Itoigawa is the westernmost town in Niigata Prefecture, nestled between the sea and the mountains. This unique region is made up of seven valleys, each shaped by a rich natural environment and a mild climate. Its diverse landscape has supported life and trade since the ancient Jomon period, making it a place of deep cultural and historical significance.
About 20 kilometers inland from the coastal city center, at an elevation of around 400 meters, lies the quiet village of Ichinono. Set in a flat mountain basin with pure spring water, the area is ideal for rice cultivation. The surrounding rice fields have been passed down for generations, continuing a way of life rooted in the land. In summer, gentle mountain breezes bring relief from the heat, while in winter, the village lies peacefully under a blanket of snow, sometimes reaching up to the rooftops. Ichinono was once a lively place with its own kindergarten and elementary school, but today, only one household remains, living here year-round.