Experience snow, art, and culture.
"“Echigo-Tsumari Art Field 2024 Winter” has begun!

In Echigo-Tsumari, one of Japan’s heaviest snowfall regions, snow blankets the town for about half the year. Just like the people who live here, the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale artworks also thrive amidst the snow. Here’s how to enjoy the “Echigo-Tsumari Art Field 2024 Winter” program, which lets you explore art, connect with nature, and fully experience winter in Echigo-Tsumari.

The “Tunnel of Light” (Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel) is the closest artwork to the Kanto region, whether you’re coming via the expressway or from Echigo-Yuzawa Station.

The view of one of Japan’s Three Great Gorges along the path from the parking lot to the tunnel is breathtaking; the Kiyotsu River flowing through the gorge and the snow-covered columnar jointed cliffs evoke the imagery of a traditional ink wash painting.From the observation deck inside the tunnel, you can get an even closer look at the rock face. The contrast between the gently falling snow and the roaring sound of the river further enhances the beauty of nature. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the tunnel entrance. At the Panorama Station, which suddenly appears at the end of the dark passage, the dazzling whiteness of the snow fills your field of vision. One of the highlights of visiting during this off-season, when there are few visitors, is that you can take your time enjoying the scenery. Be sure to snap a photo to capture the memory.

In the downtown area of Tokamachi—about a 30-minute drive from Kiyotsukyo Gorge—the winter Special Exhibition at the Museum on Echigo-Tsumari, MonET awaits you.

This Special Exhibition, the fourth in a series that began last summer, is titled “Reverse String” and features artist Ai Tanaka, with Hiyama Maaru (Curator, Recruit Art Center) serving as guest curator. The mineral pigments used by Ms. Tanaka are art materials created by crushing ore into particles.The rough, rugged texture retains the feel of stone, and sparkles can be seen within the particles. The impression of the artwork will likely change depending on your viewing position, angle, and the amount of sunlight streaming into the gallery. We recommend viewing the artworks one more time after making a full circuit of the museum. The large painting adjacent to the staircase leading to the 2nd floor is, upon closer inspection, a series of six panels combined into a single large composition.

Opening days: January 13 (Sat) – March 10 (Sun), except Tuesdays and Wednesdays

On January 24, we’ll hold a workshop where you can create a large abstract painting in a corner of the museum alongside the artist, Mr. Tanaka. Click here for details

In the winter Special Exhibition, “The Horizontal Man | Watching the Snow” by Yasuhiro Suzuki, a giant figure “waiting for snow” appears by the MonET pond. As you follow the artwork’s line of sight and watch the snow falling from the high, white sky, you’ll notice the differences in the shape and size of each flake. You’ll also sense the mystery of nature as soft snow piles up several meters high.

The small figures scattered above the gallery corridor appear to be either looking up at the sky or reclining in mid-air. Please explore your own unique perspective from any spot you like, both inside and outside the museum during the opening days: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from January 20 (Sat) to March 10 (Sun).

We’ll be holding “Hanekkeishi,” a Little New Year’s tradition from Echigo-Tsumari, where participants play a game of shuttlecock using an old-fashioned snow-clearing tool called a “kosuki.” Hitting the small shuttlecock with the large kosuki is surprisingly difficult, making it a huge hit with both adults and children. On February 3 (Sat), 17 (Sat), 24 (Sat), and March 2 (Sat), local communities will also offer culinary hospitality, serving soup and mochi.The opening days for this event are Saturdays and Sundays from January 13 (Sat) to March 10 (Sun)
*The Hanekkeishi experience on January 13, 14, 20, and 21 has been canceled due to light snowfall.

A 20-minute drive from MonET, after passing through several tunnels, you’ll arrive at Matsudai NOHBUTAI. The entire area surrounding NOHBUTAI, including the venue itself, is known as the “Matsudai NOHBUTAI Field Museum.”In the area where artworks were scattered during the green season, “Satoyama Snow Amusement Park 2024” has emerged. With plenty to do—whether playing, watching, or eating—the local “Scarecrow Squad” will be heating up this winter.

Accompanied by the cheers of the Scarecrow Squad, the snow tubes hurtle down the snowy slope with a sense of speed that’s even greater than it looks. On snowy days, the slope is covered in powdery snow as fine as sugar. When you catch a glimpse of the donut-shaped tubes gliding down, it looks like a scene straight out of a candy-coated wonderland.

Opening days: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from January 13 (Sat) to March 10 (Sun)

Benches lined up inside the amusement park. These are actually artworks as well. The “Sledding Bench,” Furniture for the Field Museum featuring sled-shaped legs, is on display year-round, but you might experience a special feeling when you sit on it in the snow…?

Standing next to the Noh Stage is Kenichi Shikata’s “Growing in This Land.” Through this artwork, you can sense the winter scenery of the satoyama—with its clear skies, snowfall, and varying depths of snow—as it changes its appearance day by day. The interplay between the mirror-like surface, rippling in the wind, and the surrounding landscape creates a fantastical space.

Other outside artworks are also on display at the Winter Field Museum, including “The Tower of 〇△□ and the Red Dragonfly” and “Restaurant Gives Orders.” From artworks that you can only reach after a long walk through the snow, you can directly experience the resilience of life in nature—a moving experience unique to this season.

On the way back from Matsudai toward Echigo-Yuzawa, you’ll pass through Matsunoyama, home to “The Last Class,” “Museum of Natural Science “Kyororo,” and the “Forest of Beautiful Women.” Matsunoyama is said to be the snowiest place in the Echigo-Tsumari region.

Christian Boltanski, the artist behind “The Last Class,” visited the site to create his artwork during the winter of 2006, when record-breaking snowfall occurred (according to records, 4.6 meters—a depth high enough to completely bury the first floor of a single-family home). Perhaps he sought to capture the quiet stillness of snow falling silently—unlike rain—and seal it within the closed-down school.

Opening days: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from January 13 (Sat) to March 10 (Sun)

Kyororo is currently hosting two Special Exhibitions: “Snow Rich* and Okamachi: What Our Curators and Researchers Can’t Wait to Share” and “The Tale of the Beautiful Forest.” You can also explore the surrounding area on snowshoes, which are available for rent for a limited period.

Although this year is said to be a mild winter, snow still accumulates to about knee-height in this region. In the unpredictable forces of nature, the landscape changes with the snowfall, and so does the impression of the artworks. Even within a single day—between morning and evening—or within the same season—between January and March—what you see will likely be different.
The “Echigo-Tsumari Art Field 2024 Winter” began on Saturday, January 13. Please enjoy the nature and art unique to this season through the winter program.

For those without a personal vehicle or who are concerned about driving on snowy roads, we recommend the Official Tour departing from and returning to Echigo-Yuzawa Station. There is also a special tour that includes a viewing of “Yuki no Ryokan” by Min Tanaka, a pre-event for the Triennale starting in July.

Click here for tours currently accepting reservations:
https://www.echigo-tsumari.jp/en/visit/v_category/tour/

We look forward to welcoming you from the snow-covered Echigo-Tsumari region.

Text: Saki Takahashi (NPO Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Collaborative Organization)