Gongan Shinji (Bamboo-Splitting Festival)
御願神事(竹割まつり)
February 10 every year, around 11:00–noon
Held every February 10 at Sugo Isobe Shrine in Daishoji, this striking winter rite is said to date to the 7th century. Hundreds of bamboo poles are shattered against stone in a frenzy of splinters, and a huge rope representing a serpent is cast into the Daishoji River. The whole rite lasts about an hour — arrive before 11am, and don't stand too close.
Overview
| Date | February 10 every year, around 11:00–noon |
|---|---|
| Venue | 加賀市大聖寺・菅生石部神社 |
| Access | About 10 minutes on foot from JR Daishoji Station. |
You may also like
Foodpia Kanazawa
Throughout February
Kanazawa's month-long winter food festival since 1985 — reservation-based dining events in ryotei restaurants, machiya townhouses, and hotels across the city.
Kenrokuen & Kanazawa Castle Light-up "Shiki Monogatari"
Winter editions on February Saturdays; also held each season (check dates)
Free evening light-ups of Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle each season — the winter edition, with snow-hung ropes over the pines, is Kanazawa at its most iconic.
Aenokoto (Rice Field Deity Ritual)
December 5 (welcoming) and February 9 (sending off) every year
A UNESCO-listed household ritual of Oku-Noto farm families, who welcome the rice field deity into their homes, bathe it, and serve it a feast — viewable only at public demonstrations.
Dates and details may change. For the Japanese page with full local tips, see the Japanese version.