Guide
The Seihakusai Festival is the most grand spring celebration in the Noto region, held at Daijushu Shrine (Sanno Shrine) in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture. The name 'Seihaku' comes from the ritual of offering sacred food on green oak (Kashiwa) leaves. This festival is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, representing a vital piece of Japan's living cultural history.
The absolute highlight is the procession of the 'Deka-yama'—colossal ceremonial floats. These massive structures stand 12m tall, weigh 20 tons, and feature wheels 2m in diameter, making them some of the largest in Japan. A truly breathtaking moment is the 'Tsujimawashi,' where these grand floats navigate through incredibly narrow streets. Visitors may even have the chance to join in pulling the floats, allowing you to feel the raw energy and community spirit of the festival firsthand.
The festival features various rituals and processions over three days.
The festival takes place in the central area of Nanao City and around Daijushu Shrine.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Daijushu Shrine (and central Nanao City area) |
| Access | Approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Nanao Station |
During the festival, you can use a smartphone-based location service to track the real-time position of the floats, as well as find temporary parking and restroom locations. Please note that road closures and traffic restrictions will be in effect throughout the city during the processions, so plan your travel accordingly.