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Complete Guide to the Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival: Dates, Highlights, and More!

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Every winter from the end of January till the beginning of March, the mountain town of Yunishigawa Onsen in Tochigi Prefecture invites visitors to experience an intimate winter celebration where hundreds of snow houses (called kamakura) and lanterns illuminate the quiet valley. As dusk settles, candles flicker to life inside miniature snow caves alongside the Sawaguchi River, while larger kamakura snow houses at Heike no Sato host visitors for a traditional Japanese BBQ.

Event

Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival

Dates

January 31–March 2, 2025 (Sawaguchi River venue is only lit up Friday to Sunday)

Location

Yunishigawa Onsen, Tochigi Prefecture (There are three main venues in the area)

Entrance

Free for public area, 510 JPY for access to Heike no Sato, 1,200 JPY for Mizunosato Snow Park

 

How to get to the Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival

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The journey to Yunishigawa Onsen is part of the experience, taking visitors through some of Japan’s most scenic winter landscapes.

From Tokyo, take the Limited Express Kinugawa train from Shinjuku Station to Kinugawa-Onsen Station, then transfer to the local bus that will take you to Yunishigawa Onsen. Alternatively, from Kinugawa-Onsen Station, transfer to the Aizu-Kinugawa Line, get off at Yunishigawa Onsen Station and hop on the local bus bound for Yunishigawa Onsen. The entire trip should take about three to four hours.

Please note: the Limited Express Kinugawa train departs only once daily, so it’s important to plan your trip in advance. However, there are alternative ways to reach Kinugawa-Onsen Station from Tokyo.

 

Brief history and cultural significance

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The Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival traces its roots back to the area’s deep connection with the Taira Clan, one of Japan’s most influential feudal families during the Heian period (794–1185). Following their defeat by the Minamoto clan in the 12th century, members of the Taira clan sought refuge in this remote valley, choosing to live quietly and trying not to be found.

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The discovery of the natural hot springs transformed this hidden retreat into an onsen (hot spring) town, though it maintained its air of seclusion and mystery. Over time, the town attracted visitors interested in its therapeutic waters and historical connections to the Taira clan, becoming a well-regarded sightseeing destination.

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However, the Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival is a relatively modern tradition, beginning around 30 years ago as a collaborative effort between local hotels and restaurants. Drawing inspiration from the snow house traditions of Japan’s Tohoku region, they created a unique winter celebration that has evolved into one of Tochigi Prefecture's largest winter events. Today, the festival complements the town's historical atmosphere, adding a magical winter element to this already enchanting mountain retreat.

 

Illumination path

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As darkness falls, hundreds of mini snow igloos light up along the Sawaguchi River and throughout the town. Known as mini-kamakura, these small snow domes contain a candle, creating a magical pathway that winds through the village. The illumination is recognized as a Night View Heritage of Japan — and is truly one of the most breathtaking sights to soak in!

 

Snow activities

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During daylight hours, visitors can participate in various winter activities. Throughout the town, snowmen line the streets outside of storefronts, and snow tubing and guided snow hiking tours of the surrounding mountains are popular with tourists and locals alike. Head over to Mizunosato Snow Park to enjoy sledding or take a relaxing soak in the region’s famous hot spring!

 

Essential tips for visitors

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Winter in Yunishigawa Onsen brings heavy snowfall and temperatures that regularly drop below freezing. Visitors should be prepared with appropriate winter clothing, including waterproof boots with good grip, warm layers, and snow gear if planning to participate in outdoor activities.

The festival is particularly popular on weekends, so weekday visits are advised for a more relaxed experience. Photography is encouraged throughout the festival grounds, but bring appropriate camera protection equipment for snowy conditions. Many of the most photogenic illumination spots are accessible via snow-covered paths, so a careful, steady pace is recommended!

While the festival runs for over a month, the first two weeks of February typically offer the best combination of reliable snow conditions and festival activities.

 

Where to stay: Yunishigawa Onsen Honke Bankyu

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Commanding a privileged position on a forested hillside, Yunishigawa Onsen Honke Bankyu stands as one of Yunishigawa’s most distinctive ryokans (traditional Japanese inns). This elegant property seamlessly blends its 400-year heritage with thoughtful, modern comforts, offering guests an authentic mountain onsen experience. The inn’s elevated location provides sweeping views of the illuminated festival grounds and the snow-blanketed valley below, making it particularly magical during the winter festival season.

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What really sets Yunishigawa Onsen Honke Bankyu apart is its collection of onsen baths, each uniquely designed to showcase different views of the surrounding mountains. During the winter festival period, these baths offer the extraordinary experience of soaking in steaming waters surrounded by hills of powdery white snow.

Each room is designed in a traditional Japanese style, with low furniture, tatami mat floors, and natural earthy color tones. Many rooms even come with a private onsen bath which is perfect for those who still want to soak but value their own privacy.

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The hotel’s dining experience is equally memorable, with meals served in a traditional dining hall on tables that surround a hearth where foods are cooked over charcoal, a method that’s becoming increasingly hard to come by in the modern era.

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