Spending Winter in Japan? Snow Harvest for Veggies then Ice Fish for Lunch
In the snowy parts of Japan, there is a long-standing local tradition of burying vegetables in snow to preserve food in preparation for the long, harsh winter.
There is also an extra benefit to this method: It makes the crops sweeter and rids them of the earthy smell that children (and some adults) often dislike!
Curious about this activity? Come join the friendly locals for this unique winter experience and explore a more rural side of Japan.
Dig for Your Own Sweet Cabbage! Snow Veggie Harvest in Nagano Prefecture
The famous seasonal activity in Otari Village, Nagano Prefecture, not only offers you a unique experience, it gives you the chance to chat with the locals over warm tea, all while appreciating the winter wonderland around you.
The harvest experience takes place every year, and each participant brings home two very sweet snow cabbages. If you are hoping for a special winter trip, this is the place to be!
＜Recipe＞
Snow cabbage goes well with anything, but nothing can quite beat a simple seasoned salad that allows you to fully enjoy the distinct sweet taste and crispy freshness of this leafy green. To prepare, just mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 teaspoons of olive oil with your snow cabbage.
< What to Bring >
Outfits and gear suitable for moving in the snow (skiwear, hat, gloves, sunglasses or goggles, snow boots, etc.) Digging tools will be prepared for participants.
Activity Information
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Location: Otari, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Kitaotari Kuruma Kominkan (Assembly: 10:00) → Event Period: Usually in late January. Please check the official website for the latest schedule and information. Admission Fee: ￥2,500 |
Harvest Sweet Carrots from the Snow at Tsuunan Town, Niigata Prefecture
Similar harvesting experiences can also be found in Tsunan Town, another region in Niigata Prefecture known for its substantial snowfall. Instead of cabbages, it’s famous for its carrots.
Left unharvested in autumn, the carrots age under the winter snow until late March. These Yukishita (under the snow) carrots are exceptionally sweet, even eaten raw, but hard to find in most markets because of their short shelf life. So come to Tsunan if you want to give this specialty a try, and get the authentic harvest experience as well! Plus, your carrots will surely taste even better after putting in all the hard work.
For your accommodations, consider the winter resort New Greenpia Tsunan in the vicinity. You can release sky lanterns at night, ride snow plows, go on snowshoe tours, and much more. Advance reservation is required for the Yukishita Carrot Harvest, but non-hotel guests are welcomed as well.
＜Recipe＞
The juicy, fragrant snow carrots are great eaten raw but also make an amazing dressing. Peel and grate the snow carrots. Mix vinegar, salt, chopped parsley with olive oil, then add the grated carrots.
< What to Bring >
Outfits that you are okay with getting a little dirt on!
Activity Information
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Location: New Greenpia Tsunan, 12300 Akinari, Tsunan Town, Nakauonuma District, Niigata |
Catch Your Own Lunch! Ice Fishing for Smelt in Hokkaido
Do you have the guts to fish on a frozen lake? If yes, then you should check out this wakasagi (Japanese smelt native to Hokkaido) fishing activity in Furano. The popular winter destination is a hub for many winter-time activities, and ice fishing is a certified must-do.
Don’t worry if you have no fishing experience. Upon arrival at the site, you’ll see clusters of colorful tents. Inside these curious tents set up by the organizers is a hole on the snow-covered ground, and all you need to do is to master moving your rod slowly to attract the fish. While popular with fishing enthusiasts, beginners and children will also have fun with this special experience. You can even taste your bounty right on the spot, as the guide fries up crispy tempura with the fish you catch. Savor delicious fresh fish, straight from the unspoiled Lake Kanayama!
< What to Bring>
Although the tent is equipped with a heater, the outside is still very cold so be sure to put on skiwear, snow boots, and gloves.
< Start Time / End Time >
9 a.m. / 1:30 p.m. Assembly at Minami-Furano Michi-no-eki (Minami-Furano Road Station)
9:15 a.m. / 1:45 p.m. Start of Fishing（about 2 hours）
11:30 a.m. / 4 p.m. End
Activity Information
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Location: Minami-Furano Michi-no-eki, 687 Ikutora, Minamifurano Town, Sorachi District, Hokkaido Usually from December to March. Please check the official website for the latest schedule. Admission Fee: Adult (Middle school or older): ¥4,600 Lunch-included Plan: Adult (Middle school or older): ¥6,200 Website: FUN -EXCITING FIELD in HOKKAIDO (official, Japanese/English) |
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