top of page

​A trip to experience a rich life with the theme of "food" in the scenic Akiyamago

AKIYAMAGO Nagano/Niigata

LS220712_479(1).webp

AKIYAMA
      G
       O

Akiyama-go, located on the border between Nagano and Niigata prefectures, has long been a closed area due to heavy snowfall, and has lived with abundant spring water due to the blessings of nature and food preservation at the foot of Mt. Naeba. They lived a rich life thanks to their skill at hunting called matagi and the food that was unique to the snowy region, but in the past there were villages that disappeared due to lack of food due to famine caused by bad weather. What was it like to be in a situation where there was not enough food before the approaching winter? Why not go on a journey to discover the true richness by learning from traveling through the past and comparing it with the present?.

Share the importance of food and the lessons of famine on an abandoned village tour

​Enjoy the spectacular views and unexplored food at the foot of Mt. Naeba!Gastronomy tour to learn the importance of food from an abandoned village

Absolutely
scenery

Encounter a spectacular view in the unexplored area of ``The Source of Water''

Echigo Yuzawa Station, Niigata PrefectureIt took about an hour to drive. Arriving at Tsunan-cho, which is also the entrance to Akiyama-go, and heading towards Mt. Naeba, we arrived at Akiyama-go.Masu. Akiyama-go is the prefectural border between Niigata and Nagano prefectures, and refers to the foothills of Mt. Naeba, one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. highMt. Naeba, which is also known for its mountain wetlands and has an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level, and the area at its base is one of the world's heaviest snowfall areas, with more than 3 meters of snow accumulating in winter. A lifestyle built in the harsh natural environment of heavy winter snow, a food culture centered on preservation, and a food culture that focuses on preservation have been passed down. Abundant spring water from melting snow irrigates the vast broad-leaved forest, making the land of the snowy country strong and fertile.

Breathtaking views from the vantage point
View of the valley from the suspension bridge of Mikura Bridge, a spectacular view point
The charm of an unexplored area offered by old folk houses in areas with heavy snowfall

The Nakatsu River cuts through the center of the lava land formed by the eruptions of Mt. Naeba and Mt. Torikabutoyama, both of which are 2,000 meters above sea level. A large amount of snowmelt water is stored in the lava earth and flows into abundant spring water, moistening the fields. The winter cyclones that absorb moisture from the Sea of Japan bring large amounts of snow to the foothills of Mt. Naeba, and in the spring, they turn into rivers and flow into the Sea of Japan.

Breathtaking views of the valley from the vantage point

food

Earth matured in a natural snow chamber

 

Large from December to AprilThis is a world where snow falls on the ground and you spend four months with it. Inherited because the area was closed off due to heavy snowfall.There is a food culture that has been lost, and a way of life that preserves the bounty of nature harvested from spring to autumn and stores food to survive the winter has taken root. on this tourKatakuri no Yado, where you can enjoy a culinary feast, welcomes travelers with traditional techniques and food unique to this unexplored region. Most of the ingredients on the table are locally sourced, preserved, and cooked. Here you can find the wisdom and lifestyle that allows you to make your daily meals without relying on ingredients from outside.

Also at the foot of Mt. NaebaThis area, which has been designated as an opaque, is a symbolic area of rich nature and water, and you can experience the abundance of spring water just by walking around the village. The abundant spring water, which is far from being in short supply or drought even in extreme summer weather, is used to clear snow during the winter, and as water to quench your thirst in the summer. The spring water that nourishes the earth, and the techniques and wisdom that have been passed down through generations, will make you enjoy the deliciousness, which is more nutritious than you can imagine.

At Yuito Onsen Katakuri no Yado, which is also a popular accommodation for the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, you can enjoy the food of Akiyamago throughout the year, from wild vegetable dishes in spring to mushroom dishes in autumn. There is also a space exhibiting Matagi culture within the building, and you can enjoy the food that is highly rated as a former elementary school inn. In addition, the former principal's room has been converted into a hot spring bath, making it an enjoyable accommodation for art festivals.

Tour limited! Enjoy food at outdoor dining

Wisdom and taste created in Akiyama along with the sounds of nature

An unexplored outdoor food experience where the natural air creates a special atmosphere.

You can enjoy luxurious moments in outdoor style only on this tour. Enjoy a special meal in the midst of nature. Akiyama's ingredients sprout from the earth, grow in the wind and sun, and become our energy source. Rediscover the true importance of food while feeling in harmony with nature on this special tour.

Enjoy the freshness of ingredients from an unexplored region and the natural air during outdoor dining.
Enjoy the deliciousness of outdoor dining while feeling the natural air
An unexplored outdoor food experience where the natural air creates a special atmosphere.
Learning the importance of food from past famines

A local guide explains the story of Akiyamago

 

During the 1700s, when tectonic activity was active, large-scale eruptions continued around the world. Japan was no exception, with the Tenmei famine caused by the eruption of Mt. Asama, and the Tenpo famine caused by unseasonable weather and cold damage. Even the people of Akiyamago, who were once self-sufficient due to several years of bad weather, were unable to harvest crops, but some villages were unable to overcome the natural disasters that continued for several years and were abandoned. The ethnic resource room ``Tonenbo'' preserves materials from the famine, allowing you to look back on what happened at the time.
In the past, if there was no food, there was a life that was directly linked to life.
However, we are now in an era where food can be obtained at convenience stores and supermarkets at any time.​,At that time, childrenI cannot hide my surprise as to why they were unable to share their food. ​

Experience the history of abandoned villages and the importance of food with a tour guide
The importance of food learned from the history of famine
Learn about famine and the importance of food at Tonenbo
Share the importance of food and the lessons of famine on an abandoned village tour
What is a sustainable diet? The importance of food and its impact on the environment
Share the importance of food and the lessons of famine on an abandoned village tour
Chestnuts are a valuable food source_The importance of famine and food

​The ``Old Amazake Village'' and ``Old Oakiyama Village'', which were abandoned due to food famine, are still protected by the residents, and anyone can help. It is maintained as follows. Chestnuts are now rare to eat, but they were so valuable and prized that there was a set date for harvesting them. The ethnic resource room ``Tonenbo'' displays materials that tell the story of the famine at the time, as well as the Matagi culture related to Akiyamago and the way of life at the time.

Blog

No posts published in this language yet
Once posts are published, you’ll see them here.

サスティナブルツーリズム秋山郷実行員会
Sustainable Tourism Akiyamago

logo.png

​Mirai Co., Ltd.

MIRAI company

Screenshot (32).jpg
廃村ツアーで食の大切さと飢饉の教訓を共有しよう

​この事業は長野県「地域発元気づくり支援金」を活用しています。

bottom of page