04
Winter
-
- Odate Shining Street
- Around 40,000 lights illuminate the tree-lined avenue for 1 kilometer from Odate General Hospital towards Odate Station. The lights go up in early December and stay on all night New Years Eve. A fireworks show marks the last day of the illumination in mid January.
-
- Tori no Ichi (Food Festival)
- Winter food festival centered around Hinai chicken and other local ingredients. Kiritampo-nabe, roast chiken, and many other dishes are offered with hearty servings of Hinai chicken. The festival features stage performances, games, and shopping.
-
- Towada Winter Festival
- The Towada Winter Festival is the highlight of the winter event season. A fireworks show is held every night during the event and the famous maiden statue on the lake is brilliantly illuminated. Festival booths at the event offer the best of both Akita and Aomori local cuisine.
-
- Amekko Ichi (Candy Festival)
- For over 400 years, the people of Odate have believed that eating candy during the festival wards off colds for the rest of winter. Vendors line the streets selling a huge variety of traditional sweets which attracts visitors from all over the country. A parade featuring the local mountain god, candy craft activies, and many more events are held throughout the weekend.
-
- Mochikko Ichi (Mochi Festival)
- Winter market held at the Michi no Eki Takanosu that focuses on all kinds of traditional handmade mochi. Kusamochi, oyaki, and local favorite butter mochi are popular varieties. Come savor the best of traditional sweets. Free
-
- Snow Candle Street in Ani
- Community event in Ani that makes use of the area's abundant amount of snow. Volunteers to help make the small kamakura (igloos) that hold the candles are always welcome. A fireworks show is held at 7pm, make sure to wear warm clothes!
-
- Matobi Festival
- The Matobi festival is held every year on the Spring Equinox. Fires are lit before the graves of family members and are meant to guide their spirits back safely to the their homes. Over 15 neighborhoods in Kamikoani participate in the event at staggered times so visitors can see them all on the free shuttle bus.