4K 【2025 Akita Yuzawa Dogs Festival 】 Walk & Explore the Snowy Doggy Extravaganza! Akita’s Winter

4K 【2025 Akita Yuzawa Dogs Festival 】 Walk & Explore the Snowy Doggy Extravaganza! Akita’s Winter

4K [2025 Yuzawa Inukko Festival | Walk & Explore the Snowy Doggy Extravaganza! Cute Snow Sculptures & Fireworks Light Up Akita’s Winter Night]

Welcome to the 2025 Yuzawa Inukko Festival, an annual winter celebration in Akita, Japan! This video takes you on a walk through this heartwarming and fun-filled event, capturing the lively atmosphere of Yuzawa’s streets, adorable dog-shaped snow sculptures, dazzling fireworks, and joyful interactions between locals and visitors. The Inukko Festival is one of Akita’s most iconic winter events, drawing dog lovers and travel enthusiasts from around the world. Follow our lens as we stroll through snow-dusted Yuzawa, experiencing the unique charm of this 400-year-old tradition!

Origins of the Inukko Festival
The Inukko Festival traces its roots back to the early Edo period, about 400 years ago. At that time, Yuzawa was plagued by bandits, causing distress among residents. Legend has it that a brave samurai defeated the notorious bandit Hakuto, restoring peace to the region. To pray for protection from future threats, locals began crafting small dog or crane-turtle figures from rice flour on Lunar New Year’s Eve, placing them at doorways or windows as symbols of blessing and warding off evil. These rice-flour dogs were believed to possess protective powers, evolving into a cherished local tradition. Over time, this ritual grew into the Inukko Festival, held annually on the second weekend of February, becoming a significant cultural event. Today, the festival is not only a prayer ritual but also a winter celebration featuring snow sculptures, food stalls, and traditional performances, attracting visitors from Japan and beyond.

Event Highlights
The Inukko Festival takes place on the second Saturday and Sunday of February (February 8-9, 2025) at venues like Yuzawa City Gymnasium, downtown shopping streets, and city hall areas. Here are four must-see highlights of this year’s festival!

Giant Dog Snow Sculptures & Inukko Shrine
The festival’s hallmark is its massive snow sculptures scattered across the venue! Crafted by local businesses and residents, these snow dogs—some taller than a person—are lifelike and awe-inspiring. In 2025, expect 14 giant snow sculptures, including adorable Akita dog designs and creative canine creations. The “Inukko Shrine,” also made of snow, is a popular spot for prayers, where visitors wish for their pets’ health or family safety. At night, the sculptures glow under candlelight and decorations, creating a magical snowy ambiance—perfect for photos!

Thousand Snow Lanterns & Dazzling Fireworks
At 6 PM each evening, the “Thousand Snow Lanterns” event lights up the venue near the Yuz Ascendancy with about 1,000 snow lanterns, their warm glow blending with the snow for a romantic scene. Visitors can write wishes on the lanterns, praying for luck and happiness. Then, the highly anticipated snow fireworks show begins! Vibrant fireworks burst in the snowy night sky, accompanied by the powerful Nanaya Satake Taiko drum performance, electrifying the crowd. These fireworks not only illuminate Yuzawa’s winter night but also leave unforgettable memories.

Pet Prayer Ceremony & Dog Parade

The Inukko Festival is a true “doggy paradise”! During the event, many owners bring their pets to the “Pet Prayer Ceremony” to pray for their furry friends’ health and longevity. A dog parade features adorable dogs, including Akita breeds, playing in the snow, drawing countless cameras. For dog lovers, it’s a golden opportunity to interact closely with pups. Please respect the space of owners and their dogs and stay polite!

Food Stalls & Market Fun
From Yuzawa Station to the venue, the streets are lined with stalls selling Akita specialties like kiritanpo (rice stick hotpot), Inaniwa udon, and piping-hot oden and yakitori. Stalls also offer Inukko Festival souvenirs and Akita dog-themed goods, perfect for taking home. Stroll through the bustling market, eat, shop, and soak in Yuzawa’s warm hospitality!

Travel Info
Location: Yuzawa City Gymnasium, downtown shopping streets, and city hall areas, Akita Prefecture
Access: 5-10 minute walk from JR Yuzawa Station or take the free shuttle bus during the festival
Official Website: https://www.city-yuzawa.jp/site/yuzawatrip/686.html

The Yuzawa Inukko Festival is a pilgrimage for dog lovers and a fantastic way to experience Tohoku’s snow country culture. The 2025 festival will welcome visitors with snow sculptures, fireworks, and heartfelt warmth. After watching this video, are you inspired to visit Yuzawa for this doggy extravaganza? Drop your thoughts in the comments and share with friends!

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