[The Mystery of Kamakura] Is Kamakura, a winter tradition in Akita Prefecture, related to the Kamakura Shogunate?

A winter tradition in Akita Prefecturethe "kamakura" (snow hut).

When you hear the word "kamakura," you might think of the "Yokote Kamakura" (designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Yokote City), a tradition that has been practiced in Yokote City for a long time, where snow is piled up like a mountain, a large hole is dug in it, and people eat mochi and ozoni inside.

---

In addition to the "Yokote Kamakura," there are several other "kamakura" ( snow huts)

Speaking of "kamakura," the " Hiburi Kamakura" (fire-swinging kamakura) , held in Kakunodate, Senboku City (a designated intangible folk cultural property of Senboku City), is also called "kamakura."

In fact, it's still not very well known throughout Japan, but the "Rokugo no Kamakura" festival in Misato Town is a long-standing event and is such an important traditional event that it has been designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Furthermore, the " Himatsuri Kamakura " (Fire Festival Kamakura), a Kitaakita City designated intangible folk cultural property, held in the Kuzokuro settlement of Kitaakita City, which had been discontinued for a time since the late Showa era but was revived in 2014, as well as the " Jūnisō Kamakura " in Ōdate City and the " Niida Kamakura " in Akita City , which have also been revived recently, are all events called "Kamakura."

---

Why are there such completely different stories even though they're both titled "Kamakura"?

Why are there so many events called "kamakura" (snow huts) in Akita, a snowy region? I haven't heard of them much in other prefectures

Even if such events exist, they are not traditional events but rather tourist events that imitate the "Yokote Kamakura" and involve building snow domes for recreation. While these events refer to the snow domes as "kamakura," the original "kamakura" is not what it looks like

One reason for this is that there are "kamakura" (snow huts) that do not have snow domes large enough for people to enter, like the "Hifuri Kamakura" in Kakunodate

Another reason cited is the significant differences in the content of events in various regions that share the name "kamakura."

Furthermore, it has been suggested that a medieval samurai named "Kamakura" was involved, and that the Kamakura Shogunate may also have been involved with "Kamakura."

Well, for the locals, all that matters is enjoying the events that take place, so the origin of the name is irrelevant. However, it seems to be of considerable interest to those who study traditional events and folk performing arts, and numerous research findings have been published from the past to the present

However, it seems that no one has yet gotten to the heart of the matter, and opinions are divided, with no conclusion reached at present

However, there are several theories that are considered to be plausible. Let us first introduce them in detail

---

One theory suggests that the word "kamakura" originated from "kamikura," meaning a sacred seat or dwelling in a shrine made of snow

Even if we don't build dome-shaped structures that people can enter, we do create snow caves (snow huts) by compacting snow and hollowing out the inside for all of the events, although their size and shape may vary.

For example, at Kakunodate's "Hifuri Kamakura," there is a small altar-like structure for enshrining the deity, and in some places, like Niida's Kamakura, it has transformed from snow into a straw hut

However, their roles are almost the same:a sacred seat(shinza/kamikura/kamikura) is built at the back of the snow lantern, and deities such as the water god are enshrined there, and prayers are offered for stable weather, abundant harvests, and safety for the family.

One theory suggests that the word "kamakura" originated from " kamikura," the sacred seat where this deity was enshrined, which then evolved into "kamakura."

---

The snow stoves used to burn New Year's decorations such as kadomatsu (pine and bamboo decorations) evolved into "kamakura" (snow huts)

The "Kamakura" festivalLittle New(around February 15th in the Gregorian calendar, and around January 15th in the lunar calendar), marking the transition from the New Year celebrations back to normal life.

At that time, people built a hearth out of snow to burn New Year's decorations such as kadomatsu (pine and bamboo decorations) and shimekazari (sacred ropes), andthe word "kamado" (hearth) evolved into "kamakura".

---

One theory is that it's called "Kamakura" because it's an event where Kamakura Daimyojin is enshrined as the deity

Kamakura Daimyojin refers to Kamakura Gongoro Kagemasa , who is said to have played an active role in the Later Three Years' War (1083-1087), which broke out in the late Heian period

Kamakura Gongoro Kagemasa was a samurai who came from Kamakura-go in Sagami Province (present-day Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture) following Minamoto no Yoshiie, one of the main figures in the Later Three Years' War

Despite being only 16 years old, there is a legend that he bravely fought on even after being struck in the right eye by an enemy arrow

One theory suggests that the event itself came to be called "Kamakura" because , according to Edo period illustrations, the flag of Kamakura Daimyojin was displayed during the event, which is said to be the origin of the name "Kamakura."

Kamakura Daimyojin is a deity worshipped exclusively in Kamakura, and is not enshrined in any other events or homes outside of Kamakura. It is an object of worship only in Akita Prefecture. That's why Kamakura is only celebrated in Akita Prefecture

In other words"Kamakura" is an event dedicated to the Kamakura Daimyojin deity, it's not surprising that the content of the event varies depending on the location where it's held, and this theory is considered quite plausible.

---

Celebrating the birth of the Kamakura Shogunate

This theory, which originates from "Yokote no Kamakura," is based on the idea that it began as an event celebrating the Kamakura Shogunate.

Therefore, it seems that "Yokote no Kamakura" was written as "Kamakura" during the Edo period. Also, it seems that "Rokugo no Kamakura" was written as "Kamakura," which makes the theory that it was part of the Kamakura Shogunate quite convincing.

---

The "bird-chasing song" is the basis for "Kamakura"

In some parts of Kamakura, there is a custom where children loudly sing " bird-chasing songs " to scare away wild birds that are in the rice paddies and fields and eating away at crops

The song contains the lyrics "Kamakura-dono," whichis said to be the origin of the name "Kamakura" for this event.

---

The legendary "Yuzawa snow hut" as described by Sugae Masumi and snow hut events in various regions

Sugae Masumi , a traveler from the Edo period, also left behind explanatory texts and illustrations about Kamakura, and his first visit to Kamakura is recorded in his 1784 work, "Akita no Karine" (齶田濃かり寢)

The location is Yuzawa, which is next to Yokote, but... currently,the "kamakura" festival is not held in Yuzawa.

It seems that no one knows when it disappeared, but the illustration shows children and adults happily chatting in a ditch dug into a deep pile of snow

The text refers to this as "kamakura asobi" and says that the holes dug in the snow are called "kamakura"...

As you can see, there are various theories about "Kamakura," but will the truth ever be revealed? Now, let's take a look at the overview and locations of the "Kamakura" festivals currently being held as of 2025

---

"Yokote no Kamakura" has become synonymous with "kamakura" (snow huts)

The "Yokote Kamakura" is a traditional event that began around 450 years ago (some traditions say it started in the early Kamakura period), but to reach its current form, it has evolved through a blend of several events that were held in Yokote at the time. Some elements have remained the same, while others have disappeared or been replaced with new ones.

The snow lanterns took on their current form as large, round snow domes in 1959 (Showa 34), and it wasn't until the 1970s that they began to be gathered in parks and other public spaces, as they are today

It's surprising to learn that the reason given was to prevent the snow dome from obstructing traffic in our car-dependent society. However, if it can be held safely, then perhaps it was the right decision

The "Yokote Kamakura" festival is held as part of the "Yokote Snow Festival" around the Little New Year (February 15th) according to the new calendar. However, from 2026 to 2029, the festival will be held experimentally on two days, the second Friday and Saturday of February, instead of on fixed dates

---

"Rokugo Kamakura" where two armies fight fiercely with bamboo poles

While "kamakura" is often thought of as a gentle event centered around a snow dome, like the "Yokote kamakura," it is actually a more intense event that often revolves around " fire " rather than snow

" Rokugo no Kamakura " is a traditional event that represents the "dynamic" aspects of "kamakura, " centering on " Tenpitsu -yaki," where long, large pieces of paper on which wishes are written are gathered and burned , and " Takeuchi ," where young men from the villages, divided into north and south, fight while divining good or bad fortune regarding harvests and weather, using long bamboo poles

In "Rokugo no Kamakura,"the word "kamakura" is written in katakana, and the name "kamakura" is used to refer to the entire event.

The snow lantern is not dome-shaped, but rather a room enclosed by snow, and inside it enshrines not the water god, but Kamakura Daimyojin

The "Bamboo Fighting" tournament consists of three rounds, and it is said that if the North wins, there will be a bountiful harvest, and if the South wins, the price of rice will rise. Either way, it's on the side of the farmers

The event lasts for five days, and the dates are set so that the final day (when "Takeuchi" and "Tenpitsu-yaki" take place) falls on a Saturday in mid-February each year

In 2025, it was held for five days, from February 11th (Tuesday) to February 15th (Saturday)

For information regarding events from 2026 onwards, please contact the Rokugo Kamakura Event Preservation Society Secretariat or check the official website below

---

"Hey, Gongoro of Kamakura!" shouts the mysterious incantation at the "Kuzuguro Fire Festival Kamakura"

The " Himatsuri Kamakura " festival, which takes place in Kuzokuro , a small hamlet in Nanokaichi located in the mountainous area of ​​central Kitaakita City in northern Akita Prefecture, is , as its name suggests, a snow hut event centered around " fire "

First, a large snow lantern is built and the Kamakura Daimyojin deity is enshrined there. In front of the snow lantern, a large tree over 10 meters tall, cut from a nearby mountain, is wrapped in rice straw and bean stalks and erected, and this is considered the sacred tree, which is then set on fire

Children shout " Hey, Gongoro of Kamakura! " towards the blazing fire to ward off evil spirits

It is said that this event began about 300 years ago, but it was discontinued once in 1999 (Heisei 11)

However, thanks to the efforts of the residents, it was revived in 2014 (Heisei 26), but was forced to suspend operations again due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But then, it made a magnificent comeback in 2025

There is also a contest where participants shout "Hey, Gongoro from Kamakura!" at the top of their lungs, which has become a popular event

What does "Hey, Kamakura no Gongoro!" mean? The event was held on the third Sunday of February, which in 2025 was February 16th

---

Kakunodate's "Hifuri Kamakura" where people swing burning charcoal bags

"Hifuri Kamakura" is a traditional event that adds color to the winter in Kakunodate.

A straw rope about 3 meters long is used to tie a charcoal sack to the end, and the sack is set on fire and swung around in a circular motion. The sight of rings of flame dancing in the snowy landscape of midwinter is truly breathtaking

It is held every year on February 14th, which is the Little New Year according to the old lunar calendar

The name "Hifuri Kamakura" (fire-swinging Kamakura) was originally just called "Kamakura," but in recent years (about 20-30 years ago) it was renamed "Hifuri Kamakura" to distinguish it from the "Kamakura" event held in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture

The "Hifuri Kamakura" festival used to have a pre-festival on February 13th, but in 2025 it was held only on February 14th

Also, the venue isn't fixed and changes slightly every year

Some venues offer tourists the opportunity to experience fire-swinging, but please be sure to contact Senboku City or check their website for details regarding dates, venues, experiences, parking, etc

---

Niida's "Hiburi Kamakura" where straw is set on fire and swung around

The " Hifuri Kamakura " festival in Niida (Akita City) is a New Year's event that is said to have started about 330 years ago. However, it was discontinued around 1950 due to various reasons such as a shortage of manpower and budget constraints.

Before the revival, they apparently built snow lanterns, but after the revival, they built a hut out of straw and put New Year's items inside. First, they build an altar with Kamakura Daimyojin as the enshrined deity and perform a Shinto ritual, and then they set fire to the hut

A bundle of straw is wrapped around the end of a straw rope and swung around in a circular motion. The history is not well understood, but it seems certain that it has been called "Hifuri Kamakura" since the Edo period

Until 2025, Niida's "Hifuri Kamakura" festival was held on January 15th, the first day of the new year in the solar calendar, but from 2026 onwards, it is scheduled to be held on Coming of Age Day

---

"Junisho Kamakurayaki" recreates the description of Masumi Sugae

"Jūnisō no Kamakura-yaki" is a revival of the "Kamakura" event that was held in Jūnisō ( Ōdate City), which prospered from water transport on the Yoneshiro River during the Edo period, based on what travel writer Sugae Masumi wrote when he visited the area .

Masumi wrote, "I went to see the celebration of the Kamakura Yaku festival in Jūnisō, lit a charcoal bale on fire, and swung it around..." and the event was revived in the same form.

I visited in 1803, and it seems the name "Kamakura" was already in use back then. Currently, it's primarily a tourist attraction, and tourists can participate

---