Route 40°
North Latitude------8
Snow Festivals and
Wintet Life Route

The Iwate Snow Festival (Shizukuishi Town) [The beginning of February]

The local people, invigorated by the snow and cold, release their energy during winter festivals where they pray for bountiful harvests and good health. These festivals bring color, life, and a range of tastes to the endless winter landscape.

Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival (Hirosaki City)
During the festival, approximately 200 ornamental snow lanterns and 300 snow huts fill the park around Hirosaki Castle. Seen from the castle tower they present an enchanting sight. (Until the beginning of February)

Kamakura (Yokote City)
This Lunar New Year festival honors Suijinsama, the god of water. Inside the snow huts constructed for the festival, children enjoy grilling mochi (rice cakes) and warming amazake (a sweet drink made from rice) using the hibachi brazier. (February 15 and 16)

Owani Hot Springs (Owani Town)
Owani Town, approximately 20 minutes by car from Hirosaki Park, has a history as a prosperous hot springs region. There are 20 hotels or inns with hot springs, as well as a ski slope nearby.

Hachinohe Emburi Dance (Hachinohe City)
This folk dance was originally performed to teach farming techniques. At this festival it is performed to pray for a bountiful harvest. The dancing at the Great Bonfire Festival, Okagaribi-matsuri, is also spectacular. (February 17-20)

Amekko Market (Odate City)
People offer Mizuki Tree branches decorated with candy at their family shrines. If you eat the candy on these days, it is said that you will not catch a cold. Various types of candy are sold at street stalls. (February 11-12)

The Namahage-sedo Festival (Oga City)
People dance to the powerful Namahage drums in front of the Sedo bonfire as it rages into the night sky. The sight of the Namahage emerging from the darkness carrying torches is not to be missed. (February 13-15) 

Hinaitorinoichi (Odate City)
In Hinai Town, the home of Hinai Roosters, various events are held, including the Hinai Rooster Derby and a competition to crow like a rooster for as long as you can. (the last Saturday and Sunday of January)

Chusonji Temple (Hiraizumi Town)
This temple is the symbol of Hiraizumi which served as the political and cultural center of the Tohoku area from the 11th to the 12th century. Including Konjikido, there are over 3,000 National Treasures and Important Cultural Assets here.

Seven Types of Snow
In Japanese, snow can be roughly divided into four types. Shinsetsu (new snow) is fresh-fallen snow; koshimari-yuki (slightly hardened snow) is snow that has become slightly hard over a short period of time. Shimari-yuki (hardened snow) is snow that has been compressed by its accumulated weight, and zarame-yuki (granulated snow) has become rough as it melted with the rising spring temperatures. In the Tsugaru region of western Aomori Prefecture, the people feel a deep affinity towards snow. Hence, there are seven types of snow, including grain, cotton, granulated, watery, hard, icy, and powder.

Jifubuki
Usually snow falls vertically from the sky, but in northern Tohoku, especially in the Tsugaru region, winds from Siberia stir up the snow. At times the snow swirls in great drifts along the ground. Occasionally, even rough, icy snow is blown about, making it difficult to walk or even open your eyes. Tours for experiencing this so-called jifubuki are available.

Playing in the Snow
In the cold and snowy winter, adults often stay inside their warm houses, while children enjoy playing outside in the snow. Common winter activities include sledding, skiing, making snowmen, building small snow huts, and snow ball fights. Northern Tohoku offers numerous ways to enjoy playing in the snow―a pleasure missing in the larger cities.

Life Sketch

Past and Present

In northern Tohoku, snow begins to fall in December. By January, the snow begins to accumulate around the cities and towns. In places where the snow is particularly heavy, yukikaki (snow removal) is often required. Snow plows often work through the night to remove the snow in residential areas. Yukikaki tours are available.