Promoting Tourism Efforts Across Japan! This time, we have information about “kamakura,” a winter tradition in snowy regions, which I found very intriguing when I was a child growing up in a region with little snow.

“Kamakura” is a traditional event dating back about 450 years, dedicated to the Water Deity, celebrated during the small New Year festival. Inside the kamakura, children invite visitors by saying, “Haittetasen se” (please enter the kamakura) and “Ogan detasen se” (please honor the Water Deity), while offering amazake (sweet rice wine). During the festival period, kamakura are set up throughout the city, where people enjoy amazake and rice cakes while engaging in lively conversations (known as “waraikko”). Please note that event details may change, so be sure to check the official website for confirmation.

Event Period: February 15, 2023 (Wednesday) – February 16, 2023 (Thursday) (Annually on February 15th and 16th) Time: 18:00 – 21:00 Venue: Yokote City Hall Main Building, Yokote Park, Futaba-cho Street, Haguro-cho Street, and various locations throughout the city

Official Website (Japanese): https://www.yokotekamakura.com/event/3-5/