Akita’s Little New Year “Snow Cherry Blossoms * Kakunodate” -AKITA Traditional Winter Festival-

To coincide with the traditional winter event “Hifuri Kamakura” on February 14, 2026, a new winter event will be held for the first time in the town of Kakunodate: “Akita’s Little New Year ‘Snow Sakura * Kakunodate’ – AKITA Traditional Winter Festival -“! This event is themed around Akita’s Little New Year’s events and is a two-day winter tourism event where you can enjoy food, experiences, playing in the snow, traditional performing arts, and more all in one. It’s a packed event that will take place in three venues: in front of JR Kakunodate Station, the Kakunodate Tourist Information Center “Ekimae Kura,” and the Samurai Residence Pocket Park! Please feel free to stop by!

■Event details

We will be holding a variety of programs that allow you to experience the charms of Akita’s winter at three venues in the center of Kakunodate. ◉ Samurai Residence Pocket Park Venue Playing in snow huts and making mini snow huts / Snow Play Area (sledding and making snowmen) / Namahage “dressing experience” / Akita dog petting corner / Introduction and experience of traditional local events such as the Rokugo bamboo thumping event and “Namerakko” / Traditional performing arts performance by Warabiza ◉ JR Kakunodate Station Venue Food trucks and food booths / Paper balloon launch event (tethered) ◉ Ekimae Kura (Tourist Information Center) Venue Mini paper balloon making experience (fee required) / Oshie (pressed picture) making experience (fee required) *No reservations required

■ Highlights

• A large-scale experiential event being held for the first time in Kakunodate in winter


• Experience Akita’s local cuisine, traditional events, and snow culture


• A Snow Festival that can be enjoyed by families and young people alike


• You can also enjoy winter festivals and Ko-Shogatsu events from within and outside the prefecture for several days!