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Kanazawa’s biggest event: a three-day festival centering on the first Saturday of June
Kanazawa City Tourism Association
The foundations of Kanazawa were built in 1583, when Samurai Lord Maeda Toshiie, founder of the Kaga Domain, moved to Kanazawa Castle. The Hyakumangoku Matsuri, the greatest festival of Kanazawa, is held in commemoration of Toshiie’s entry into the castle. The highlight of the festival is the Hyakumangoku Parade, a flamboyant procession of people in historical costumes performed on the first Saturday of June. A prominent actor plays the role of the feudal lord Maeda Toshiie every year, followed by more than 2,000 residents, including those in princess and warrior costumes. There are also teams that stage Kanazawa’s traditional performing arts, such as Kaga Tobi groups who reenact traditional firefighters working under the Kaga lords in Edo. The parade processes around the city for about two hours, ending in a finale at Kanazawa Castle Park. After the parade finishes, a bonfire is lit with Kanazawa Castle as the backdrop, and traditional Noh dance is performed by the bonfire, creating a truly fantastic atmosphere to be enjoyed.
How to get there
Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes from Tokyo Station to Kanazawa Station via the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen.
1-1-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa-ken
