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, we will be holding a new winter event in the town of Kakunodate for the first time: “👹Akita ‘s Little New Year🐶 ‘Snow Cherry Blossoms❄ 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 locations: in front of JR Kakunodate Station, the Tourist Information Center “Kakunodate Ekimae Kura,” and the Samurai Residence Pocket Park! Please feel free to stop by!

■Event details

Experience the diverse charms of Akita’s winter at three venues in central Kakunodate. ◉ Samurai Residence Pocket Park: Playing in snow huts and building mini snow huts / ⛄ Snow Play Area (sledding and snowman making) / 👹 Namahage “dressing experience” 🎋 Introduction to and experience of local traditional events, such as the Rokugo bamboo-beating event and “Namerakko” game 🐶 Akita dog petting corner 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM 🪭 Traditional performing arts performance by Warabiza 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM ◉ JR Kakunodate Station Venue: 🌭 Food trucks and food booths 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (until 3:00 PM on the 15th) 🎈 Paper balloon launch event (tethered) 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM *Events may be canceled due to weather. ・You can also write your wishes on paper balloons as they are launched into the air. (10:00-16:00, until the morning of the 10th-14th) ◉ Kakunodate Station Kura (Tourist Information Center) Venue 🎈 Mini paper balloon making experience ¥2,500 (limited to 30 pieces) 🎎 Oshie (pressed picture) making experience (Hiburi Kamakura version) ¥1,500 (first 20 people) *No reservations are required for either experience. Registration is open until 14:00.

■ 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 Little New Year events from within and outside the prefecture for several days!

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