Kamakura Snow Festival
Near: Akita (Event is Free)
Event Date(s):
Feb. 14, 2025 • Feb. 14, 2025
Dates are subject to change without notice. Check with the official organizers before making travel arrangements.
The "Kamakura Snow Festival" (in Japanese; Kamakura Yuki Matsuri かまくら雪まつり) is held in Yokote City Akita at the Doro Koen Park (in front of Yokote City Hall). The "Kamakura" is a "room" made out of a mound of snow. Over a hundred of these "Kamakuras" and miniature "Kamakuras" are made. This is a 400 year old festival! No... unfortunately there are no 400 year old "Kamakuras", they do melt and have to be re-made every year. The festival origins are said to have come from the tradition of burning New Years decorations and returning them to the gods, inside the "Kamakura" (no worry about fire getting out of control in a mound of snow!) Inside the "Kamakura" an alter is set up that honors the Water Gods and prayers are said for plenty of rain and clear water.
The "Kamakura Snow Festival" (in Japanese; Kamakura Yuki Matsuri かまくら雪まつり) is held in Yokote City Akita at the Doro Koen Park (in front of Yokote City Hall). The "Kamakura" is a "room" made out of a mound of snow. Over a hundred of these "Kamakuras" and miniature "Kamakuras" are made. This is a 400 year old festival! No... unfortunately there are no 400 year old "Kamakuras", they do melt and have to be re-made every year. The festival origins are said to have come from the tradition of burning New Years decorations and returning them to the gods, inside the "Kamakura" (no worry about fire getting out of control in a mound of snow!) Inside the "Kamakura" an alter is set up that honors the Water Gods and prayers are said for plenty of rain and clear water.
Yokote, Akita 013-0036 Japan
Website: Kamakura Snow Festival Homepage
