Can you see drift ice in Niigata?! 7 recommended sightseeing spots in Uonuma and the "snow drift" - a springtime sight in Uonuma!

Uonuma City is about to enter a long winter. But did you know that when this harsh winter ends and spring arrives, a beautiful sight can be seen?

That is "Yukinagare" (snow flow).

"It's just like the drift ice in Hokkaido!" Recently, many people have flocked to the area, making it a tourist attraction in Uonuma.

This time we will introduce this "snow flow."

We will explain the snow flow season and viewing spots along with seven tourist spots in Uonuma.

• Table of Contents
• The water level of the dam is the deciding factor! What is snow drift? Why does it look like drifting ice?
• The snowdrifts can only be seen for two weeks!
• You can see the snow flowing from Harama River Dam! How do I get there?
• If you want to see the snow drifts, go here! Recommended viewing points
• Viewpoint 1
• Viewpoint 2
• Viewpoint 3
• Each time period has its own merits
• What to wear? Are normal tires OK? Frequently asked questions about snow drifting
• Not just "snow drifts"! 7 recommended sightseeing spots in Uonuma
• Three recommended accommodations for those who want to enjoy Uonuma City at their own pace
• It's not just the snow that flows through the mountains! In spring, Uonuma is also recommended for its "cherry blossoms on the snow"!
• Summary: Enjoy the "snow flow" and sightseeing in Uonuma City in spring!

The water level of the dam is the deciding factor! What is snow drift? Why does it look like drifting ice?

Snow flow is a natural phenomenon that can be seen at Aburumagawa Dam.

The snowflakes float on the dam lake, creating a scene that looks just like drifting ice.

Mechanism of snow flow generation

Why do chunks of snow flow like drift ice to become "snow drifts"? The mechanism behind this is as follows.

1. In winter, about 4 meters of snow accumulates on the Harama River Dam.

2. In spring, as the temperature rises, the snow piled up on the surface of the dam cracks.

3. While there is still snow on the water surface, a large amount of meltwater flows into the dam.

4. The water level in the dam rises, and the large amount of accumulated snow rises to the surface as “snow clumps.”

This phenomenon of "chunks of snow drifting like drifting ice" is called "snow drifting"!

"Snow Flow" introduction video

During the period from early to mid-April when snow begins to flow, many people visit Uonuma City, both from within the prefecture and from outside the prefecture.

The snowdrifts can only be seen for two weeks!

Snow flows can usually be seen from early to mid-April. However, this can vary depending on the weather conditions of the year. Also, if there is little snow, they may not appear at all. If you're wondering when they will appear this year, please refer to the information below.

Check the likelihood of snow drift

On the Niigata Prefecture River Disaster Prevention Information System website, you can check how much water is currently stored in the Harama River Dam.

The amount of water can be used to estimate the extent of the outbreak.

Source: Niigata Prefecture River Disaster Prevention Information System Dam Cross Section [Hama River Dam]

In the middle of the page, there is a red square indicating the "water utilization capacity." Please compare this water utilization capacity with the table below.

*The occurrence situation is only a guide, so please refer to the actual site photos on this page.

*When the water level is around 50-60%, snow drifts that have started to form may disappear. Also, snow drifts will start again as the water level rises.

Check the water utilization capacity here

Requests when viewing "Snow Flow"

Yukinagare has many customers every year thanks to word of mouth and media coverage.

To ensure that all visitors can enjoy the scenery safely and enjoyably, we ask for your cooperation in the following matters.

1. Do not enter dangerous areas. If you climb on the snow, there is a risk of falling into the dam.

2. Do not park in areas where parking is prohibited. Do not park on bridges, on the grounds of nearby inns or houses, or in areas that may obstruct traffic.

3. Please be sure to take your trash home with you. Do not throw trash into the dam lake.

You can see the snow flowing from Harama River Dam! How do I get there?

Harama River Dam, where you can see the snow flowing, is located in the Shirakawa area, on National Route 252 heading towards Fukushima Prefecture , when you turn onto a prefectural road.

Address: Oshirakawa Shirakawa River, Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture

Dam access: Approximately 50 minutes by car from Uonuma IC on the Kan-etsu Expressway

If you want to see the snow drifts, go here! Recommended viewing points

Snow drifts cannot be seen everywhere around Harama River Dam.

Yukinagare has a viewpoint where you can enjoy a spectacular view.

You can download the viewpoint PDF below, but let's take a closer look at each viewpoint.

Download here ▶ [MAP] Yukinagare Viewpoint Map

Viewpoint 1

On Asakusa Asakusa Bridge, marked by a red bridge. This is a popular spot. You can see the entire dam!

Viewpoint 2

On the way up the slope to Asakusa Sanso, located very close to the dam. You can see the bright red Asakusa Bridge and the snow drifts! *If there is a lot of snow and it forms a snow wall, it may not be visible.

Viewpoint 3

Just before arriving at the dam, there is a shelter just past the tunnel. This is a spot where you can see all the way to the Oku of the dam. Looking towards the mountain side, the sunlight reflecting off it is beautiful!

Each time period has its own merits

In the morning, the morning sun reflects off the snow, making it sparkle.

During the day, the sun rises and the snow looks three-dimensional.

In the evening, the snow turns orange in the light of the setting sun.

At night, the snowdrifts are illuminated by a starry sky and moonlight.

Snow flow and starry sky time lapse

Photographer: Yuki Hoshino (Instagram: @NaturalUni)

What to wear? Are normal tires OK? Frequently asked questions about snow drifting

Q: What kind of clothes should I wear when going to see the snowdrifts?

A: Even though it's spring, there is still a lot of snow remaining around when you can see the snow drifts. It can be particularly windy on the bridge. Long sleeves, long trousers and a jacket (a winter jacket is best. For spring, it might be a good idea to add a scarf to your jacket!) If the weather is nice, it can be warm, so we recommend wearing clothes that can be adjusted with a jacket. When viewing the snow drifts, there are no stairs or steep slopes to climb.

On sunny days, the reflection from the snow can be dazzling, so sunglasses make driving easier.

Q: Is it okay to go with normal tires?

A: When snow drifts occur, there is usually no snow on the road surface. Normal tires are fine during the day.

However, depending on the weather conditions, there may be snowfall or freezing in the early morning or at night, so please check the latest weather conditions.

If you are coming from afar, please check the road conditions on the way to the Shirakawa area and make sure you arrive safely.

Q: Are there toilets?

A: The nearest restrooms are at Shirakawa Station on the JR Tadami (about a 10-minute drive from the dam) or at Irihirose Roadside Station (about a 20-minute drive from the dam).

Q: Are there any souvenir shops or restaurants?

A: There is a lodging facility called Asakusa Sanso on the site, where you can enjoy day trips to the hot springs and lunch. The nearest roadside station, Irihirose, also offers cute "Bamboo Snowmen" that make perfect souvenirs, as well as hand-baked rice crackers made from 100% Koshihikari rice. They also serve warm soba noodles.

Not just "snow drifts"! 7 recommended sightseeing spots in Uonuma

Asakusa Asakusa

This is the closest spot to Harama River Dam, where you can enjoy a day trip to the hot springs and lunch.

\ Asakusa Sanso's original craft beer "Yukinagaru" is also available!/

◇Business hours: 11:00-16:30 (reception closes) *Please contact us by phone for details such as opening hours

TEL:025-796-2331

For more information about Asakusa Sanso, click here

Meguro Residence

This is the mansion of the Warimoto village headman, which was Feature Articles here recently and was built over a period of five years in 1797.

For more information about Meguro Residence, please click here!

TEL:025-797-3220

For more details about Meguro Residence, click here

Echigo Yukikurakan (Tamakawa Sake Brewery)

In addition to alcohol, they also sell sake cakes and cosmetics.

You can also enjoy a tour of the storage facility that uses snow and a tasting of the sake stored there.

A must-see for alcohol lovers! If you want to know more about Tamakawa Brewery, be sure to check out this Feature Articles article!

TEL:025-797-2777

For more information on Echigo Yukikurakan (Tamakawa Sake Brewery), click here

Irihirose Roadside Station

Uonuma specialties, locally grown vegetables, and handmade crafts are also on sale.

"Sasayukidaruma" is a rice flour dumpling made with Uonuma Koshihikari rice. This roadside station also offers hand-baked rice crackers made with 100% Koshihikari rice, and from now until spring, it will also be lined with freshly picked mountain vegetables.

\How about a souvenir? / Limited time only! Yukinagare Senbei

TEL:025-796-2500

For more information about Irihirose Roadside Station, click here

Monozuki Village

It is popular for being able to buy freshly picked local produce and wild vegetables in spring at reasonable prices.

We also recommend the pretty snowdrops in spring. Soba noodles made with locally grown buckwheat flour are also popular.

TEL:025-799-4801

For more information about Monozuki Village, click here

Suwa Hot Springs

There is also a heated pool, making this a popular day-trip hot spring among locals.

TEL:025-796-3033

For more information on Towa Onsen, click here

Three recommended accommodations for those who want to enjoy Uonuma City at their own pace

There are some great accommodations around Harama River Dam. We will introduce three of them here.

Asakusa Asakusa

This inn is the closest to Harama River Dam (about 4 minutes by car) and offers an excellent view of the dam.

There are also plenty of activities to enjoy, such as delicious cuisine and day trips to the hot springs.

TEL:025-796-2331

For more information about Asakusa Sanso, click here

Minshuku Saishichi

This inn offers hospitality in a homely rural atmosphere.

We pride ourselves on our wild vegetable and mushroom dishes.

TEL:025-796-2540

It's not just the snow that flows through the mountains! In spring, Uonuma is also recommended for its "cherry blossoms on the snow"!

As the name suggests, "cherry blossoms on snow" are cherry blossoms that bloom on top of the snow. This cherry blossom scenery is unique to Uonuma City with heavy snowfall, and allows you to enjoy both winter and spring at the same time.

Even in snowy regions, the snow usually melts by the time the cherry blossoms bloom, but in the Fukuyama area of ​​Uonuma City , which receives particularly heavy snowfall , the snow remains until the cherry blossoms bloom.

The cherry blossoms usually bloom around mid-to-late April, a little later than in other parts of the country.

People from all over the country who have already enjoyed the cherry blossoms every year can enjoy it as a "second cherry blossom viewing."

If you time it right, you might be able to enjoy the "snow flow" at the same time!

*The "Fukuyama Pass Hometown Square" where you can see cherry blossoms on snow is about a 30-minute drive from the "Hama River Dam" where you can see the snow flowing.

For more information on the cherry blossoms on the snow, click here ▶ Cherry blossoms on the snow at Fukuyama Pass

Summary: Enjoy the "snow flow" and sightseeing in Uonuma City in spring!

This time we introduced the spring scenery of Uonuma, "snow flowing," and seven tourist spots.

Snow drifts can only be seen for a limited period of time.

Why not take this opportunity to visit Uonuma and enjoy the snow and sightseeing? Official Site