What is the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival?
The Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival (Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Matsuri) is a magical winter snow festival held every year at Yunishigawa Onsen in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture.
It is famous for countless snow "kamakura" (snow huts) illuminated by lights, creating an enchanting landscape.
This festival is also selected as one of Japan’s Nightscape Heritage winter scenic spots, and offers many events where you can enjoy warm hospitality in the cold!
Many visitors come to experience this special scene of traditional Japanese winter scenery.
In this article, we’ll introduce the attractions of the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival, how to enjoy it, and access information in detail!
Highlights of the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival
1. A fantastical sight of countless illuminated kamakura
The festival’s biggest attraction is the fantastical scene when countless small "kamakura" are lit up at night.
① The beauty of the kamakura light-up
During the festival, small kamakura line the riverbanks and festival plazas, and candlelight reflecting on the snow creates a dreamlike atmosphere.
The scenery woven from snow and light gives the feeling of stepping into a winter fairytale.
② Special experiences inside a kamakura
- Dining inside a kamakura: With a reservation, you can enjoy a warm hotpot meal inside a kamakura!
- Making mini kamakura: Build your own mini kamakura and take commemorative photos.
2. Plenty of winter-only activities
The kamakura festival offers winter snow play and onsen (hot spring) experiences.
① Sledding and snowman-making at the snow play area
At the snow play area, which is fun for children and adults alike, you can try sledding and making snowmen.
For overseas visitors, it’s a valuable opportunity to fully enjoy Japan’s snow.
② Snowshoeing experiences
There are tours that let you explore Yunishigawa’s nature on snowshoes, offering a special experience walking through quiet snowy landscapes.
③ Winter-limited onsen experiences
The area around the festival venue has many onsen facilities where you can warm up your chilled body.
Yunishigawa Onsen is also known as a "beautifying hot spring," with soft, moisturizing water.
3. Feel the history and culture of Yunishigawa Onsen
① A hot spring town with over 400 years of history
Yunishigawa Onsen is a hot spring town with over 400 years of history, known as a place where Heike refugees (warriors from the Heian period) hid.
In winter, not only the kamakura festival but the entire hot spring town is covered in snow, letting you experience the beauty of a Japanese winter.
② Enjoy traditional local food culture
At the festival venues and in the hot spring town, you can taste local specialty dishes.
- Irori cuisine (river fish and mountain delicacies grilled over charcoal)
- Game dishes made with venison and bear meat
- Onsen manju (sweet buns) and local sake are also popular!
Useful information for travelers
Event period and venue information
- Period: Usually late January to early March
- Location: Yunishigawa Onsen (Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture)
- Admission fees: Vary by venue and content (the main venue "Heike no Sato" requires an admission fee; kamakura dining experiences and the snow park are separately charged)
Access information (how to get to Yunishigawa Onsen from Tokyo)
By train
- From Tokyo: Take the Tobu Railway limited express "Revaty Aizu" to Kinugawa-Onsen Station (about 2 hours) → Yagan Railway to Yunishigawa-Onsen Station (about 40 minutes) → bus about 20 minutes
By car
- From Tokyo: Via the Tohoku Expressway to Utsunomiya IC → Nikko Utsunomiya Road via Imaichi IC, about 3 hours
Wi‑Fi
- Many ryokan and cafes in Yunishigawa Onsen offer free Wi‑Fi
- Reception can be weak in mountain areas, so downloading maps in advance is recommended
Language support
- The tourist information center provides English pamphlets
- Some ryokan and tourist facilities can offer support in English and Chinese
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
The Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival is a uniquely Japanese winter festival where you can enjoy fantastical scenery created by snow and light.
Hot springs, traditional cuisine, and winter activities—there are many ways to enjoy the festival!
As an event where you can fully enjoy a Japanese winter scene, it’s worth visiting at least once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time to visit the kamakura festival?
A: After sunset (around 17:30–20:00) is the most magical and recommended time!
Q: Do I need a reservation to eat inside a kamakura?
A: Yes, reservations are required. Because it’s popular, book early.
Q: Do I need to prepare for the cold?
A: Yes. Nights can drop below freezing, so a heavy coat, gloves, hat, and other cold-weather gear are essential.
Q: Where should I stay?
A: Staying at a ryokan in the Yunishigawa Onsen area is recommended. You can enjoy the onsen along with the festival.
Q: What camera settings are best for photos?
A: For night shots of the kamakura, use "night mode" or a tripod for the best results.
Q: Are the onsen available for day visitors?
A: Yes, many onsen offer day-use options!
If you want to experience Japan’s beautiful winter scenery, the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival is a must-see event.
Why not spend a special time wrapped in warm light amid the cold?
