The kamakura, or igloo, festival originated as a New Year's event in which children built traditional Japanese igloos, celebrated the god of water and sang songs to drive off birds. These songs are for driving away harmful birds from the fields to improve the harvest. Today, these kamakura igloos are built at Akakura Onsen. Participants sit in the kamakura to enjoy the snowy ambience and illumination at night.
After skiing and dinner, head to Akakura Onsen to experience this traditional festival.