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KJ generously provided us a historical and cultural tour around the area immediately around our sister school. The city is called MinamiUonuma, and is famous for is snowfall, which brings some of the largest snowfall totals in the the world. The first stop was the historic town of Shiozawa. We walked along a street preserved from the Edo period of Japan and saw architecture, art, and artifacts from that time period. We then went to Muikamachi and visited another historic site, Ryugon ryokan, a traditional inn built from mansions of the samurai class 150 to 200 years ago and moved from the prefecture next to Niigata. We then found a place to eat and got a little more culture by shopping in a local mall.
historically preserved storefronts
a decorative covering for a fire hydrant
markings indicate most snowfall in one 24-hour period (lowest mark) to highest snowfall in a season
the day after "setsubun" (see first KJ days post) marks the beginning of spring, when all the decorations for "Hina Matsuri" or "Dolls Day" come out until the day it is celebrated (March 3)
rare Edo period dolls for Hina Matsuri
witnessing a priest chanting
In front of beautiful Ryugon ryokan. Once we entered, we were welcomed with tea and sweets and an historical explanation of the place.
enjoying tea and manju in front of the "irori"
a gorgeous collection of kimono, scrolls, gardens, and bonsai
the interior of their steamy, welcoming bath
left: staying warm with "amazake," a sweet rice beverage and an overcoat
right: looking good in the old snow hat/body covering for heavy snowfall. There is an igloo (or "kamakura") ouside the bath where you can cool off in beautiful surroundings
plum blossom bonsai
enjoying Japanese hospitality with a proper send off
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