festival

[Akita] Traditional winter sweets event! What is “Amekko City” in Odate City?

  • ako ako
  • Last updated: 2025.07.8

Akita Prefecture is known as a snowy region in the north of Japan, and as such, many of the festivals held there are unique and fantastical

For example, the Kanto Festival, in which people carry long poles made of paper lanterns arranged in the shape of rice ears and parade through the city accompanied by the sounds of flutes and drums, is not only one of the three major festivals of Tohoku, but is also known as a representative nighttime event in Tohoku. Also, the Bon Odori dance at Nishimonai, which is performed in the city at night with people's faces hidden, is said to be performed so that everyone can enjoy it regardless of their status by hiding their faces

Among the Akita festivals, the one we would like to introduce this time is Amekko Market, a sweets festival held in the winter

What is Odate City, the hometown of loyal dog Hachiko, where Amekko Market is held?

Odate City, where Amekko Market is held, is located north of Akita City, the prefectural capital of Akita Prefecture, and is on the border with neighboring Aomori Prefecture

As one version of a song passed down in Akita goes, "Odate, Magewappa," a famous tub-like container made by bending thin boards of cypress or cedar is known. Magewappa are enduringly popular as one of the best lunch boxes in the bento boom that started with Japanese light novels and spread worldwide. They are characterized by the subtle woody scent that is transferred when rice or side dishes are placed inside, and the wood grain is clearly visible, making them a perfect match for the Japanese dining table, making them popular both in Japan and overseas. Magewappa are a specialty product of Odate City

Odate City is also known as the hometown of the Akita dog. Starting with Hachiko, the Akita dog who continued to wait for his deceased master, the earnest and loyal Akita dogs call Odate City home within Akita Prefecture

Every February in Odate, the city holds the Amekko Market, a winter sweet festival! Dozens of candy stalls line the main streets of the city, and pink candy that looks like flowers is decorated on tree branches, creating a winter tradition in Odate

What is Amekko? A winter festival with rows of candy

"Amekko" means "candy" and "Amekkoichi" means "candy market."

Amekko Market is held in Odate City on the second Saturday of February and the following day. Legend has it that if you eat candy purchased at Amekko Market on this day, you will not catch a cold for the rest of the year. This is because originally this festival was not just a festival where candy makers from around the country showed off their skills, but is rooted in ancient traditions and culture

Although it is called candy, it is not the small, round candy balls you can buy in stores, but a simple, old-fashioned sweet made from kneaded rice and sugar. Of course, it is simple, but the candy is kneaded into various colors and is decorated with intricate details, and when lined up in the street stalls, it looks like flowers in the snow. It's a scene that makes you think, "This is the view you'd see in Odate in winter!"

The origins of Amekko Market are said to date back to 1588. At the time, it began with offerings of candy decorated on tree branches instead of rice ears, and people began to eat the candy to cheer themselves up and get through the cold winter, as well as for their health. This origin, made from rice ears made from branches and candy offered to the gods, eventually developed into the festival beloved by local residents that it is today

As the name suggests, Amekko Market is filled with candy. Street stalls are lined with traditional candy, each competing for the best color, flavor, and craftsmanship, and the main streets are lined with tree branches decorated with candy, which was once an offering to the gods. The whole town is literally filled with candy, candy, and more candy. But that's not all, as there are also traditional performing arts performances throughout the town and parades of Akita dogs, so tourists never get bored

Candy purchased at Amekko Market is said to ward off illness, and it makes a popular souvenir. As Odate City's Amekko Market approaches, Odate candy will be available in supermarkets throughout Akita Prefecture. It would be best if you could make the trek to Odate City, but if that's not possible, you can also buy candy crafts on branches at supermarkets in Yurihonjo City and Akita City. Of course, you can see local residents and tourists buying Amekko as a lucky charm

Is there a lot of snow during the festival? Legend of the gods

There is a legend that for some reason it often snows during the Amekko Market

In fact, February is the height of winter in Akita, and it is often thought of as the month when snow piles up. However, even in February, the sky can be clear and it doesn't snow all day long. However, it is said that Amekko City and snowy skies, especially blizzards, often coincide

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In fact, Amekko Market is a fun event for the gods as well. Legend has it that the gods of the nearby mountains come down to Amekko Market. After enjoying the candy festival, the gods create a snowstorm to cover their footprints

Enjoy candy in the howling snow-mixed wind, play with Akita dogs dressed up for the occasion, and watch the procession of a white-bearded god, which is based on the legend of the mountain god coming to the candy market. Be sure to check out this winter festival in Odate City, Akita Prefecture, which is fun for both adults and children!

lastly

Amekkoichi is a winter festival in Odate City. It is a seasonal event loved by ordinary people who, even if they live in other parts of Akita Prefecture, feel that "this season has come again" when they see the candy on display in supermarkets

If you visit Akita Prefecture, be sure to enjoy this traditional winter sweet treat

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