Yokote

Yokote is an administrative center in Akita Prefecture on the northern part of the main island of Honshu, spreading across the Yokote Basin. The river of the same name runs through the built-up areas and divides the town into several residential districts.

The area was under the control of the Kiyohara clan during the Heian period, who governed the region until medieval times. From the Sengoku period onward, the Onodera clan took over leadership of the territory.

The Kamakura Festival transforms the town with hundreds of snow houses built throughout the area, where children welcome guests with warm rice wine and rice cakes. This winter tradition takes place each February and changes the appearance of streets and neighborhoods for several days.

The Ou Main Line and Kitakami Line connect the town with surrounding regions and offer links to the north and south. Most places within the urban area can be reached on foot or by local buses.

The Omagari Fireworks Festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and is considered one of the most important competitions for pyrotechnics in Japan. Teams from across the country present their compositions with musical accompaniment.

Location: Akita Prefecture

Inception: April 1, 1889

Reference: 052035

Shares border with: Daisen, Yurihonjo, Yuzawa, Ugo, Misato, Nishiwaga, Higashinaruse

Website: https://city.yokote.lg.jp

GPS coordinates: 39.31372,140.56661

Latest update: December 13, 2025 18:35