The three Hokuriku prefectures—Fukui, Ishikawa (Kanazawa), and Toyama—are regions blessed with abundant nature and a unique culture. In Hokuriku, while traditional customs are preserved, a variety of events have evolved in each area. Among them, June, July, and August are especially lively, packed with festivals and events. Of course, you can enjoy the famous festivities, but if you also visit some of the lesser-known events, you’ll discover even more local charm. In this article, the author, who is from Hokuriku, introduces recommended events.
Classic and Popular Summer Festivals & Events in the Three Hokuriku Prefectures
Here, we introduce summer events held in the three Hokuriku prefectures in June, July, and August, focusing on the most popular ones, listed in order of their starting dates. If you’re sightseeing in the area, consider timing your visit to coincide with one of them.
[June] Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival (Ishikawa, Kanazawa)
This is one of Ishikawa’s largest events, celebrating the entry of Lord Maeda Toshiie, the founder of the Kaga Domain, into Kanazawa. This traditional event has been passed down for over 400 years, evolving with the times into its current, vibrant form. The highlight is the “Hyakumangoku Parade,” a grand procession recreated with gorgeous costumes. The sight of the samurai parade and the Kaga Tobi firefighters performing along the parade route is like a historical picture scroll come to life. The collaboration with the Tsuzumi-mon Gate in front of Kanazawa Station, the parade’s starting point, is also a popular photo spot. Along with the cityscape of Kanazawa, you can feel the passion of the local people who support the festival—a chance to truly experience Kanazawa’s history and culture firsthand.
👉 Related Article: The Complete Kanazawa Sightseeing Guide by Locals
💡 Local Tips
The “Hyakumangoku Odorinagashi,” held in the evening, welcomes same-day participants. Why not enjoy a special night in Kanazawa, dancing together with locals dressed in beautiful costumes?
Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival
- Address: 1-1 Kinoshinbo-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Access: Right next to Kanazawa Station
- Usual Dates: Early June every year (June 5–7 in 2026)
- Official Website: https://100mangoku.net/
[June] Shogawa Tourism Festival (Toyama, Tonami)
The Shogawa Tourism Festival, held every June in Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture, is an early summer tradition along the Shogawa River. At night, a fireworks display reflects beautifully on the river’s surface, featuring rapid-fire waterborne star mines and the powerful sounds of fireworks. During the day, you can enjoy food trucks, a yamame trout-catching experience, Yosakoi dance performances, and the Shogawa Ondo, all of which bring the community to life. The magical scenery, blending with nature, and the lively atmosphere attract many visitors to this popular event.
👉 Related Article: Toyama Sightseeing Guide by Locals
💡 Local Tips
The must-see highlight is the intense scene of the famous Yotaka Andon (towering festival lanterns) crashing into each other! Andon are traditional festival lanterns made of washi paper. These lanterns, which light up the night in hopes of a good harvest, are over 5 meters tall and their vivid colors are truly mesmerizing.
Shogawa Tourism Festival
- Address: Shogawa-machi, Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture
- Access: About 15 minutes by car or 25 minutes by bus from Tonami Station
- Usual Dates: First Saturday and Sunday of June every year (June 6–7 in 2026)
- Official Website: https://www.city.tonami.lg.jp/kanko/event/502p/
[June–July] Hydrangea Festival at Taikoyama Land (Toyama, Imizu)
This is an early summer event at Taikoyama Land, eagerly anticipated every year by people of all ages, from children to adults. Around 20,000 hydrangea plants of about 150 varieties bloom throughout the park, especially along the 500-meter-long "Ajisai Street," making it one of the largest hydrangea festivals in the Hokuriku region. The best viewing period is from mid to late June. Stroll through the park, which has free admission, and enjoy a unique early-summer landscape found only here. During the festival, there are also illuminations and various events. The collaboration of lights and hydrangeas floating in the darkness brings comfort to your heart, even during Japan’s humid rainy season.
💡Local Tips
This event is especially recommended for photography enthusiasts. The spacious park is filled with a wide variety of hydrangeas, including mountain hydrangeas (Yama-ajisai) and lacecap hydrangeas (Gaku-ajisai), so feel free to enjoy viewing and photographing the flowers from your favorite spots.
Ajisai Festival in Taikoyama Land
- Address: 4774-6 Kurokawa, Imizu City, Toyama Prefecture
- Access: About 10 minutes by bus from Kosugi Station
- Usual Event Dates: From around mid-June to early July every year (In 2026: June 19 – July 5)
- Official Website: https://www.toyamap.or.jp/taikou-land/ajisai/
[July] Nanao Gion Festival (Ishikawa, Nanao)
This is a dynamic festival representing Noto, where large festival floats and massive festival lanterns (hōtō) parade through the streets. The lively atmosphere, heightened by the sounds of flutes and drums, feels like the quintessential Japanese summer festival. At night, lanterns and bonfires are lit, creating a different kind of charm.
💡Local Tips
The nighttime climax, when the lantern towers dash energetically through the streets, is a must-see. Be sure to experience it up close. “Hōtō” are large traditional festival lanterns, like those shown in the photo.
Nanao Gion Festival
- Address: Eastern downtown area of Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture (including Ojinushi Shrine, etc.)
- Access: About 15 minutes on foot from Nanao Station
- Usual Event Date: The second Saturday of July every year (In 2026: July 11)
[July] Morita Festival (Morita Fireworks) (Fukui, Fukui)
This is a beloved local summer festival held on the riverbed of the Kuzuryu River (next to Morita Elementary School). The lively venue is lined with food stalls, and on the final night (Sunday), about 3,000 "Morita Fireworks" are launched as the grand finale. The fireworks launched at close range, are truly impressive, and the scenery along the riverside is unforgettable. During the day, there are food stalls and stage events, creating a warm, community atmosphere. This festival is especially popular with families and is rich in local flavor.
💡Local Tips
The biggest attraction is how close you can get to the launch site, allowing you to fully experience the powerful fireworks.
Morita Festival
- Address: Shimomorita Shimmachi, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture
- Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Morita Station
- Usual Event Dates: Late July every year
[August] Takaoka Tanabata Festival (Toyama, Takaoka)
This traditional event has continued since the Edo period and is known as one of the largest Tanabata festivals along the Sea of Japan coast. The decorations, such as the large fukinagashi streamers fluttering in the wind, are lively and full of ingenuity. Among them, the sight of about 100 large and small Tanabata decorations lined up throughout the city is truly breathtaking. You can fully enjoy the unique atmosphere of Tanabata while reflecting on the wishes of the people. One of the highlights is the warmth of the decorations, handmade by local residents, including giant lantern-style Tanabata decorations over 10 meters tall. During the festival, a special event is held at Imizu Shrine, where priests gratefully burn "wish tanzaku" (wish strips) collected from citizens, sending the wishes up to the heavens with the rising smoke.
💡Local Tips
The nighttime illuminations are beautiful, but it's also great that you can enjoy the Tanabata decorations during the day. You can soak up the festival atmosphere while strolling around the city, without worrying about the time of day.
Takaoka Tanabata Festival
- Address: Central Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture
- Access: Just a short walk from Takaoka Station
- Usual Dates: Early August every year
- Official Website: https://www.takaoka-st.jp/event/tanabata/
[August] Kaga Onsen Summer Festival (Ishikawa, Kaga)
The Kaga Onsen Summer Festival is a lively seasonal event held across the four hot spring areas of Yamashiro, Yamanaka, Katayamazu, and Awazu. The area hosts a wide range of events, including the “Noryo Fireworks Festival” at Katayamazu Onsen and the lively “Ukiuki Ennichi” evening fair. You can also enjoy dynamic performances at the “Yamashiro Odenraku,” as well as the “Katayamazu Onsen Yu-no-Matsuri,” featuring lion dances, music shows, and traditional Bon dancing. One of the highlights is being able to enjoy the different atmospheres of each area while strolling around in yukata. The scale of the festival—combining hot springs with a wide variety of festivities—is rare even in Japan, offering a truly atmospheric and memorable travel experience.
💡Local Tips
The "Noryo Fireworks Festival" at Katayamazu Onsen is held every night from August 1st to August 31st. If you visit the hot spring town during this period, you can enjoy fireworks almost every night, weather permitting.
Kaga Onsen Summer Festival
- Address: Kaga Onsen area, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Access: About 15 minutes by car from Kaga Onsen Station, about 30 minutes by car from Komatsu Airport
- Usual Dates: August 1st–31st every year
- Official Website: https://www.tabimati.net/index.html
[August] Wakasa Takahama Fireworks Festival (Fukui, Takahama)
This dynamic fireworks festival is held along the Sea of Japan coast. Fireworks launched from the sea are reflected on the water's surface, creating a breathtaking, expansive view. It's the perfect event to experience the multifaceted beauty of summer in Japan and to make special memories.
💡Local Tips
With its open and spacious location, the venue allows you to sit back and enjoy the show in comfort. Experience the excitement of watching the fireworks up close from the sandy beach!
Wakasa Takahama Fireworks Festival
- Address: Wakasa Wada Beach to Shiroyama Beach, Takahama Town, Oi District, Fukui Prefecture
- Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Wakasa Wada Station
- Usual date: August 1
- Official website: https://wakasa-takahama.jp/hanabi/
Hidden Summer Festivals & Events in the Hokuriku Region
Here are some lesser-known summer events where you can experience the deeper charms of Hokuriku.
[August] Jantokoi Uozu Festival (Toyama, Uozu)
For three days on the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of August every year, the city of Uozu is comes alive with its most vibrant energy of the year.
The "Marine Fireworks Festival" colors Uozu Port with vivid displays, while the sounds of "UO! JAZZ" echo through the sea breeze. In Suwa Town, the dynamic "Tatemon Festival" lights up the night sky, and in front of Uozu Station, the lively rhythm of "Serikomi Chōroku" gets the whole city dancing.
It's three days packed with the best of Uozu. Come with family or friends to create unforgettable summer memories in Uozu. The locals are sure to welcome you warmly.
💡Local Tips
The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage "Tatemono Festival" is a must-see highlight. Giant pillars about 15–16 meters tall are adorned with countless lanterns, creating vivid trails of light across the night sky. The powerful sight of parishioners pulling the floats is truly impressive.
Jantokoi Uozu Festival
- Address: Uozu City, Toyama Prefecture
- Access: About 15 minutes on foot from Uozu Station
- Usual date: Starts on the first Friday of August every year (In 2026, August 7–9)
- Official website: https://uozu-kanko.jp/jyantokoi-uozu-fest/
[June] Kaga Yuzen Lantern Floating (Ishikawa, Kanazawa)
On the eve of the "Hyakumangoku Parade," this event is held on the Asano River near the Higashi Chaya District as a pre-festival for the Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival. Lanterns decorated with beautiful Kaga Yuzen patterns float down the river, carrying prayers for the repose and prosperity of Yuzen artisans. As dusk falls, about 600 lanterns flicker on the water, creating a tranquil and emotional scene. It's a memorable time where you can feel the beauty woven by traditional crafts and nature.
💡Local Tips
Advance registration is required to float a lantern, but anyone is free to watch. Take a leisurely stroll along the river and enjoy the beauty of the lanterns drifting by.
Kaga Yuzen Lantern Floating
- Address: Asano River, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Access: About 15 minutes on foot from Kanazawa Station
- Usual date: Held once every three years in early June (Next event scheduled for 2028)
Travel Tips: Summer Gourmet to Try in Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui in June, July, and August
In Toyama, somen noodles enjoyed with pure water are a summer staple. Especially, a bowl at Oiwa-san is simple yet exceptionally delicious.
In Ishikawa and Fukui, it’s the season when blackthroat seaperch (Nodoguro) and rock oysters are at their best. Of course, you can enjoy them as rice bowls or sashimi, but taking your time to savor them at an izakaya is also highly recommended.
Travel Tips: Weather in Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui in June, July, and August
In the Hokuriku region, June, July, and August transition from the rainy season in June, which brings many wet days, to the peak of summer with increasing humidity. During the day, short sleeves are comfortable, but it can get chilly indoors or at night, so it’s a good idea to bring a light jacket. Carrying a compact umbrella is also convenient to prepare for sudden rain.
Summer in Hokuriku: Packed with Events and Gourmet Delights!
Across the three Hokuriku prefectures, unique festivals and events are held in various locations from early summer through the season. In addition to the classic popular events, visiting local hidden gems will let you discover even more of the region’s charm. Enjoy a summer trip unique to Hokuriku, paired with seasonal gourmet cuisine.
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