Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival
Ancient Snow House Tradition in Akita's Winter Wonderland
The Yokote Kamakura Festival traces its origins back approximately 450 years to the Muromachi period, making it one of Japan's oldest continuous winter festivals. The tradition began as a religious ceremony honoring the water deity (suijin) to pray for household safety, abundant harvests, and pure water for the coming year. Local farmers would construct dome-shaped snow houses called 'kamakura' and place small altars inside dedicated to the water god. Children would gather inside these snow sanctuaries to make offerings and pray, creating a community ritual that combined religious devotion with celebration of winter's abundance.
The festival evolved significantly during the Edo and Meiji periods as Yokote developed as a prosperous castle town in the Akita Domain. The tradition of children hosting visitors inside the kamakura solidified, with the practice of offering amazake (sweet rice wine) and mochi (rice cakes) to guests becoming standardized. Each kamakura features a small altar with a water bucket and ladle, maintaining the connection to the original water deity worship. The festival was temporarily suspended during World War II but resumed immediately after the war ended, demonstrating its importance to local identity. In 1974, the Yokote Kamakura Festival was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Akita Prefecture.
Today, the Yokote Kamakura Festival transforms the entire city each February 15-16, with over 100 large kamakura structures and countless smaller ones dotting the snowy landscape. The festival attracts approximately 150,000 visitors annually who come to experience this unique window into traditional Japanese winter culture. Modern additions include the Yokote Castle illumination, a mini-kamakura festival with thousands of small snow houses lit by candles, and food stalls serving regional winter delicacies. Despite these contemporary elements, the festival maintains its core tradition: children welcoming guests into kamakura, serving amazake and mochi, and keeping alive a 450-year connection to their ancestors' prayers for water, safety, and prosperity.
Key Highlights
- 450-year-old tradition honoring the water deity for good fortune
- Over 100 large kamakura snow houses throughout the city
- Children serve amazake and mochi inside illuminated snow domes
- Mini-kamakura festival features thousands of candle-lit snow houses
- Yokote Castle illumination creates magical winter scenery
- Two-day festival each February 15-16 attracts 150,000 visitors
Access Information
Location
Yokote City, Akita Prefecture (main venues: Yokote Park, City Hall area, Furusato Village)
Nearest Stations
- • JR Yokote Station (Ou Main Line) - 10-15 min walk to main venues
- • Yokote Station East Exit - festival shuttle bus departure point
- • Festival venues spread throughout city center
Opening Hours
Festival dates: February 15-16 annually; Kamakura illumination: 18:00-21:00; Mini-kamakura: 17:00-21:00; Some daytime events 10:00-15:00
Admission Fee
Free admission to all festival areas and kamakura; Food and drink available for purchase
How to Get There
From JR Yokote Station
Main festival areas are within walking distance from the station. Yokote Park (castle area) is 15 minutes north. City Hall area and Yokomachi district are 10 minutes east. Free shuttle buses operate between major venues during festival dates (every 15-20 minutes).
10-15 minutes
From Akita City
Take JR Ou Main Line Limited Express from Akita Station to Yokote Station (50 minutes, hourly service). Reserved seat costs around 2,500 yen. During festival dates, special express trains add extra services.
70 minutes
From Tokyo
Take JR Akita Shinkansen from Tokyo to Akita Station (3 hours 40 minutes), then JR Ou Main Line to Yokote Station (50 minutes). Total cost approximately 19,000 yen one way. Alternatively, overnight highway bus from Tokyo to Yokote (9 hours, departs evening).
4.5 hours
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Main Kamakura Experience
Over 100 large kamakura (approximately 3 meters in diameter, 2.5 meters tall) are built throughout the city. Children dressed in traditional clothing welcome visitors inside, offering amazake (sweet warm rice drink) and grilled mochi rice cakes. Bring small donations (100-300 yen) as customary thanks. Peak visiting hours are 18:00-20:00 when all kamakura are illuminated.
Best Photography Locations
Yokote Park area near the castle offers picturesque kamakura with the illuminated castle as backdrop. The Yokomachi historical district features kamakura along traditional streets. Mini-kamakura areas at City Hall create dreamlike scenes with thousands of candle-lit snow houses. Arrive before sunset (around 16:30) to capture twilight blue hour shots.
Mini-Kamakura Festival
Thousands of small kamakura (30-40cm high) line the Yokote River and City Hall grounds, each illuminated by candles creating a spectacular display. This photogenic area operates 17:00-21:00 both festival nights. The reflection of candlelight on snow creates magical atmosphere. Less crowded than main kamakura areas, perfect for contemplative evening strolls.
Festival Foods
Try Yokote yakisoba, the local B-class gourmet featuring thick, straight noodles with sweet sauce and fried egg. Food stalls serve grilled mochi, hot amazake, and regional specialties. The festival area near City Hall has the most food vendors. Many local restaurants extend hours during the festival offering special winter menus.
Accommodation Planning
Hotels in Yokote City book out 3-6 months in advance for festival dates. Consider staying in Akita City (50 minutes away) or other nearby towns if Yokote accommodations are full. Some ryokan in the region offer festival shuttle packages. Book immediately when reservations open in autumn for the following February.
Daytime Activities
During daylight hours (10:00-15:00), visit kamakura construction sites to see how the snow houses are built. Yokote City Hall offers kamakura-building demonstrations and participatory activities. The local museum features exhibits on kamakura history and tradition. Yokote Castle (replica) provides city views and historical context.
Winter Weather Preparation
February temperatures in Yokote range from -5°C to 0°C with significant snow. Essential items: insulated waterproof boots with good traction, multiple warm layers, hand/foot warmers, waterproof gloves, and warm hat. Streets can be icy—walk carefully. Dress warmly as you'll be outside for extended periods moving between kamakura.
Cultural Etiquette
When entering a kamakura, remove your shoes and sit on the straw mats provided. Accept the offered amazake and mochi graciously, leaving a small monetary offering (100-300 yen) as thanks. Speak quietly and respectfully as this is a sacred tradition. Limit time in each kamakura (5-10 minutes) so others can experience it. Thank the children as you leave.
FAQ
What is the Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival?
The Yokote Kamakura Festival is a 450-year-old winter tradition where locals build dozens of igloo-like snow houses called 'kamakura' throughout the city. Held annually on February 15-16, children invite visitors inside to share sweet amazake (rice drink) and mochi around a charcoal brazier while honoring the water deity. It's one of Japan's most unique winter festivals.
When exactly is the Yokote Kamakura Festival held?
The main festival occurs annually on February 15-16, regardless of the day of the week. Supporting events and illuminations may begin a few days earlier. The timing coincides with the Lunar New Year traditions in the region. Since dates are fixed, plan your visit well in advance and book accommodations early as the city gets very crowded.
What is a kamakura snow house?
A kamakura is a traditional snow igloo, typically 3 meters tall and large enough to fit 4-6 people sitting inside. Each contains a small altar to the water deity (Suijin) and a charcoal brazier for warmth. During the festival, over 100 large kamakura and numerous smaller ones are built throughout Yokote, creating a magical winter wonderland.
Can visitors go inside the kamakura?
Yes! The festival's charm is that local children and families invite visitors inside their kamakura to share warm amazake (sweet rice drink) and mochi rice cakes. This welcoming tradition makes the festival interactive and memorable. Each kamakura provides a cozy, intimate experience with the soft glow of candles illuminating the snow walls.
How do I get to Yokote from Tokyo?
Take the Akita Shinkansen from Tokyo to Omagari Station (about 3.5 hours), then transfer to the JR Ou Main Line to Yokote Station (15 minutes). Alternatively, go to Akita Station and take the JR Ou Line to Yokote (50 minutes). The festival sites are within walking distance or a short bus ride from Yokote Station.
Is the festival held only if there's enough snow?
The festival proceeds regardless of natural snowfall. If snow is insufficient, organizers truck in snow from other areas to ensure the kamakura can be built. February in Yokote typically has abundant snow, but the commitment to hosting the festival is absolute given its 450-year tradition and cultural importance.
What time should I visit the kamakura?
The kamakura are beautiful during daylight, but the magical atmosphere comes alive after sunset (around 6:00 PM) when they're illuminated from within by candles and lanterns. The festival officially runs from afternoon until about 9:00 PM. Arriving around dusk (5:00-6:00 PM) lets you experience both day and night views.
How cold is it during the festival?
Mid-February in Yokote is extremely cold, typically -5°C to -10°C or colder, with heavy snow likely. Inside the kamakura, the charcoal brazier provides surprising warmth. Dress in full winter gear including thermal layers, waterproof snow boots, warm coat, hat, gloves, and hand warmers. The snow and ice can make walking treacherous.
Should I book accommodation in advance?
Absolutely essential! Hotels and ryokan in Yokote fill up months in advance for the festival. If Yokote is fully booked, consider staying in nearby cities like Akita or Omagari and taking trains to the festival. Start booking 3-6 months ahead. Some visitors even stay in Morioka or Sendai, though this makes for very long days.
Are there other events during the festival?
Yes! In addition to the kamakura, the festival includes miniature kamakura with candles lining streets and waterways, traditional performances, food stalls serving local Akita cuisine, sake tasting, and bonbori (paper lanterns) creating romantic illumination throughout the city. Multiple venues across Yokote host different aspects of the celebration.
What food and drinks are served at the festival?
Inside the kamakura, you'll be offered amazake (sweet fermented rice drink) and mochi rice cakes. Food stalls throughout the festival areas serve Yokote yakisoba (local stir-fried noodles), grilled mochi, hot sake, and various warming winter foods. Local restaurants offer Akita specialties including kiritanpo and Inaniwa udon.
Is the festival suitable for young children?
Yes, but with considerations. Children often enjoy the magical atmosphere and kamakura experience. However, the extreme cold, potential long walks in snow, and evening timing may be challenging for very young children. Families should ensure children have proper winter clothing and be prepared to warm up indoors regularly.
What is the historical significance of the kamakura?
The 450-year tradition originated as a religious ritual honoring the water deity (Suijin) to ensure clean water and bountiful harvests. Farmers would build kamakura and place offerings inside. Over time, it evolved into a community celebration where children maintain the tradition by welcoming visitors, creating a unique cultural exchange.
Can I build or help build a kamakura?
Generally, kamakura building is done by local community groups, families, and schools in the days before the festival. Some hotels or community events may offer workshops where visitors can participate in building smaller kamakura, but this isn't a standard festival activity. The main experience is visiting the completed kamakura.
How many kamakura are there during the festival?
Over 100 large kamakura are built throughout the city, plus countless miniature ones (called mini-kamakura) that hold candles lining streets, parks, and waterways. The main viewing areas are around Yokote Park, along the Yokote River, and at the Kamakura-kan Museum grounds. Each area offers different atmospheres.
What should I bring to the festival?
Essential items include waterproof winter boots with good traction, full winter clothing including thermal layers, waterproof outer layer, warm gloves, hat, scarf, hand and foot warmers, camera or smartphone, extra batteries (cold drains them quickly), and small gifts or coins to thank hosts who invite you into their kamakura.
Is photography allowed at the festival?
Yes, photography is encouraged and the illuminated kamakura create stunning photos. Respect privacy when photographing people, especially inside kamakura. The combination of snow, candlelight, and night sky offers excellent photo opportunities. Bring extra batteries and keep your camera warm as cold weather significantly reduces battery life.
What other attractions are in Yokote?
Outside festival time, Yokote offers the Kamakura-kan Museum with a year-round freezer room containing kamakura you can enter, Yokote Castle with city views, traditional samurai residences, and local sake breweries. The region is known for Yokote yakisoba, a unique local noodle dish. These attractions make Yokote worth visiting beyond the festival.
Are there English guides or information available?
Some basic English information is available at tourist centers and major sites, but the festival is primarily conducted in Japanese. The experience transcends language barriers as the visual spectacle and warm hospitality of locals welcoming you into kamakura creates memorable interactions regardless of language ability.
Can I visit as a day trip or should I stay overnight?
Given travel times and the evening nature of the festival, staying overnight is highly recommended. A day trip from Tokyo is theoretically possible but extremely rushed and you'd miss the evening illuminations which are the highlight. Staying in Yokote or nearby allows you to fully experience the festival atmosphere without exhausting travel.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Akita Museum of Art
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Kakunodate Samurai District
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Lake Tazawa
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Nyuto Onsen
A secluded hot spring village nestled in the mountains of Akita, featuring seven traditional ryokan with milky-white sulfur waters and pristine beech forest surroundings.