Festivals & Fireworks in Ishikawa, Japan
A local, year-round calendar of matsuri (festivals), hanabi (fireworks) and bon odori dances across Ishikawa Prefecture — Kanazawa, the Kaga onsen towns, and the Noto Peninsula. Dates, access by train, and viewing tips written from a local perspective.
Upcoming festivals & fireworks
Sorted by date. "2026 confirmed" means the date is officially announced; "typical schedule" means the date is estimated from previous years — check official sources before you go.
Nishigishi Fireworks Festival
August 15 (2025 edition started at 20:00)
A community-run fireworks night by Nishigishi Station on the Noto Railway — also known to anime fans as a "Hanasaku Iroha" pilgrimage spot.
Gozare Festival
August 15, with music fireworks over the kiriko float at night
An Obon festival at the Yanagida Botanical Park in Noto Town, where music-synchronized fireworks burst directly above a kiriko lantern float.
Wajima Grand Festival
Usually August 22–25, four consecutive nights (2026 details TBC)
Four shrines in Wajima hold their grand festivals on four consecutive August nights — giant kiriko floats, torch rites, and portable shrines carried into the sea.
Iida Recovery Bon Odori
August 15, from 18:30
A bon odori held in Suzu's Iida district as an act of recovery after the Noto earthquake — no registration needed, and anyone is welcome to join the circle.
Keroppa Bon Odori for Noto
2026 edition not yet announced (2025 edition was August 23)
A recovery-prayer bon odori held in central Kanazawa by a volunteer group supporting Noto — the 2025 edition was held in Shiko Memorial Park; 2026 dates are not yet announced.
Koikoi Festival (Yamanaka Onsen)
September 19–20, 10:00–21:00
Yamanaka Onsen's biggest festival — and one designed from the start for visitors to join. The name "Koikoi" means "come, come," inviting bathing guests into the dance circle.
Takojima Kiriko Festival
Usually September 10–11 (2026 details TBC)
Called the most gorgeous of Noto's kiriko festivals — sixteen lacquered, gold-leafed lantern floats dance at Takakurahiko Shrine in Suzu.
Kanazawa Odori (Geisha Dance Performance)
September 19–20 (about 2 hours per performance)
Once a year, the geisha of Kanazawa's three teahouse districts perform together on stage — a rare chance to see an art normally reserved for private teahouse banquets.
Hodatsushimizu Grand Fireworks
October 11, from 18:30 (rain or shine; postponed to Oct 12 in storms)
A rare autumn fireworks show in Ishikawa — crisper October air makes for sharper, clearer bursts than summer displays.
What to know
When are the Noto Kiriko festivals?
From July to October, towns across the Noto Peninsula hold Kiriko festivals, where giant illuminated lantern floats parade through the streets at night. The season opens with the wild Abare Festival in Ushitsu in early July.
What is the biggest fireworks show in Ishikawa?
The Kawakita Fireworks on the Tedori River is the largest in the Hokuriku region, with roughly 20,000 shells. Within Kanazawa city, the Hokkoku Fireworks (about 12,000 shells) is the biggest summer event.
Can visitors join a bon odori dance?
Yes. Most bon odori circles in Japan welcome anyone who wants to join, and you learn the steps by copying the dancers around you. Each event page notes whether drop-in participation is welcome.
Do I need a car?
Festivals in Kanazawa and the Kaga onsen towns are reachable by train and bus. Many Noto Peninsula festivals are easiest by car; each event page notes access options.