[From/to Tokamachi station] B: Tokamachi and Kawanishi route
This course takes you to the Tokamachi and Kawanishi areas on the north side of Echigo-Tsumari. You will enjoy Lunch at Ubusuna House, an old thatched-roof house where local mothers prepare dishes. If you are lucky, you may hear the famous Tokamachi Kouta.
*Itineraries are subject to change. We will update this page as changes occur.
*Itineraries are subject to change. We will update this page as changes occur.
9:10
Tokamachi Station West Exit Bus Stop Reception starts *Registration will close 5 minutes before departure
9:30
Tokamachi Station Departure
An object standing in the thicket
[NEW]cube/Naragino Yoshiko
A artist who creates works based on pottery, incorporating various aspects of culture, history, and nature, will showcase their artwork in the Ichinosawa Forest. There is no doubt that you will be captivated by the mysterious objects that resemble both a future landscape and ancient ruins.
A story inspired by a train running next to the art
Kiss & Goodbye/Jimmy Liao
The artwork was created in conjunction with the new picture book "The Ticket of Happiness: Kiss & Goodbye," which is set on the JR Iiyama Line. When you enter the kamaboko-shaped warehouse next to Doichi Station, the story of the picture book unfolds.
A giant snowplow appears
[NEW]Manpowered Snowplow/Azuma Koichiro
A piece inspired by snowplows that play an active role in the winter of the Echigo-Tsumari region, using bicycles as materials. You can enjoy the new work of an artist who creates giant pieces that move when people ride on them.
To a mysterious space
[NEW]MAN ROCK Ⅴ/Antony Gormley
A new work using stones by a renowned sculptor. The patterns on the stones evoke the embrace of a person's body. You can experience a space where nature and art resonate.
[NEW]HERE—UPON YORISHIRO/Kageyama Ken
An attempt to reconsider the connection between people in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. By observing the growth of young cedar trees that sprouted within the prestigious Koryu Shrine, it creates a space for contemplating their presence and significance.
People, nature and local communities coexist.
[NEW]Karekimata Project
This project was initiated in 2009 by a group of members of Kyoto Seika University, in an abandoned school on the eastern edge of Tokamachi. Various artists will create works inside and outside the school.
Old community center with a collection of books donated by the Grand Wardens
The Tanaka Fumio Library, Echigo-Tsumari
An exhibition facility opened in 2009 after the renovation of the old community center in Kamishinden. Books donated by Tanaka Fumio, a master builder known for his research on wooden Minka houses, have been collected, and Kang Ailan will create an installation of books that glow in seven different colors.
Time of Farm Tools/Kawaguchi Tatsuo
The entire exhibition space is painted yellow, and the old farm tools hanging from the ceiling were traced and made to look as if they were actually being wielded by local people. The concept is that the farm tools that used to follow the people are now being followed by the people.
Old thatched-roof house over 100 years old
Ubusuna House
An old thatched house has been restored as a pottery museum. The specialties of the restaurant are the daily small bowls of food prepared by the local mothers using vegetables they grow themselves, and the main dishes supervised by Chef Arima Kuniaki, who specializes in Italian cuisine. Please enjoy the hospitality of the energetic village mothers and their tasty cuisine, which is good for both body and soul.
*Pork-free dishes are also available. If you want them please let us know in advance.
*Pork-free dishes are also available. If you want them please let us know in advance.
[NEW]The moon revolves around Tsuki Kagami/Ushijima Tomoko
Starting with triangles, the artist will create a colorful spatial expression in which regular polygons multiply, using washi paper in the Ubusuna House as a stage.
Let's enjoy Nakago Green Park
House of Light/James Turrell
Inspired by Tanizaki Junichiro's "In-ei Raisan," the artist modeled his work and guesthouse after a traditional Japanese house in the region. This is the only work in the world by James Turrell, who has explored the "perception of light" through the theme of light and space, and was conceived as a "guesthouse for meditation"
Witnessing the flow of time and the trajectories of people
[NEW]Passages of Time Tokamachi Takakura Museum/RIKIGOSAN -Kato Riki, Watanabe Godai, Yamazaki Shinichi-
A new work by an artist who has been creating works in the Takakura village for many years. Using essential items from the local community, such as agricultural tools and folk objects, the artist dynamically unfolds the artwork throughout the entire gymnasium of the abandoned school.
A guardian deity enshrined in the mountains
[NEW]Sphinx of the three mountains/Kubo Hiroko
An artist who works on themes of agriculture and idols creates outdoor artworks from the perspective of folklore and sculptural history. The artworks will be showcased in the slightly open Tozenji village, located in the mountains of Echigo Sanzan.
Museum on Echigo-Tsumari, MonET (getting off only)
16:45
Tokamachi station Arrival/Dismissal
Notice
・Itineraries are subject to change or cancellation due to natural disasters or road conditions.
・We will select your seat on the bus. If you have a companion for another application, please enter them in the remarks column. There is also a possibility that you may share seats with other passengers.
・Some art works require a short walk after getting off the bus. Please bring shoes that are easy to walk in and take off, a hat and drink on hot days, and rain gear in case of rain.
Summary
| Dates | Every Saturday and Monday from July 13 (Sat) to November 10 (Sun) *Please check the online reservation page for details on operation dates. |
|---|---|
| Admission | [Price]Adults: ￥13,000 [Price] Children 6-18 years old: ￥11,000 Toddler (3-5 years old) ￥3,000 Under 3 years old: Free *In case a meal or a bus seat is required, toddler fee will be charged. (including bus fare, lunch, guide fee, and tax) Note: An Admission passport is required to take the tour. If you do not have a passport, please purchase one at the time of your tour purchase. |
| Deadline | Until 6pm the day before the service day |
| Origin / Destination | Echigo-Yuzawa Station East Exit Bus Terminal |
| Transportation | Charter bus (Minami-Echigo Kotsu) |
| Capacity | 25 persons (min. 1 person) |
| Host | Travel planning and execution: Niigata Prefecture Governor's Registered Travel Agency Region 2-440, NPO Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Collaborative Organization 3743-1 Matsudai, Tokamachi-shi, Niigata Prefecture, Japan Travel Agents Association regular member 025-761-7749 / tour@tsumari-artfield.com |
| Note |
* There are no interpreters on the tour. 【Inquiries】 |
Recommended Tours / Itineraries
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