Looking for a winter festival? How Chichibu Night Festival, Namahage Sedo Festival, and Yokote Kamakura differ

Winter festivals are not chosen solely by whether there will be snow. You may want to see dashi floats at night, experience the culture of visiting deities, or learn about events held in the snow. Deciding what you want from the trip makes it easier to choose a destination. Here we introduce Chichibu, Oga, and Yokote, highlighting what to see and how preparations differ for each.

Chichibu Night Festival: for those who want to see dashi floats and nighttime festivities

The kasaboko floats and yatai are highlights of the Chichibu Night Festival. This annual festival takes place in December. The events differ between the Yoimiya on the 2nd and the main festival on the 3rd, so choose your date rather than assuming “either day is the same.” Check the tourism association’s or another official source’s information for that year for the latest parade route and viewing conditions. (Chichibu Tourism Association, “Chichibu Night Festival”）

If you are considering a day trip, plan the time you want to see the festival and your return train together. Options include a trip to see the decorations during the day and head back early, or staying overnight and enjoying the festival into the evening. Don’t plan your itinerary based only on nighttime photos; choose based on how long you can be there.

Namahage Sedo Festival: for those who want to learn about the cultural background

The Namahage Sedo Festival is a winter festival held at Shinzan Shrine in Oga City, usually on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, including the 2nd Saturday of February. Plan for it separately from the Namahage customs practiced in local communities on New Year’s Eve. This is a destination that appeals not only to people who want to see the Namahage in all their imposing presence, but also to those curious about the meaning behind welcoming them. (Official Namahage Sedo Festival website, “About the Festival”）

You could include the daytime educational program at the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum in your plans to experience local customs in a different way from the nighttime festival. Since the museum and festival have different terms of use, check their opening hours and transportation separately. (Namahage Museum, “Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum”）

Yokote Kamakura: snowy scenery and prayers to the water deity

Yokote City describes Yokote Kamakura as an event honoring the water deity. Rather than seeing the snow huts in photographs as mere structures made for pictures, visit with an understanding that they are also places of prayer. Follow the instructions at the venue and check where and when you may enter. (Yokote City, “Yokote Kamakura”）

Dates in particular require careful attention. Yokote City says the dates changed from 2026 to the 2nd Friday and Saturday of February, and has announced that the 2027 dates are February 12–13. Do not book your trip based solely on the old dates of February 15–16 shown in older articles. (Yokote City, “Yokote Kamakura”）

Destination	Experience you want to focus on	What to check before booking
Chichibu	Kasaboko floats and yatai; differences between day and night	Event dates, viewing locations, and the return journey
Oga	Namahage performances and customs	Getting to Shinzan Shrine and this year’s admission conditions
Yokote	Kamakura snow huts and the winter town	Updated dates, venue, and this year’s viewing arrangements

Allow for changes to travel plans in winter

Check not only the weather at your destination, but also service information for transportation along the way. Even if an outdoor festival goes ahead, you may not be able to arrive as planned from your departure point. Avoid packing in too many connections, and leave room to skip one activity on the day if needed; this will make it easier to adapt to changes.

Along with preparing for cold, rain, and snow, make sure you have time to rest somewhere warm, eat, and travel back. The goal is not to endure a long stretch outdoors at a winter festival, but to enjoy the sights you want to see without overdoing it. You can also find background information and event details for all three festivals on the related festival pages below.

Official sources consulted

• Chichibu Tourism Association, “Chichibu Night Festival”
• Official Namahage Sedo Festival website, “About the Festival”
• Yokote City, “Yokote Kamakura”
• Namahage Museum, “Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum”

This page is based on publicly available information from official sources, local governments, tourism associations, and other organizations. Information checked: 2026/10/01. Check the official information for the year of your visit for event dates, venue, traffic restrictions, and participation conditions.