A Must-See for Couples: The Perfect Japanese Festival for New Loves — Even the Shyest Will Hug While Waiting

▲ The Kakunodate Torch Snow Kiln Festival, where the “spark between lovers” is truly ignited.

Reported and photographed by You t-r / Akita

How should you spend Valentine’s Day to create the most romantic atmosphere? Yesterday (14th), on Valentine’s Day, Kakunodate Town in Senboku City, Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, held the “Kakunodate Torch Snow Kiln Festival.” This could be considered the most couple-friendly festival of all — not only does it drive away the damp cold of winter, but it can also truly ignite the “spark between lovers.” No matter how shy the couple may be, they won’t be able to resist hugging tightly under the gaze of the crowd.


▲ Waving torches to pray for health and safety in the coming year.

Yesterday (14th), we visited Kakunodate Town in Senboku City, right on Western Valentine’s Day, when the annual “Kakunodate Torch Snow Kiln Festival” was also taking place. According to locals, the Torch Snow Kiln Festival has a history of about 400 years, originating from an ancient farmers’ tradition of burning straw in their fields before winter ended to drive away insects. It has now evolved into a hand-waving ceremony, symbolizing the dispelling of the winter chill while also praying for health and safety in the coming year.

The Kakunodate Torch Snow Kiln Festival, held every year in mid-February, took place this year on February 13th and 14th. On the evening of the 13th, there was only one fire-burning site, but on the 14th, there were 20 locations. From 6 to 8 p.m., as long as you approached a bridge pier or open flat area, you could spot the bonfires. The local government provided around 100 torches at each location for the public to experience the sense of health and peace brought by the flames.


▲ Approach a bridge pier or flat area, and you’ll find signs of bonfires.


▲ On the left are the materials used for the burning torches, with about 100 portions at each site.


▲ Staff lighting the torches.

Winter in the northeastern region of Japan is extremely cold, but stepping into the venue of the Torch Snow Kiln Festival, the bonfires bring everyone together in spirit. Receiving a torch weighing about two kilograms from the staff and holding it high while swinging it vigorously in a lit state symbolizes a prayer for good health in the coming year. On Valentine’s Day at the festival, many couples came specifically here — with the man waving the torch above his head in circles while the woman hugged him tightly. Illuminated and blessed by the flames, the moment felt especially meaningful. Many people at the scene joked that the “Kakunodate Torch Snow Kiln Festival,” being held on Valentine’s Day, was practically made for couples, with the “sparks” truly igniting on-site.

 
▲ % The sensation of swinging the heavy torch is incredibly exhilarating.