was designed for life in deep snow and discover the practical knowledge and cultural traditions behind it. Then step outside and experience walking through the snow for yourself.
Itinerary
Snow Country Equipment and Culture Introduction (Applicable to both daytime and nighttime sessions)
Meet Your Guide & Prepare for the Snow
Meet at MION Nakazato, where your guide will introduce the history and culture of Tokamachi’s snow country. Before heading into the snow, receive a safety briefing and learn what to expect during the experience.
Put on Traditional Snow-Country Gear
With assistance from your guide, put on traditional snow-country footwear and equipment, including straw boots and wooden snowshoes. Walk through the snow and experience firsthand how these traditional tools differ from modern winter footwear.
Snow Cave Fireside Gathering and Little New Year Customs
Guided Tour of the Snow Cave & Lighting Ceremony (Nighttime sessions only)
Step inside the hand-built honyara-do snow cave and discover its unique atmosphere. For nighttime sessions, a special lighting ceremony illuminates the snow shelter, casting a warm golden glow against the deep blue winter sky.
Gather Around the Charcoal Fire: Grill Mochi & Enjoy Amazake
Gather around the “Seven Wheels” charcoal fire inside the snow cave and grill local mochi and marshmallows yourself. Warm up with a cup of non-alcoholic amazake while your guide shares the story of the traditional Tori-tsui bird-scaring song and the Little New Year customs of the region.
Important Information & Cancellation Policy
Important
Information &
Cancellation Policy
Important Notes
- This experience is available for self-driving guests only. Please ensure your rental vehicle is equipped with winter tires.
- Space inside the snow cave is limited to a maximum of 6 guests.
- Please wear warm, waterproof, and slip-resistant winter clothing and footwear.
- In the event of cancellation due to severe weather, such as a blizzard, a full refund will be provided.
