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Yokote Kamakura Festival

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Yokote Kamakura Festival

The Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival is a winter festival held in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, Japan. The festival features the creation of kamakura, which are igloo-like snow huts.

During the festival, hundreds of mini kamakura are built throughout the city starting from February 1st. On February 15th and 16th, larger kamakura are built at various locations around the city, including shrines, temples, parks, and in front of homes. The kamakura are made from compacted snow and decorated with candles, creating a beautiful and mystical atmosphere in the winter night.

Visitors to the festival can participate in various activities, such as trying traditional Japanese snacks and drinks, watching traditional Japanese performances, and playing traditional Japanese games. The festival also features a parade of floats decorated with traditional Japanese paper lanterns.

One of the highlights of the Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival is the night-time illumination of the kamakura. The candles inside the kamakura are lit, creating a beautiful scene that is both peaceful and enchanting. Visitors can also enjoy the kamakura from the inside, where they can warm up and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.

In addition, “kamakura hot pot,” a traditional Japanese hot pot cooked inside a kamakura, is offered at some venues during the festival.

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Getting there and around

By Train

From Tokyo:

  1. Take the Akita Shinkansen to Omagari Station (3.5 hours)
  2. Transfer to the JR Ou Line to Yokote Station (20 minutes)
  • Total journey time: About 4-4.5 hours
  • Cost: Around 14,000-14,500 yen

From Sendai:

  • Take the Akita Shinkansen to Omagari Station, then transfer to JR Ou Line
  • Total journey time: About 2 hours

By Bus

  • Highway buses available from Tokyo Station, Busta Shinjuku, and Yokohama Station
  • Journey time: 8-9 hours
  • Cost: 6,000-10,000 yen

By Air

Fly to Akita Airport, then:

  1. Take Airport Liner van to Yokote (1.5 hours, 5200 yen)
  2. Or take Limousine bus to JR Akita Station (45 minutes, 930 yen), then JR train to Yokote (1 hour, 1320 yen)

Getting Around Yokote

  • Free loop bus service available during festival evenings (17:40 to 21:00)
  • Main venues are walkable from Yokote Station:
  • Kamakurakan Hall: 10-minute walk
  • Yokote Castle: 40-minute walk

Details

LocationYokote Area
PeriodFebruary 15th to February 16th
Phone+81 182-32-2403
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