Feb 15, 2025 〜 Feb 16, 2025
The ritual of hollowing out a mound of snow and building a small hut like an igloo is called “kamakura” (かまくら) in the snowy regions of northern Japan. On the 15 and 16 February each year, more than 100 kamakura and many miniature versions are made around Yokote City in Akita Prefecture for the Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival (横手の雪まつり, Yokote no Yuki Matsuri). Candles are placed inside these igloo-like structures and visitors are invited inside to drink sake and eat rice cakes.