Hyakumangoku Matsuri is Kanazawa’s largest annual festival, held each June to commemorate the 1583 entry of Maeda Toshiie into Kanazawa Castle, the event that established the powerful Maeda clan’s rule over the Kaga domain, whose rice yield of over a million koku gave the festival its name. The festival’s centrepiece is an elaborate procession of participants dressed in samurai-era costume re-enacting Toshiie’s triumphant entry, accompanied by traditional taiko drumming and dance performances, and the celebrations conclude with a lantern-lit boat parade along the Asano River.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Kanazawa, Ishikawa |
| Hours | Daytime and evening, early June |
| Admission | Free to view in the streets |
| Time needed | Several hours across the day |
| Best time | Check exact annual festival dates, typically first weekend of June |
What to See
- An elaborate samurai-costumed procession re-enacting Maeda Toshiie’s 1583 entry.
- Traditional taiko drumming and dance performances.
- A lantern-lit boat parade along the Asano River.
- Kanazawa’s largest annual festival, drawing large crowds citywide.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Kanazawa Castle sightseeing at the festival’s historical centre.
- Pair with Higashi Chaya District for a fuller day in central Kanazawa.
- Read our Ishikawa overview .
Getting There
- By train: JR Kanazawa Station, roughly 15–20 minutes to the main festival areas.
- By bus: Kanazawa Loop Bus stops near the parade route, though expect service disruptions during the event.
Tips
Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the main procession route, as the festival draws large crowds throughout central Kanazawa. Check the exact festival schedule each year, as the specific dates and detailed programme of events can shift.
