As a continuation of the previous newsletter, this second series is a winter adventure in the hidden regions of Japan’s snow country, the Tohoku region. The snowy landscapes throughout the Tohoku region are breathtaking in beauty, and are truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

With the arrival of the winter season with its cold winds, enjoy winter sports, experience the traditions and culture of Tohoku, and interact with the people of the Tohoku region, and will feel the warmth that is only found in this region.

NATURE

 Goshiki – Numa (Goshiki　Swamps)

The Goshikinuma group of lakes, consisting of eight lakes created by the eruption of Mt. Bandai, was awarded a Michelin Green Guide one-star rating in 2016 and is known as the “Mysterious Lakes” because they appear to change color in various ways depending on weather, temperature and viewing angle, a spot with a mysterious beauty that overwhelms the viewer.
Put on snowshoes tour around Goshiki – Numa, discovering the footprints of wild animals, experiencing the silvery white world of nature.

CULTURE

Ouchi-juku

Ouchi-juku flourished as an inn town in the Edo period (1603-1867), and still retains the atmosphere of the Edo period, with more than 30 traditional thatched-roof houses still standing and used as stores and residences after nearly 400 years.
Selected by the Japanese government as an Important Preservation District for Traditional Buildings, the local people are committed to the three principles of “do not sell, do not rent, and do not destroy” in order to preserve the landscape and acquire and pass on traditional thatch-roofing techniques. Ouchi-juku is a valuable cultural heritage that preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period and also local traditional crafts and food can be enjoyed.

Letter Opener Forging Experience

Facing the challenge of a lack of young successors, Aizu (City of Fukushima) forging craftsmen forge beautiful crafts with 250 years of traditional skills and the passion of their predecessors in their hearts. They trained many blacksmiths as cutlery smiths, but the blacksmithing industry gradually began to decline. Nevertheless, they did not compromise, and they have evolved into hoe-making today, utilizing the skills of their predecessors and gaining a national reputation.

NATURE

 The Three Great “Juhyo” (Ice Trees) of Japan in Zao

The special weather conditions and vegetation of the Zao mountain range makes “juhyo” (tree ice), also called snow monsters, a world-class natural phenomenon that can only be seen in a limited number of areas throughout Japan. It is a rare and world-class natural artifact that can only be seen in winter.

CULTURE

Ginzan Onsen ( Hot Spring)

Located about an hour and a half drive from Zao Onsen, Ginzan Onsen is a retro place with a view that makes you feel as if a time slip back in time has occurred. Wooden hot spring ryokans line both banks of the Ginzan River and are lit by gas lamps at dusk, creating a nostalgic Japanese atmosphere. The snowy nights are especially attractive, with the snow-covered streets illuminated by the outside lights, creating a beautiful scene. After relaxing your body in the hot springs, take a stroll along the walking trails leading from the hot springs area and enjoy a moment of peace and tranquility in body and soul, surrounded by nature.

Zao kokeshi (Japanese Traditional Wooden Doll)

Traditional Kokeshi (Kokeshi Dolls) originated in the Edo period (1603-1868) and are traditional toys made by woodworkers in the Tohoku region for children at hot-spring cures and other places. These kokeshi are original to the Tohoku region and are classified into 11 production areas. One craftsman is in charge of the whole process of making traditional kokeshi, from the raw wood to the finished product. The feelings of the craftsman affect the kokeshi making process greatly, and the life and mood of the craftsman are reflected in the work, with subtle changes in the expression of the kokeshi depending on the shape of the wood.You can create your kokeshi at the painting experience corner, so enjoy creating your own original kokeshi.