{"id":1798,"date":"2025-12-18T14:37:31","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T05:37:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/?post_type=r-journal&#038;p=1798"},"modified":"2026-04-24T17:39:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T08:39:27","slug":"tokamachi-report-2n3d-route-nature","status":"publish","type":"r-journal","link":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/r-journal\/tokamachi-report-2n3d-route-nature\/","title":{"rendered":"[Tokamachi] 3-Day\/2-Night Model Course | Serene Satoyama Journey Surrounded by Nature &amp; Art"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>It was the height of summer when I first visited this place. The sun beat down relentlessly, yet somehow it felt comforting. The breeze was cool, the greenery deep, cicadas buzzed in the distance, and a small stream murmured nearby. The lively sounds of summer turned into a quiet symphony here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tokamachi, Niigata \u2014&nbsp;<\/strong>a town shaped by snow, water, and<strong>&nbsp;art<\/strong>. In winter, it is buried under heavy snowfall, and when the snow melts in spring, the land slowly breathes back to life. From this natural cycle emerged another identity: a place where art gently weaves itself into everyday living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Symbolizing this spirit is&nbsp;<strong>the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale<\/strong>, one of the world\u2019s largest regional art festivals, where artworks are scattered throughout the satoyama landscape, wrapping the entire town in creativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC08092-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26574\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, I\u2019d like to share&nbsp;<strong>a three-day itinerary<\/strong>&nbsp;based on my own walk through Tokamachi, for those planning to visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a journey where you can feel the beauty of nature, the warmth of the people, and the quiet overlap between art and daily life.By the end of your trip, you\u2019ll likely notice the richness that lives within its stillness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/4_\u8d8a\u5f8c\u6e6f\u6ca2_EN\u30b9\u30af\u30b7\u30e7-1024x576.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2194\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/4_\u8d8a\u5f8c\u6e6f\u6ca2_EN\u30b9\u30af\u30b7\u30e7-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/4_\u8d8a\u5f8c\u6e6f\u6ca2_EN\u30b9\u30af\u30b7\u30e7-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/4_\u8d8a\u5f8c\u6e6f\u6ca2_EN\u30b9\u30af\u30b7\u30e7-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/4_\u8d8a\u5f8c\u6e6f\u6ca2_EN\u30b9\u30af\u30b7\u30e7-2x1.webp 2w, https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/4_\u8d8a\u5f8c\u6e6f\u6ca2_EN\u30b9\u30af\u30b7\u30e7.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\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\/ken.webp\" alt=\"\u677e\u5c71\u5065\u4ecb\"\/>\n            <\/figure>\n            <div class=\"r-journal-author__meta\">\n                <p class=\"r-journal-author__position\">Travel Influencer<\/p>\n                <p class=\"r-journal-author__name\">\n                    <span>\u677e\u5c71\u5065\u4ecb<\/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\">Kensuke Matsuyama (World\u2019s Ken)<br \/>\r\nAfter moving to Poland, Kensuke Matsuyama launched the SNS platform \u201cKen \/ Solo Japanese Style\u201d, creating content that connects Poland and Japan. He now focuses on videos showcasing Japanese culture and daily life, reaching a total of 1 million followers. Kensuke also runs \u201cJapan of Japan\u201d (YouTube, 60,000+ subscribers), introducing traditional ryokan and hidden gems across Japan. Through his content, he shares the authentic charm of Japan beyond the big cities, offering a Japanese perspective to a global audience.<\/p>\n            <a class=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@japan_of_japan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@japan_of_japan<\/a>\n            <button class=\"r-journal-author__close\"><\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day-1%ef%bd%9cbeginning-a-journey-through-art-rooted-in-the-land\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_1%EF%BD%9CBeginning_a_Journey_Through_Art_Rooted_in_the_Land\"><\/span>Day 1\uff5cBeginning a Journey Through Art Rooted in the Land<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From Tokyo Station, it takes about two hours by Shinkansen. Transfer to a local line at <strong>Echigo-Yuzawa<\/strong>, and after roughly forty minutes you\u2019ll arrive at <strong>Tokamachi Station<\/strong>.(<em>Note: IC cards aren\u2019t accepted on this section, so carrying some cash is helpful.<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you arrive, renting a car at the Toyota Rent-a-Car in front of the station is the most convenient option.<span class=\"marker2\">With many artworks scattered across the surrounding countryside, having a car makes exploring smoother.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, if you\u2019re confident in your stamina, you might consider renting a bicycle inside the station for your first day, and switching to a rental car from the second day onward. Feeling the satoyama breeze on your face as you cycle will let you experience the gentle rhythm of life in this town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"museum-on-echigo-tsumari-contemporary-art-rooted-in-the-satoyama-landscape\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Museum_on_Echigo-Tsumari_Contemporary_Art_Rooted_in_the_Satoyama_Landscape\"><\/span>Museum on Echigo-Tsumari: Contemporary Art Rooted in the Satoyama Landscape<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\/11\/DSC07738-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26467\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The first place to visit on Day 1 is <em><strong>Museum on Echigo-Tsumari<\/strong><\/em>, located just a ten-minute walk from Tokamachi Station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Designed by architect Hiroshi Hara, the building features a large reflecting pool at its center, mirroring the sky and clouds above. Whenever the wind passes through, ripples dance across the surface, as if time itself is being shaped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stepping inside, your senses are quietly awakened\u2014by sound, by light, by color. <span class=\"marker2\">Each exhibit draws inspiration from the satoyama landscape and local ways of life, expressing art that has grown naturally from this land and the people who inhabit it.<\/span><\/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\/11\/DSC07783-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26493\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>What struck me most was an <strong>installation<\/strong> made of everyday household items suspended from the ceiling. At first glance they seemed to be hanging there at random, but each object was paired with a short English phrase\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>a clue that invites you to imagine what might have happened to its owner. Someone\u2019s joy, someone\u2019s sorrow. Even without faces or video, the scenes began to take shape in my mind. It was in that moment I realized: art isn\u2019t something that gives you answers. <span class=\"marker2\">It\u2019s something that leaves room for you to imagine.<\/span><\/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\/11\/DSC07827-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26494\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Soak in at the adjoining hot spring, <strong>Akashi no Yu<\/strong>, if you have time along the way. <span class=\"marker2\">The facility is surprisingly spacious and has a unique atmosphere\u2014quite different from a typical Japanese onsen.<\/span> Steam drifts through its modern architectural space, making it feel almost like an extension of the art you\u2019ve just experienced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even so, the baths and sauna are well equipped, and once you slip into the water, the warmth slowly reaches the core of your 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\/11\/DSC07832-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26495\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After your bath, try the local specialty: <strong>carrot ice cream<\/strong>. Its gentle sweetness spreads across your palate, as if the soft air of this snowy region were quietly soaking into your body.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"cta-btn\"><a class=\"btn-brand\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/area\/tokamachi\/spot\/echigo-tsumari-museum\/\">Learn more about the \u201dEchigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum\u201d<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-echigo-tsumari-art-triennale-a-world-renowned-celebration-of-regional-art\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Echigo-Tsumari_Art_Triennale_%E2%80%94_a_world-renowned_celebration_of_regional_art\"><\/span>The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale \u2014 a world-renowned celebration of regional art<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Next on the journey is<strong>the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale<\/strong>, the festival that Tokamachi proudly shares with the world. Here, the entire town becomes a vast canvas, with artworks dotted across fields, villages, and mountain hamlets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since its launch in 2000, the festival has been shaped by the idea that <em>\u201chumans live within nature, not outside it.\u201d<\/em> Artists and local residents work together to create works that grow from the land itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than \u201cbuilding\u201d tourist attractions, the festival seeks to <em>preserve the memories of the place<\/em>. On this trip, I visited three pieces in particular\u2014<span class=\"marker2\">each one expressing a different face of Tokamachi and reflecting the richness held within this land.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-asphalt-spot-feeling-the-pulse-of-the-earth\">1. Asphalt Spot \u2014 Feeling the Pulse of the Earth<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC00379-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26502\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The first piece worth visiting is <em><strong>Asphalt Spot<\/strong><\/em><strong><em>, <\/em><\/strong>an artwork in which the ground itself becomes the canvas.Black asphalt undulates like waves, creating the strange sensation that gravity has been disturbed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Standing on the piece, you feel the subtle slopes and rises beneath your feet, realizing how stable the \u201cordinary ground\u201d usually is. <span class=\"marker2\">It\u2019s a quiet encounter with the extraordinary hidden within an everyday landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-kagan-dan-hillside-viewpoint-a-classic-niigata-landscape-unfolds\">2. Kagan-dan Hillside Viewpoint \u2014 A Classic Niigata Landscape Unfolds<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC00416-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26503\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>From the Asphalt Spot, it\u2019s a 15-minute drive.Along the way, endless rice fields stretch out on both sides of the road\u2014 the quintessential scenery of Niigata.The rice plants rustle softly in the wind, and the green waves rippling across the fields are calming enough to soothe your mind just by passing through.<br><br>Cross the Tsumaari Bridge over the Shinano River, climb the hill, and suddenly the view opens wide. This is the <strong>Kagan-dan Hillside Viewpoint<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Terraces carved by the Shinano River overlap with tiered rice fields, creating a three-dimensional landscape that feels like a work of art shaped by the earth itself. <span class=\"marker2\">With each season, the scenery shifts\u2014sometimes vibrant, sometimes quiet\u2014and the breeze and stillness seep gently into your heart.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-house-of-light-an-experience-that-frames-the-sky\">3. House of Light \u2014 An Experience That Frames the Sky<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC02372-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26504\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The last stop of the day is the <strong>House of Light<\/strong>, created <strong>by James Turrell,<\/strong> the American master of light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At first glance, it appears to be a quiet wooden building, but its ceiling opens to frame the sky like a living canvas.As sunset approaches, the colors of the sky respond to the shifting lights inside, and the entire space fills with a slowly changing gradient of light.In those moments, even the passing of time becomes part of the artwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"marker2\">You can also stay overnight, spending the evening simply <em>watching light<\/em> from within the architecture.<\/span> It is a place where nature, structure, and human perception melt into one\u2014 a space that feels as if you are breathing in rhythm with the light itself.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"cta-btn\"><a class=\"btn-black\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/area\/tokamachi\/spot\/echigo-tsumari-art-field\/\">Learn more about the \u201dEchigo-Tsumari Art Triennale\u201d<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"yukinoya-a-home-that-illuminates-the-memories-of-snow-country\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Yukinoya_%E2%80%94_A_Home_That_Illuminates_the_Memories_of_Snow_Country\"><\/span>Yukinoya \u2014 A Home That Illuminates the Memories of Snow Country<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\/11\/DSC00022-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26506\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Tonight\u2019s stay is at <strong>Yukinoya (Furusawa Residence)<\/strong>, a beautifully restored 150-year-old kominka set along the banks of the Shinano River. Limited to one group per night, the house offers an intimate and deeply peaceful experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though it retains the quiet elegance of old Japan, the interior is remarkably clean and thoughtfully equipped with modern comforts.Next to the tatami room is a bedroom with proper beds, making it welcoming even for those unaccustomed to traditional futons.<\/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\/11\/DSC00284-1-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27041\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Step through the entrance and you\u2019re greeted by the scent of wood and the warmth of a stove. In the living room, thick wooden beams span the open ceiling, their presence quietly expressing the depth of time they\u2019ve witnessed.The kitchen is spacious, and guests are free to use the traditional irori hearth as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can stop by a local supermarket, pick up whatever ingredients you like, and enjoy meals in your own style, at your own pace\u2014one of the charms unique to this place.<span class=\"marker2\"> It feels less like <strong>staying<\/strong> somewhere, and more like <strong>living<\/strong> here, even if just for a night.<\/span><\/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\/11\/DSC00262-1-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26507\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The host, Mr. Ibi spoke gently about the wisdom and culture of the snow country\u2014 the purpose of the roofed walkways called <em>gangi<\/em>, and the way houses were ingeniously designed to endure harsh winters. Everything he explained reflected the aesthetic sensibility that has taken root in this land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At <strong>Yukinoya<\/strong>, the wisdom of people who learned to live alongside severe nature\u2014 their \u201cingenuity for living\u201d and their \u201cbeauty in everyday life\u201d\u2014is still very much alive. <span class=\"marker2\">To bring light back into an old farmhouse where a family once laughed and lived is more than restoring a place to stay; it is an act of carrying forward the memories of the region.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As night deepens, only the crackling of firewood and the faint whisper of wind outside remain. This quiet, unhurried night is a luxury you can never experience in the city.<\/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\/11\/DSC00134-2-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27056\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The next morning, a local mother prepares freshly cooked Koshihikari rice in the kitchen.Though it\u2019s your first time meeting, her warmth feels strangely familiar\u2014 a gentle final touch that completes the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"cta-btn\"><a class=\"btn-brand\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/ryokan\/yukinoya\/\">Learn more about the \u201dYukinoya-Furusawa Traditional Stay\u201d<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day-2-a-day-to-connect-with-nature-and-find-inner-calm\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_2_A_Day_to_Connect_with_Nature_and_Find_Inner_Calm\"><\/span>Day 2 | A Day to Connect with Nature and Find Inner Calm<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tokamachi-terraced-rice-fields-trek-the-breathtaking-hoshitoge-course\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tokamachi_Terraced_Rice_Fields_Trek_%E2%80%94_The_Breathtaking_Hoshitoge_Course\"><\/span>Tokamachi Terraced Rice Fields Trek \u2014 The Breathtaking Hoshitoge Course<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>On the morning of Day 2, the innkeeper at Yukinoya, Mr. Ibi, offers a guided experience called the <strong>Terraced Rice Fields Trek<\/strong>. If you have the chance, it\u2019s well worth joining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The meeting point is <strong>Hokuhoku \u014cshima Station on the Hokuhoku Line<\/strong>. After a quiet prayer at a small shrine, the trek begins as you step gently into the mountains.<\/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\/11\/DSC00071-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26508\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Mr. Ibi slowly teaches us the names of the trees, the scents of the leaves, and the workings of the mountains. \u201cWhat makes this place special,\u201d he said, \u201cis that both the trees and the people here live supported by the snow.\u201d Those words left a lasting impression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The trail follows an old, unpaved road. Beneath your feet, the soft earth cushions each step, and when you rub a branch of <strong>kuromoji<\/strong> between your fingers, a refreshing scent rises and drifts through the air. The wind stirs the trees, and the rustling of leaves flows like waves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The round-trip course takes about three and a half hours. Along the way, Mr. Ibi adjusts the pace to suit our condition, allowing for occasional breaks. <span class=\"marker2\">Some slopes are steep, but strangely, the sensation is more pleasant than exhausting, and the mountains feel surprisingly comforting.<\/span><\/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\/11\/DSC09843-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26510\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Soon, we reached the ridge, and the view suddenly opened up. On the slopes lay about 200 terraced fields, layered like fish scales, stretching toward the ridges of the <strong>Echigo Sanzan<\/strong> mountains beyond. This is the <strong>Hoshitoge Terraced Rice Fields<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"marker2\">Yes\u2014this is where Niigata\u2019s famous white rice is grown.<\/span> In spring and autumn, the fields reflect the sky like mirrors, and if you\u2019re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a sea of clouds.<\/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\/11\/DSC09743-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26511\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>These terraced fields are not tourist attractions\u2014they are privately owned and carefully maintained by local residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By staying on the paths, not taking anything, and carrying out your trash, you help preserve this landscape for the future. <span class=\"marker2\">Visiting this place is more than sightseeing; it is a chance to connect with a way of life that has been lovingly preserved for generations.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"cta-btn\"><a class=\"btn-black\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/area\/tokamachi\/spot\/hoshitoge-terraced-ricefields\/\">Learn more about the \u201dHoshitoge Rice Terraces\u201d<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kamosu-no-mori-an-inn-to-savor-sake-and-fine-cuisine-amid-the-forests-silence\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kamosu_no_Mori_%E2%80%94_An_Inn_to_Savor_Sake_and_Fine_Cuisine_Amid_the_Forests_Silence\"><\/span>Kamosu no Mori \u2014 An Inn to Savor Sake and Fine Cuisine Amid the Forest\u2019s Silence<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\/11\/DSC07081-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26514\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After finishing the trek and having lunch, it\u2019s time to head to tonight\u2019s accommodation. A 30-minute drive along mountain roads brings you to a wooden inn that seems to blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest\u2014this is <strong>Kamosu no Mori<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The name <em>kamosu<\/em> means <strong>\u201cto ferment.\u201d<\/strong> Just as rice and koji slowly mingle and mature over time, here, your mind gradually unwinds.Listening to the stillness of the forest, you\u2019ll notice the pace of your journey naturally slowing down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-day-reserved-for-you-luxurious-time-living-with-the-forest\">A Day Reserved for You \u2014 Luxurious Time Living with the Forest<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC07138-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26516\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Kamosu no Mori offers several room types, but if possible, you should experience the <strong>private villa \u201cRoom V,\u201d<\/strong> which opened in 2023.This special villa is reserved for just one group per day, offering a space as luxurious as a private retreat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Set a short distance from the main building, the villa is surrounded by trees, and when you open the windows, all you hear is the wind and birdsong.The first floor features an <strong>outdoor space <\/strong>with sofas and a table, and during the right season, <span class=\"marker2\">you can enjoy a BBQ or a campfire under the forest canopy.<\/span><\/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\/11\/DSC07060-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26517\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The second floor serves as<strong>a living area and bedroom<\/strong>, decorated primarily in white. It features a Simmons bed and wooden furniture that exude warmth\u2014modern yet comforting in a familiar way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond the large windows, the forested ridges stretch gently, offering completely different views in the morning and at night.<\/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\/11\/DSC07064-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26520\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>At the back of the living area is <strong>an open-air cypress bath.<\/strong> The scent of hinoki drifts gently with the steam, relaxing your body from within.By night, you are surrounded by the starry sky; by morning, the sound of birds fills the air. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The changing light and sound throughout the day leave lasting memories of this special place.<\/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\/11\/DSC07068-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26521\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The fridge is stocked with craft beer, sake, wine, and local snacks\u2014so well-equipped it hardly feels like a simple self-serve selection.The living area also features a large projector and screen, along with Bluetooth speakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can play your favorite music while soaking in the open-air bath, glass in hand, gazing out over the forest. <span class=\"marker2\">Here, the quiet of the surroundings becomes the ultimate luxury.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"an-evening-feast-where-sake-and-italian-cuisine-harmonize\">An Evening Feast \u2014 Where Sake and Italian Cuisine Harmonize<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>No account of Kamosu no Mori would be complete without mentioning its <strong>dinner experience<\/strong>.Here, the dishes and sake are carefully paired, each bringing out the best in the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The dining room is a calm space, with wood and glass as its primary materials.Glass cases resembling wine cellars display renowned sake from across Japan alongside craft bottles from Niigata. Candlelight flickers softly, blending with the forest\u2019s quiet, creating a moment that feels both sacred and deeply comforting.<\/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\/11\/DSC07265-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26525\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The course meal features creative Italian cuisine using ingredients from Niigata. Snow-aged vegetables, wild mountain greens, locally sourced red meat, and <strong>Tokamachi Koshihikari rice flour<\/strong>\u2014each dish embodies the blessings of the region\u2019s four seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What stood out most were the appetizer made with snow-aged carrots and the savory, perfectly roasted Niigata red meat. <span class=\"marker2\">The sake served with each dish complemented it as if it were part of the meal itself.<\/span><br><br><em><strong>A fruit-scentedjunmai ginjo<\/strong>:<\/em> Japanese sakeenhanced the sweetness of the vegetables, while the rich aroma of aged sake quietly enveloped the meat\u2019s umami.<\/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\/11\/DSC07237-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26526\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pairing a different sake with every dish\u2014<\/strong><br>this delicate harmony of combinations is the true essence of dinner at Kamosu Mori.The sake never tries to dominate; instead, it resonates in the same breath as the food.In every glass, you can sense the creator\u2019s sensibility overlapping with the chef\u2019s intentions. I don\u2019t usually drink much sake, but on this night, I found myself completely captivated by its subtle world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The chef\u2019s refined movements, the manager\u2019s thoughtful hospitality, and the stories infused into each sake.The candlelight swaying behind the glass,the darkness of the forest sinking beyond the window\u2014 all of it came together to leave a lingering, quiet afterglow on this night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"marker2\">A moment to pause in the midst of a journey and allow oneself to <em>ferment<\/em>.Perhaps that is exactly the kind of time modern people need the most.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"cta-btn\"><a class=\"btn-brand\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/ryokan\/kamosumori\/\">Learn more about the \u201dKAMOSUMORI\u201d<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hinotori-trip.com\/media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC01093-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27062\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Yuichi Yamagishi, the owner of Kamosu Mori, also runs another renowned inn, <strong>\u201cTamakiy a\u2014Sake Inn\u201d<\/strong> in Matsunoyama Onsen. As both a wine sommelier and a certified sake expert, Yamagishi has created a place celebrated nationwide for its Japanese sake pairing experience.<br><br><span class=\"marker2\">The philosophy of savoring <em>sake, cuisine, and local culture as one<\/em> flows consistently through both inns, shaping a truly immersive stay.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"cta-btn\"><a class=\"btn-black\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/ryokan\/tamakiya\/\">Learn more about the \u201dSake Inn -Tamakiya-\u201d<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day-3-discovering-the-beauty-of-tokamachi-in-silence\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_3_Discovering_the_Beauty_of_Tokamachi_in_Silence\"><\/span>Day 3 | Discovering the Beauty of Tokamachi in Silence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bijinbayashi-a-forest-of-a-hundred-years-telling-a-story-of-renewal\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bijinbayashi_%E2%80%94_A_Forest_of_a_Hundred_Years_Telling_a_Story_of_Renewal\"><\/span>Bijinbayashi \u2014 A Forest of a Hundred Years Telling a Story of Renewal<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\/11\/DSC07615-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26529\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On the final day, after leaving Kamosu no Mori, we headed back toward Tokamachi Station with a slight detour to <strong>Bijinbayashi<\/strong>. This approximately 3-hectare beech forest in Matsunoyama, Niigata, has trees around 100 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All the trees had once been cut down at the end of the Taisho period for charcoal, but the following spring, they sprouted all at once and regenerated. <span class=\"marker2\">Knowing this story makes the straight, tall trunks appear even more dignified.<\/span><br><br>As sunlight filters through the leaves, the trunks emit a subtle sound.In spring, the mix of lingering snow and fresh leaves creates a serene scene; in summer, the cool air feels about two degrees colder than the surroundings; in autumn, golden and orange hues spread across the forest; in winter, the snow reflects the light, turning the landscape into a silver world. Each season transforms the forest into a living artwork.<\/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\/11\/DSC04810-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26530\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If guided by a local expert, the forest\u2019s story comes alive: the water cycle in snowy regions, the role of beech leaf litter, and the life of wild birds. Walking through, the sounds of the forest gradually merge with your own breathing, creating a sense of deep harmony.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"cta-btn\"><a class=\"btn-brand\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/area\/tokamachi\/spot\/bijinbayashi\/\">Learn more about the \u201dBijin Forest\u201d<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kiyotsu-gorge-a-majestic-canyon-where-the-power-of-the-earth-meets-light\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kiyotsu_Gorge_%E2%80%94_A_majestic_canyon_where_the_power_of_the_earth_meets_light\"><\/span>Kiyotsu Gorge \u2014 A majestic canyon where the power of the earth meets 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\/11\/\u6e05\u6d25\u5ce1\uff1a\u5168\u4f53\u56f3-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26554\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Next came the highlight of the journey: <strong>Kiyotsu Gorge<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alongside Kurobe Gorge and Osugidani, it is counted as one of Japan\u2019s three great gorges. The steep V-shaped cliffs were formed by undersea volcanic activity some 15 million years ago, followed by uplift and erosion. <span class=\"marker2\">Masses of hexagonal columnar joints loom overhead, while the emerald-green Kiyotsu River flows at their base\u2014 a landscape sculpted by the earth itself.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, visitors walk through the <strong>750-meter Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel<\/strong>, from which the gorge\u2019s dramatic scenery can be viewed. Inside the tunnel are three lookout spaces, each with a unique artistic concept, turning the passageway itself into an immersive art environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since its renovation as <strong>\u201cTunnel of Light\u201d<\/strong> by <strong>Ma Yansong \/ MAD Architects<\/strong> for the 2018 Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, the site has drawn international attention.<\/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\/11\/\u2464\u6e05\u6d25\u5ce1_01-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26556\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And finally, we reach the <strong>Panorama Station (Cave of Light)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The thin layer of water acts as a mirror, reflecting the canyon and sky, dissolving the boundary between above and below. Nature and art merge seamlessly, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Although it can get crowded with photographers, visiting early in the morning allows for calmer water and softer gradations of light.<\/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\/11\/DSC08016-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26557\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Upon exiting the tunnel, you\u2019ll find a caf\u00e9, souvenir shops, and even a footbath. Warming your chilled feet, you can linger in the afterglow of the canyon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a place where the raw power of nature resonates with human-made art. <span class=\"marker2\">The beauty of Kiyotsu Gorge is something to be felt deep within, rather than just seen with the eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"cta-btn\"><a class=\"btn-black\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/area\/tokamachi\/spot\/kiyotsu-gorge\/\">Learn more about the \u201dKiyotsu Gorge\u201d<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"setsuryoan-a-quiet-gallery-cafe-nestled-in-the-mountains\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Setsuryoan_%E2%80%94_A_Quiet_Gallery_Cafe_Nestled_in_the_Mountains\"><\/span>Setsuryoan \u2014 A Quiet Gallery Caf\u00e9 Nestled in the Mountains<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\/11\/DSC08208-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26559\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After leaving Kiyotsu Gorge, it\u2019s about a 10-minute drive to <strong>Setsuryoan<\/strong>, a secluded wooden house quietly appearing amidst the mountain tranquility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The house, built from reclaimed wood from an abandoned village, was transformed into a gallery-caf\u00e9 by sculptor <strong>Noboru Kawanaka<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Originally from Hyogo, Kawanaka was drawn to this snow-covered region and has lived here for over a decade. Today, he continues his creative work in silence while warmly welcoming visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first floor serves as a caf\u00e9.<span class=\"marker2\">The deeply roasted <strong>\u201cSetsuryoan Blend\u201d<\/strong> coffee offers a crisp, clean taste, made possible by the pure water of Tokamachi.<\/span><\/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\/11\/DSC08085-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26560\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The second floor serves as the artist\u2019s own <strong>studio and gallery<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Iron and wooden sculptures rest on the reclaimed wooden floors, accompanied by carefully selected chairs and cups\u2014each piece exuding a quiet beauty born from the warmth of human hands and the passage of 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\/11\/DSC08097-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26561\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The soft sound of analog records fills the space, mingling with the greenery outside the windows and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Spending time here slowly and unhurriedly offers a gentle, perfect conclusion to the journey. <span class=\"marker\">Note: The inn operates on an irregular schedule, so please check in advance before visiting.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"cta-btn\"><a class=\"btn-brand\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/area\/tokamachi\/spot\/setsuryoan\/\">Learn more about the \u201dSetsury\u014d-an\u201d<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>After a moment of rest at Setsuryoan, return to Tokamachi Station to drop off the rental car. Throughout these three days\u2014exploring art, walking through the satoyama, and staying in the forest\u2014you\u2019ll notice that every place you visit carries the mark of human hands and intentions.<\/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\/11\/DSC08028-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26558\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The creativity alive in the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, the wisdom of locals preserving the terraced rice fields, the restored old houses and the warm glow of inns\u2014all of it comes together to form a single, living masterpiece: <strong>Tokamachi itself<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just a few hours from Tokyo, snow melts, waters flow, greenery sprouts, and people live in harmony. Within this gentle cycle, Tokamachi continues to breathe quietly today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you ever wish to step away from the daily hustle and experience a journey that touches <strong>true richness<\/strong>, Tokamachi will surely welcome you with quiet warmth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Written by Kensuke Matsuyama<br>Translation: Ryokanbook Editorial Team<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It was the height of summer when I first visited this place. The sun beat down relentlessly, yet somehow it felt comforting. The breeze was cool, the greenery deep, cicadas buzzed in the distance, and a small stream murmured nearby. The lively sounds of summer turned into a quiet symphony here. Tokamachi, Niigata \u2014&nbsp;a town shaped by snow, water, and&nbsp;art. In winter, it is buried under heavy snowfall, and when the snow melts in spring, the land slowly breathes back to life. From this natural cycle emerged another identity: a place where art gently weaves itself into everyday living. Symbolizing this spirit is&nbsp;the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, one of the world\u2019s largest regional art festivals, where artworks are scattered throughout the satoyama landscape, wrapping the entire town in creativity. In this article, I\u2019d like to share&nbsp;a three-day itinerary&nbsp;based on my own walk through Tokamachi, for those planning to visit. It\u2019s a journey where you can feel the beauty <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":3323,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"blog_author_id":1697},"area":[3],"r-journal-category":[143],"r-journal-tag":[145,162],"class_list":["post-1798","r-journal","type-r-journal","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","area-tokamachi","r-journal-category-model-course","r-journal-tag-2-night-trip","r-journal-tag-experience-nature"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/r-journal\/1798","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\/7"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3323"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1798"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"area","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/area?post=1798"},{"taxonomy":"r-journal-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/r-journal-category?post=1798"},{"taxonomy":"r-journal-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/r-journal-tag?post=1798"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}