Sakuho Town is a small community located in eastern Nagano Prefecture, just a few hours from Tokyo by bullet train or car. Through onigiri-making, we hope to share the many charms of this town with visitors.
Why onigiri? Because Sakuho Town has both a stunning natural environment and incredibly warm-hearted people.
By guiding guests through the process of making onigiri, we want to convey just how special this place is.
Sakuho Town: Beautiful Scenery Surrounded by Nature
Situated at an elevation of approximately 800 meters, Sakuho Town is characterized by its dry climate, large temperature swings between day and night, and one of the highest rates of sunny days in Japan.
Thanks to these sometimes harsh yet beautiful natural conditions, the town enjoys air so fresh it makes you want to take a deep breath, along with an expansive sky that seems to stretch on forever.
Depending on the season, the surrounding mountains transform their appearance, offering breathtaking views wherever you look. And if you pause to listen carefully, you might only hear the sound of birds singing.
Each season brings new facets of nature’s splendor, captivating visitors in its own unique way.
Freeing Your Mind and Spirit in Nature
When you escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in this natural setting, you experience a special flow of time—a feeling of reconnecting with your humanity.
Plants grow and are harvested in a continuous cycle here. Winters can be harsh, with temperatures dropping to as low as minus 18 degrees Celsius. But it’s precisely this chilly environment that makes the warmth inside our homes feel so comforting.
Rather than living in a big city where everything is convenient, spending time amid the less convenient aspects of Sakuho Town can help you realize what truly matters to you. It’s an experience that opens your eyes to what you hold dear.
“A Town Where Everyone Sees Each Other’s Face”: Sakuho
With a population of around 11,000, Sakuho Town is a small community that has long embraced new people with warmth and kindness.
A simple “Good morning” or “Hello” is a common sound when walking around town. One day, while helping with the local harvest, an elderly woman told us a story:
“Sakuho Town has always thrived on rice farming, so lots of people from outside came to help during the harvest. That’s why, for as long as we can remember, we’ve welcomed outsiders with open arms.”
Please come as you are—no need to dress up or put on airs. Just drop by Sakuho Town. You’ll discover experiences unlike anything you’ve known before.
Next Time: Why We Chose Onigiri
So why did we choose to share the joys of Sakuho Town through something as simple as making onigiri? In the next installment, we’ll reveal the thoughts and secrets packed into these little rice balls. You might just start seeing onigiri in a whole new light.