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Hello there! I'm Emily, a staff member at the Japan Cultural Expo.

From Tokyo to Osaka, Japan is renowned for its bustling, exciting cities. But have you ever wanted to visit Japan's satoyama and experience the rural side of the country?

Satoyama refers to traditional Japanese landscapes where human settlements and the natural environment of mountains and forests co-exist in harmony and are deeply intertwined.
The Echigo-Tsumari Art Field brings together Japan's satoyama and contemporary art, creating a captivating fusion of tradition and modern expression.
Today, I'd like to introduce you to Matsudai NOHBUTAI, one of the areas of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field that can be easily accessed by train.

To get to Matsudai NOHBUTAI, you first need to take a Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Echigo-Yuzawa. From there, transfer to the Hokuetsu Express Hokuhoku Line and get off at Matsudai Station.
The journey from Tokyo to Matsudai takes about two hours.

Matsudai NOHBUTAI is just in front of Matsudai Station.
The area includes the Matsudai NOHBUTAI Field Museum as well as many artworks and installations by a variety of contemporary artists, including the iconic Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, scattered among forests and terraced rice fields.
You are sure to get a sort of philosophical inspiration from these fascinating works of contemporary art blending into Matsudai’s peaceful landscape of mountains and rice fields.

During my visit to Matsudai NOHBUTAI, I took a break to enjoy some local ice cream, and I also got a pair of waraji sandals made by a local grandma as a souvenir.

Inside the Matsudai NOHBUTAI Field Museum there is also a nice café and a shop with some interesting features designed in collaboration with contemporary artists.

Finally, when you visit, be sure to use the toilets on the 2nd floor!
You'll be amazed at the tricks you'll find there. Or at least I was!

In 2024, the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field will host the 9^th exhibition of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale.
If you want to discover a new side of Japan, you shouldn't miss it!

●Access to Echigo-Tsumari Art Field - Matsudai NOHBUTAI Field Museum (from Tokyo)