Matagi Culture in Oguni

In the Kotamagawa district of Oguni, the Matagi—traditional mountain hunters—have passed down their way of life for centuries.

Matagi hunters even use a unique vocabulary spoken only in the mountains. One distinctive call, “Koizumiwā!”—believed to mean “Look here!” in the Ainu language—is a signal to fellow hunters.

The Matagi primarily hunt the Asiatic black bear through coordinated group hunts known as makigari. Each hunter has a role: the Mukadate leads the hunt, the Seko drive the bear, and the Buppa takes the shot.

In the past, hunts were carried out by groups of around ten people. Today, as the number of Matagi has declined and many have other occupations, hunts are sometimes conducted by smaller groups of about five.

After a successful hunt, a ritual known as a Bear Festival (Kuma Matsuri) is held to pray for the bear’s spirit and give thanks for the protection of the mountain deity.

Everything taken from the mountain is considered a gift.
After the hunt, the bear is carefully processed and used in its entirety—except for the contents of the intestines. The meat, skin, and other parts are used for food, clothing, or medicine. The bear is shared equally among everyone involved, regardless of age or role.

For the Matagi, not only bears but also mountain vegetables and mushrooms are gifts from the mountain deity. This belief remains the spiritual foundation of their way of life.

A Place Where “Welcome Back” Feels Just Right

You won’t just be staying somewhere—you’ll be returning. The family who runs this guesthouse has lived as Matagi for generations. There’s no grand welcome, yet stepping inside feels reassuring—like returning to a familiar place.

You will share meals at the family table, chatting about the day’s happenings. It feels like visiting your countryside home after a long time. Even though you’re traveling, it’s a place where you can fully relax.

Life Around the Table

Dinner is one of the highlights of the experience.
The Yokoyama family prepares home-cooked meals using local ingredients gathered from the mountains and fields.

The dishes are simple and nourishing—bear soup and other wild game dishes, Yamagata jidori chicken raised by Taku, homegrown vegetables and rice, and seasonal mountain plants and mushrooms.
As you share the meal, conversation flows naturally.

You may hear stories about life in the mountains, the traditions that have been passed down through generations, and the everyday realities of living close to nature.

Through these conversations, you will discover that the Yokoyama family’s way of life is itself a form of culture.
What you take from this journey is not only photographs or memories, but also a new perspective on nature, relationships, and the rhythm of daily life.

Seasonal Experiences
(Example: A Winter Walk in the Snowy Mountains)

Life in Oguni changes dramatically with the seasons, and each time of year offers a different way to experience the mountains.
On a quiet winter day, you may head into the forest with Ryūzō as your guide.

Wearing kanjiki (traditional snowshoes), you walk slowly through the snow, paying attention to what lies beneath your feet and around you.

Animal tracks appear on the snow.
“Here’s a fox.”
“This one might be a marten.”

As Ryūzō points them out, you begin to notice the small signs of nature—things you might normally pass by without seeing..

Along the way, you will hear stories about the forest, the animals, and how people in this region have lived alongside nature for generations.

Simply walking and listening becomes a surprisingly rich experience.

On some days, you may also have the chance to ride a snowmobile, feeling the cold mountain air as you travel through the snowy landscape.

In Oguni, the changing seasons are felt clearly—very different from life in the city. It is the kind of place that naturally makes you think:

“I’d like to come back in another season.”

Note: Day 2 activities vary depending on the season. Please discuss available experiences with the Yokoyama family during your stay.

Who This Experience Is For

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to connect with rural life in Japan.

You may especially enjoy it if you:
・are interested in traditional culture and mountain life
・enjoy meeting local people and sharing meals
・appreciate nature and slow travel

No special skills or physical fitness are required. Activities are relaxed and adjusted depending on the season and weather.