Guide to Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Matsuri 2026 – Dates, Highlights, and More!

Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Matsuri is one of Kanazawa’s biggest yearly festivals. Held in the first weekend of June, the celebration commemorates the arrival of Maeda Toshiie, the powerful feudal lord who entered Kanazawa Castle over 400 years ago and ushered in prosperity to the region. The festival fills the city with historical parades, traditional performances, and cultural events that pay homage to Kanazawa's feudal past.

Kanazawa is the largest city in Ishikawa Prefecture and a major cultural destination along the Sea of Japan coast.

If you’re traveling from Tokyo, the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) connects Tokyo Station with Kanazawa Station in about two and a half hours. This direct route makes Kanazawa an easy destination for a weekend trip.

From Osaka and Kyoto, the Thunderbird limited express train travels to Tsuruga Station and then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen to reach Kanazawa Station. The journey takes between three hours from Osaka and slightly less from Kyoto.

Travelers can also fly into Komatsu Airport (the closest airport to Kanazawa) from several cities all across Japan, and airport buses connect the terminal with Kanazawa Station.

1.   Hyakumangoku Parade

The Hyakumangoku Parade is the festival’s main highlight. Participants dressed in historical armor and period costumes recreate the procession of Maeda Toshiie entering Kanazawa Castle. The parade moves through the city center before reaching the castle grounds.

Large groups of performers, traditional musicians, and dancers take part in the procession. The event offers a vivid glimpse into the history of the Kaga Domain and the local culture that developed under Maeda rule.

2.   Samurai and traditional performances

During the festival, stages across the city host traditional music, dance, and cultural demonstrations. Performances often include taiko (drum performance), regional dance styles, and historical reenactments. These events allow visitors to experience elements of Kanazawa’s cultural heritage beyond the main parade.

3.   Kanazawa Castle Park

Kanazawa Castle Park becomes a focal point during the festival. Cultural exhibitions, performances, and food stalls appear throughout the grounds. The castle area also offers open spaces where visitors can relax while enjoying views of one of the city’s most important and beautiful historic sites.

Seafood is of special importance in Kanazawa’s local food scene. Markets and restaurants serve fresh crab, shrimp, and seasonal fish from the Sea of Japan. Omicho Market is one of the best places to experience this variety at its freshest.

Jibuni, a traditional Kanazawa dish, features duck or chicken simmered with vegetables in a thick soy-based broth. The dish was developed during the Edo period and is still enjoyed throughout the city to this very day.

Kanazawa also serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby destinations in the Hokuriku region.

Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go, about one hour away by bus, is known for its traditional thatched-roof farmhouses and serene rural setting. The village is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kaga Onsen

Kaga Onsen lies south of Kanazawa and offers several hot spring towns with traditional ryokan and bathhouses.

1.   Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa stands four minutes by foot from Kanazawa Station and offers spacious rooms with panoramic views of the city. The hotel’s location provides easy access to transport connections as well as nearby shopping and dining areas. Enjoy the hotel's large breakfast buffet, its Japanese restaurant for dinner, or a spot of high tea in the hotel’s lobby. Its central position makes it a convenient base for exploring the festival and the surrounding area.

2.   Hyatt Centric Kanazawa

Hyatt Centric Kanazawa sits just a short two-minute walk from Kanazawa Station and blends contemporary design with elements inspired by the region’s crafts and culture. Guest rooms are spacious and modern, with comfortable layouts suited to both leisure and business travelers. The hotel also features a restaurant and lounge area where visitors can relax after exploring the city. Its location allows easy access to both the festival events and Kanazawa’s historic districts.

3.   Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel

Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel lies in the Korinbo district, an area known for shopping streets and restaurants. The hotel offers comfortable guest rooms and convenient access to the city’s main attractions. Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa Castle, and several museums are within walking distance. Staying here places visitors close to many Hyakumangoku Matsuri events held in the city center.