Echigo-Tsumari is a rural region of Niigata Prefecture, famous for its high quality rice, sake and heavy snow during winter. The region is a great place to experience satoyama, the traditional Japanese countryside with small farming villages, terraced rice fields and farmers working in the fields with old fashioned straw hats.
The product of the farming efforts is high quality Koshi Hikari rice, one of the best and highest priced brands of Japanese rice. And with delicious rice and clear water naturally also comes a variety of good local sake (rice wines).
Last but not least, the Echigo-Tsumari region is also blessed with several hot springs. Among them, Matsunoyama Onsen is even ranked as one of Japan's three best medicinal hot springs, alongside Kusatsu Onsen and Arima Onsen.
Every year from December to April, Echigo-Tsumari gets burried under deep layers of snow, sometimes exceeding three meters in depth. With new snow falling almost on a daily basis, snow removal becomes an essential daily chore. The heavy snowfall also reflects on the local architecture, which features entrances on the second floor and roofs built for easy snow removal.
The tough lifestyle is also a main reason for a dramatic depopulation of younger people from the Echigo-Tsumari region. In some villages, nearly half the population is aged 65 and over. Indeed, when driving through the region, you will mainly see friendly elderly people working in the fields, while the sight of children is rare.
The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial successfully contributes to the revitalization of the region by highlighting its beauties, attracting new visitors and involving the local communities.
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