Step into the heart of Tokamachi, where craftsmanship is part of everyday life.

Here, an unexpected ingredient, nori seaweed, links two local specialties: beautifully made kimono textiles and the region’s signature hegi soba noodles.

This private guided tour offers a unique combination of hands-on kimono making and a meal of local Hegi soba noodles, giving guests a rare glimpse into the traditions and ingenuity of Japan’s snow country.

Meet at Tokamachi Station West Exit and travel by taxi to the Kimono Aoyagi Factory, where you can observe every step of the kimono-making process. This craft has long flourished as one of the main occupations in the region, reflecting the skill and care passed down through generations.

After the factory experience, continue by taxi to Tamugi Soba Restaurant for lunch. Tokamachi’s signature "Hegi Soba" noodle is unique thanks to nori seaweed, traditionally used in textile production, as a thickener.

This gives the noodles a firm texture and smooth throat feel, and highlights an extraordinary connection between clothing and food that has developed in the snow country over centuries.

By the end of the tour, guests will have experienced both the artistry of kimono and the taste of Hegi soba, gaining a deeper appreciation for the traditions, wisdom, and creativity nurtured in this snowy landscape.

The tour concludes back at Tokamachi Station West Exit, leaving a lasting impression of a region where culture and cuisine are woven together in unexpected ways.