Recreation of a snowy satoyama scene for the first time in 16 years “Daimochihiki” to be held on February 12 (Monday, national holiday) (Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture)

2024.2.6

くわどり湯ったり村Joetsu City大持引

On February 12 (Mon., holiday), an event to recreate “Daimochihiki,” in which large trees are cut by hand and carried out on a sled, will be held in the Healing Forest near “Kuwadori Yuttari-mura” in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture. Visitors can observe and even try their hand at omochibiki (prior application is required).

Daimochihiki” is a technique of hauling out large trees that was once practiced in winter in Nakanomata, Joetsu City. A lumberjack cuts a large tree from the mountain, puts it on a double-wheeled cart, and all the local people work together to carry it over the snow. The scene of a large number of people working together, singing lumberjack songs and shouting in unison to carry a large tree was a popular scene representing the satoyama in winter.

The event used to be reenacted by the residents of Nakanomata village, but it was suspended for a while and will be held this year for the first time in 16 years. The Kubikino Forest Association and the Kamiiechigo Yamazato Fun Club organized the event.

In addition to the tour fee, insurance and a 200 yen discount coupon for bathing in Kuwadori Yuttari-mura are included. The site is about 10-15 minutes up the snowy road from “Kuwadori Yuttari-mura”. Visitors are advised to prepare warm clothes such as boots, gloves, and hats.

In addition, the first 10 applicants can experience pulling out a large tree. Advance application is required and the fee is 1,500 yen. This event is for adults who are physically fit.

In addition, visitors can enjoy experiencing valuable old tools such as kanjiki (snowshoes), ichibonsori (a kind of sledge), and daikin saws, as well as playing in the snow with sasazori (a kind of bamboo sled).

Daimochihiki
■Date/Time：February 12 (Mon., holiday) 9:00-11:00, registration starts at 8:30
■Venue：Healing forest at the back of Kuwadori Yuttari-mura
*After gathering at Kuwadori Yuttari-mura, we will go up the snow-covered road to the venue.
■Tour fee: Adults 1,000 yen (with tour fee, insurance fee, and 200 yen discount ticket for bathing in Yuttari-mura), Elementary school students and younger 500 yen (tour fee and insurance fee)
■Experience fee: Adults only 1,500 yen (includes insurance for Omochi Hikigyo, Kanjiki rental fee, and 200 yen discount coupon for Yuttari-mura bathing)
■Application & Inquiries：TEL025-541-2602（Kamiechigo Yamazato Fun Club）
■Websaite：https://kamiechigo.jp/