Hyakumangoku Matsuri

The Hyakumangoku Matsuri (百万石まつり) is the premier annual event in Kanazawa, commemorating the 1583 entry of the feudal lord Maeda Toshiie into Kanazawa Castle. Held over the first weekend of June, the three-day festival begins Friday night with the Kaga Yuzen Toro Nagashi, where thousands of lanterns are floated down the Asanogawa River. The highlight is Saturday’s Hyakumangoku Parade, a massive four-hour historical procession featuring samurai on horseback, kaga-tobi firemen, and folk dancers traveling from Kanazawa Station to the castle grounds. The festivities conclude Sunday with traditional tea ceremonies held at the famous Kenrokuen Garden, celebrating the city’s rich cultural heritage. See the official schedule for more details.

The main parade typically begins at 2:00 PM on Saturday, starting under the magnificent wooden Tsuzumi-mon Gate at Kanazawa Station. Spectators line the entire route to the castle, where a final dramatic re-enactment of Lord Maeda’s arrival takes place at the Hashizume-mon Gate. For those visiting on Friday, the lantern floating offers a more tranquil experience near the historic Higashi Chaya District. While most of the parade is free to view from the sidewalks, paid seating is available at key intersections. Sunday’s tea ceremonies at Kenrokuen provide a unique opportunity to experience Kanazawa’s high-level tea culture in one of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes.