Yokote Kamakura Festival
Hundreds of candlelit snow igloos glow across Yokote while children inside invite passersby in for sweet sake — plus 4,000 mini-kamakura lighting the riverbed.
When · Where
- When
- 2027/02/15 09:00 – 2027/02/16
- Where
- Yokote City Hall, Yokote Park & Janokuchi riverbed（Yokote, Akita）
- City
- Across Japan
- Getting there
- Walk from JR Yokote Station
- Price
- Free
- Organizer
- Yokote City
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- Walk from JR Yokote Station Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Free to attend — details on the official page (button above).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- families, date night, culture seekers
Highlights
- ~3-m candlelit snow huts (kamakura)
- Children offering amazake inside
- 4,200 mini-kamakura on the riverbed
Background & story
A 450-year-old tradition honoring the water deity, praying for a good harvest and household safety.
Good to know
Yokote's kamakura are held on the fixed Feb 15-16 dates each year; bundle up and visit after the 6 p.m. lighting.