Wajima Grand Festival, held each August, is the city’s largest annual celebration, featuring massive illuminated kiriko lantern floats, some standing over ten metres tall, carried and paraded through the streets by teams of local residents in a display of coordinated effort and community pride. The festival is part of the broader kiriko lantern tradition found throughout the Noto Peninsula, and Wajima’s version draws particularly large crowds given its status as the region’s biggest port town and the sheer scale of its illuminated floats.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Wajima, Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa |
| Hours | Evening into late night, typically late August |
| Admission | Free to view |
| Time needed | Several hours in the evening |
| Best time | Check exact annual festival dates, late August |
What to See
- Massive illuminated kiriko lantern floats, some over ten metres tall.
- Teams of local residents carrying the floats through the streets.
- A display of community coordination and civic pride.
- Wajima’s largest and most prominent annual festival.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Noto Kiriko Festival to see the broader regional tradition.
- Pair with Wajima Morning Market if visiting during the day.
- Read our Ishikawa overview .
Getting There
- By bus: limited-express buses run from Kanazawa Station to Wajima, roughly 2 hours.
- By car: offers more flexibility, though parking is limited and heavily restricted during the festival.
Tips
Accommodation in Wajima can book out well in advance for the festival, so plan lodging early if you want to stay overnight rather than day-tripping. The festival continues late into the night, so pace yourself and check the specific evening’s schedule, as the largest float processions typically happen after dark.
