What it is
In 1583, the warlord Maeda Toshiie entered Kanazawa Castle and founded the Kaga domain, which became the richest in Japan. Its wealth was counted at a million koku of rice, hyakumangoku, and the city still celebrates that golden age every June.
The festival centers on a long costumed parade through the city, ending at the castle, with a famous actor in the role of Toshiie. On the Friday evening, painted lanterns are floated on the Asano River, and over the weekend there are tea gatherings, folk dancing and noh performed by firelight.
The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Friday evening | Lantern floating: Hand-painted lanterns are floated down the Asano River |
| Saturday | Hyakumangoku parade: From the afternoon, a costumed parade recreates Maeda Toshiie's entry into Kanazawa Castle; tea gatherings are held the same day |
| Sunday | Dance and noh: Folk dancing in the streets and an outdoor noh performance by firelight |
Which day should you go?
Saturday
The main parade, led by a famous actor playing Lord Maeda Toshiie, ends at Kanazawa Castle.
Friday evening
Watch lanterns drift down the Asano River near the old geisha district.
What to look for
Lord Toshiie
A well-known actor is chosen each year to play the founder of the Kaga domain, riding at the head of the parade.
The name
Hyakumangoku means “one million koku” of rice, the wealth of the Kaga domain, the richest in Edo-period Japan.
Kanazawa crafts
The lanterns on the river are painted in the style of Kaga yūzen silk dyeing.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa | about 2 h 30 min |
| Osaka | Limited Express Thunderbird to Tsuruga, then Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa | about 2 h 10 min |
On the day. The main parade on Saturday runs from Kanazawa Station to Kanazawa Castle Park. The floating lanterns are on the Asano River on Friday evening.
Crowds. The parade route fills early on Saturday afternoon.
Where to stay
Kanazawa Station area
Easy arrival and the start of the parade.
Kōrinbō and Katamachi
Central Kanazawa, near the castle, gardens and restaurants.
When to book. Book 2–3 months ahead.
Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Practical tips
- Dates. Held over three days around the first Saturday of June. Confirm the year's dates on the festival's official site.
- Book early. Kanazawa is popular year-round. Book hotels well ahead for the festival weekend.
Glossary
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
References
- Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Matsuri, official website, https://100mangoku.net/
Last checked 2026-10-12.