Guide
The Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival is one of Kanazawa's most iconic historical celebrations, held every June in Ishikawa Prefecture. The festival commemorates the historic entry of Maeda Toshiie, the founder of the Kaga Clan, into Kanazawa Castle on June 14, 1583. The absolute highlight is the "Hyakumangoku Procession," a visually stunning reenactment of the grand entry into the castle. This procession serves as a vital cultural program that visually communicates the historical background of Kanazawa and stands as a symbol of the city's cultural identity.
The roots of this festival trace back to the Kanazawa City Festival held in 1923. For a period, following post-war guidance, it was known as the "Oyama Matsuri," but it has since returned to its current celebrated form. It is believed to have originated from the "Hyakujitsu Matsuri" (Hundred-Day Festival) of the Edo period, which historically featured processions over three days. Today, it serves as a crucial platform for passing down Kanazawa's history to future generations and attracting visitors from around the world.
The greatest highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the "Hyakumangoku Procession." The event begins with a musical parade and the selection of "Miss Hyakumangoku," followed by the Kaga Shishi (lion dance), Kaga Tobi (firefighters), and the magnificent procession recreating Maeda Toshiie's entry. A particularly iconic sight is the figure of Lord Maeda Toshiie riding a white horse while wearing a helmet adorned with a golden Great Catfish tail. The festival also features diverse participants, such as the Omatsu procession and children playing the roles of Tamahime and Maeda Toshitsune. Other programs include Takigino (Noh performance by wood-fire), tea ceremonies, and Kaga Yuzen lantern floating, allowing visitors to experience the traditional arts and crafts of Kanazawa.
The Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival is held over three days (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) centered around the first Saturday of June each year. The schedule varies by day: Friday features prayer ceremonies and the Kaga Yuzen lantern floating; Saturday is the climax with the main Hyakumangoku Procession and traditional dances; and Sunday offers programs like Takigino and Minyo Kaenki. The Saturday afternoon procession is the most highly anticipated event. As the festival takes place during the rainy season in June, please note that programs may be subject to change or cancellation due to weather. It is highly recommended to check the latest updates before your visit.
Beyond just watching, you can deeply engage with Kanazawa's traditional culture. You can participate in tea ceremonies, watch Noh performances under the moonlight, or enjoy the atmospheric Kaga Yuzen lantern floating at night. The vibrant atmosphere created by the music parades and children's lantern-bearing processions makes you feel part of the community. Through these historical costumes and rituals, you can experience the essence of the Kaga Clan's culture from the Edo period up close.
The festival takes place throughout the historic landscapes of Kanazawa. The areas around Kanazawa Station and Kanazawa Castle are the best places to feel the excitement of the procession. The city is also filled with traditional Machiya-style streets and various cultural facilities, making it perfect for exploring the city's charm before or after the festival events.
Cash is the standard for most food stalls and small-scale events around the festival area. While some larger facilities may accept credit cards, please ensure you carry enough cash for street food and smaller vendors.
English-language support and signage may be limited during the festival. We recommend using a translation app on your smartphone to help navigate the various events and information.
Most events can be viewed without a prior reservation. However, if you are interested in specific ceremonies or designated seating, please check the official festival information in advance.
Photography of the procession is generally allowed, but please follow the instructions of the staff, especially regarding the privacy and portrait rights of the performers.
Since June is the rainy season in Kanazawa, we strongly recommend bringing rain gear (a folding umbrella or a raincoat). As you will be watching much of the event outdoors, please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to adapt to changing temperatures.