Yokote Kamakura is a long-standing winter tradition in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, rooted in rituals that honor the water deity during the New Year season. Large snow huts, known as kamakura, are built throughout the city, and children welcome visitors inside while offering sweet amazake and rice cakes as they pray for good health and safety.
Smaller snow huts and snow lanterns are also arranged around town, and at night candlelight fills the snow structures, creating a calm and magical winter atmosphere. The event showcases the warmth of local hospitality and the beauty of snow country, making it one of Yokote’s most iconic seasonal celebrations.
【Schedule Announcement for the 2026 Yokote Snow Festival】
We are pleased to announce the official schedule for the 2026 Yokote Snow Festival, as decided by the Festival Committee.
■ Kamakura Festival
February 13 (Fri) & 14 (Sat), 2026
※ The festival will be held on the Friday and Saturday just before the Bonten Festival, instead of the traditional fixed dates of February 15 and 16. This change will be implemented on a trial basis until 2029.
■ Bonten Festival (No changes to the dates)
February 16 (Mon) & 17 (Tue), 2026
※ As a sacred Shinto ritual, the festival will continue to be held on fixed dates.
・February 16 (Mon): Bonten Competition
・February 17 (Tue): Bonten Dedication at Asahiokasan Shrine
■ Snow Art Exhibitions
February 13 (Fri) & 14 (Sat), 2026
※ Dates will be adjusted to align with the Kamakura Festival on a trial basis.
We appreciate your understanding and support. Further updates will be shared as they become available.
