Matsunoyama, Niigata



Matsunoyama (松之山町) was a town located in Higashikubiki District, Niigata Prefecture, Japan.

As of 2003, the town had an estimated population of 2,974 and a density of 34.46 persons per km2. The total area was 86.31 km2.

On April 1, 2005, Matsunoyama, along with the town of Matsudai (also from Higashikubiki District), the town of Kawanishi, and the village of Nakasato (both from Nakauonuma District), was merged into the expanded city of Tōkamachi. It is located in the southeastern portion of the city.

Matsunoyama is home to one of the big three medicinal hot springs of Japan, along with Kusatsu (Gunma Prefecture) and Arima Onsen (Hyōgo Prefecture). One of the main roads in the town is lined with about a dozen traditional Japanese-style hot spring resorts, attracting many visitors.

Climate
Matsunoyama is also famous for the massive amount of snowfall it receives, with 2 to 3 meters on average during the severe winter months.

History
According to legend, a woodcutter discovered the hot springs 700 years ago when he saw a hawk resting its injured wing in it. It has also been told that the daughter of Uesugi Fusayoshi (the 15th century governor of Echigo Province, current Niigata Prefecture, ja:上杉房能) cured her skin disease by soaking in the hot springs.

Local attractions
Matsunoyama is one of the sites of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial.


 * Matsunoyama Onsen (ja:松之山温泉)
 * Beech Forest (Bijin Bayashi, ja:美人林)
 * Rice terraces