north by north vol.4 KAMIKAWA DISCOVERY

Two days in Kamikawa around craft, food, and nature. Reach for Ainu woodcarving, gather around a table set with local ingredients, and walk the rivers and forests of the Daisetsuzan range to read them closely. A journey north that meets the pulse of Kamikawa. Join a single program or all of them — you are welcome either way.

Saturday, July 18, afternoon | Ainu owl carving

10:00–15:00 · Fee 5,000 yen (materials and lunch included)

• Venue: Kamikawa, Coming Hall / Rehearsal Room
• Capacity: 10 (limited)
• Instructor: Izawa Mingei, Ainu Art Project

From a branch of Japanese pagoda tree (enju), carve by hand a Kotankorkamuy — the guardian god of the village. Not by machine, but by hand, slowly and carefully. You take home the one you carved yourself, as a charm. Lunch is a KINUBARI COFFEE box lunch featuring a venison menchi-katsu, served at the venue.

Saturday, July 18, evening | A dinner around Kamikawa’s food

18:00–22:00 · Fee 4,000 yen

• Venue: Kamikawa, Yamaichi Shokudo

After the afternoon’s handwork, we gather to share a dinner made with local ingredients harvested in Kamikawa. *Drinks are charged separately.

Sunday, July 19 | Daisetsuzan, the river, and the forest

10:00–15:00 · Fee 5,000 yen (lunch included)

• Meeting / dismissal: in front of Kamikawa Station
• Area: around the Ishikari River, Kamikawa
• Guide: Mr. Hiramatsu (specialist in forest and environmental conservation)

A tour that reads the connections among the high mountains, the river, and the forest. Look at soils formed by volcanic ash, search for quartz. A day of walking, looking, and learning — stepping over to the side that protects the nature of Kamikawa. Lunch is at Mochigoya Mam in Kamikawa, enjoying a meal made with Kamikawa ingredients.

How to apply

From the button below, go to the application form and enter the events you wish to join (multiple selection allowed), the number of participants, and the representative’s name, phone number and email address. We will send you an automatic confirmation reply.

Apply online

We also accept applications via direct DM on Instagram (@northbynorth.jp). In that case, please tell us the account applying, the number of participants, and the representative’s name and phone number.

Fees

Fees for each event are paid in cash at the venue on the day.

Notes

Please come in clothes that can get dirty and are easy to move in. The July 19 event may involve wet footing; we recommend rubber boots or hiking boots.

At this time the program may change. Depending on the weather and other circumstances on the day, the program may also change without prior notice.