Once a year, the gods of Akita Prefecture, Namahage and Kamakura come from Akita to visit Osaka at Osaka International Airport. Come visit if you want to enjoy the charm of local Akita culture and food!
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When is the Osaka International Airport Snow Festival?
The Osaka International Airport Snow Festival will be held on the following dates.
| Event Date | Time |
|---|---|
|
January 21 - 22, 2023 |
10:00 - 18:00 |
What is the Osaka International Airport Festival?
The Osaka International Airport Snow Festival is an annual winter event at Osaka International Airport that attracts over 30,000 people every year. Two famous Akita gods are featured as the festival: “Kamakura” from Yokote City and “Namahage” in Oga City will come to the venue and various events will be held to represent the importance of these gods.
Points of Interest
①Giant Igloo
One of the most fun things to do at this festival involves an igloo. It mimics an ancient style of Japanese igloo called a ‘kamakura’ and visitors are allowed to go inside of it and take photos with itin the background. It’s popular enough that you may have to wait in a long line to get your photo op.
If you’ve never made an igloo before, you probably don’t understand just how much work it takes — this particular kamakura takes about a day and a half to make. It is an attraction that draws many local Osakans because it’s not a sight that can be seen in the prefecture of Osaka.
②Drum Performance Dedicated to the God Namahage
Namahage, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage from Oga City, Akita Prefecture, will come to Osaka International Airport perform taiko drums and dance. This is one of the events that attracts the most visitors to the festival. It is a unique experience to actually see and touch Tohoku’s (Tohoku being the name for north Japan) culture, which is quite different from everyday life in Osaka.
③Fun in the Snow
Build a Miniature Kamakura!
Children can participate in an event where they build miniature ‘kamakuras’ or Japanese style Igloos. Since only 50 groups of children can participate, it’s best to reserve your spot as early as posible if you wish to participate.
The Dismantling
To mark the end of the Osaka International Airport Snow Festival, the centerpiece of the event, the kamakura, is dismantled.
④Japanese Style Food Stalls.. and Free Soup!
Specialty products directly from Akita Prefecture will be sold in traditional Japanese style food stalls, and Akita gourmet food stalls will be available for your perusal. Among them, Akita beef skewers and Yokote yakisoba are the most famous, and must be tried.
JAL (Japan Airlines) also has their own food stalls at the event. Here, soup is provided free of charge at ①10:30, ②12:30, ③13:30, and ④15:30. Anyone can get it for free, so be sure to visit if you have the time.
Things to know Before Going
①Entry Fees
There are no entry fees, but there may be a limit on the number of people allowed in in the case of large crowds.
②Official Website
You can visit the offical event website here.
How to get there
The Osaka International Airport Snow Festival will be held at a special venue on the 1st floor of Osaka Airport Station on the Osaka Monorail. If you want to participate, go to Osaka Airport Station on the Osaka Monorail. Your destination is a 1 minute walk from Itami Airport.
Thanks for Reading!
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