Yokote Kamakura Festival: A Magical Snow Lantern Tradition

The "Yokote Kamakura Festival," held every February in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, is a winter tradition with a history spanning approximately 450 years. Inside the small snow huts known as "kamakura," local children offer warm hospitality by serving amazake, a sweet rice drink, creating a unique experience that can only be found in snowy regions. Why not spend a heartwarming moment surrounded by enchanting snow lanterns? 🌟 Highlights & Experiences - Around 60 kamakura appear throughout the city, creating a magical atmosphere. - Local children serve amazake inside the kamakura, offering warm hospitality. - Free shuttle buses allow efficient travel between venues. - "Hokkori Yokocho" offers local delicacies like Yokote yakisoba and kiritanpo. - At "Old Katano Residence," you can enjoy kamakura alongside a historic building. 🚉 Access - A 10-minute walk from JR Yokote Station to the Yokote City Hall Main Venue. - Free shuttle buses (operating from 5:40 PM to 9:00 PM) are recommended for traveling between venues. - Parking is limited, so public transportation is convenient. 🌿 Recommended Season - The main event days are February 15th and 16th. - In years with heavy snowfall, the scenery becomes even more magical. 👣 Travel Tips - Dress warmly and prepare for cold weather. - Visiting early in the day allows for a more relaxed experience, as crowds are expected. - "Yokote Kamakura Festival" is especially enchanting in years with abundant snow.