Breathtakingly beautiful—it’ll take your breath away!! Top 3 Must-See Snow Festivals in Akita: Pop into a Romantic Snow Igloo

▲ The Yokote Kamakura Festival is one of Japan’s most representative winter festivals in Akita. (Photo / Reporter Huang Wanru)

Reporter Huang Wanru / Reported from Akita, Japan

When visiting Japan in winter, how can you not admire the snow? For those of us living in Taiwan, where it almost never snows, we’ve always harbored a certain fascination with the dreamlike snowy landscapes of Japan. The Tohoku region’s Akita, known as a “snow country,” is definitely a place you shouldn’t miss. Below isa list of the top 3 must-see snow festivals in Akita,If you want to enjoy a different kind of winter scenery, be sure to come and experience it in person if you get the chance!

▲ At night, the snow igloos lit up are like something out of a dream. (Photo / Provided by Akita Prefecture Tourism Promotion Division)

1. Yokote Kamakura Festival
The Yokote Kamakura Festival is a representative winter festival in Yokote City, Akita, Japan, with a history of over 450 years. It began as a Lantern Festival to honor the water deity. During the festival, more than 100 large snow igloos are built around the city, featuring a snow altar dedicated to the water god to pray for abundant water supply. Visitors can also warm up inside the igloos, enjoy grilled rice cakes, sweet sake, and hot tea. At night, the illuminated snow igloos under the lights of Yokote Castle create a fantastical atmosphere.

Yokote Kamakura Festival
Locations: Roads Park at Yokote City Hall Main Building, Kamakura Street in Nibechō, Bukeyashiki Street in Kagamichō, Yokote Park, and more.
Event Dates: Annually on February 15 and 16
Transportation Info: Get off at JR “Yokote Station,” about a 10-minute walk
Official Website(Shuttle bus information available here)

▲ The Oga Peninsula is home to the mysterious and solemn legend of the Namahage. (Photo / Provided by Akita Prefecture Tourism Promotion Division)

2. Namahage Kaeru Shintoe (Namahage Torch Festival)
As one of the “Tohoku Five Great Snow Festivals,” the “Namahage Kaeru Shintoe” is held annually in mid-February at Shinzan Shrine in Oga City, Akita. It combines the traditional Shinto ritual “Shintoe” (torch festival) with the folk event “Namahage,” making it a major winter tourist attraction. Visitors can see the impressive Namahage up close and feel the powerful, lively atmosphere of the festival.

Namahage Kaeru Shintoe
Location: Shinzan Shrine in Kitaura, Oga City (near the Namahage Museum)
Event Dates: Annually on the second Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of February
Official Website(Transportation info available here)

▲ The Inukko Festival offers different beautiful sights in the morning and at night. (Photos / Reporter Huang Wanru; lower image provided by Akita Prefecture Tourism Promotion Division)

3. Inukko Festival
Held annually in mid-February in the Yuzawa area of Akita, the traditional “Inukko Festival” sees households displaying dog statues and shrines made from rice powder—known as “shinpiriko” or also called “inukko shuko”—at their doorways. The main festival venue features many extra-large dog-shaped snow sculptures that kids can ride on, as well as opportunities for snowball fights and sledding. The festival attracts large crowds of visitors every year!

Inukko Festival
Location: Yuzawa City streets and Yuzawa City Hall, Akita, Japan
Event Dates: Annually on the second Saturday and Sunday of February
Transportation Info: A 10-minute walk from JR "Tazawako Station"
Official Website