A snowy wonderland appears each winter in this quiet onsen town as hundreds of small snow-houses are built. Illuminated in the evenings, the kamakura are a beautiful sight, and a barbecue inside one can even be arranged. During the day you can explore the village, try sledding and relax in the hot springs dotted around the town. The main site will be Heike-no-sato which is open from 9am to 9pm, with Setsubun on Feb 3rd taking place from 10.30am. Entry for a full day is ¥510 for adults and ¥250 for children while evening entry is ¥0 after 5pm.

Other sites include Yakushizawa Mizusato Snow Park (1am – 3pm) which will offer sledding and large Kamakura. Entry is ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for kids and includes sledding and bathing fees). The Sawaguchi river venue will be serving BBQs (reservations required), there will be mini-kamakura lining the Sawaguchi river, Heike Jikoji will be illuminated and selling special heike-soba on Saturdays between 4.30pm – 7pm.

Please note that on January 31st only the mini-Kamakura lights will be open.