Iiyama Kamakura Village
Kamakura are traditional igloo-like houses that are built in the snowy regions of Japan. From the last week of January through the end of February, the rural town of Iiyama hosts “The Kamakura Village” festival, where about 20 Kamakura, each of them 3 meters tall, are built each year by the local community. It is also important to mention that the Kamakura transform into restaurants during the festival period, where guests may enjoy a local specialty hot pot inside of each of the snow huts!
— The History of the Iiyama Kamakura Village
— Information for Attending the Festival
As one of the major local snow festivals in Nagano, it is a great way to have a traditional winter experience! It is definitely recommended for those who have planned a ski trip to the Nagano area, and also for those who are staying at major tourist destinations such as Tokyo and Kanazawa. This festival is easily accessible by getting on the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Japanese Bullet Train), making it part of an ideal itinerary for all traveling to Japan during the winter season.
The History of the Iiyama Kamakura Village
The Kamakura Village has become a winter tradition in Iiyama, where snow covers the ground for about four months of the year, making one of Japan’s most heavy snowfall areas.
In the past, this area was home to the “Shinano-daira Ski Resort.” Building snow domes (Kamakura) made from snow taken from rooftops was a common winter scene in Iiyama; they were often built at the ski resort and guesthouses to welcome skiers, or for the local children to play. In 2001, when the ski resort was closed, the local tourism association decided to utilize the snow right in front of them and turn the “Kamakura” into a winter tourism resource, which is known today as “The Kamakura Village” festival, drawing both domestic and international guests.
There is a special festival held on one weekend in early February, which offers numerous events where people of all ages, from children to adults, can enjoy playing in the snow while still preserving the charm of the Kamakura. On the first night, the celebratory firework displays light up the night sky. The colors of the fireworks illuminate the white snowfields and the Kamakura, creating a magical, ethereal atmosphere.
In addition to the Kamakura, visitors may also experience snow vehicles and snowmobiles that run across snowy rice fields, a sledding slide that children love, a treasure hunt game in the snow, and many other activities that allow them to fully experience the snow itself.
Information for Attending the Festival
A fee of 200 yen is required (free for elementary school students and younger) for all walk-in guests to enter the festival site. Reservations are required for those who wish to enjoy a meal at the “Kamakura Restaurant Village”, please see the Official Website to check for the prices and availability.
Although there are parking spaces available for those who wish the drive to the festival site, the snowy conditions of the road may be challenging for many people. Using the public bus service provided from Iiyama station is highly recommended, especially for those who would like make a visit from Tokyo or Kanazawa.
Join a Guided Tour!
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Traditional Igloo “Kamakura” Festival & Snow Fun Activities | |
| Period | January to February (On Weekdays Only) |
| Time | 9:30/ 10:40 – 16:35 / 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Iiyama Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥14,900 |
Another great option is joining our 1-Day Tour: Traditional Igloo “Kamakura” Festival & Snow Fun Activities, combining a snow fun activity experience in the morning, with the visit to the festival in the afternoon. Including a locally-based English-speaking guide, our tour is the best way to fully experience the winter in Japan!
If you need transport to Nagano / Iiyama to visit the festival, we are glad to offer our private charter services. With friendly, certifies drivers and clean vehicles, we make your journey as easy as it can be by offering door-to-door service from wherever you are to wherever you want to go. For more information on pricing and availability, please click HERE.
