Hakusan Festival in Shiramine (Kanko Dance)
白山まつり(白峰・かんこ踊り)
July 18–19; Kanko dance on the 18th (stage 19:45, circle dance 20:00)
In the mountain village of Shiramine, a preserved historic district at the foot of sacred Mt. Haku, dancers beat small "kanko" drums in a dance said to have begun in 717, when villagers welcomed the monk Taicho back from opening the mountain to pilgrims. A stage performance is followed by a circle dance in the square in front of the village bathhouse.
Overview
| Date | July 18–19; Kanko dance on the 18th (stage 19:45, circle dance 20:00) |
|---|---|
| Time | 舞台踊り19:45〜/輪踊り20:00〜(18日) |
| Venue | 白峰温泉総湯前広場ほか(白山市白峰地区) |
| Access | About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from Kanazawa; infrequent bus service to Shiramine. |
You may also like
Mikawa Okaeri Festival
May 16–17 (3rd weekend of May)
A spring festival in Mikawa where 13 ornate wheeled floats parade with trumpet calls, and a midnight procession returns the portable shrine along a special street that changes every year.
Hyakumangoku Odori Nagashi (Street Dance Parade)
June 6, 18:00–20:00 (part of the Hyakumangoku Festival)
The night-time street dance that closes the Hyakumangoku Festival — some 9,000 dancers flow down Kanazawa's main avenue, with a drop-in section open to visitors.
Nonoichi Jonkara Festival
August 1–2, mass dance from 19:10 (1st) / 19:55 (2nd)
A dance festival built on the prefecturally designated "Nonoichi Jonkara" folk song — and the easiest dance circle in Ishikawa for a visitor to join, with drop-in participation from just one person.
Dates and details may change. For the Japanese page with full local tips, see the Japanese version.