[Akita, Ugo] Limited to January 31st | Enjoy tofu, oden, and hot sake while watching the local event "Hanayome Dochu" at an inn renovated from a 180-year-old mansion

After the festive New Year's celebrations, the coldest season of the year, the final solar term of winter, "Daikan," arrives. The biting cold air and gloomy gray skies can easily make you feel down. However, it's precisely because of this cold that "warmth" feels even more special. This time, we'll be welcoming guests "Tofu Hyakkei" and "Kanban On," and we'll all gather together to enjoy something even more heartwarming, especially in the freezing cold. The same day also marks the start of the "Bride Procession" at Yukitopia Nanamagari, a festival held in Ugo Town since 1986. The Bridal Procession was born from the idea that it should also be an event that is only possible in the cold and snow! Recreating the scenes of weddings from long ago, the Bridal Procession will parade this year's newlyweds through town on a horse-drawn sleigh. The procession will pass through Honmachi Street, which faces Bonjuku U, and will be visible from the venue. Enjoy the taste, the sights, the conversation... let's celebrate the cold winter to the fullest. Whether you're a local or from outside the area, with family and friends, or even alone, please feel free to join us. [About the Bridal Procession] The Bridal Procession is the main event of the "Yukitopia Nanamagari" event, held annually on the last Saturday of January. *Details: Nanmo University - Akita Folklore Studies "Bride's Procession" https://nanmoda.jp/2017/02/723/ [Event summary] Date and time: Saturday, January 31, 2026, 14:00-16:00 Location: Bonjuku U Main House Earthen Floor Participation fee: 6,000 yen for adults Capacity: 10 people (first come, first served) Theme: "Celebrating the cold winter - tofu, oden, and warm sake that will touch your heart" - freshly made tofu - oden from a tofu shop - warm sake, enjoyed in different cups and at different temperatures *Non-alcoholic drinks are also available.

Opening on April 19, 2025, Bonshuku U is a cultural exchange facility with accommodation and a theme based on the Obon festival and the Nishimonai Bon Odori dance. Just as the boundaries between the living and the dead blur during Obon, the facility aims to gently connect the "inside" and "outside" of the community, people with each other, and culture with people, thereby creating a richer and more appealing community and culture. The facility was renovated from a 180-year-old merchant's house in a prime location on Nishimonai's main street, Honmachi Street, which was owned by the Shibayoshi family (Shibata Yonosuke family), Nishimonai's largest landowner. The facility also makes use of the existing architecture to allow visitors to experience the local culture and history.

This is also the day for the "Bride Procession" at Yukitopia Nanamagari, which has been held in Ugo Town since 1986. The Bridal Procession was born from the idea that it should be an event that is especially relevant in the cold and snow. The Bridal Procession recreates the scene of weddings from long ago, with this year's newly married couples paraded through the town on horse-drawn sleds. The procession is also scheduled to pass through Honmachi Street, which faces Bonjuku U, and can be seen from the venue.

[Tofu Hyakkei] A tofu specialty store that opened in Shogunno, Akita City in July 2022. They sell tofu and soy milk products made with Akita Prefecture soybeans, including their original fried tofu "Yojiroage," freshly made tofu sold by weight in-store, and thick soy milk drinks enjoyed with a variety of syrups. In April 2023, they opened a second store at the Akita City Cultural Creation Center. Amid a sharp decline in tofu shops nationwide, they are working hard to preserve tofu culture through new initiatives. Instagram: @tofu.100kei [Kanban On] While living in Fukushima City, they were fascinated by the depth of warming sake at a sake izakaya, and now work as a sake kanban, determining the perfect temperature. In 2020, they returned to Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture. In 2022, they began their activities with the aim of spreading the freedom and fun of playing with temperature, regardless of the season. They don't have a physical store, and serve hot sake in a yakuza style. Their concept is to provide warm sake that penetrates deep into the soul and leaves a lasting aftertaste, and they strive to be close to their customers. Instagram: @kanban_on2022