In late EDO period, “SUZUKI BOKUSHI”, who is a writer of “HOKUETSU SEPPU”, a famous book introducing culture of snow country “ECHIGO”,  visited “JIGOKU DANI” in OJIYA with his acquaintances for pleasure-seeking. He recorded the tour in the book.

“JIGOKU DANI” means a hell valley. The place is called so because flammable gas exudes without additional pressure and burns so that animals never get close to “JIGOKU DANI” at night. In fact, there used to be many wild cherry trees so the name is not appropriate.

When “BOKUSHI” and his friends visited “JIGOKU DANI”, the place was flourished and there were many sightseers. They met a group of “GEIGI”, who entertain people with music, songs and dances, and enjoyed themselves there and on their way to Ojiya city center.

A master of “GEIGI” was there, too. He called himself “SOPPAROU”, that means a man with buckteeth. He was a very frank and friendly person and a master of “TOUCHYUU”, a famous traditional Japanese-style restaurant in Ojiya. “TOUCHYUU” still exists and continues their business until now.

There were two Japanese-style hotels in “JIGOKU DANI” but now just one called “TATSUNOYU”. Natural gas from “KASEI”, a well of gas, is still used for boiling water of a bath and cooking.

There is nothing around there but a little imagination will add lively scene of “BOKUSHI”, “GEIGI” and “SOPPAROU” in EDO period and actually you can visit “TOUCHYUU” and enjoy skilful entertainment of “GEIGI” if you visit “TOUCHYUU” near the centre of Ojiya.

参考：龍乃湯

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