The Enchanting Charms of Akita in Deep Winter: A Relay of 10 Spectacular Festivals

When it comes to festivals in Akita Prefecture, Japan, the Kanto Festival—with over 300 years of history—is undoubtedly the most eye-catching and astonishing traditional event renowned for its incredible skills. But beyond the spectacular summer performances, Akita’s winter festivals are also a sight to behold, bustling from early February all the way to the end of March. Featuring highlights such as the highly popular Namahage Festival and the Snow Hut Festival, these 10 major events beautifully adorn Akita’s silver-winter landscape.

From now until March 14th, experience the “Morioka Mountain Juhyo (Tree Ice)” display. An on-site information desk is available, and visitors can take the aerial lift at Ani Ski Resort to reach this mysterious snowy world. Just a 5-minute walk from the “Summit Station,” you’ll be greeted by a dreamlike view of tree ice. Transportation: Approximately 30 minutes by car from “Aniai Station” on the Akita Inland Railway to Ani Ski Resort. From “Aniai Station,” there is also a regularly scheduled bus called the “Juhyo Liner,” which requires advance reservation. For details, check online or contact the Kitakami City Tourist Information Center Shiki Bijutsukan at 0186-75-3188.

From February 5th to 28th, enjoy the “Towada Lake Winter Story.” The event takes place around Towada Lake, featuring a variety of colorful activities including a winter fireworks show, live performances of Tsugaru Shamisen, a nemuri-zumo (sleepy sumo) experience, the Towada Lake Food Dome, and the illumination of the Maiden’s Statue. From “Towada South Station,” it’s about a 60-minute drive to the special venue at Yusawa, by Towada Lake. During the event period, shuttle buses are available from Odate-Noshiro Airport. For details, visit the official website or contact the Towada Lake National Park Association at 0176-75-2425.

Held on February 10th, the “Kariwano Tug-of-War Festival” is a traditional event with over 500 years of history and is the largest tug-of-war in Japan. The outcome of the match is believed to influence local livelihoods—the town is divided into north and south sides. If the Kamiichō (upper town) side wins, rice prices will rise; if the Shimoichō (lower town) side wins, a bountiful harvest is expected. Visitors are welcome to cheer along with the participants. Transportation: A 5-minute walk from “Kariwano Station” leads to Ōmachi-dōri. For details, check online or contact the Nishisenboku General Branch Office, Regional Revitalization Section of Daisen City at 0187-75-1111.

Although many places in Japan hold events involving the dedication of hōtō (paper streamers), the “Hōtō River Crossing Festival” in Ōmagari, Akita, features the only river-crossing ceremony. This year’s event takes place on February 11th, where white snow-covered mountains provide the backdrop as red, yellow, purple, and other colored hōtō are carried on boats across the Omono River and offered to Izusan Shrine on the opposite bank. Visitors can drive about 10 minutes from “Ōmagari Station” to Hanamachi Civic Hall to attend. For details, check online or contact the Daisen City Tourism & Industry Division at 0187-63-1111.

From February 12th to 14th, the “Namahage Torch Festival” is a major tourist event that combines the traditional Shinto ritual “Taimatsu Festival” (torch festival) with the folk event “Namahage Festival.” A highlight of the celebration is when groups of Namahage, carrying torches and descending the mountain, create a majestic and fantastical scene that brings the festival to its climax. Access: Take a bus from “Oga Station” for about 45 minutes to Shinzan Shrine. Additional temporary buses will be operating during the event period. For details, check online or contact the Oga City Tourism & Commerce & Industry Division at 0185-24-9141.

On February 13th and 14th, the “Amekko Market” is a folk event passed down for approximately 400 years. Along the central street of Ōmachi, there are over 70 candy shops lined up, and it’s said that eating candy on this day prevents colds. There’s also the “Shirahige Daigongen Procession,” adding liveliness and unique appeal to the event. Visitors can take a bus from “Ōdate Station” for about 10 minutes to reach Ōmachi Central Street. For details, check online or contact the Ōdate City Tourism Association at 0186-42-4360. At the same time, the “Inukko Festival” is held, where dog-shaped figures are offered on snow-built shrines to pray for disaster prevention and warding off evil—a deeply traditional folk ritual rich in local flavor. After sunset, candlelight reflects off the falling snowflakes, creating a fantasy-like atmosphere. The main venue is a 7-minute walk from “Yuzawa Station.”

During Little New Year (typically around January 15th of the lunar calendar or a few days before/after), there is a custom of worshipping the water deity. This year, the “Yokote Kamakura Festival” takes place on February 15th and 16th, where people gather around a hearth inside snow huts to grill mochi and serve sweet amazake (rice beverage) to guests. The white snow huts glowing warmly orange in the darkness create a magical, fairytale-like scene. On February 13th and 14th, there is also a pre-event called “KAMAKURA DE NIGHT.” From “Yokote Station,” it’s a 10-minute walk to the venue at Yokote Chiku Office. For those looking to try building snow sculptures, admire snow lanterns, and enjoy winter night fireworks, the “Tazawako Plateau Snow Festival” from February 19th to 21st offers plenty of fun and engaging activities. The special venue at Tazawako Ski Resort is about a 30-minute drive from “Tazawako Station.” For details, check online or contact the Tazawako Tourism Information Center FOREIKU at 0187-43-2111.

From March 3rd to 22nd, in the early spring season, the “Yurihonjo Hina Street” event is held. During the Edo period, the Kitamae ships—playing an important role in western maritime routes—had vibrant exchanges with the Kyoto-Osaka area. As a result, the shogunate established three small feudal domains in the region, which spurred the development of castle towns. Many hina dolls passed down from samurai and merchant families remain, with 1,000 of them displayed at 50 locations across the city. During the exhibition period, additional trains named “Hinakko” (doll trains) will run on the Chokai Mountain Foot Line, with venues in Honjō, Yashiro, Kameda, and Ōuchi. For event details, contact the Yurihonjo City Tourism Association at 0184-24-6349 or check the official website.

This year, why not spend your long nine-day holiday in snowy Akita to experience its warmest hospitality and most entertaining festivals? Please note that festival details or schedules may change, so be sure to confirm with the official inquiry desks of each event.

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Extended Reading: Discover Akita Through a Village Visit (Provided by Tripass Attractions)