ブックタイトルThe Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Show Official Guide Book Nagaoka Hanabi

概要

The Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Show Official Guide Book Nagaoka Hanabi

21 22World-Renowned Nagaoka Specialtiesin Which We Take PrideJapanese SakeSnow becomes water, the clear water nourishes the ricein the paddies, the rice becomes sake.Rice exclusively grown for sake brewing is carefully cultivated in our land oftraditional farming communities. Abundant pure and mild water, as well as sakebrewing technology, handed down through local sake brewers for a span of over150 years, are the invaluable sources for brewing sake rich in unique flavors andaromas.The pride of Nagaoka, Nagaoka Specialties ranging fromJapanese Sake to Nishikigoi (multi-colored ornamental carp)Oguni Washi PaperLet a piece of washi paper show the beauty of this snowy region.Oguni washi can be used in various ways such as making postcards, letter writingpaper, and craft paper. The hand-molded Oguni washi is uniquely blessed withstrength and pure beauty. The sophisticated paper-making method is highlyvalued as a miraculous and elaborate technique. Oguni washi has been registeredas one of the nation’s selected intangible cultural assets by the nationalgovernment and a prefectural cultural asset by the prefectural government.Hammered Iron BladesTechniques based on the excellent cuttingquality of blades and traditionThe history of manufacturing hammered iron blades in the Yoita District can betraced back to the civil strife era, nearly 400 years ago. In 1986, the Minister ofInternational Trade and Industry (equivalent to the present-day Minister of Economy,Trade and Industry) designated their chisels, planes, adzes, and axes as traditionalobjects of craftwork and named them Echigo Yoita Hammered Iron Blades.Nishikigoi (Multi-Colored Ornamental Carp)Nishikigoi forever capture the hearts of all who see them.The Yamakoshi District and Ojiya City are known as the birthplace of Nishikigoiwith various patterns on their bodies. Some are called “kohaku (red and white)”due to the red spots on their white bodies and others are called “kinginrin (goldand silver scales),” or “kujaku (peacock).” Currently, raising Nishikigoi is themajor industry of the Yamakoshi District.The Four Seasons of NagaokaThe City of Nagaoka is situated in the land guarded by Mt. Sumon, a beautifulmountain in the Echigo Region, and satoyama forests around rural communities.Irrigating and enriching the land, the Shinano River brings out the variousfeatures of the four seasons throughout the year.SpringMt. SumonMt. Sumon (1,537 meters) attracts many climbers in summer when the beautifulflowers of alpine plants are in full bloom and in autumn when the crimson ofmaple leaves colors the mountain.Cherry Blossoms at YukyuzanLovingly called “Oyama” by many citizens, Yukyuzan has nearly 2,500 cherryblossom trees.SummerTerraced Paddy Fields and PondsTerraced paddy fields are ever more beautiful in summer with their surroundings ofdeep greenery, in autumn with magnificent crimson maple leaves, and in winter with atranquil atmosphere created by crisp snow. Raising Nishikigoi (multi-coloredornamental carp) in terraced ponds is a thriving business in Yamakoshi.Sunset over the Sea of JapanAgainst the backdrop of Mt. Yahiko and Mt. Yoneyama, Sado Island is situatedbeyond the shore. The view of the huge sun glowing orange on the horizon creates anunforgettable magnificent sight.A Pastoral LandscapeVast fields of rice paddies spread out along the Shinano River. Full heads ofKoshihikari rice, Japan’s most delicious rice, hang low, waiting for the harvestseason.Momijien Maple GardenMomijien Maple Garden in the Koshiji District was created as the garden ofthe villa for the Takahashi Family, a local landowning family, in 1896. Thecrimson maple leaves of autumn are the highlights of the season.AutumnWinterEchigo Nagaoka’s Six Major Winter FestivalsNagaoka, a snowy region, hosts fun winter events annually to allow citizens toenjoy the winter months. A variety of winter festivals are held in six of the city’sdistricts: Koshiji, Tochio, Central Nagaoka, Kawaguchi, Oguni, and Yamakoshi.