{"id":1738,"date":"2025-12-18T14:10:54","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T05:10:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/?post_type=r-journal&#038;p=1738"},"modified":"2026-04-24T17:35:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T08:35:20","slug":"tokamachi-report-chitose","status":"publish","type":"r-journal","link":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/r-journal\/tokamachi-report-chitose\/","title":{"rendered":"[Tokamachi] Matsunoyama Onsen | Relax at One of Japan\u2019s Three Famous Medicinal Hot Springs, Chitose &#8211; Hinano Inn-"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Hello! I\u2019m a university student living in Taiwan who loves traveling around Japan, exploring local lifestyles, culture, and the way people connect with their land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This time, I\u2019d like to share my stay at <em>Hinano-yado Chitose<\/em>, a traditional inn located in Matsunoyama Onsen (a hot spring village in T\u014dkamachi City, Niigata Prefecture).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was a trip I took when I wanted to step away from my busy daily routine and simply breathe deeply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Set in a small mountain hamlet, this inn is far more than just a place to sleep. Surrounded by the quiet beauty of Japan\u2019s <em>satoyama<\/em> (the borderland where villages meet the mountains) and blessed with healing hot springs, I experienced a warm-hearted hospitality that allowed time to flow gently, making my stay deeply fulfilling.<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"recommend-post-cards\">\n                    <div class=\"recommend-post-card\">\n                <div class=\"recommend-post-card__container\">\n                    <div class=\"recommend-post-card__eyecatch\">\n                                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC01605-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Chitose &#8211; Hinano Inn-\">\n                                            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"recommend-post-card__content\">\n                        <p class=\"recommend-post-card__title\">\n                            Chitose &#8211; Hinano Inn-                        <\/p>\n                        <a class=\"recommend-post-card__link btn-brand\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/ryokan\/chitose\/\">\n                            View Details                        <\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n    \n\n\n    <div class=\"r-journal-author\">\n        <div class=\"r-journal__wrap\">\n            <figure class=\"r-journal-author__pic\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-3-283x300-1.webp\" alt=\"\u6cb3\u4e0a\u30e9\u30ea\u30fc\u30b5\"\/>\n            <\/figure>\n            <div class=\"r-journal-author__meta\">\n                <p class=\"r-journal-author__position\">\u682a\u5f0f\u4f1a\u793e Hinotori<\/p>\n                <p class=\"r-journal-author__name\">\n                    <span>\u6cb3\u4e0a\u30e9\u30ea\u30fc\u30b5<\/span>\n                <\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            <button class=\"r-journal-author__open\"><\/button>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"r-journal-author__detail\">\n            <p class=\"intro_esc\">Larisa Kawakami<br \/>\r\nHello! I\u2019m a university student currently living in Taiwan. As I travel around Japan, I look forward to encountering not only the people and the land, but also the everyday ways of life that have taken root in each place.<\/p>\n            <a class=\"url\" href=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><\/a>\n            <button class=\"r-journal-author__close\"><\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"healing-at-matsunoyama-onsen-hinano-yado-chitose-one-of-japans-top-three-medicinal-hot-springs\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Healing_at_Matsunoyama_Onsen_Hinano-yado_Chitose_One_of_Japans_Top_Three_Medicinal_Hot_Springs\"><\/span>Healing at Matsunoyama Onsen: <em>Hinano-yado Chitose<\/em>, One of Japan\u2019s Top Three Medicinal Hot Springs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01499-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25732\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01505-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25733\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Matsunoyama Onsen is counted among Japan\u2019s \u201cThree Great Medicinal Hot Springs\u201d (<em>Nihon Sandai Yakut\u014d<\/em>), with a history of over 700 years as a healing retreat (<em>t\u014dji no sato<\/em>).Unlike typical volcanic hot springs, it is a rare <em>geopressure type<\/em> onsen: ancient seawater, trapped deep underground, is heated by geothermal energy and gushes out at an astonishing 98\u00b0C (208\u00b0F).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although it is classified as a chloride spring, the water feels surprisingly gentle on the skin. It retains heat well, keeping the body warm long after bathing, and its high salt content even creates a curious floating sensation in the bath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The story of this land and its inn would not be complete without mentioning Mr. Kazunari Yanagi, the fourth-generation owner of Hinano-yado Chitose.<br>He recalls: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cThis region is truly a land of heavy snow. In the past, people would mock us, saying, \u2018Did you really come from such snowy mountains?\u2019 That gave us a strong sense of inferiority. But in my father\u2019s generation, he decided, \u2018Let\u2019s turn the snow into our strength.\u2019 The snowmelt nurtures our rice and sake, so we want visitors from afar to taste what is truly unique to this land.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As he spoke, his calm but confident gaze reflected a quiet pride in living in Japan\u2019s snow country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-moment-you-truly-relax%ef%bd%9cbarefoot-comfort-and-barrier-free-design-throughout-the-inn\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Moment_You_Truly_Relax%EF%BD%9CBarefoot_Comfort_and_Barrier-Free_Design_Throughout_the_Inn\"><\/span>The Moment You Truly Relax\uff5cBarefoot Comfort and Barrier-Free Design Throughout the Inn<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01666-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25734\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01656-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25735\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Inside the inn, the floors are entirely covered with <em>tatami<\/em> (traditional woven straw mats), so there\u2019s no need for slippers. Walking barefoot across the soft tatami instantly brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort\u2014almost like returning to a grandparent\u2019s home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fourth-generation Yanagi family designed the inn with the idea that, just as travelers in the old days would remove their straw sandals (<em>waraji<\/em>) before entering, today\u2019s guests should also have a moment to shed their tension upon arrival. To create this feeling, the building was designed with universal accessibility in mind: steps were eliminated, and handrails and slopes were seamlessly integrated into the architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What impressed me most was that the inn doesn\u2019t loudly advertise itself as \u201cbarrier-free.\u201d Instead, the thoughtful design simply feels natural and comfortable for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01669-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25737\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Mr. Yanagi himself once suffered from back pain, and he told me, <em>\u201cI\u2019m truly glad we made those changes back then.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That spirit of kindness seems to permeate the very air of the inn. Even though I have no physical limitations, I still felt an extraordinary sense of being cared for and protected during my stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"relaxing-moments-in-the-semi-suite-guest-room\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Relaxing_Moments_in_the_Semi-Suite_Guest_Room\"><\/span>Relaxing Moments in the Semi-Suite Guest Room<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01681-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25738\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01786-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25739\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For this stay, I chose a semi-suite room\u2014a touch of luxury compared to the standard guest rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The space included a spacious living area, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining room, and even a private open-air hot spring bath attached to the room. Honestly, with all of these amenities, you could spend your entire trip without ever leaving the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01803-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25740\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01863-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25741\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking out the window at the swaying greenery, I took a sip of locally produced apple juice. Its crisp tartness and clear sweetness were so refreshing that I finished the glass in one breath without realizing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The refrigerator was stocked with complimentary drinks, including sparkling water and a variety of juices. The apple and carrot juices, in particular, had a natural sweetness that tasted as if they came straight from the freshly harvested produce, gently revitalizing my body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC02195-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25742\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, I tried <em>shinko mochi<\/em>, a local rice cake delicacy. Wrapped in bamboo leaves, it carried a gentle fragrance of the leaves and a soft sweetness from the red bean filling that seemed to melt away stress from both body and mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The room itself was so comfortable that I felt I could easily settle in for several days. With a kitchen included, guests can even cook for themselves, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a \u201clive-in\u201d style stay, as if truly living here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-waters-of-matsunoyama-and-the-energy-of-the-earth\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Waters_of_Matsunoyama_and_the_Energy_of_the_Earth\"><\/span>The Waters of Matsunoyama and the Energy of the Earth<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01651-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25743\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01605-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25744\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And then came the long-awaited hot spring bath. As I sank into the open-air <em>rotenburo<\/em> (outdoor hot spring bath), I felt the water\u2019s relatively high temperature gently warming me from deep inside, wrapping me in a sensation as if my body and the hot spring were becoming one. More than simply warming the body, it gave me a profound sense of peace\u2014almost like \u201creturning to the land itself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the large, traditional indoor bath, there was even a long wooden paddle used for stirring the hot water (<em>yukaki-b\u014d<\/em>). Standing there, I couldn\u2019t help but feel as though I had stepped into the fantastical world of <em>Spirited Away<\/em>, the famous Studio Ghibli film.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01519-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25745\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01566-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25746\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After my bath, I found a small rest area where complimentary <em>onsen tamago<\/em> (eggs slow-cooked in the hot spring water) and ice pops were laid out. Such thoughtful touches instantly brought a smile to my face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s these quiet, understated gestures of hospitality that truly make you think, \u201cI\u2019d love to come back here again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"flavors-of-snow-country-memories-and-the-wisdom-of-fermentation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Flavors_of_Snow_Country_Memories_and_the_Wisdom_of_Fermentation\"><\/span>Flavors of Snow Country Memories and the Wisdom of Fermentation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC02067-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25747\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01939-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25748\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As evening fell and the inn was softly lit, it was time for dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first dish that caught my eye was a beautiful trio of appetizers arranged on a wooden plate, titled <em>Onko Chishin<\/em>\u2014a Japanese phrase meaning \u201cto learn new things by studying the past.\u201d It felt like a single plate that encapsulated the \u201cmemories\u201d of this land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first was <em>yomogi-fu<\/em>\u2014fresh wheat gluten kneaded with Japanese mugwort (<em>yomogi<\/em>), lightly grilled and served with roasted soybean flour (<em>kinako<\/em>) and saut\u00e9ed mustard greens. Its subtle fragrance and gentle flavor were deeply comforting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next was fermented tofu, made by aging local tofu in miso. Often called the \u201ccheese of the snow country,\u201d it paired perfectly with sake, offering both richness and umami.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then came one of Chitose\u2019s specialties: <em>T\u014dji-buta<\/em>, made with \u201cTsumaari Pork,\u201d a premium local brand of pork from the Uonuma region. The meat was slowly cooked using the natural heat of the hot spring itself, resulting in a healthy yet deeply flavorful dish. Without relying on heavy seasoning, the natural taste of the ingredients shone through\u2014reflecting the wisdom and sincerity of the <em>satoyama<\/em> (mountain village) lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another memorable dish was <strong>the pork shoulder loin, also from Tsumaari Pork<\/strong>, carefully prepared using low-temperature cooking techniques to bring out its tenderness and flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01995-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25749\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The fat was <strong>melt-in-your-mouth tender, carrying a faint sweetness<\/strong> that<strong>perfectly complemented both rice and sake<\/strong>. In contrast, the lean meat offered a satisfying bite, releasing layers of umami that spread across the palate with every chew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was more than just <strong>\u201ctwo flavors from one ingredient.<\/strong>\u201d The contrast itself created a kind of <em>ma<\/em>\u2014a Japanese concept of meaningful space or interval\u2014that added<strong> remarkable depth to the overall taste.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pork is also a familiar and beloved ingredient in Taiwan, yet I was deeply impressed by how much of the meat\u2019s natural character could be revealed here through gentle cooking methods, such as harnessing the heat of the hot spring or using low-temperature techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC02098-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25750\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>What makes the cuisine at <em>Hinano-yado Chitose<\/em> truly distinctive is that every dish is designed with one goal in mind:<strong> to enhance the enjoyment of rice and sake<\/strong>. According to the innkeeper, Mr. Yanagi, this philosophy stems from his desire to \u201cserve food that we can be proud of\u2014something unique to this place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Niigata is famous throughout Japan as both a rice-growing region and a sake-producing area. To highlight these blessings, Chitose takes an unusual approach: instead of treating rice as a side dish, they place it firmly in the spotlight. Rice is not only served at the end of the course, as is customary in Japanese dining,<strong> but appears several times throughout the meal\u2014a rare and delightful experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The menu centers around locally sourced vegetables, mountain herbs, and fermented foods, each dish carrying <strong>a gentle flavor that feels as though you are tasting the land itself<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"terraced-rice-nuka-gama-cooking-and-the-signature-rice-centered-tanada-hot-pot\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Terraced_Rice_Nuka-gama_Cooking_and_the_Signature_%E2%80%9CRice-Centered%E2%80%9D_Tanada_Hot_Pot\"><\/span>Terraced Rice, Nuka-gama Cooking, and the Signature \u201cRice-Centered\u201d Tanada Hot Pot<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01710-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25751\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01951-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25752\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s take a closer look at Chitose\u2019s dedication to rice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The rice served here is <em>tanada-mai<\/em>, grown in the terraced rice fields of T\u014dkamachi. These small fields in the Matsunoyama area are nourished by abundant snowmelt water, giving the rice a naturally rich flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Chitose, the rice is cooked in a traditional pot called a <strong><em>nuka-gama<\/em><\/strong>, which uses rice husks (<em>momi<\/em>) as fuel. This age-old method allows<strong> the rice to be served in its absolute best condition.<\/strong> After cooking, the ash produced is returned to the fields, helping to enrich the soil and maintain a healthy farming environment. It\u2019s a perfect example of a<strong> \u201ccircular lifestyle,\u201d<\/strong> one that reminded me of similar sustainable practices in rural Taiwan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01963-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25753\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01981-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25754\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The freshly cooked <em>tanada-mai<\/em> rice from the <em>nuka-gama<\/em> was glossy, fragrant, and full of natural sweetness and stickiness that spread delightfully in my mouth with every bite. Among all the dishes, the one I won\u2019t forget was <strong>the <\/strong><strong><em>nuka-gama<\/em><\/strong><strong>\u2013cooked <\/strong><strong><em>shio-musubi<\/em><\/strong><strong> <\/strong>(salted rice ball).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Appearing midway through the dinner, almost like a sake appetizer, this simple yet elegant rice ball was lightly shaped by hand and sprinkled with just a touch of <em>moshio<\/em>\u2014seaweed-infused salt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This rice comes from terraced fields near the famous \u201cBijinbayashi\u201d forest in Matsunoyama, which is blanketed with up to three meters of snow in winter. When spring arrives, the melting snow nourishes the paddies, producing rice with a rich sweetness and fragrant aroma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the saying goes, \u201cjust a salted rice ball, yet more than just a salted rice ball.\u201d The combination of high-quality ingredients, careful preparation, and time itself created a quiet luxury that was truly unforgettable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC02046-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25755\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC02122-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25756\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The full potential of this rice was revealed in a creative dish called the <strong>Tanada Nabe<\/strong>\u2014a hot pot that could almost be described as \u201ca pot for eating rice.\u201d It was a rich, flavorful rice-based soup that showcased the natural sweetness and umami of the <em>tanada-mai<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The rice was simmered slowly until it became creamy and tender,<\/strong> forming the heart of the dish. Seasonal local vegetables and a specialty aged meat called <em>Koshino Kurenai<\/em> were added, with grated daikon radish placed on top to resemble the gently falling snow of the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To finish, crispy rice crust (<em>okoge<\/em>) was added, lending a toasty aroma and a satisfying crunch. The underlying philosophy seemed clear: <strong>not a single grain of rice should go to waste<\/strong>. This was truly a bowl where rice was the undisputed star<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-toji-bar-continuing-the-local-hot-spring-healing-tradition\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Toji_Bar_Continuing_the_Local_Hot_Spring_Healing_Tradition\"><\/span>The Toji Bar: Continuing the Local Hot Spring Healing Tradition<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC02136-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25757\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC02180-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25758\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After dinner, I headed across the street from Chitose\u2019s entrance to the <em>Toji Bar<\/em> for a light drink. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This unique space was created under the concept of \u201cliving in the hot spring town, not just staying in it.\u201d The Toji Bar is more than just a bar\u2014it combines a tourist information center, caf\u00e9 &amp; bar, co-working space, and even lodging facilities designed for long-term stays. It\u2019s a place where the memory of Matsunoyama\u2019s traditional <strong><em>toji<\/em>culture\u2014extended stays at hot springs for healing\u2014still lingers and continues to evolve.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this region, it is said that during the agricultural off-season, local farmers would gather at the hot springs to heal their bodies, cook simple meals for themselves, and spend time in conversation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Toji Bar revives that scene in a modern way<\/strong>, offering a casual space where locals and guests can naturally connect. Since it is directly operated by Hinano-yado Chitose, you can even stop by after a bath in your yukata.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bar serves not only drinks but also light meals, such as pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven that uses locally thinned beech and oak. You can enjoy a quiet drink alone, or strike up a natural conversation with people from the area. The atmosphere reminded me of Taiwan\u2019s night market culture\u2014<strong>a place of gentle, unforced encounters<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before or after your dinner at the ryokan, I highly recommend visiting the Toji Bar for a taste of both relaxation and community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Address:<\/strong> 9-4 Yumoto, Tokamachi City, Niigata 942-1432<br><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/sfSBtEWeubUEBdXG6\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/sfSBtEWeubUEBdXG6<br><\/a><strong>Access:<\/strong> 1-minute walk from <em>Hinano-yado Chitose<\/em> \/ approx. 15 minutes by car from Hokuhoku Line <em>Matsudai Station<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Phone:<\/strong> 090-2386-1824<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hours:<\/strong> 4:00 PM \u2013 11:00 PM (Last order 10:30 PM)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Closed:<\/strong> Mondays and Tuesdays<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"solo-time-in-the-library\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Solo_Time_in_the_Library\"><\/span>Solo Time in the Library<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01772-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25759\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01769-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25760\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>During my stay, I found myself drawn to the library <em>\u201cChitose Bunko\u201d<\/em>\u2014a peaceful retreat within the inn where you can let your mind settle into stillness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Originally a dining hall, the space has been beautifully renovated into a cozy reading lounge. Shelves are lined with books on travel, nature, and culture, alongside handmade fabric crafts by the landlady and vintage objects that add warmth to the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s most touching is that about half of the collection was donated by an elderly woman who used to be a regular guest. Every year, she would arrive with two boxes of books and spend a week immersed in reading during her stay. Her presence seems to linger here, as if the books continue to connect people, places, and memories across time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC01755-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25761\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s something comforting about having <strong>a place where you can simply be alone in the middle of a journey<\/strong>. Thanks to this quiet space, my stay at <em>Chitose<\/em> felt even more relaxing and fulfilling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-morning-taste-of-terraced-rice-fields-nurtured-by-meltwater\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Morning_Taste_of_Terraced_Rice_Fields_Nurtured_by_Meltwater\"><\/span>A Morning Taste of Terraced Rice Fields Nurtured by Meltwater<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC02254-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25762\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As morning comes, the gentle aroma of freshly cooked rice fills the air \u2014 a sign that the <em>nukagama<\/em> pot has finished its work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> In Matsunoyama, there is a long-held belief of <em>shindo fuji<\/em> \u2014 that eating the food grown in the land, in its proper season, brings balance to the body. This philosophy is reflected in the inn\u2019s breakfast: freshly steamed terraced rice, miso soup, simmered vegetables, natto, and small dishes of mountain greens. The natto, unlike the kind sold in stores, had large, plump beans \u2014 a variety I had never tasted before \u2014 and paired perfectly with the warm, fragrant rice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was a simple yet heartfelt meal, one that let me taste the blessings of the land just as they are \u2014 gentle nourishment for a new morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I love the lively breakfasts in Taiwan \u2014 the sound of sizzling <em>dan bing<\/em> and the comforting aroma of warm soy milk. Yet, this quiet kind of luxury I found here felt like a different kind of richness \u2014 one that can only be experienced while traveling, when time slows and every breath feels deeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"in-closing-a-stay-at-hinanoyado-chitose-matsunoyama-onsen\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_Closing_A_Stay_at_Hinanoyado_Chitose_Matsunoyama_Onsen\"><\/span>In Closing: A Stay at Hinanoyado Chitose, Matsunoyama Onsen<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC02261-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25763\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>All in all, <em>Hinanoyado Chitose<\/em> truly embodies the words of its owner, Mr. Yanagi, who said he wishes the inn to be in a \u201cmutual love\u201d relationship with both the guests and the land itself.It is a place that gently reconnects people with the spirit of Matsunoyama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The comfort of the semi-suite rooms that feel like a complete little world,<br>the liberating sensation of walking barefoot across tatami floors, the healing power of the hot spring, the quiet acts of hospitality that warm the heart, and the philosophy of meals that place rice\u2014the essence of Japan\u2014at the center. Each element reflects the unmistakable <em>sense of place<\/em> that can only be found here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This inn, which lovingly carries on the <em>satoyama<\/em> culture\u2014the traditional way of living in harmony with mountain villages and nature\u2014is especially recommended for <strong>those who wish to learn from the wisdom and everyday life of the land itself.<\/strong>By the time you leave, you\u2019ll likely find yourself saying softly, \u201cI\u2019ll be back again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"basic-information\">Basic Information<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Name:<\/strong> Matsunoyama Onsen \u2013 Hinanoyado Chitose<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Address:<\/strong> 49-1 Matsunoyama Yumoto, T\u014dkamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, 942-1432, Japan<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Access:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u30fb<strong>By Train:<\/strong> About 15 minutes by car or shuttle from <em>Matsudai Station<\/em> (Hokuhoku Line). Advance reservation required for the shuttle service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u30fb<strong>By Car:<\/strong> Approximately 50 minutes from <em>Shiozawa-Ishiuchi IC<\/em> on the Kan-Etsu Expressway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Parking:<\/strong> Available (25 spaces, free of charge)<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"recommend-post-cards\">\n                    <div class=\"recommend-post-card\">\n                <div class=\"recommend-post-card__container\">\n                    <div class=\"recommend-post-card__eyecatch\">\n                                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC01605-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Chitose &#8211; Hinano Inn-\">\n                                            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"recommend-post-card__content\">\n                        <p class=\"recommend-post-card__title\">\n                            Chitose &#8211; Hinano Inn-                        <\/p>\n                        <a class=\"recommend-post-card__link btn-brand\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/ryokan\/chitose\/\">\n                            View Details                        <\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<p>After leaving the inn, I wanted to explore more of what T\u014dkamachi itself has to offer\u2014so I set out on a journey to experience the <em>Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale<\/em>, an art festival that celebrates the deep connection between people, land, and nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"%e3%80%90niigata-tokamachi%e3%80%91a-one-hour-e-bike-journey-through-satoyama-art-and-nature\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E3%80%90Niigata_%E2%80%93_Tokamachi%E3%80%91A_One-Hour_E-Bike_Journey_Through_Satoyama_Art_and_Nature\"><\/span><strong>\u3010Niigata \u2013 T\u014dkamachi\u3011A One-Hour E-Bike Journey Through Satoyama Art and Nature<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00495-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25764\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve always loved visiting art museums and admiring buildings with beautiful design. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This time, I wanted to experience something a little different \u2014 <em>the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale<\/em> in Niigata\u2019s T\u014dkamachi. As I walked through the city, I began to notice small yellow signs scattered around. These signs mark the locations of artworks that make up one of the world\u2019s largest international art festivals. Blending nature, people, art, and everyday life, the festival has quietly taken root in the region since its first edition in 2000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To explore its charm, I rented a sporty electric-assist bicycle called a <em>Satoyama e-Bike<\/em> and set out to visit some of the scattered artworks. My entire route, including stops for sightseeing, took about two hours \u2014 just enough to glimpse a fraction of what the Triennale has to offer. Yet even within that short time, I found myself wanting to return someday to see more. The art here isn\u2019t something you can understand at first glance; it leaves space for imagination, inviting you to think, feel, and interpret in your own way.<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"recommend-post-cards\">\n                    <div class=\"recommend-post-card\">\n                <div class=\"recommend-post-card__container\">\n                    <div class=\"recommend-post-card__eyecatch\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC00495-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale \u2013 Summary\">\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"recommend-post-card__content\">\n                       <p class=\"recommend-post-card__title\">\n                            Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale \u2013 Summary                        <\/p>\n                        <a class=\"recommend-post-card__link btn-brand\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/spot\/echigo-tsumari-art-field\/\">\n                            View Details                        <\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"25-years-nurtured-by-the-echigo-tsumari-art-triennale\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"25_Years_Nurtured_by_the_Echigo-Tsumari_Art_Triennale\"><\/span>25 Years Nurtured by the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yayoi Kusama, <em>Blooming Tsumari<\/em> \u2014 Photo by Osamu Nakamura<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tracing back its history \u2014 the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale originated from the <em>\u201cNew Niigata Satokoso (Village Creation) Plan\u201d<\/em> proposed by the governor of Niigata Prefecture in 1994.With the aim of breathing new life into rural areas struggling with depopulation and aging, the first edition was held in 2000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At first, it took time for the local residents to fully understand and accept the idea. Yet through repeated dialogue, trust gradually began to grow. Then in 2004, when the Chuetsu Earthquake struck, artists and volunteers devoted themselves to helping clear the disaster-stricken areas.The relationships built through art deepened over time, transforming into genuine bonds within the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"art-blending-into-the-rural-landscape\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Art_Blending_into_the_Rural_Landscape\"><\/span>Art Blending into the Rural Landscape<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00416-4-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25765\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Across Tokamachi and Tsunan, artworks are scattered throughout the countryside \u2014 sculptures standing amid terraced rice fields, installations that transform abandoned houses, and creations that breathe new life into former school buildings. Each piece reflects the spirit of satoyama \u2014 the harmony between people and the land \u2014 capturing both the beauty of the natural landscape and the quiet rhythm of rural life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The artworks are marked by small yellow signs, which are taken down during the region\u2019s heavy winters and reinstalled each spring as the snow melts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Art here doesn\u2019t exist merely to be \u201cseen\u201d; it lives in harmony with the harshness of nature, seamlessly blending into the rhythms of local life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bringing-smiles-to-grandparents-the-heart-behind-the-art-triennale\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bringing_Smiles_to_Grandparents%E2%80%9D_%E2%80%94_The_Heart_Behind_the_Art_Triennale\"><\/span>Bringing Smiles to Grandparents\u201d \u2014 The Heart Behind the Art Triennale<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC07921-5-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25766\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Ma Yanson \/ MAD Architects, <em>Tunnel of Light<\/em> \u2014 Photo by Osamu Nakamura<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The overall director of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale is art director Fram Kitagawa.The festival\u2019s essence is perfectly captured in his simple phrase: <em>\u201cWe want to make grandpas and grandmas smile.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why do artists from around the world gather in this remote satoyama, and why do new works continue to emerge year after year?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s because the festival has nurtured art not as a mere tool for regional revitalization, but as a medium to reconnect people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Locals with artists, volunteers with residents, tourists with the rhythms of daily life \u2014 these diverse interactions blend together to form a living landscape. This is the everyday reality of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a staff member from the local cultural tourism department explained,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;We weren\u2019t trying to repeat the same things over and over. We just kept building on new experiments \u2014 and before we knew it, a quarter of a century had passed.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"exploring-the-satoyama-by-e-bike\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Exploring_the_Satoyama_by_E-Bike\"><\/span>Exploring the Satoyama by E-Bike<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The journey began at the Tokamachi City Tourist Information Center, <em>Tocco<\/em>, located right next to Tokamachi Station. Here, you can rent a sports e-bike with electric assistance. Even if it\u2019s your first time riding, the staff provide thorough instructions, making it easy and reassuring to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00366-4-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25767\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We highly recommend using an <strong>electric-assist bicycle.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tokamachi is full of hills, and pedaling for long periods can be more physically demanding than you might expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the height of summer, the strong sun and humid heat can make cycling quite uncomfortable,<strong> so we generally don\u2019t recommend summer rides.<\/strong> During the cooler seasons of spring and autumn, however, the breeze is pleasant, and cycling becomes a truly enjoyable experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spot Name:<\/strong> Tokamachi City Tourist Information Center <em>Tocco<\/em><br><strong>Address:<\/strong> 251-17 Asahimachi, Tokamachi City, Niigata 948-0082, Japan (West Exit, Tokamachi Station)<br><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/srJcPaBafixT87ke6\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/srJcPaBafixT87ke6<br><\/a><strong>Access:<\/strong> West Exit, Hokuhoku Line <em>Tokamachi Station<\/em><br><strong>Phone:<\/strong> +81 25-757-3345<br><strong>E-Bike Rental Period:<\/strong> Late April to November (closed during snowfall)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00379-3-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25768\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00401-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25769\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Our first destination was<strong> the Asphalt Spot,<\/strong> about a 15-minute ride from Tokamachi Station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The abstract patterns painted on the ground change depending on the angle from which you view them, creating a fascinating optical illusion. From a distance, you might find yourself squinting and thinking, <em>\u201cWait\u2026 is the ground bulging?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s the kind of artwork that makes you pause and question reality: <em>Is this a piece of art, or just part of the road?<\/em> Experiencing the world from this unusual perspective was both intriguing and surprisingly stimulating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spot Name:<\/strong> Asphalt Spot<br><strong>Address:<\/strong> 3-358 Tora, Tokamachi City, Niigata 948-0072,Japan<br><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/nmyyR8QFnYms1fp88\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/nmyyR8QFnYms1fp88<br><\/a><strong>Access:<\/strong> About 30 minutes on foot or 15 minutes by bicycle from Hokuhoku Line <em>Tokamachi Station<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"panoramic-views-from-the-river-terrace\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Panoramic_Views_from_the_River_Terrace\"><\/span>Panoramic Views from the River Terrace<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After about a 30-minute ride uphill from the <em>Asphalt Spot<\/em>, we emerged onto a road flanked by rice paddies, greeted by a view that instantly lifted our spirits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In summer, the rice swayed gently in the breeze, producing a soothing rustling sound \u2014 the quiet rhythm of daily life in Tokamachi. For visitors like us, this \u201cordinary\u201d scene feels like a moment plucked from a movie, a gentle taste of the extraordinary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00416-5-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25770\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After riding straight for about five minutes, we spotted a sign on the right. Parking our bicycles nearby, we followed a small path \u2014 and suddenly, the view opened up, revealing a three-dimensional panorama of the satoyama landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00407-3-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25771\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In spring, fresh greenery carpets the hills; in summer, deep green fields stretch under brilliant blue skies. Autumn brings crimson leaves and golden rice paddies, and winter wraps everything in pure white snow. It\u2019s as if the four seasons take turns performing on the same stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But the charm lies in more than just the vastness of the view. From here, you can see clusters of villages scattered across the terraces, shimmering rivers, and the rhythm of everyday life woven into the landscape. A quiet story unique to this place begins to unfold before your eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The feeling of openness makes you want to take a deep breath\u2014and the lingering sense that you\u2019ll want to return someday stays with you. Far from the noise of the city, this is a place where you can truly become one with nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spot Name:<\/strong> River Terrace Viewpoint<br><strong>Address:<\/strong> 948 Isehiraiji, Tokamachi City, Niigata 948-0131, Japan<br><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/3GcD44QC4VQEaQqs8\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/3GcD44QC4VQEaQqs8<br><\/a><strong>Access:<\/strong> About 15 minutes by car or 30 minutes by bicycle from Hokuhoku Line <em>Tokamachi Station<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"awakening-the-senses-at-the-house-of-light\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Awakening_the_Senses_at_the_House_of_Light\"><\/span>Awakening the Senses at the House of Light<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC02372-3-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25772\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00516-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25774\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For the final stop of our journey, we visited James Turrell\u2019s <em>House of Light<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC02339-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25773\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When the central part of the ceiling slowly opens, the sky itself becomes a \u201cframed piece of art.\u201d Watching the colors and light gradually shift makes even the passage of time feel slower. You become aware of the gentle breeze, the temperature of the air, the movement of the clouds \u2014 and before you know it, you naturally take a deep, calming breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC02356-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25775\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>House of Light<\/em> is also <strong>available for overnight stays,<\/strong> and guests can experience special programs called \u201cDawn Light\u201d and \u201cEvening Light.\u201d The atmosphere changes completely between night and morning, so if you have the time, it\u2019s highly recommended to experience both. Turrell drew inspiration from Jun\u2019ichir\u014d Tanizaki\u2019s <em>In Praise of Shadows<\/em>, creating, simply put, a house where you can quietly savor light and shadow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We only visited for the day, but on our way out, we looked up at<strong> the retractable roof<\/strong> from outside and thought, <em>\u201cAh, so that\u2019s how it moves!\u201d<\/em> \u2014 a satisfying glimpse of the structure in action. The view must change with the seasons and the weather, so next time we hope to stay overnight and watch the light shift slowly. Combined with the gentle fatigue from our cycling, the stillness of the space seeped pleasantly into our bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spot Name:<\/strong> House of Light<br><strong>Artist:<\/strong> James Turrell (USA)<br><strong>Address:<\/strong> 2891 Kamino-Ko, Tokamachi City, Niigata 948-0122, Japan<br><strong>Phone:<\/strong> +81 25-761-1090<br><strong>Access:<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>\u30fbBy Train:<\/strong> About 20 minutes by car or 60 minutes by bicycle from Tokamachi Station<br>\u30fb<strong>By Car:<\/strong> About 35 minutes from Kan-Etsu Expressway <em>Muikamachi IC<\/em>, or about 1 hour from <em>Kashiwazaki IC<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"summary-exploring-the-echigo-tsumari-art-triennale-by-satoyama-e-bike\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary_Exploring_the_Echigo-Tsumari_Art_Triennale_by_Satoyama_E-Bike\"><\/span>Summary | Exploring the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale by Satoyama E-Bike<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC00366-5-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25776\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The e-bike tour through the Satoyama to explore art wasn\u2019t just a way to get from one place to another\u2014it was a full sensory immersion into Tokamachi. The artworks that appeared along the roads, the rustling of rice swaying in the wind, the expansive views of terraced fields in the distance, and the quiet stillness inside the House of Light\u2014each moment left a lasting impression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even now, I find myself recalling these experiences in fleeting moments, as if the memories themselves have become part of the landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tips for Your Satoyama E-Bike Art Tour:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Best seasons:<\/strong> Spring and autumn are ideal; summer can be very hot and sunny, making cycling challenging.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>E-bike recommended:<\/strong> The area has many hills, so an electric-assist bicycle is essential for an enjoyable ride.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The House of Light<\/strong> offers exclusive programs only for overnight guests. If this interests you, it\u2019s worth staying at the facility to experience them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who want to enjoy nature and art at their own pace, this is a place best visited slowly, with careful attention to the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spot Name:<\/strong> Satoyama E-Bike | Art Tour (House of Light Edition)<br><strong>Organizer:<\/strong> Tokamachi City Tourism Association<br><strong>Starting Point:<\/strong> Tokamachi City Tourist Information Center \u201cTocco\u201d<br><strong>Address:<\/strong> 251-17 Asahimachi, Tokamachi City, Niigata 948-0082, Japan (West Exit, Tokamachi Station)<br><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/srJcPaBafixT87ke6\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/srJcPaBafixT87ke<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Access to the Starting Point:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u30fb<strong>By train:<\/strong> Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Echigo-Yuzawa Station (approx. 70 minutes), then transfer to the Hokuhoku Line to Tokamachi Station (approx. 35 minutes).<br>\u30fb<strong>By car:<\/strong> Driving times vary depending on your starting area; see below for reference to Tokamachi City.<br>\u2460<strong>From Tokyo<\/strong>\u3010via Kan-Etsu Expressway\u3011<br>Approx. driving time: 3 hours 40 minutes<br>Nearest IC: Kan-Etsu Expressway, Muikamachi IC or Shiozawa-Ishiuchi IC<br>From Muikamachi IC: Route 253, approx. 30 minutes<br>From Shiozawa-Ishiuchi IC: Route 17 \u2192 \u014csawayama Tunnel<br>\u2192 Prefectural Route 76, approx. 40 minutes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First-time visitors are recommended to use Muikamachi IC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2461<strong>From Nagoya<\/strong> (via Chuo Expressway \u2192 Nagano Expressway \u2192 Joshin-Etsu Expressway)<br>Approx. driving time: 5 hours 30 minutes \u2013 7 hours<br>Nearest IC: Joshin-Etsu Expressway, Toyoda-Iiyama IC<br>From Toyoda-Iiyama IC: Route 117, approx. 1.5\u20132 hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>\u2462<strong>From Osaka<\/strong> (via Meishin Expressway \u2192 Hokuriku Expressway)<br>Approx. driving time: 7\u20138 hours<br>Nearest IC: Hokuriku Expressway, Joetsu IC<br>From Joetsu IC: Route 253, approx. 1.5 hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hours: 9:00 \u2013 17:00<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Satoyama E-Bike Rental Info:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rental period:<\/strong> Late April \u2013 November (closed during snowfall)<br><strong>Rental fees:<\/strong> 2,000 JPY for 4 hours \/ 3,000 JPY for 1 day (tax included)<br><strong>Parking:<\/strong> Free parking available at Tokamachi Station<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Written by Larisa Kawakami<br>Translation: Ryokanbook Editorial Team<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hello! I\u2019m a university student living in Taiwan who loves traveling around Japan, exploring local lifestyles, culture, and the way people connect with their land. This time, I\u2019d like to share my stay at Hinano-yado Chitose, a traditional inn located in Matsunoyama Onsen (a hot spring village in T\u014dkamachi City, Niigata Prefecture). It was a trip I took when I wanted to step away from my busy daily routine and simply breathe deeply. Set in a small mountain hamlet, this inn is far more than just a place to sleep. Surrounded by the quiet beauty of Japan\u2019s satoyama (the borderland where villages meet the mountains) and blessed with healing hot springs, I experienced a warm-hearted hospitality that allowed time to flow gently, making my stay deeply fulfilling. Healing at Matsunoyama Onsen: Hinano-yado Chitose, One of Japan\u2019s Top Three Medicinal Hot Springs Matsunoyama Onsen is counted among Japan\u2019s \u201cThree Great Medicinal Hot Springs\u201d (Nihon Sandai Yakut\u014d), with a history of over 700 years <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":3316,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"blog_author_id":1701},"area":[3],"r-journal-category":[143],"r-journal-tag":[144,160],"class_list":["post-1738","r-journal","type-r-journal","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","area-tokamachi","r-journal-category-model-course","r-journal-tag-1-night-trip","r-journal-tag-onsen-focused-ryokans"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/r-journal\/1738","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/r-journal"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/r-journal"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3316"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1738"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"area","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/area?post=1738"},{"taxonomy":"r-journal-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/r-journal-category?post=1738"},{"taxonomy":"r-journal-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/r-journal-tag?post=1738"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}