Let's go see the "Snow Water Festival"! We'll also introduce a itinerary for sightseeing and gourmet food to enjoy in Uonuma City in winter!

Uonuma City in Niigata Prefecture is famous for its " Uonuma Koshihikari " rice.

However, Uonuma City is not just famous for its koshihikari rice, it also has many fun events and spots where you can enjoy delicious lunches, making it an attractive tourist destination.

One event you should definitely see in Uonuma is the Setchu Hanamizu Iwai , a unique event in which newlyweds are showered with water in the bitter cold of the snowy country of Uonuma.

This time, we will introduce you to the must-see sightseeing and gourmet spots in Uonuma City , including the traditional event " Snow Flower Water Celebration ," which is held in the snowy Uonuma of Uonuma.

• Table of Contents
• The history of "Snow Flower Water Celebration" dates back to the Edo period! Sprinkling water on newlyweds in the bitter cold
• You can also see the works of "Japan's Michelangelo"! 3 recommended spots in Uonuma City
• 9 Recommended Gourmet Spots in Uonuma City! Enjoy Delicious Dishes Like Koshihikari Rice and Grilled Motsuna
• From local sake to sweets made with Uonuma Koshihikari rice, these are some recommended souvenirs from Uonuma City!
• Recommended accommodations for sightseeing and gourmet dining!
• Introducing a itinerary that will allow you to fully enjoy Uonuma City 's festivals this winter!
• Summary: Enjoy the events and gourmet food in Uonuma City in winter!

The history of "Snow Flower Water Celebration" dates back to the Edo period! Sprinkling water on newlyweds in the bitter cold

"Snow Flower Water Celebration" is a traditional event held every year on the second Saturday of February in Horinouchi, Uonuma City.

*From 2025, the event will be held on the second Saturday of February.

This is a unique event in which newlyweds are doused in water in the freezing cold of the snowy country of Uonuma.

The history of the "Snow Flower Water Celebration" is long, dating back to the Edo period! The Edo period writer Suzuki Makino's essay "Hokuetsu Seppu" also records the festival at that time.

The main event is a Shinto ritual in which water is poured on the newlywed man in the freezing cold.

In Horinouchi, Uonuma City, where the "Flower Water Celebration in the Snow" is held, when a bride or groom is welcomed, water is bestowed on the groom as a divine command (meaning a command given by God). This is called "Flower Water Celebration," and is the origin of the "Flower Water Celebration in the Snow."

The "Snow Flower Water Celebration" event is not just about pouring water on the men. There is more to see.

One of the main events is a large procession of people dressed in traditional attire such as kamishimo (traditional Japanese formal attire) and shrine maidens.

In the grand procession, Sarutahiko, Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, mountain ascetics, priests, shrine maidens, grooms, and people of all colors wearing kasumi kimono parade around handing out beans, rice cakes, and wooden sake boxes to onlookers. It's like watching a picture scroll.

There are also many other highlights, such as the portable shrine (mikoshi) modeled after the deity, and the welcoming ceremony to the bride or groom's hometown.

The climax of the ceremony is, of course, the "Water Celebration Ceremony" in which the groom has holy water poured over his head! This is the main event of the ceremony, which prays for fertility, the growth of children, and marital harmony.

On this day, people of all ages and genders gathered from far and near, all excited and enthusiastic!

In addition, there will be a "Delicious Food Market" and a "Pigeon Market" selling lucky charms around the venue.

Snow Flower Festival	Event Details
Date	The second Saturday of February *The date has changed from 2025.
Venue	Horinouchi Hachiman Shrine grounds 3429-1 Horinouchi , Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture 949-7413
Event time	●From around 11:00: Delicious food market, Hato market ●From around 17:40: Water celebration ceremony *Times may change depending on the weather
Access	Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Echigo-Horinouchi Station on the JR Joetsu. Approximately 5 minutes by car from Horinouchi IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway.
parking	Please follow the instructions on the day as parking is limited.
Contact	Snow Flower Water Celebration Executive Committee (Mr. Yamada) Tel: 090-4918-5130

You can also see the works of "Japan's Michelangelo"! 3 recommended spots in Uonuma City

We've introduced two must-see events in Uonuma City this winter, but there are many more tourist spots in the Uonuma City!

Here we will introduce three particularly selected spots.

Miya Shuji Memorial Museum, a representative poet of the Showa

Miya Shuji is a poet from Uonuma City who has received the Japan Art Academy Prize.

Miya Shuji spread his many poetry collections to the world. To commemorate his achievement, the museum displays approximately 300 of his personal belongings and calligraphy.

Hiiragi's songs strongly reflect the climate and seasons of Uonuma, and are filled with the soul of love gained by staring intently at the loneliness of life.

At this memorial museum, you can get a glimpse of Miya Shuji, a man who dedicated his life to singing.

For more information about the Miya Shuji Memorial Museum, click here

Ishikawa Uncho sculpture at Eirinji Temple

The transom of the main hall of Eirinji Temple in Negoya , Uonuma City, features a magnificent piece of work that took Ishikawa Uncho 13 years to create.

Ishikawa Uncho was a sculptor active from the Edo period to the Meiji period, and is also known as the "Michelangelo of Japan."

Eirinji Temple also has over 100 other artworks, including the Dragon God, the Sixteen Arhats, and the Tennoyaki incense burner stand, making it the temple with the largest collection of Uncho artworks.

Additionally, Eirinji Temple has a "Path to Success" that is associated with prayers for success in exams.

As you enter the Oku of the temple, a huge tree suddenly appears. This is the "path to success."

There is a hollow inside the tree, and you can walk through it while praying for success in passing the grades, going on to higher education, and passing various exams as you wish.

By the way, if the substitute cannot get through the tree, they can just "stroke the tree."

For more information on Eirinji Temple, click here

Ishikawa Uncho's work at Saifukuji Temple

Michelangelo's cloud and butterfly carvings in Japan can also be found at Saifukuji Temple in the same Uonuma City!

Saifukuji Temple was founded by the great priest Yoshimura Soshun in Tenbun 3 (1534). Saifukuji Temple has a Kaisan-do (a hall that enshrines the first chief priest), and inside and outside of the Kaisan-do you can see the magnificent works of Ishikawa Uncho!

One thing you should especially see is the large sculpture "Dogen Zenji Subduing a Fierce Tiger" that covers the entire ceiling of the Kaisan-do Hall, which is three bays in length and four sides wide. The delicate openwork carving and the vivid colors are sure to impress anyone who sees it.

For more information on Saifukuji Temple, click here

9 Recommended Gourmet Spots in Uonuma City! Enjoy Delicious Dishes Like Koshihikari Rice and Grilled Motsuna

When you think of Uonuma City, you think of "Koshihikari." If you're visiting as a tourist, you'll want to try it first!

In fact, Uonuma has many other delicious delicacies besides "Koshihikari"! We will introduce 10 of the most recommended places among the many restaurants.

Restaurant Toki

Restaurant Toki is a five-minute walk from Echigo-Horinouchi Station. The rice used in the restaurant's dishes is, of course, 100% Koshihikari rice from Uonuma City. The photo shows their most popular dish, grilled pork fillet cutlet with cheese. Topped with melted cheese and a generous amount of homemade demi-glace sauce, this mouthwatering dish is sure to whet your appetite.

For more information about Restaurant Toki, click here

Fukitei Restaurant

Fukitei Shokudo is a restaurant located in front of JR Koide Station, just a short distance from the ticket gates. They have a wide variety of menu items, including set meals, soba noodles, and udon noodles. We also recommend the Brown Rice Set Meal, which uses brown rice made with Uonuma Koshihikari rice, and the Trout Set Meal, which comes with grilled trout.

For more information on "Fukitei Shokudo" click here

Grilled Hormone Yamani

The soul food of Uonuma City is grilled offal.

This grilled offal is a little different from regular grilled offal. Usually, pork innards used in grilled offal are parboiled. However, in Uonuma City, pork innards are not parboiled and are grilled raw and served!

This is possible because Uonuma City raises pigs and has access to very fresh meat. Also, the meat is carefully prepared so that it can be grilled and eaten raw.

At "Hormone Yaki Yamani," you can enjoy Uonuma City's soul food, "motsuyaki"!

With its firm texture and just the right amount of oily flavor that fills your mouth with every bite, grilled offal is truly delicious!

The rice balls served at the end of the meal are also delicious, but if you're going to a second bar, you'll have to hold off.

For more information on "Hormone Yaki Yamani" click here

Shunshokuya Kohide

This restaurant is run by the owner, who used to be the head chef at a ryokan inn in Oyu Onsen. They serve kaiseki-style cuisine using seasonal ingredients sourced from all over the country, including the highest quality A5-ranked Wagyu beef, conger eel, and pufferfish. The dishes are not only delicious but also visually stunning.

For more information on Shunshoku and Kohshu, click here

Sudo fish shop

Making use of its experience as a fishmonger, Sudo Fish Shop always has around 100 different items on the menu, including sashimi, fried foods, set meals, and hotpots.

You can enjoy seasonal fish dishes along with your favorite local sake.

For more information on "Sudo Fish Shop," click here

Izakaya Hibiki

At Izakaya Hibiki, you can enjoy a wide range of seasonal ingredients, their signature seafood dishes, local sake, and carefully selected desserts.

The dish in the photo is our "Special Ramen Salad"! We are also proud to offer a wide variety of menu items.

For more information on Izakaya Hibiki, click here

Chinese Restaurant Pengkun

From familiar dishes such as ramen, fried rice, and fried noodles to Chinese cuisine (Cantonese and Fujian cuisine) using high-quality ingredients such as shark fin, Peking duck, abalone, and Shanghai crab, you can enjoy a wide range of dishes at Chinese Restaurant Peng Kun.

Lunch menus are also available.

For more information on Chinese restaurant Houkon, click here

1,000 ryo

Sushi Kappo Senryo boasts a wide variety of menu items that are not limited to any particular genre.

The restaurant's down-to-earth atmosphere is also appealing, and it offers a variety of unusual dishes, including horse sashimi and soft-shelled turtle hotpot (reservations required).

For more information on Sushi Kappo Senryo, click here

Ginzanjaya

At Ginzan Chaya, you can enjoy dishes and drinks made with seasonal ingredients such as vegetables, wild plants, and mushrooms.

The seafood used is caught within the prefecture, and wild sweetfish (local sweetfish) are also delicious.

For more information on Ginzan Chaya, please click here

From local sake to sweets made with Uonuma Koshihikari rice, these are some recommended souvenirs from Uonuma City!

Speaking of Uonuma, the delicious sake is also exceptional. And don't miss the sweets!

We will introduce three shops with a wide selection of alcohol and five places where you can enjoy delicious sweets.

3 Recommended Alcohol Bars

(1) Sake no Izumiya: A local sake specialty store that also stocks sake lees from Daiginjo sake

This liquor store mainly sells local sake from Uonuma City as well as Niigata. It's conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from Echigo-Horinouchi Station!

For more information on "Sake no Izumiya," click here

(2) "Sake Master Local Sake Kaneshin" strives to spread the culture of sake

"Sake is heartfelt!" is the motto of Kaneshin, the sake master of local sake.

The shop is run by the owner, who strives to educate people about sake every day, hoping to act as a bridge between breweries and customers.

For more information on "Sake Master Local Sake Kaneshin," click here

(3) Fujiya, the authorized retailer of the hidden gem "Midori River" sake

This shop always stocks all products of Uonuma City's famous sake brand, Midori River.

It's conveniently located right in front of Koide Station.

For more information on "Fujiya," click here

5 Recommended Sweets Shops

(1) Yoshida Confectionery Shop, also equipped with a cafe space!

Okashi Yoshida has a wide range of cakes, baked goods and more.

The "Sekka Sable" made with Uonuma Koshihikari rice flour is a must-have souvenir.

In the cafe space, you can enjoy coffee, tea, and other drinks along with sweets.

For more information on "Okashi Yoshida" click here

(2) Daigo Confectionery: Lots of sweets made with local ingredients

Daigo Confectionery boasts sweets made with local ingredients. Popular items include "zenmai yokan" (fern-leaf sweet bean paste) and "rice flour rolls" made with local Uonuma koshihikari rice.

The shop is known for its seasonal offerings, such as limited edition butterbur and miso buns and edamame buns made with carefully selected ingredients.

For more information on Daigo Confectionery, click here

(3) Famous for Uonuma Cornets! "Patisserie KANSENDO Yunotani Branch"

Patisserie KANSENDO Yunotani Branch is a popular confectionery shop that everyone in the city knows. The Uonuma Cornet, a crispy pie crust filled with rich custard cream, is a popular item that will have you hooked after just one try. The "Rice Rings" made with Uonuma Koshihikari rice flour also come in cute packaging, making them a recommended souvenir.

For more information on "Patisserie KANSENDO Yunotani Store," please click here.

(4) Yamakiya, a long-established store founded over 80 years ago

Yamakiya is a shop that stocks a wide variety of famous sweets created with the dedication and sensibility of its confectioners. The most popular item is the Marron de Chocolat, which is filled with chestnut paste.

For more information on Yamakiya, click here

(5) Uonuma Jozo, a hands-on facility for fermented foods

Uonuma Uonuma produces koji amazake and rice koji using meltwater from the Echigo Sanzan mountains. It is an experiential facility where you can learn about fermented foods, with a cafe where you can enjoy handmade koji amazake and koji amazake soft serve ice cream, as well as workshops. (Reservations are required for factory tours.) Souvenirs are also available, including koji amazake and koji sweets supervised by Hironobu Tsujiguchi.

For more information on Uonuma Jozo, click here

Recommended accommodations for sightseeing and gourmet dining!

We will also introduce accommodations that are easily accessible to the events and gourmet food we have introduced so far.

It's within walking distance from the station, so you can enjoy a leisurely drink at night without worrying.

You can eat, drink, and even go bar hopping.

Koide Hotel Okabe [Sakura Quality Certified Facility]

A business hotel located right in front of JR Koide Station. It has a spacious parking lot, making it convenient for both train and car travel! With good access, it's the perfect base for solo travelers.

Koide Hotel Okabe	More Information
TEL	025-792-6677
address	1315 Uonuma City
Reference price	From 7,810 yen (tax included) *1 night with breakfast
Official website	https://hotelokabe.com/koide/
equipment	Western-style room, elevator, indoor toilet, bath, credit card payment accepted, Wi-Fi available

Sudaya Ryokan

It's conveniently located near the downtown area of Koide. Founded around 1650, this long-established inn has been operating in this area for over 350 years. Many guests love the atmosphere of the inn and become repeat customers.

Sudaya Ryokan	More Information
TEL	025-792-0027
address	1-7 Honmachi , Uonuma City
Reference price	From 7,000 yen (tax included)
Official website	https://sudayado.com/
equipment	Japanese-style room, QR code payment only, Wi-Fi available

If you want to relax in a hot spring after watching the festival, we also recommend this place!

Oyu Onsen ...A historic hot spring area that was discovered by Gyoki in 712 AD. The gentle, soothing water is loved by many people. (Approximately 30 minutes by car from the festival venue)

Oritate Onsen : A quiet hot spring resort in the mountains with inns lined up along the river. The hot springs are slightly warm and gentle. (Approximately 30 minutes by car from the festival venue)

Tochiomata Onsen ...One of the few radium springs in the world. The traditional bathing technique of "nagayu" (long bathing), in which you soak in lukewarm water for as long as possible, has been passed down. (Approximately 35 minutes by car from the festival site)

Introducing a itinerary that will allow you to fully enjoy Uonuma City 's festivals this winter!

From here, we will introduce a recommended plan for enjoying a two-day, one-night trip from the Kanto region.

[Day 1]

1. Take the JR Joetsu(departing Tokyo Station at 10:15) to Urasa Station (arriving at 11:42)

↓2. Transfer to the Joetsu and head to Koide Station (departing Urasa Station at 11:55, arriving at Koide Station at 12:03). Lunchtime in Koide ♪ We recommend wearing comfortable snow boots.

Fukitei Restaurant

We welcome you with homemade flavors. Recommended dishes are the grilled rock trout set meal, tempura soba noodles, and miso pork cutlet bowl.

For more information about Fukitei, click here

Chinese Restaurant Pengkun

This restaurant in Uonuma serves authentic Chinese cuisine (Cantonese and Fujian cuisine). They are open on Sundays and holidays and offer set meals at three different prices during lunchtime!

For more information on Chinese Restaurant Pengkun, click here

You can also find souvenirs such as Japanese sake at Fujiya, a liquor store in front of Koide Station, and brown rice tea made with Uonuma Koshihikari rice at Maruyoshi Tea Shop.

Uonuma local sake Fujiya

This store also offers regional shipping. Why not buy some local Uonuma sake as a souvenir?

For more information on Fujiya, click here

Maruyoshi Tea Shop

Our signature products are brown rice tea and brown rice blend coffee made with the local specialty "Koshihikari rice from Uonuma." We deliver the umami of tea and the sweetness of rice.

For more information about Maruyoshi Tea Shop, click here

↓

3. Return to Koide Station and proceed to your accommodation. Check in (by foot, local bus, shared taxi, or accommodation shuttle bus).

*For information on shared taxis between Koide Station and Oyu, Oritate, and Tochiomata Onsen , please click here (About shared taxis in the Yunotani area)

↓

4. Take a taxi to the "Snow Flower Water Celebration" festival venue (venue: Horinouchi Hachiman Shrine)

↓

5. Arrive at the "Snow Flower Water Celebration" venue

・At the delicious food market, there are many shops selling local gourmet specialties and lucky dove branches.

・Watch the Water Celebration Ceremony from 5:30pm!

*Traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue. Please follow the instructions.

↓

6. Take a taxi or take the JR Joetsu(Echigo-Horinouchi Station to Koide Station) to your accommodation.

・If you are staying near Koide Station, you can enjoy a food tour of the town of Koide, which is full of famous restaurants, such as the local specialty "grilled raw offal" and a deep izakaya where locals gather!

Summary: Enjoy the events and gourmet food in Uonuma City in winter!

This time we introduced events, sightseeing and gourmet spots in Uonuma City , including the "Snow Flower Water Celebration," one of the three great wonders of Uonuma .

There's a lot to see in Uonuma City in winter! Another great thing about it is that it's just under two hours away from Tokyo Station by Shinkansen and train.

Why not enjoy sightseeing and gourmet food in Uonuma City this winter?