About - Echigo Joetsu Nakanomata

Nakanomatan

In Nakanomata, the people are “Nakanomatan”: helping each other as they live their lives. This may be a trait that they came to possess historically; their broad hearts that welcome travelers, and their “let’s do it” spirit charms visitors, and “Nakanomatan” fans are increasing.

Village Stroll

If you want to meet “Nakanomatans”, the best thing to do is to take a stroll around the village. Nakanomata is around one kilometer from edge to edge. You can walk around it in approximately one hour. More detailed explanations (in Japanese and English) can be viewed by reading the QR code on the information noticeboards, in around forty locations.
*Since this is a place where people live, we request that you respect privacy and show courtesy on your stroll.

Kakuma Terraced Rice Fields

The Kakuma Terraced Rice Fields are situated on high ground that overlooks the village. Here, a “Terraced Rice Field School” is held, where you can learn about rice-growing from teachers who are villagers who have their own rice field. The water that nurtures the rice fields uses a waterway created in the Edo period, diverting water from a ravine deep in the mountains. This is a valuable experience, available here in the mountainside, of rice-growing using water that can be safely drunk by humans. As well as participation opportunities seven times through the year, one-off experiences are also available.

Nekomata

In Nakanomata, the true tale of the expulsion of “Nekomata”, a cat spirit that appeared in 1683, has been passed down. Nekomata and “Ushiki Kichijuro”, the hero who expelled Nekomata, are the pride of the villagers. At the Spring Festival in May every year, the scene of the expulsion of Nekomata is recreated, and the tale continues even now to live on in the villagers’ hearts.
The nonprofit organization Kamiechigo Yamazato Fun Club is developing sickles and hatchets as “Nekomata Brand Cutting Tools”, modeled on the sincerity and strength of Ushiki Kichijuro.

Activities

At the Earth Environment School, one minute’s drive from Kiriyamaso, the rentable lodge, you can experience various activities for yourself. In accordance with the seasons, activities include woodwork, dyeing with vegetables, local cuisine, and straw craft. For further details, please inquire by phone to the Earth Environment School. Tel: 025-541-2310

Traditional House Kinzaemon

In addition to Kiriyamaso, you can use Kinzaemon, a traditional house with a thatched roof, as a rest space (2,000 yen per half day). It has a kitchen, so you can cook too. Why not sample the elegance of a traditional Japanese house, while gazing out onto the Kakuma Terraced Rice Fields?