Yokote Kamakura Festival 2025 in Japan

The Yokote Kamakura Festival, also known as Yokote no Yuki Matsuri, is a 450-year-old tradition held annually on February 15 and 16 in Yokote, Akita Prefecture, Japan. The festival is renowned for its enchanting kamakura—igloo-like snow structures—scattered throughout the city, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

Activities and Attractions

The central feature of the festival is the kamakura, large snow houses that can reach up to three meters in height and four meters in width. Inside each kamakura, visitors find a small altar dedicated to the water deity, where locals pray for safety, prosperity, and abundant water. These altars often host offerings of rice cakes and sake.

Guests are invited into the kamakura during the evenings, where children chant traditional phrases such as “Haiittanse” (“Please enter the kamakura”) and offer amazake (a warm, sweet rice beverage) and grilled mochi. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it a unique cultural experience.

Miniature kamakura, illuminated with candles, line the Yokote River and various streets, creating a mesmerizing sea of lights. Visitors can also enjoy snow sculptures and participate in kamakura-building workshops at Komyoji Park. For those visiting outside of February, the Kamakurakan Hall houses permanent kamakura displays in a temperature-controlled environment.

Schedule and Program

The festival usually runs from 6 pm to 9 pm on both days, with key activities concentrated around Yokote City Hall, Yokote Park, and Futabacho. Candle-lit mini kamakura displays along the Yokote River and at Yokote Minami Primary School are a particular highlight, adding to the festival’s magical ambiance.

Yokote Castle, a modern reconstruction of a traditional Japanese keep, is open during the festival, offering panoramic views of the illuminated city. Normally closed in winter, the castle operates from 10 am to 9 pm during the event.

Location and Nearby Attractions

Yokote, located in southeastern Akita Prefecture, is accessible by train or car. The city is a 20-minute train ride from Omagari Station and about 3.5 hours from Tokyo via the Akita Shinkansen.

While in Yokote, visitors can explore the Akita Museum of Modern Art in Furusato Mura, featuring exhibits by local artists, or enjoy the scenic Yokote Castle area. For those staying longer, the region offers opportunities for snow activities and further exploration of Akita’s natural beauty.