Mountains and Natural Landscapes
A Village Surrounded by Famous Mountains
Sakae Village lies in a rugged mountainous region surrounded by peaks including Mt. Naeba, Mt. Saburyu, Mt. Torikabuto, and Mt. Shirasuna. These mountains attract hikers, climbers, photographers, and nature lovers throughout the warmer seasons.
The surrounding landscape changes dramatically with the seasons. Green forests and mountain flowers appear in spring and summer, while autumn brings brilliant foliage. In winter, the entire region is transformed into a spectacular world of deep snow.
Clear Rivers Flowing Through the Village
Several clear rivers flow through Sakae Village, including the Chikuma River, Nakatsugawa River, and Shikumi River. The Chikuma River is particularly important to the region. After crossing the prefectural border into Niigata, it changes its name to the Shinano River before flowing into the Sea of Japan.
The sound of flowing water, forested mountains, and changing seasonal scenery create a peaceful atmosphere that makes Sakae Village an ideal destination for travelers seeking a slower pace of life.
A Village Shaped by Heavy Snow
Sakae Village has a Sea of Japan climate and receives exceptionally heavy snowfall in winter. It is designated as a Special Heavy Snowfall Area and is one of Japan’s best-known snow regions.
The village has also been selected as one of the 100 Rural Landscapes of Japan. The dramatic winter scenery, with houses and forests buried beneath deep snow, is particularly popular with photographers and travelers interested in traditional snow-country landscapes.
At JR Mori-Miyanohara Station in the center of the village, a monument records the remarkable snowfall of 7.85 meters measured on February 12, 1945. This remains the highest recorded snow depth at a railway station in Japan and serves as a powerful symbol of the village’s extreme winter climate.
The History of Sakae Village
Traces of the Jomon Period
Sakae Village is home to numerous archaeological sites dating back to the Jomon period, including the Hingo and Nagase-Shinden sites. Important artifacts associated with Middle Jomon culture have been discovered here, including distinctive flame-shaped pottery.
Archaeological research has revealed that Sakae Village represents the southern extent of the cultural area associated with this type of flame-shaped pottery. Many of these valuable discoveries can be seen at the Sakae Village History and Culture Museum, Korasse.
A Strategic Borderland During the Warring States Period
During Japan’s Sengoku period, Sakae Village occupied a strategic position near the borders of the historic provinces of Echigo and Kozuke. The region became involved in conflicts between powerful warlords including the Uesugi, Takeda, and Later Hojo clans.
The area was also connected to the famous battles for control of northern Shinshu, including the conflicts known as the Battles of Kawanakajima. At the time, the region was governed by the Ichikawa clan of Shikumi-go.
From the Sengoku Era to the Edo Period
Although parts of present-day Sakae Village were once under the influence of the Takeda clan, the political situation changed dramatically after the Tensho-Jingo War. The region eventually came under the control of the Uesugi clan and was governed by retainers of the Uesugi family during the Edo period.
This long history of changing political control and life on a remote frontier has influenced the traditions, festivals, and cultural identity that remain in the village today.
Things to See and Experience in Sakae Village
A Mountain Region Rich in Hot Springs
Sakae Village is home to Akiyama-go, a secluded mountain region straddling Nagano and Niigata prefectures. Traditional settlements, dramatic mountains, forests, and hot springs combine to create some of the most distinctive rural scenery in northern Nagano.
The village is also associated with the Naeba-Sanroku Geopark, where visitors can learn about the geological forces that shaped the mountains and valleys of this region.
Hot Springs Across the Village
Numerous hot springs can be found throughout Sakae Village, offering opportunities to relax in peaceful mountain surroundings.
Kiriake Onsen has three bathing facilities, while Wayama Onsen has nine and Yashiki Onsen has two. Koakasawa Onsen also has two facilities. Other destinations include Kitano Tenmankan Onsen, Nakajo Onsen Tomato-no-Kuni, and Yurii Onsen.
Many of these hot springs have a distinctly local atmosphere, making them ideal for travelers who want to experience the traditional Japanese hot spring culture away from major resort areas.
History and Cultural Heritage
The Sakae Village History and Culture Museum introduces the history and culture of the area from the Jomon period through the early modern era. Its exhibits provide an opportunity to understand how people have lived in this mountainous region over thousands of years.
History enthusiasts can also explore the remains of Sendō Castle, Shirosaka Castle, and Uchiike-yakata, the former residence of the Ichikawa clan. Temples such as Jokei-in offer further glimpses into the religious and cultural history of the area.
Winter Sports and Snow Activities
Winter brings some of the deepest snow in Japan to Sakae Village, creating excellent conditions for winter sports. Sakae Club Ski Resort opens during the snowy season and attracts skiers looking for high-quality powder snow.
The combination of abundant snowfall, quiet mountain slopes, and beautiful snow-covered scenery offers an experience very different from winter in Japan’s major cities.
Local Specialty: Neko Chigura
One of Sakae Village’s best-known traditional crafts is neko chigura, a small shelter for cats woven by hand from rice straw.
The craft developed as part of life in a region with extremely cold winters. The thickly woven straw provides warmth and protection, reflecting the practical ingenuity of people who have long lived in Japan’s snow country. Today, neko chigura has become a distinctive local specialty known far beyond the village.
A Mountain Village Where Nature and History Meet
Sakae Village brings together dramatic mountain scenery, deep winter snow, ancient archaeological heritage, traditional hot springs, and a warm local culture. Its remote setting has allowed many aspects of rural life to remain closely connected to the surrounding natural environment.
Visitors can explore the secluded landscapes of Akiyama-go, relax in a mountain hot spring, discover traces of Jomon culture, enjoy winter sports, or simply take in the changing scenery of the four seasons.
Autumn is particularly beautiful when the mountains are covered in brilliant foliage, while winter reveals the extraordinary character of this snow country. For travelers looking to experience a quieter and more traditional side of Japan, Sakae Village offers an opportunity to discover a landscape and culture shaped by mountains, snow, and generations of local life.