Tokamachi, Administrative city in southern Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Tokamachi sits in the basin of the Shinano River and spreads across a mountainous area in the southern part of Niigata Prefecture. The terrain shifts between river valleys and forested hills, with the center occupying a flatter section near the banks.
This city took its name from markets held every tenth day of the month. Official status as a city came in March 1954 through mergers of several municipalities.
The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale displays more than 300 outdoor installations that connect contemporary works with surrounding fields and villages. This event takes place every three years and transforms the entire landscape into a walkable gallery.
Travel involves taking a train from Tokyo to Echigo-Yuzawa, then transferring to a local line that reaches the station in town. The entire journey takes roughly two and a half hours and passes through central mountain regions of Honshu.
The area receives up to four meters of snow each year, which has led to the development of a large winter festival in February. This celebration features large snow sculptures created by locals and visitors working together.
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