In Kawabata’s Snow Country, I read about yuki sarashi, a process in which clothes are placed on the snow for bleaching. At this point in the year, I believe much of the snow has melted and this process is over.
But I’d still like to learn what I can. Possibly visiting a textile factory or shop. Even better if there was a guided tour or class.
I have not been able to find much online (in general in Yuzawa, but for yuki sarashi specifically).
https://www.followmejapan.com.sg/package/detail.html?id=199 mentions that tour participants can “Witness and take part in this traditional process yourself and appreciate the art of cloth making that only exists in the Snow Country,” presumably in Minamiuonuma.
https://mobile.twitter.com/Ninetail_foxQ/status/1634710825972944902 describes visiting the “Kasuri fabric factory” where they are processing textiles, which I’d love to do. But I can’t find any fabric factories online; perhaps I am looking up the wrong terms.
Any information on this would be appreciated, thanks! General advice about Snow Country-esque activities near Echigo-Yuzawa welcome as well. Currently I am planning to walk around Minamiuonuma and Tokamachi, perhaps Tsunan to just visit the local museums.