Yokote Kamakura: Snow Hut Festival Offering Coins to the Water Deity

Yokote Kamakura

Yokote Kamakura, held February 15–16 each year in Yokote, Akita, is a designated National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Snow huts (kamakura) housing water deity altars are built, and children inside offer amazake (sweet rice drink) and mochi to visitors.

Highlights

• Kamakura Groups: About 100 snow huts appear throughout Yokote City
• Children's Hospitality: Children inside offer amazake to visitors
• Mini Kamakura: Small snow huts also line the area near Yokote Station
• Magical Evening Scene: Candlelight from inside the huts illuminating the snow surface — especially beautiful after dusk

Event Overview

• Duration: February 15–16 each year
• Candlelight Lighting: From around 5pm (especially magical at night)

Getting There

• Alight at JR Ou Main Line Yokote Station (about 40 minutes from Akita)
• About 10 minutes by car from Akita Expressway Yokote IC

Tips

Dress very warmly. The atmosphere is overwhelmingly better after dusk when candles are lit. If a local child offers you amazake, accept it without hesitation.