The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale installations are all over the Tokamachi region. They number close to 400 and cover a huge area. If you are looking for a quick hit with lots to see, many of which are hands-on or great for kids, Matsudai Station is a good destination. Just over the tracks is the Matsudai Snow Country Agrarian Culture Center and all around there are works of art. There is so much in fact that sometimes you are not sure if you are looking at art or not. There are helpful Echigo-Tsumari signs all around to help you if you are unsure.
The art here is great for kids with plenty to climb on, quirky or funny works, and brightly colored or strange sculptures. Some of our favorites right by the Culture Center included a maze, swings, climbing frames on wheels, and the colorful Tsumari in Bloom. Over the other side of the river is a path that leads up through the cedar forest. In among the trees are even more sculptures and installations. As you run/walk around there is always something new to discover. There are several kinds of metal sitars that can be played and right at the top a little hut with (fake) snowmen in fridges, as well as a look out tower to climb.
It is great fun for kids and art lovers alike.
