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.