Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival: A Dreamy Snowy Escape in Tochigi

Written By Japan Suite

Courtesy of JNTO

Courtesy of JNTO

Nestled in the serene mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, the Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival is a magical winter event held annually from late January to early March. Located in Yunishigawa Onsen, this festival transforms the snowy landscape into a fairytale scene with hundreds of glowing miniature kamakura (snow huts) and larger snow domes lining the riverbanks and pathways.

The festival offers a variety of unique experiences. Visitors can dine in full-sized kamakura, savoring warm local dishes like nabe hot pot, or stroll through the enchanting Snow Park where children and adults alike can play in the snow. The festival's nightly illuminations are a true highlight, as the glowing kamakura reflect on the snow, creating an ethereal atmosphere that captivates every visitor.

Courtesy of JNTO

This beautiful tradition reminds us of the fleeting beauty of winter and the deep cultural connection to seasonal celebrations in Japan. As global warming impacts snowfall across the country, the Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival stands as a cherished symbol of Japan's snowy heritage.

Japan Suite
Showcasing traditional Japanese crafts and the artisans who create them — their stories and their art in words and visions. Japan’s hand-made crafts have played an integral role in the lives of Japanese for centuries. They are created in response to basic, everyday needs and have long been used in the daily rhythms of life. They come from the earth and from nature, and they are prized for their simplicity and long life. Craftspeople pour their passion, pride and energy into their handiwork, creating objects that can far outlive their creators, but in doing so, they carry on the artist’s legacy. The artisans know their objects can live hundreds of years, and they want to be just as proud of it in 100 years as they are today. So, everyday household items take on a life of their own, their own spirit and their own story. They are unique, one-of-a-kind creations with a character and spirit that grows stronger with regular use. The artist creates the object, but that is just the beginning of the journey. In the hands of its owner, a relationship is created, one that is nurtured across time. Just as we do, these creations will change over time developing new imperfections and new character. Each region and each artisan have their own character. In Japan, this is known as meibutsu. The legacy has been passed down by Japanese artists across time down to today’s craftspeople who are advancing and redefining this tradition. We applaud these artisans, and we strive to support them as they re-interpret the heritage of their predecessors — and we are proud to introduce their work, their stories and the passion they put into their creation here at Japan Suite.
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