People in the northern Japanese prefecture of Akita are welcoming tourists with a traditional festival that features dozens of "kamakura" snow huts.

Organizers say the 450-year-old festival in Yokote City is dedicated to a water deity that people pray to in hope of having a good harvest.

This year, snow piled up over one-meter high for the first time in three years, making it easier for the staff to build the around 60 huts that make up the festival. The igloo-like structures are about four meters in diameter and three meters in height.

Children called out to welcome visitors into their huts and served them sweet sake and rice cakes.

A family said the "kamakura" was more spacious and warmer than they had imagined. They said they want to take a lot of photos.

A couple from France said the snow is beautiful and the aroma and taste of sake was great, adding that they were also impressed with the hospitality of local people.

Organizers said they hope visitors enjoy the interactions with the children and feel the warmness of local people.