Yokote Kamakura Festival 2026

Event date:
February 15, 2026 at 2:47 am
Event end:
February 16, 2026 at 2:47 am

Step Into a Winter Wonderland of Kamakura Igloos!

One of Japan’s most enchanting winter festivals, the Yokote Kamakura Festival transforms the snow-covered city of Yokote into a glowing spectacle of hundreds of kamakura (snow igloos). Held every year on February 15 and 16, this 450-year-old tradition welcomes visitors to experience the warmth of Japanese hospitality inside candlelit igloos, while enjoying local delicacies and prayers for good fortune.

The Kamakura Igloos – A Mesmerizing Sight at Night

✔ Over 100 snow igloos built throughout the city, each illuminated from within
✔ Inside, local children invite visitors to sit and enjoy amazake (sweet rice drink) & mochi
✔ Miniature kamakura lanterns line the Yokote River, creating a dreamlike scene

As night falls, the soft glow of candlelight flickers through the snow, making the festival feel like a scene from a fairy tale.

Festival Origins – A 450-Year-Old Tradition

The Yokote Kamakura Festival has its roots in the Edo period, originally held as a ritual to honor the water deity Suijin-sama. Families would build kamakura and enshrine a small altar inside, offering prayers for a prosperous year and good harvests.

Even today, visitors are welcomed into the igloos with a friendly greeting:
✨ “Haitte tanse!” (Please come inside!)

Enjoy Traditional Winter Treats

✔ Amazake – A warm, sweet rice drink (non-alcoholic)
✔ Mochi – Soft rice cakes, grilled and served hot
✔ Kiritanpo – Grilled rice skewers, a local specialty of Akita

These comforting winter foods add to the cozy and nostalgic festival atmosphere.

Best Festival Locations & Highlights

📌 Yokote Castle Area – Home to the largest kamakura and best panoramic views
📌 Yokote Minami Elementary School Grounds – Where locals host guests inside kamakura
📌 Yokote River – Hundreds of miniature kamakura lanterns line the snowy banks
📌 Fureai-kan Hall – A kamakura-building experience where visitors can make their own igloo!

Travel Tips for Visitors

✔ Wear Warm Clothing! – The festival takes place in subzero temperatures (-5°C or lower).
✔ Best Viewing Time: Evening (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM) when the kamakura glow under candlelight.
✔ Public Transport: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Omagari Station (3 hours), then a 20-minute train ride to Yokote Station.

Experience Japan’s Most Magical Snow Festival!

The Yokote Kamakura Festival 2026 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step into a glowing winter wonderland, immerse yourself in ancient Japanese traditions, and enjoy the heartwarming hospitality of the people of Yokote.