Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival 2024

Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival : Visit the best snow illumination event from Tokyo!

Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival features the winter tradition of northern Japan, “Kamakura” (snow huts). Countless Kamakura light up the charming Onsen town during the festival!


The nostalgic Onsen town, Yunishigawa Onsen (湯西川温泉) has over 400 years history and the historical townscape has been well preserved till today. It’s located in a remote valley of the deep mountains in Tochigi Prefecture. As the prefecture owns numbers of famous Onsen towns such as Kiugawa, Nasu and Nikko Yumoto, Yunishigawa Onsen is not everyone’s first choice, but it’s a perfect place for those who wants to avoid touristic atmosphere and have authentic Onsen experience.

Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival (湯西川温泉 かまくら祭) is held at this Onsen town from late January to early March annually, and the festival mainly features the winter tradition of northern Japan, “Kamakura” .

Kamakura is igloo-like snow house (hut), traditionally made in Tohoku region and northern area of Kanto region.

The festival features countless large and small Kamakura statues. At night, the town is lightened up by hundreds of small Kamakura with candles and turns into a magical winter wonderland.

Along with the Kamakura display, the event also offers many fun activities, such as Kamakura making experience, snow rafting, delicious local food and other illuminations. There are several traditional Onsen ryokan inn where you can stay over after joining the event, too.

If you are looking for authentic Onsen experience this winter, I bet Yunishigawa Onsen could be one of best choice 😉


-Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival 2024

Map: https://goo.gl/3mj2QA

Access: Take Nikko Kotsu Bus from Yunishigawa Onsen Station to Honke Bankyu Ryokan Mae bus stop (approx. 20 minutes), and walk about 15 minutes.

Date: 26 January to 25 February 2024 (*light-up for Kamakura is available only Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

Closed: Wednesday

Hours: 9:00~21:00 (Light up 17:30~21:00)

Admission: 510 yen


Getting ready for your winter trip in Japan?? For more exciting things to see during winter, please check out these articles listed below!

▽ Related Articles ▽

▼ Editor’s Picks ▼

Written by

"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have lived and explored countries around the world. As a resident of Japan and based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling Japan with my readers. I hope my story will help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈