A Foodie Foray in Minamiuonuma, Niigata! An Agricultural & Gastronomic Experience for the Senses

Minamiuonuma is located in the Uonuma Basin in southern Niigata Prefecture, a region blessed with abundant natural beauty. The city is characterized by vast rice fields along the Uono River and its tributaries, as well as majestic mountains like Hakkaisan and Komagatake, whose pure mountain streams nourish the land.
The area is best known for producing Minamiuonuma Koshihikari rice, a top-quality variety highly regarded nationwide. Thanks to its fertile soil and pristine snowmelt water, this rice is considered among Japan’s finest.
Minamiuonuma is also famous for sake brewing, as its ideal climate and water quality make it perfect for producing premium Japanese sake. The area is home to renowned breweries like Takachiyo Shuzo, Aoki Shuzo, and Hakkaisan Brewery, which enjoy nationwide recognition.
As a heavy snowfall region, Minamiuonuma transforms into a winter paradise, with 11 ski resorts offering excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding. Additionally, the Minamiuonuma Onsenkyo, consisting of 13 different hot spring areas, provides a relaxing retreat for visitors year-round.

The most efficient way to reach Minamiuonuma is by taking the Joetsu Shinkansen and heading to Echigo-Yuzawa Station.
Whether you're traveling from Tokyo Station or Niigata Airport, the journey takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes by Shinkansen.

Rice comes in many varieties, and one of the most prized is Koshihikari. Known for its soft yet chewy texture and rich flavor, Koshihikari is a favorite among rice lovers.
Minamiuonuma is one of the premier production areas of Koshihikari, thanks to its abundant, crystal-clear snowmelt water and fertile soil enriched by heavy snowfall. In regions with heavy snow, the land naturally rests during winter, and when spring arrives, the melting snow deeply nourishes the rice fields.
Rice grown in these ideal conditions—Minamiuonuma Koshihikari—is known for its delicate sweetness that spreads with each bite and its distinctively chewy, yet tender texture that lingers on the palate.

Within the Minamiuonuma Koshihikari production area, the Nishiyama district in Shiozawa is considered particularly rare and prestigious. The rice grown here is so highly valued that even other farmers seek to purchase it, earning it the reputation of being "in a class of its own."
This exceptional quality is attributed to three key factors, which set this region apart as an elite rice-producing area.

Born in the prestigious Nishiyama district in Shiozawa, "Amaizumi" is a specially cultivated rice that embodies both tradition and innovation. This original brand was developed by the representative of FAUN AGRI LIFE Co., Ltd., who grew up as the daughter of a farming family and infused her personal experiences and passion into its creation.
With the philosophy that "food starts with rice because it is essential to building a healthy body," Amaizumi is grown using the pure blessings of snowmelt water while minimizing the use of pesticides. The result is a high-quality rice with a delightfully chewy texture and an elegant sweetness that lingers even when cold.

The "Mastering Minamiuonuma’s Cuisine! Agricultural & Gastronomic Tour" is more than just an opportunity to taste the specially cultivated rice "Amaizumi"—it’s an immersive experience into the rich food culture and traditions of Minamiuonuma.
Participants step into the rice fields, feel the soil with their hands, and cook their freshly harvested rice in a traditional hagama (iron pot). The tour also includes a sake-tasting session at a local brewery, where guests can compare different varieties and learn about the nuances of aged sake flavors.
This tour offers a full sensory experience, allowing visitors to engage with Minamiuonuma’s authentic flavors firsthand.
The accommodation-included tour schedule varies throughout the year. While the tour operates year-round, the specific rice field activities and destinations may change depending on the season. For detailed information, reach out to the key tour operator, FAUN AGRI LIFE Co., Ltd., via email.

Below is a round-up of highlights and what to expect from the "Mastering Minamiuonuma’s Cuisine! Agricultural & Gastronomic Tour".

This wraps our ideal tour option covering the foodways of Minamiuonuma, plus a deep dive on why Minamiuonuma Koshikari rice and the exclusively harvested Amaizumi brand are so sought after.
Consider booking for a chance to taste premium rice and sake, all while enjoying the deep stories behind each flavor and the passionate tales of the producers firsthand.
For those with an insatiable curiosity for gastronomy, this coveted glimpse into authentic foodways is not to be missed.