Theme: “Sand Monsters”

Come see supernatural monsters and spirits line the beach at this year’s SAND CRAFT in Mitane Festival!

When:

Saturday, July 25                   9:00 – 21:00

 Sunday, July 26                    9:00 – 14:30

 Sand sculptures will be on display from July 25 to August 31.

※   Sculpting begins mid-July and is open for viewing.

Where: Kamayahama Beach

Cost: FREE! (500 yen for parking)

 

About SAND CRAFT in Mitane

An annual event at Kamayahama Beach in Mitane, the SAND CRAFT in Mitane festival features impressive sand sculptures, performances, activities, and food – all with the beautiful backdrop of the Sea of Japan! Artists from all over Japan and abroad are invited to take part in this event to create high-quality sculptures for visitors. Sand sculpting world champion, Mr. Toshihiko Hosaka, will also attend.

With the purpose of building community through the natural environment and the arts, this festival is an inspirational event cherished by Mitane locals that enchants visitors from around Akita, Japan, and the world. 

 

The Sand Sculptures

This year’s main sand sculpture will stand about 3 meters tall! Alongside it, another roughly 40 SAND MONSTERS will inhabit the beach.  

From elaborate creations erected by professionals to works lovingly crafted by local children, visitors will enjoy an array of sand sculptures at this year’s festival. 

 

Activities

Apart from the sand sculptures, visitors can make the most of the festival with a number of fun activities scheduled throughout the day, including: 

• Mini sand sculpture building and contest
• Water skiing 
• Banana boat rides
• Skateboarding workshop
• Basketball shoot challenge
• Stamp rally 

Visitors will even have the chance to win local souvenirs! 

 

Performances

On Saturday, July 25 enjoy nighttime festivities complete with musical performances and fireworks! Enjoy a powerful Japanese taiko drum performance, and feel the music of local musicians on the beach.

• The performance line-up will be released at a later date.
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Swimsuit Contest

The main event on Sunday, July 26! Get into your favorite swimsuit and charm the crowd! The winner of the contest will receive 100,000 yen!

You will even get 5,000 yen and locally grown melons just for signing up! The contest is open to both men and women, and if spots are still available sign-up on the day of is possible.

 

Food

Get your fix at the various food stalls. From Mitane specialties to traditional festival foods like yakisoba and takoyaki, experience Japanese flavors with a few different dishes.

Or, grab a meal and rest in the shade at one of the seaside restaurants!

 

Illumination

See the sand monsters take on a different form as they are lit up at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 25 during the stage performances. They will continue to be illuminated through Monday, August 31 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. every night. The sculptures are sure to become even more fantastical in the evening hours.

 

Access 

Akita Airport (AXT) → JR Akita Station → JR Moritake Station → Kamayahama Beach (~140 min.)

Akita Airport (AXT) → Akita Expressway Hachiryu IC → Kamayahama Beach (~90 min.)

Odate-Noshiro Airport (ONJ) → Akita Expressway Hachiryu IC → Kamayahama Beach (~50 min.)

 

• Visitors are welcome to swim in the ocean during the festival.