10

59

6258Snow Strawberry Picking Most of the strawberries in Japan are harvested in the early Spring, but in Yamagata’s Sagae City you can try picking strawberries in the snow (reservations required). Get an early taste of strawberries grown in greenhouses.

Akita Furusato VillageLocated in Yokote City, this is a fully experiential theme park based on Akita’s traditional villages. Other than boasting the largest planetarium in To-hoku, there are other attractions such as souvenir shops and a restaurant serving traditional Akita dishes to get a full flavor of Akita’s charms.

61

Strawberries taste

sweetest when picked

by yourself!

Yuzawa Kirie MuseumThis unique museum is located within SPOREA Yuzawa Ryokan Hotel, and displays the works of world renowned Kirie craftsman Mr. Sekiguchi. If you too are drawn to the tactile experience of cutting washi, why not give it a try here?

60

Harunako Lake IlluminationEvery December Gunma’s Takasaki City lights up for this event where around 50,000 bulbs are used in various illuminations to create a dreamlike night scene. The illumi-nated lakeside pathway stretching for 100m and daily laser shows and fireworks are sure to delight.

Daruma PaintingShorinzan Darumaji Temple in Takasaki City is famous for its Daruma tumbler. At Daimonya near the Daru-maji Temple, not only can you visit the tumbler making factory, but you can also try your hand at painting your own original tumbler!

57Photocredit:Takasaki Tourism Association

Nebuta Museum WARASSEIf you missed the festival in early August, you can check out the home of the nebuta here, where some of the giant lantern floats are displayed. There are also various experiential activities here, such as drum beating, which you can try as part of the nebuta experience.

Zao Fox VillageIn Zao’s Fox Village, are over 100 energetic foxes and other cute animals. Here you can observe various types of foxes in their natural habitat. The atmosphere is amicable, and you can inter-act with small foxes and baby sheep. Suitable entertainment for the whole family.

Check out

the cute foxes

here!

Experiential Activities

Travelling is not just about eating and drinking but also trying out the various

local activities. New experiences are both interesting and meaningful, and

will make for a memorable trip!

Aomori

Miyagi

Niigata

Gunma

Yamagata

Akita

Gunma63 64Nagano

Oyaki Dumpling MakingOriginated in Shinshu (the traditional name for Nagano Prefecture), oyaki dumpling has evolved to become a simple yet delicious local specialty dish. Try your talent in oyaki making in the setting of Jomon style pit houses in Oyakimura Village. From making pastry and fillings to the final step of baking, the hands-on experience is sure to bring lots of fun (reservation required).