A tour of the "Kamakura" festivals that brighten up the snowy winter region: Yokote, Onogawa, Yunishigawa, Iiyama, and Nakao

Why was the Kamakura invented?

Japan's northern regions, especially Tohoku and northern Kanto, are covered in deep snow in the winter. Kamakura are traditional huts made from that snow. They are said to have originally been built by children as a way to play in the snow during the farming off-season, or as prayers for safety and good harvests in the local area. Candles and food were placed inside these small snow huts to create a warm space, welcoming local residents and visitors alike during the bitter cold of winter. Kamakura began as a culture that combined the wisdom of snow country with a sense of playfulness.

The charm and characteristics of Kamakura

The greatest attraction of a kamakura is the fantastical space created by snow and light. Once inside, you're protected from the cold outside and enveloped in soft candlelight. The contrast between the whiteness of the snow and the warmth of the light is a beauty that is hard to put into words. Inside the kamakura, you can also enjoy amazake (sweet sake) and mochi (rice cakes), and interact with local residents. As a seasonal sight in snowy regions, it is a uniquely winter experience that attracts many people, from families and couples to photography enthusiasts.

Regional Kamakura Festival Guide: A Winter Journey Through the Magical Snow Houses

Akita Yokote Snow Festival Kamakura - Japan's leading snow festival

Location and period: Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, mid-February every year

Starting in 2026 (Reiwa 8), the Kamakura Festival will be held on the second Friday and Saturday of every month.

➡ In 2026, the event will be held on Friday, February 13th and Saturday, February 14th .

*This change will be implemented on a trial basis for four years until February 2029.

Yokote Kamakura by Yokote City website

Festival size and characteristics: At the nationally known Yokote Snow Festival, kamakura of all sizes are lined up all over the city. They range in size from small ones about 2 meters in diameter to ones large enough for children to fit inside, and at night the candles lit inside reflect off the snow, creating a fantastical sight. The handmade creations by local residents are also a highlight.

Available activities: Touring the inside of a kamakura, serving sweet sake and yakimochi, and free play on the snow

Highlights and photo spots: Snow igloos floating in the snow, rows of snow igloos along the river, snow-covered paths, and the fantastic sight of the illuminated snow at night

Kamakura Village, Onogawa Onsen, Yamagata: A Warm Fusion of Hot Springs and Snow Lanterns

Location and period: Onogawa Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture, early to mid-February every year

Onogawa Kamakura by PRTIMES

Festival size and characteristics: Small snow huts scattered around the center of the hot spring town are softly lit by lanterns and candles. The contrast with the snow-covered hot spring town is beautiful, and the festival is appealing because you can enjoy both the snowy scenery and the warm waters. There are relatively few tourists, so you can quietly enjoy the winter atmosphere.

Surprisingly, there are menus from nearby restaurants inside Kamakura, and you can enjoy delivery of Yonezawa ramen, soba noodles, and other dishes. To order delivery from within Kamakura, call the restaurant listed on the menu, and there is a 500 yen fee for each delivery for junior high school students and above. Tasting a piping hot bowl of ramen will warm your cold body and soul.

Attractions and photo spots: Illuminated snow huts and snow scenery, snow lanterns along the hot spring town, the lights of the hot spring town floating in the night sky

Kamakura Festival in Yunishigawa Onsen, Tochigi - Mysterious Snow Lanterns and the Winter Scenery of Satoyama

Location and period: Yunishigawa Onsen, Tochigi Prefecture, early to mid-February every year

Festival size and characteristics: This winter festival is easily accessible from the Kanto region and attracts many tourists. The snow huts and snow lanterns blend into the rural mountain scenery, showing different looks by day and night. The handmade-looking huts create a warm atmosphere.

Available activities: Touring the inside of a kamakura, making rice cakes, participating in events on the snow, tasting hot drinks and local cuisine

Highlights and photo spots: Kamakura and snow lanterns lined up along the river, nighttime illuminations, and the rice cake pounding experience in the snow

Kamakura Village in Iiyama, Nagano - An interactive snow festival spread across the snowy fields

Location and period: Iiyama City, Nagano Prefecture, mid-February every year

Festival size and features: This is an experiential snow festival where large and small kamakura are scattered across the vast snowy fields of Satoyama. There are plenty of activities for both children and adults to enjoy, and the nighttime illuminations are fantastical. The sight of the kamakura surrounded by snow makes you feel as if you've wandered into another world.

Available activities: Touring the inside of a snow hut, playing in the snow, taking commemorative photos, making a snow lantern

Highlights and photo spots: Illuminated kamakura, rows of huts floating in the snowy fields, the contrast between the countryside and snow

Nakao Kamakura Festival in Niigata - A Snowy Village Filled with Handmade Warmth

Location and period: Nakao district, Niigata prefecture, early to late February every year

Nakao Kamakura by Okuhida Onsenkyo Tourism Association

Festival size and characteristics: A row of kamakura handmade by local residents and the warm hospitality you'll only find in the local area are a highlight. Though it's small-scale, it's a festival where you can experience the lifestyle, culture, and human warmth of a snowy country. Local food and hot drinks are served, and you can relax and enjoy the snowy scenery.

Available activities: Entrance to snow huts, playing in the snow, enjoying hot drinks made with local ingredients, making handmade snow lanterns

Highlights and photo spots: Snow-covered countryside, rows of handmade snow huts, and interactions with local residents

Tips for enjoying the Yukiya Festival

When enjoying the Yukiya Festival, it is essential to take measures to protect yourself from the cold.

Since winter snow festivals are held outdoors in the freezing cold, be sure to dress warmly and comfortably with layers of innerwear, gloves, a hat, and waterproof shoes. Candles and illuminated kamakura make beautiful photographs. Use a tripod and image stabilization, and capture the fantastic scenery in night mode for even more beautiful photos. Enjoying sweet sake and mochi inside a kamakura, playing in the snow, and strolling around among the snow lanterns are also experiences unique to winter. For families and couples, there are plenty of activities everyone can participate in, such as building a kamakura, pounding rice cakes, and crafting snow lanterns. Working together in the snow will create a special and memorable experience.

A relaxing experience in a snowy winter country: A trip to the cute Kamakura Festival

The Kamakura Festival, which colors the snow country in winter, will help you forget about everyday life as you spend time inside small houses wrapped in snow. The small kamakura sitting amidst walls of soft snow and the gentle light of candles will warm you up. A magical snowy landscape, warm amazake (sweet sake) and mochi (rice cakes), and the smiling faces of the local people - a charming experience unique to Japan's winter awaits you!

Why not take a trip around the Kamakura Festivals this winter to experience the snow culture of Tohoku and Northern Kanto firsthand and enjoy a special winter trip? The snow-covered streets and heartwarming hospitality will surely create some unforgettable, adorable memories.