A Koshogatsu (Little New Year) tradition in Yokote, said to date back about 450 years, in which the water deity is enshrined inside kamakura (snow huts). At night the kamakura are lit up, and the children inside call out “Haitte tanse” (please come in) and welcome visitors with amaeko (sweet amazake) and mochi rice cakes.
The glow of some 60 large kamakura built around the city and countless mini kamakura lined up along the riverbank and in the park. Being welcomed by children inside a kamakura and paying respects to the water deity is an experience unique to Yokote. After the kamakura, the Bonden events, a Shinto ritual, are held on February 16 and 17.
Official information for 2026 (February 13 and 14)
See a real kamakura all year round in a room kept at about -10°C. 100 yen for high school students and older (combined ticket for 4 facilities; free for junior high school students and younger). Closed for about a week of maintenance between mid- and late February
Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.
Accommodation in Yokote is limited and gets busy on the two festival days, so book early. You can also stay in nearby areas such as Akita City, Omagari or Kitakami
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ZooTohoku ・ Akita City, Akita
A zoo in Omoriyama Park run by Akita City. As of August 2026, it keeps 524 animals of 88 species. Admission is free for high school students and younger, and with the Anipa amusement park and large play equipment on site, families can spend a whole day here.
AquariumTohoku ・ Oga, Akita
An aquarium on the Sea of Japan coast of the Oga Peninsula. It has a large tank recreating the Oga sea, exhibits of polar bears, seals, penguins, and more, and a museum devoted to hatahata (sandfish), an Akita specialty. From Akita Station, take the JR Oga Line to Oga Station (about 1 hour), then a bus or shared taxi.
April–MayTohoku ・ Hirosaki
Usually late April to early May (timed to the cherry blossom season; April 10 – May 5 in 2026)
2027: Apr 16 (Fri) – May 5 (Wed, holiday), 20 days
May
AugustTohoku ・ Kakunodate, Lake Tazawa & Nyuto Onsen
Every year August 3–6 (night kanto on all 4 days; daytime kanto = Myogi Taikai skills competition on the 4th–6th)
AugustTohoku ・ Aomori & Hakkoda
Every year August 2–7 (eve festival on August 1; night parades August 2–6; daytime parade, evening sea parade and Aomori Fireworks Festival on the 7th)
August
AugustTohoku ・ Sendai & Matsushima
Every year August 6–8 (Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival as the eve event on August 5)
August
December–FebruaryTohoku ・ Yamagata, Zao & Yamadera
The light-up is usually held on selected days from late December to late February (36 days between December 27 and February 22 in the 2025–2026 season). The best season for the snow monsters is late January to late February
DecemberDates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.
Last checked: 2026-10-02
