Nakasato Area

Brief introduction
Surrounded by Shinanogawa River, Kiyotsu River, Kama River, and Nana River, the Nakasato area produces an abundance of rice, flowers, and vegetables. Kiyotsu Gorge located along the Kiyotsu River is one of the three main gorges in Japan and, designated as a National Monument of Scenic Beauty, has long been a tourist spot. Nanatsu-gama Park formed by the flow of Kama River is also a designated National Monument of Scenic Beauty which has long attracted many visitors. “Nakasato Snowfield Carnival” is an annual event held every March where candles are spread out all across a field covered in snow.
History
From approximately 150-160 years ago, a traditional form of Shinto music and dance called “Tashiro Kagura” is said to have traveled down from the northern Tokei area to this area - today, at Tashiro village located by the entrance of Nanatsugama Park, there is a Tashiro Kagura Theatre which still holds performances to celebrate this ancient song and dance. “Nanatsugama Festival” is held every mid-July and traditional Japanese events such as “kagura” and “mizumorai” are performed along with other festivities. Fukayama sake and sticky rice with vegetables are always popular by visitors of the festival.

The Six Areas

Tokamachi Area
Tokamachi is located on the east side of the Shinanogawa River and has been developed through agriculture and the textile industry. Over ten elementary schools have closed inthis area due to depopulation and one of the closed school has transformed into the "Museum of Picture Book Art" by Seizo Tashima.
Kawanishi Area
Kawanishi is located on a 50m-high hill on the western side of the Shinanogawa River. Visitors can enjoy a visit to "House of Light" by James Turrell, and "Berry Spoon", a blueberry farm run by local residents.
Nakasato Area
Nakasato is surrounded by Shinanogawa River, Kiyotsu River, Kama River, and Nana River, this area is florished by water. The westeland by the river bank of Kama River which was once a place for locals to play was returned to a beautiful parkland by Finnish architect practice, Casagrande and RIntala.
Matsudai Area
Matsudai is a hilly area surrounded by mountains that stretches along the Shibumi River, one of the branches of Shinanogawa River. The "Shedding House", a renovation of the old minka house is close to the famous terraced rice fields in Hoshitoge villaget and is available to stay overnight.
Matsunoyama Area
Matsunoyama is a mountainous area approximately 200 to 600 meter above sea-level and is located on the border of Niigata and Nagano prefectures.The greeny Daigonji Highland is locatedon on 700m above sea-level.
Tsunan Area
Tsunan is located at the southern tip of Niigata prefecture on the border of Nagano prefecture. Lots of ruins from the Jomon Era (14,000 – 300 BC) have been discovered in this area. The accmmodation, Katakuri House using the wooden elementary school is also located in this area.
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