2 Days, 1 Night Tohoku Experience: Yokote Kamakura Snow Hut Festival
Experience Overview
Immerse yourself in the magical world of the Yokote Kamakura Snow Hut Festival with our exclusive 2-day, 1-night tour! This enchanting festival, held for over 450 years, transforms the snow-covered city of Yokote into a winter wonderland, with hundreds of snow huts (kamakura) glowing with candlelight. Guided by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, you’ll explore the festival’s rich traditions, enjoy local specialties like mochi and amazake, and experience the unique warmth and hospitality found within each snow hut. With expertly arranged accommodations and front-row access to the festival’s highlights, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and winter charm—an unforgettable experience in the heart of Japan’s snowy landscapes.
Celebrated for over 450 years, the Yokote Kamakura Snow Hut Festival transforms the snow-covered city of Yokote in Akita Prefecture into a glowing winter wonderland. This ancient festival was originally created to honor a Shinto water deity, with locals building kamakura—snow huts that serve as altars for offerings, where they would pray for water, a bountiful harvest, and the well-being of the community.
Today, the festival continues its deep-rooted traditions while offering visitors a mesmerizing experience. As night falls, more than 100 large kamakura are illuminated from within, casting a warm, flickering glow across the city. Visitors are warmly welcomed into these snow huts by local children, where they can enjoy freshly grilled mochi and sip on warm amazake, all while offering prayers at the altar for blessings of water and prosperity. Due to its popularity and the limited accommodations in this charming town, the festival sees extremely high demand, making early booking essential for those wishing to experience this unforgettable event.
Festival Schedule
Please note: This tour focuses on the Kamakura Festival (Feb 12–13, 2027). Bonden events take place on separate dates and are not included in this itinerary.
February 12 & 13, 2027
Kamakura Snow Huts
Former Katano Residence
Yokote Park Venue
Futaba-cho
Mini Kamakura Snow Huts
Yokote Minami Elementary School (Mini kamakura built by children)
Snow Art
February 16 & 17, 2027
Bonden Figure Competition
Asahi Okayama Shrine Bonden Figure Offering Festival
Tour Itinerary
Tour Date: February 12-13
Arrival & Guided Festival Orientation
Hotel Check-in and Meet Your Guide
Guided Festival Orientation & Evening Experience
Continue Exploring at Your Own Pace
Free Exploration of the Kamakura Festival
Breakfast at the Hotel
Curated Free Exploration
Hotel Checkout
Pricing
¥66,000 per person
¥33,000 per person
Optional experiences are subject to availability. Select the available add-on option you prefer when booking.
Included & Not Included
Included
- • Overnight accommodation in Yokote City
- • Breakfast at the hotel
- • English-speaking tour guide on the first day
- • Service fees and taxes
Not Included
- • Gratuities (optional)
- • Drinks and additional meals
- • Minibar, laundry, and other onsite services
- • Other activities during free time
Good to Know
Accommodation
Since Yokote is a charming, small town, accommodation options are limited and in high demand during the festival. We partner with comfortable 3-star hotels that offer standard rooms—simple, clean, and cozy, providing a relaxing retreat after a day at the festival. Due to the high demand during this special time, we carefully secure these rooms well in advance to ensure our guests enjoy a comfortable stay amidst the festivities.
Attire
The Yokote Kamakura Snow Hut Festival takes place during winter, when temperatures often drop to around -3°C (26°F) or lower, especially in the evening. Please dress warmly and appropriately for these cold conditions. We recommend wearing insulated clothing, thermal layers, a heavy winter coat, a hat, gloves, and warm boots. In such cold weather, heat packs and scarves can also be helpful. The tour operates in all weather conditions (except in the event of a typhoon or other extreme circumstances). If needed, the itinerary may be slightly adjusted to accommodate weather changes.
Non-Smoking
While most places we visit may be non-smoking establishments, there are some places along the way that may allow smoking in designated areas. Please take note of this for guests who are sensitive to smoke.
Age Requirement
A booking must be made for each person. Adult pricing applies to guests age 5+.
Requirement
To secure your accommodations, please provide the full names and birth dates of all guests.
A valid passport is essential for travel and must be presented on the day of your departure.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking & Cancellation
Strict Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 45 days or less before the event
