Snow Country Culture – Kamakura, Snow Festivals, and Hot Springs

Winter in Japan varies greatly by region. Particularly in areas called “yukiguni” (snow country) such as the Japan Sea side, Hokkaido, and the Tohoku region, a unique culture has developed that takes advantage of abundant snowfall. Rather than viewing snow as merely an obstacle, Japanese people’s wisdom and ingenuity in accepting it as nature’s blessing and incorporating it into daily life and festivals reflects the history of people who have overcome harsh winters and the unique beauty of snow country.

Snow Country Life and Coexistence with Snow

In Japan’s snow country, it’s not uncommon for regions to receive several meters of annual snowfall. Areas such as Niigata Prefecture, Akita Prefecture, Aomori Prefecture, and Hokkaido are transformed into silver wonderlands during winter. People living in such environments have long cultivated wisdom for coexisting with snow.

Traditional snow country houses have steeply pitched roofs to withstand heavy snow and are designed for easy snow removal. Even today, snow-melting devices are installed under eaves and at entrances, showing ingenuity for living with snow. For snow country residents, snow is both a troublesome element and an important presence that nurtures culture.

Kamakura – Magical Spaces Made of Snow

Kamakura are dome-shaped snow huts made by compacting snow. Originally, they began as a New Year’s event to worship water deities in places like Yokote City, Akita Prefecture. Today, they are beloved as a winter tradition in snow country regions throughout Japan.

How to Make and Enjoy Kamakura

Kamakura are made by piling up snow to create a mountain, then hollowing out the interior. Surprisingly, the inside of a completed kamakura is warm, blocking out the cold from outside. The snow walls act as insulation, so when a fire is lit inside or people gather, it becomes a comfortable space.

Traditional kamakura contain altars to worship water deities, with offerings of sweet sake and rice cakes. Children play inside kamakura while adults enjoy warm drinks, spending winter nights together. Kamakura illuminated by candlelight create a fantastically beautiful atmosphere like something from a fairy tale.

Yokote Kamakura Festival

The “Yokote Kamakura” festival held annually in February in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, is a traditional event with about 450 years of history. Over 100 kamakura are built throughout the city, and at night, candlelight glows from within. Visitors can receive warm hospitality from local children inside the kamakura, being served sweet sake and rice cakes.

Snow Festivals – Art Festivals of Snow and Ice

Snow festivals held throughout Japan are major events that brighten the snow country winter. The most famous is undoubtedly the “Sapporo Snow Festival” held in Sapporo City, Hokkaido.

Sapporo Snow Festival

The Sapporo Snow Festival, which began in 1950, is now a major winter event attracting over 2 million visitors from around the world. With Odori Park as the main venue, giant snow and ice sculptures line up. Large snow sculptures exceeding 15 meters in height are works of art featuring motifs such as buildings, famous characters, and historical structures.

The snow sculptures, created over several weeks by the Self-Defense Forces and citizen volunteers, are precisely crafted down to the finest details, overwhelming visitors with their power and beauty. At night, illumination and projection mapping create a fantastical world different from daytime.

Other Snow Festivals

In addition to the Sapporo Snow Festival, there are many attractive snow events throughout Japan.

  • Tokamachi Snow Festival (Niigata Prefecture): Features snow sculpture contests created by local residents
  • Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival (Hokkaido): Fantastical ice pillars and ice tunnels
  • Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival (Aomori Prefecture): Collaboration of Hirosaki Castle and snow lanterns
  • Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival (Tochigi Prefecture): Beautiful countless mini kamakura lined along the riverbank

Snow-Viewing Hot Springs – Ultimate Winter Luxury

One of the pleasures of winter in snow country is yukimi onsen (snow-viewing hot springs). The luxurious time of soaking in warm hot springs while viewing snow-covered scenery is a uniquely Japanese winter experience.

The Appeal of Snow-Viewing Hot Springs

The snow scenery viewed from open-air baths is truly spectacular. The time spent gazing at quietly falling snow while immersing yourself in steaming hot springs is a blissful moment that relaxes both body and mind. The contrast between the cold air outside and the warmth of the hot springs enhances the comfort even further.

Evening snow-viewing hot springs are especially exceptional. In the serene world illuminated by snow light, you can leisurely enjoy the hot springs. Some people even enjoy “yukimi-zake” – drinking Japanese sake while bathing in the hot springs while viewing snow.

Recommended Snow-Viewing Hot Spring Areas

  • Nyuto Onsen (Akita Prefecture): Secluded hot springs surrounded by virgin beech forests where you can enjoy rustic snow-viewing baths
  • Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata Prefecture): A hot spring town full of Taisho-era romance with attractive nostalgic snow scenery
  • Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture): One of Japan’s three famous hot springs, where the yubatake (hot water field) in the snow is fantastical
  • Noboribetsu Onsen (Hokkaido): Diverse spring quality with abundant snow-viewing open-air baths
  • Zao Onsen (Yamagata Prefecture): Winter resort where you can enjoy both ski slopes and hot springs

Snow Country Food Culture

In snow country, preservation food culture has developed to survive long winters. Pickles, miso, dried foods – ancestors devised ways to obtain nutrition even during snow-covered seasons.

There is also a culture of storing vegetables and sake in “yukimuro” (snow rooms), which are natural refrigerators using snow. Foods aged in snow rooms are said to develop mellow flavors and are attracting renewed attention in recent years. Winter hot pot dishes and local cuisine that warm the body are also attractions of snow country food culture.

Conclusion

Japanese snow country culture is the crystallization of ancestors’ wisdom and ingenuity cultivated in harsh natural environments. Kamakura and snow festivals have developed as cultures for enjoying snow and have become winter traditions that fascinate many people today.

Snow-viewing hot springs are a uniquely Japanese luxurious experience created by the contrast of cold and warmth. The time spent soaking in hot springs while watching falling snow becomes a special moment that makes you forget daily hustle and bustle.

For foreign tourists, snow country culture is an excellent opportunity to discover the profound appeal of Japan. This coming winter, please visit Japan’s snow country and experience the warmth of people living with snow and the beauty woven by the silver world. A special Japanese winter that can only be experienced in snow country awaits you.

 

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