Yokote Bonden Festival 2023 - Akita, Japan
After experiencing the Yokote Kamakura Festival the night before, I returned the following morning for the Yokote Bonden Festival, another cornerstone of Yokote’s annual snow celebrations. Unlike the evening-focused Kamakura Festival, the Bonden Festival showcases decorated staves called Bonden, which are paraded through the city and eventually presented as offerings at Asahiokayama Shrine. In Shinto tradition, each Bonden temporarily houses the spirit of a kami—a divine being—and the staves are intricately decorated by the different local groups that craft them.
The festival also features a judging competition near the city hall, where Bonden are evaluated on their design, craftsmanship, and presentation. Some of these impressive staves can reach up to five metres in height and weigh as much as 30 kilograms. Despite heavy snowfall, a dedicated crowd had gathered to witness the festival unfold. Walking among the participants, I was amazed at the variety and creativity of the designs. I counted over twenty groups, each presenting highly detailed and colourful Bonden. Some looked almost impossibly heavy, yet participants lifted, tossed, and even juggled them with astonishing skill.
Once all the Bonden were displayed, we gathered to watch the judging begin. Each group was assigned a number, and when called, they paraded their Bonden to the centre, performing short displays of strength and coordination before returning to their designated spot. The judging continued for each group, with the winner announced at the end. It was fascinating to observe the level of skill, teamwork, and dedication involved in this centuries-old tradition.
While I didn’t get the chance to see the Bonden carried to Asahiokayama Shrine the following day, I learned that this procession is equally impressive. Participants compete to carry their Bonden through the shrine gate and present it in the main hall, where prayers are offered for a bountiful harvest, prosperous business, and the safety of the community. Even from my vantage point at the city hall, I felt deeply connected to the cultural significance and communal spirit of the festival.
Being part of the judging event offered a unique perspective on the effort and pride invested in each Bonden. Seeing the staves up close and observing the participants’ skill and enthusiasm made this a truly memorable highlight of my winter travels in Akita.
History & Background
The Yokote Bonden Festival (横手の雪まつり ぼんでん) has its roots in centuries-old Shinto practices. Traditionally, the staves were created to house kami, divine spirits, and to offer prayers for abundant harvests, safe travel, and the well-being of the community. Over time, the festival evolved into a city-wide celebration, combining spiritual ritual with a display of local craftsmanship and community pride.
Today, the Bonden Festival is a highlight of the broader Yokote Snow Festival, complementing the Kamakura Festival and other winter events. The combination of vibrant decorations, heavy snowfall, and ceremonial traditions makes it a visually striking and culturally rich celebration. Judging competitions and public displays allow visitors to appreciate both the artistry and the communal effort that sustain this historic festival.
Getting There
Yokote is accessible by local JR trains from Akita Station, with the journey taking around one hour and twenty minutes. The Bonden Festival’s main event area near city hall is an easy walk from Yokote Station, allowing visitors to explore the parade and judging displays on foot. Winter weather can make streets slippery, so warm footwear and cautious walking are recommended.
Route Overview
Distance: 1.52 km out & back (Yokote Station)
Total elevation gain: 3 m
Duration: 40 min (with breaks 50 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Festival Info: The Yokote Bonden Festival is part of the Yokote Snow Festival, Yokote’s annual winter celebration held each February. Visitors often also enjoy the Kamakura Festival, another highlight of the festival. For schedules and updates, visit the official Yokote Bonden Festival website.
Cost Breakdown
Train: Akita Station → Yokote Station — ¥1,340
Food: ¥955
