In 2022, Northern Tochigi Prefecture’s Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival will be held from January 29 (Sat) to February 28 (Mon), featuring an immense array of large and small Kamakura – igloo-like snow houses. At night, the town is aglow from the hundreds of tiny Kamakura lit with candles, turning the snowy towns into a magical winter wonderland. This has been recognized as one of the best “Night Heritage Views of Japan” by Nihon Yakei Isan, an organization selecting Japan’s most beautiful night views. A walk along the Sawaguchi riverbed is the best way to enjoy this special illumination.
The celebratory event also includes exciting activities, such as a Kamakura- making experience and delicious local food, followed by an overnight stay at one of the traditional onsen ryokan inns.
Tochigi Prefecture is home to the some of the most renowned onsen or “natural hot spring bath” towns in Japan. These include Kinugawa, Nasu, and Nikko Yumoto. With this star studded list, Yunishigawa Onsen may not be top of mind, but in addition to the festival, it offers a very authentic onsen experience, ideal for those who want to avoid the tourist scene. Staying here offers the chance to meet the local residents. Plus, the picturesque town is surrounded by mountains with the Yunishigawa river running through the valley. The area is replete with comfortable Japanese-style ryokan (Japanese inn) accommodations. The region is a bit isolated, with a Heike no Ochudo legend passed down to this day. It is said that fugitives of the Heike Clan (Taira Family) hid themselves here and healed their battle wounds in the hot springs in the late 12th century. Today, guests can explore this historic lifestyle by staying in a traditional thatched-roof house in Heike no Sato, a folk village of Heike.
Festival Details
1) Sawaguchi riverbed mini-kamakura venue
Lighting hours: 17:30 – 21:00
During this period, the lights will be lit only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. Please note that Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays will not be lit.
2) Heike no Sato
Opening hours: 9:00 – 21:00
Entrance Fee
One-day ticket: Adults \510, Children \250 (elementary and junior high school students)
Night ticket: Adults \300, Children \200 (elementary and junior high school students)
If you have purchased a night ticket (available from 5:00 p.m.) and plan to visit again the following day, please purchase a day ticket.
3) Yunishigawa Mizu no Sato Snow Park
Period: January 30 (Sun.) – February 27 (Sun.), 2022
Opening hours: 10:00 – 15:00 (last admission 14:00)
Closed on Wednesdays
Admission: Adults \1,000, Children \500
Includes sledding fee and bathing fee at Sui no Sato Tourist Center
Access
Take Tobu Limited Express from Asakusa station to Kinugawa Onsen station (1hr 50min).
Check timetable of the local bus from Kinugawa Onsen station to Yunishigawa Onsen station.
