NiigataTravel

Yuzawa Town Historical and Folk Museum - Yukiguni-kan (湯沢町歴史民俗資料館雪国館)

Flow of the course

Previous stop: Crossing a suspension bridge to circle the lakeside that mirrors Daigenryu-san, "the Matterhorn of the East"

About 45 min from the previous stop

About 60 min here

About 15 min to the next stop

Next stop: Sake tasting with coin in hand, comparing Niigata's local sake and exploring souvenirs from the region of rice

About this spot

"After passing through the long tunnel at the border, we were in the snow country"—the museum traces the world of Kawabata Yasunari's novel "Snow Country," set in Yuzawa, through related documents and paintings. Besides exhibits featuring Komako, the novel's heroine, folk implements that supported life in deep snow—such as straw sandals and snowshoes—line the displays, bringing the hot spring town's history to vivid life. The mountain valley scenery you admired from the ropeway and lake gains new depth as it weaves together with literary and folkloric narratives.

Tips

About a 10-minute walk from the west exit of Echigo-Yuzawa Station, convenient to visit while exploring town. Admission is 500 yen for adults. Some exhibition areas require removing your shoes, so wear easy-to-slip-on footwear. Check opening days in advance, as the museum has closures.