Festivals of Japan

Events across Japan. A collection ranging from traditional to seasonal offerings.

Yokote Kamakura Festival - Akita

A lunar New Year event that boasts a tradition of around 450 years. Kamakura (igloo-like snow domes) were not originally for enjoyment, but for praying to the water god enshrined within them for the safety of one’s family, prosperity in business, an abundant harvest, and so on. About 100 kamakura are built in various locations throughout the city and are lit up. Children speak in the local dialect to call on passersby to enter the kamakura and pray to the water god, while offering them amazake (warm, sweet nonalcoholic rice wine) and mochi (rice cakes). This snow country winter scene is so full of poetic sentiment that people are mesmerized by it.

Event Dates February 15 and 16 each year
Event Details February 15 and 16, 2023 (please see the official website for details)
Official site https://www.yokotekamakura.com
Location (venue) In front of the Yokote City Hall Main building, Yokote Park, Futaba-cho Street, and other areas within the city.
Address 8-12 Chuo-machi, Yokote-shi, Akita
Price Essentially free admission
View on Google Maps
Region Hokkaido Tohoku
Category Illumination, Nature

Event organizers may change the date and time. Please check the official website.

update: Nov.9.2022

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