Experience the Best of Kanazawa in Summer: Festivals, Fireflies, and Cultural Delights
Kanazawa, the prefectural capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, is known as a castle town that flourished during the Edo period (1600-1868). It is particularly a city where many traditional cultural sites and historical spots remain throughout Japan.
The average summer temperature is around 26°C, with many days exceeding 30°C in recent years. Kanazawa summer offers plenty of events where you can feel the atmosphere of Japanese summer, such as shrine festivals and fireworks displays.
This time, we will introduce spots and events you'll want to visit during summer. Although some events are undecided due to the effects of the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, you can feel Kanazawa's charm even more now as the city works hard on recovery!
Climate and Recommended Clothing for Kanazawa Summer
Kanazawa has a saying: "You may forget your lunch box, but never forget your umbrella." This represents Kanazawa's weather, which has relatively many rainy days and changeable weather throughout the day.
Here we introduce the climate and recommended clothing for each month, so please use it as a reference!
June Climate Characteristics
- Average temperature around 25°C
- Rainy season with frequent rain and slightly chilly weather
- Refreshing early summer climate when sunny
Recommended Clothing for June
- Short-sleeve shirts
- Long pants
- Thin waterproof jacket
- Comfortable rain shoes
July Climate Characteristics
- Average temperature around 26°C with some days exceeding 30°C
- Temperature rises rapidly once the rainy season ends
Recommended Clothing for July
- Short-sleeve shirts or sleeveless tops
- Short pants
- Thin jacket (for air conditioning)
- Hat
August Climate Characteristics
- Average temperature around 27°C with increasing days over 30°C
- Hot and humid with strong sunlight
- Watch out for sudden showers
Recommended Clothing for August
- Short-sleeve shirts or sleeveless tops
- Short pants
- Thin jacket (for air conditioning)
- Hat
- Sunglasses
Attractions of Kanazawa Summer
Kanazawa summer has many attractions to see. There are plenty of foods, traditional events, and events beloved as summer traditions. There are also ways to enjoy the rich nature unique to Kanazawa.
Here, we will introduce in detail the charms of Kanazawa that can only be enjoyed during this season. Please use this as a reference when planning your travel itinerary.
Savoring Kanazawa Summer's Delicious Seafood
While Kanazawa is famous for winter seafood like crab and yellowtail, there are also many types of seafood that can only be tasted in summer.
My top recommendation is definitely rock oysters. Noto-produced rock oysters, which are in season from June to August, are large and satisfying to eat, with a creamy and rich umami flavor you can enjoy.
While not seafood, grilled loach (dojou no kabayaki) is also a traditional local dish of Kanazawa. The loach is split open, skewered, grilled, and eaten with soy sauce-based sauce. Rich in iron and protein, nutritious grilled loach is one of the things you want to eat during Kanazawa summer when you lose energy from the heat. Since it's in season from July to August, please definitely try it during your summer visit to Kanazawa!
Enjoying Summer Traditional Events and Bon Dancing
Kanazawa summer has many traditional Japanese events, including ceremonies held at shrines to welcome the hot summer and parades incorporating folk performing arts.
During the "Obon" period in August, when ancestors are said to return, unique customs that can be called distinctive to Kanazawa remain. One of these is decorating graves with house-shaped lanterns called "Kiriko" at the beginning of Obon to welcome ancestors.
"Bon dancing" (bon-odori) celebrating Obon with local people has different dances for each region. Since all the choreography is simple, trying to dance together with local people at various festivals is one way to enjoy Kanazawa summer.
Enjoying "Summer Festivals" - A Traditional Summer Feature
From June to August, many annual festivals of historic shrines and local summer festivals are held throughout Kanazawa. Please savor the street food unique to Japanese festivals such as yakisoba (stir-fried noodles), takoyaki (octopus balls), and candied apples. My favorite way to enjoy Kanazawa summer is strolling through festival stalls with a beer in hand while listening to the melodious sounds of flutes and drums.
In August, spectacular fireworks festivals that illuminate summer nights are also held. Since there are shops in Kanazawa where you can rent yukata (summer kimono), I highly recommend enjoying these events while wearing traditional yukata to fully embrace the Kanazawa summer atmosphere.
We will introduce festivals and summer events for each month in more detail later, so please be sure to check them out.
Enjoying Activities at Spots Where You Can Feel Nature's Grandeur
In nature-rich Kanazawa, you can experience various outdoor activities during the beautiful summer season. Please fully immerse yourself in Kanazawa summer through casual hiking or serious mountain climbing that lets you experience the region's natural beauty.
My top recommendation is cycling. By using the bike-sharing service called "Machinori," you can freely pick up and drop off electric-assist bicycles at 100 dedicated parking spots throughout the city, making it perfect for exploring Kanazawa summer attractions.
I also recommend enjoying fishing in the magnificent Sea of Japan. Near Kanazawa Port, there are restaurants where you can bring fish you caught yourself and have them prepared for you - a unique Kanazawa summer experience.
On hot midsummer days, it's wonderfully refreshing to leisurely stroll through parks and gardens in the early morning or evening, when you can truly appreciate the serene beauty of Kanazawa summer.
10 Recommended Tourist Spots You Can Enjoy Precisely Because It's Kanazawa Summer
Here we introduce recommended Kanazawa tourist spots that are particularly wonderful to visit during the summer season. We've selected spots where you can enjoy Kanazawa's charms from various angles including food, nature, and history, all enhanced by the vibrant energy of Kanazawa summer. Please use this as reference when planning your summer trip!
Omicho Market
Source:Official website
Omicho Market is a historic market with 300 years of tradition. It is beloved by local people as "Kanazawa citizens' kitchen" and offers an authentic taste of local life during Kanazawa summer.
About 170 stores are packed together, offering an abundant variety where you can find everything including seafood, vegetables, fruits, meat, sweets, flowers, and clothing. The market is especially vibrant during Kanazawa summer when fresh seasonal produce is at its peak.
Please be sure to try the handmade side dishes and pickles prepared at the individual stores. Shopping while asking store staff about daily recommendations and seasonal specialties is one of the real pleasures of experiencing this market during Kanazawa summer.
Various events such as mini tours around the market and cooking classes are also held, providing perfect opportunities to dive deeper into local culture during your Kanazawa summer visit.
There are also restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood, so please stop by after shopping to complete your authentic Kanazawa summer market experience!
Address: 50 Kami-Omicho, Kanazawa City
Business Hours: 9:00~17:00 (may vary by store)
Regular Holidays: Varies by store
Phone Number: 076-231-1462
Official Homepage: https://ohmicho-ichiba.com/
Kanazawa Port Cruise Terminal
Source:Official website
The "Kanazawa Port Cruise Terminal" serves as the base for cruise ships and is Kanazawa's gateway to the sea. It features a distinctive white roof that evokes the waves of the Sea of Japan, and from the observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan.
My recommendation is the nighttime hours when it's beautifully lit up. You can enjoy vivid light displays using the five basic colors of "Kaga Yuzen," Kanazawa's traditional dyeing technique.
The "Learning Experience Room," where you can have a simulated ship navigation experience using simulators, is also popular with children. At the restaurant, you can taste exquisite Italian cuisine made with fresh seafood from Kanazawa.
This is a recommended spot where you can rediscover the charm of Kanazawa's sea.
Address: Kanazawa City, Muryojimachi Ri-65
Business hours: 9:00-21:00 (Restaurant from 10:00-)
Closed: December 29 - January 3
Phone: 076-225-7030
Official website: https://www.kanazawa-cruise.jp/
English brochure: https://www.kanazawa-cruise.jp/com/pdf/pamph_en.pdf
Kenroku-en
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
"Kenroku-en" is a Japanese garden designed to be appreciated while walking through the grounds. It's located in a central area of Kanazawa and is one of Japan's three most famous gardens.
While Kenroku-en is famous for its spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, my recommendation is the Kanazawa summer period when the plants and trees look most vibrant. In early June, the beautiful bright purple iris flowers reach their peak bloom and stand out beautifully against the lush green garden.
You can see various wild birds, so it's also recommended for bird lovers. If you visit in the early morning hours, you can hear the sounds of active birds.
At the tea house in the garden, you can enjoy matcha tea along with seasonal Japanese sweets. Please spend a relaxing time while gazing at the garden.
Firefly viewing is also conducted at night from mid-June to early July
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
In the lush and clean-water environment of Kenroku-en, you can enjoy firefly viewing from late June to early July. This is a popular Kanazawa summer event where the garden, which is normally closed at night, is opened for free.
The mystical light of fireflies and the beautiful scenery of the Japanese garden filled with Japanese elegance will surely become an unforgettable travel memory.
Fireflies can be viewed around 8:00 PM when it becomes completely dark. The nighttime scenery of Kenroku-en, which is usually not visible, is also a unique charm of this day.
How about taking a leisurely stroll through the garden while searching for fireflies on a summer night?
Address: Kanazawa City, Koshomachi 1-53
Business hours: March 1 - October 15: 7:00-18:00 (last entry 17:30) / October 16 - end of February: 8:00-17:00
Free night opening days (firefly viewing): June 27-28, July 4-5, 2025
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 076-263-1814
Official website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/e/index.html
Kanazawa Castle Park
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
"Kanazawa Castle Park" is a popular tourist spot representing Kanazawa. Although Kanazawa Castle has been destroyed several times by fires, it was reconstructed to its current appearance in 2001 based on old documents.
The "Ishikawa Gate," which serves as the entrance gate to Kanazawa Castle, has a complex structure combining multiple gates to delay enemy intrusion.
My recommended point is the stone walls that you can see everywhere on the grounds. Please take a close look at stones of various shapes and stones with carved marks.
The nighttime hours when it's colorfully lit up are also recommended. Please enjoy it together with the adjacent Kenroku-en!
Address: Kanazawa City, Marunouchi 1-1
Business hours: March 1 - October 15: 7:00-18:00 / October 16 - end of February: 8:00-17:00
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 076-234-3800
Official website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kanazawajou/e/
The Fourth High School Memorial Museum of Cultural Exchange, Ishikawa
Source:Iwasaki Denki
"The Fourth High School Memorial Museum of Cultural Exchange, Ishikawa" is a memorial museum that preserves an old high school building as it was. You can see exhibits where you can learn about the school's traditions and history, as well as materials from literary figures with deep connections to Ishikawa Prefecture.
Inside the building, traces of Japanese schools from the late 1800s to early 1900s remain, creating an atmosphere as if time has been rewound. There's also a shop inside the museum where you can rent retro Japanese clothing. Walking through the museum in hakama style that female students wore at that time or beautiful kimono will surely heighten your excitement.
Due to the impact of the earthquake that occurred in 2024, the museum is currently closed for repair work. As of May 2025, the reopening date is undetermined.
Address: Kanazawa City, Hirosaka 2-2-5
Business hours: Retro Experience Room 9:00-21:00 / Exhibition Room 9:00-17:00
Closed: New Year holidays
Phone: 076-262-5464
Official website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/shiko-kinbun/
For those interested in Kanazawa's long-standing history and traditional culture, we recommend tours where local residents guide you through the city.
If you want to efficiently sightsee around Kanazawa, why not join a guided tour? What I recommend is this tour that covers popular classic tourist spots in about half a day.
While walking through atmospheric back alleys not found in guidebooks, the guide will provide detailed explanations. Experience the unique charm of Kanazawa that differs from Tokyo, Kyoto, and other cities.
For lunch, you'll taste Kanazawa's local cuisine at a restaurant in Kenroku-en overlooking Japan's oldest fountain. At the "Higashi Chaya District," which has over 200 years of history, please enjoy matcha and traditional Japanese sweets.
This is a recommended tour where you can fully enjoy Kanazawa's charm in a short time.
Meeting point: Family Mart+Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
Tour Areas: Omicho Market-Kanazawa Castle Park-Kenrokuen Garden-Japanese Sweets Museum-Higashi Chaya District
Start time: 10:00
Oonominato Shrine
Source:Official website
Oonominato Shrine, known for having a deity of guidance, has approximately 1,300 years of history.
In June, the traditional ritual "Nagoshi-no-Oharae" is held to purify sins and impurities, where people pass through a large ring called "Chi-no-wa" to ward off evil diseases.
My recommendation is the August festival "Kanaiwa Summer Festival."
Highlights:
- "Demon exorcism" where people dance through the streets wearing tengu and oni masks
- "Ladder climbing" performed by fire department members
- "Fireworks display" that colors the night sky
- The "ladder climbing" performance showcasing acrobatic acts on a 6-meter-high ladder is truly spectacular
Please visit this venerable shrine.
Address: Kanazawa City Teranaka-cho Ha-163
Prayer reception hours: 9:00~17:00
Regular holidays: Open year-round
Phone number: 076-267-0522
Official website: https://oonominato.or.jp/
Chirihama Beach
Chirihama Beach is Japan's only driveway where you can drive cars along the coastline. It's also selected as one of "Japan's 100 Best Beaches" and is popular as a photogenic spot.
The fine-grained sandy beach has moderate moisture and compacts well, making it attractive that normal tire cars, motorcycles, and bicycles can drive on it. You can rent bicycles at the nearby rest house, so please experience the exhilarating feeling of riding along the water's edge.
In summer, you can park your car on the sandy beach and enjoy swimming. My recommendation is the beautiful sunset viewed from inside the car. Please enjoy it!
Address: Kanazawa City Hakui City Chirihama-cho
Official website: https://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/spot/detail_5818.html
Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History
Source:Wikipedia
How about the "Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History" to learn about Ishikawa Prefecture's history and culture? The red brick exterior, designated as a national important cultural property, has a retro atmosphere and is popular as a photo spot.
In the exhibition corner, you can learn about Ishikawa Prefecture from primitive times to the present through videos and dioramas. Being able to see actual precious materials from that time, such as paintings and official documents, is also an attractive point.
My recommendation is the museum shop in the exchange experience hall. Please look for Kanazawa-specific souvenirs, such as posters depicting old Kanazawa streets!
Address: Kanazawa City Dewa-machi 3-1
Business hours: 9:00~17:00
Regular holidays: Year-end and New Year holidays
Phone number: 076-262-3236
Official website: https://ishikawa-rekihaku.jp/en/
Utatsuyama Park
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
Utatsuyama Park is a vast park where you can overlook the entire city of Kanazawa. Within the grounds, you can see local residents enjoying walks and sports, making it a beloved community gathering place.
The attractive point is being able to enjoy nature throughout the four seasons, including 8,000 azaleas and 200,000 iris flowers of 100 varieties. While cherry blossoms and autumn leaves are beautiful, my recommendation is the hydrangeas that reach their peak from late June to early July. About 2,900 pink and purple flowers color the early summer park.
The observation deck with a 360° panoramic view of Kanazawa city is also popular as a night view spot. It's enjoyable for everyone from children to adults, so please visit!
Address: Kanazawa City Suehiro-cho area and others
Phone number: 076-220-2356 (Kanazawa City Hall)
Official website: https://www4.city.kanazawa.lg.jp/soshikikarasagasu/midoritohananoka/gyomuannai/5/1/8472.html
Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Source:Wikipedia
The "Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art" is a popular spot based on the concept of "a museum like a park open to the city." With its stylish circular exterior and large glass windows, it creates an open and airy space that perfectly complements the vibrant atmosphere of a Kanazawa summer.
What I definitely want you to see is a work called "Swimming Pool" by an Argentine artist. This symbolic work of the museum allows you to experience the extraordinary sensation of looking up at the ground from underwater in a pool. Being able to experience art with your whole body is the greatest highlight of this museum.
Starting from 2027, the museum will be closed for an extended period due to large-scale renovation work. Please be sure to visit during this opportunity before the closure!
Address: 1-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City
Operating hours: Exhibition Zone 10:00-18:00 / Community Zone 9:00-22:00
Closed: Mondays and New Year holidays
Phone number: 076-220-2800
Official website: https://www.kanazawa21.jp/en/
Introducing Summer Events You Can Enjoy in Kanazawa by Month
Here we introduce events you can enjoy during the magical Kanazawa summer by month. There are many attractive events that can only be experienced during this season, such as traditional summer festivals and fireworks displays that make every Kanazawa summer unforgettable.
Please be sure to check out the events for the month you're visiting!
Must-See Events in Kanazawa in June
Notable Events in June:
Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival
Kaga Hyakubon New Year
Kaga Yuzen Lantern Floating
Kanazawa Castle・Kenroku-en Light-up
The "Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival" is Kanazawa City's largest festival, held to celebrate the achievements of the military leader Toshiie Maeda, who laid the foundation of Kanazawa in the early 1580s. The highlight is the gorgeous and magnificent "Hyakumangoku Procession" that recreates that era. Various traditional events such as tea ceremonies and performances are held around Kenroku-en and Kanazawa Castle Park.
My recommendation is the "Kaga Yuzen Lantern Floating," where about 600 lanterns are floated down the river. The venue is the Asano River that flows right near the Higashi Chaya District where traditional tea houses line up, allowing you to feel the unique charm of Kanazawa with its emotional atmosphere. This event, with the warm and mystical light of the lanterns, is a seasonal tradition that perfectly captures the essence of a Kanazawa summer and marks the beginning of the most enchanting time of year.
[Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival]
Dates: June 6-8, 2025
Venue: Various locations throughout Kanazawa City
Official site: http://100mangoku.net/foreign/
[Kaga Yuzen Lantern Floating]
Date: June 6, 2025
Venue: Asano River
Official site: https://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/event/detail_22500.html
July's Featured Events
Notable Events in July:
- Ohnohiyoshi Shrine Annual Festival "Sanno Matsuri"
- Hokkoku Fireworks 2025 Kanazawa Tournament
- Abare Festival (Noto Town)
- Yuwaku Bonbori Festival Lighting Ceremony
The "Sanno Matsuri" that heralds the arrival of Kanazawa summer is the annual festival of Ohnohiyoshi Shrine. As one of Kanazawa's three major festivals, this celebration builds excitement from early morning until night. You can fully experience the spirited atmosphere of a Japanese summer festival with demon-expelling dances, floats, and portable shrines.
The "Yuwaku Bonbori Festival" is a celebration where beautiful bonbori lanterns illuminate the streets of Yuwaku Onsen, a hidden hot spring retreat in the mountains. Prior to the main festival in October, a lighting ceremony is held on July 20th. The lighting ceremony features taiko drum performances, live events, and sales of commemorative goods and food, so be sure to visit!
[Sanno Matsuri]
Dates: July 26-27, 2025
Venue: Ohnohiyoshi Shrine
Official Website: http://www.ohnohiyoshi.com/
[Yuwaku Bonbori Festival Lighting Ceremony]
Date: July 20, 2025
Venue: Around Yuwaku Onsen district
Official Website: https://yuwaku.gr.jp/bonbori/
Must-See Events in Kanazawa for August
Notable Events in August:
- Oonominato Shrine Annual Festival "Kanaiwa Summer Festival"
- Asanogawa Enyukai Shiraito Kawadoko
- Katayamazu Onsen Yu-no-matsuri
- Katayamazu Onsen Cool Evening Fireworks Festival
"Asanogawa Enyukai Shiraito Kawadoko" is an event where you can enjoy performances by geisha and Kanazawa's local cuisine at tatami seating built over the Asano River. This event, which lets you experience traditional parlor culture, allows you to feel the unique charm of Kanazawa summer. Advance reservations are required up to 3 days before participation.
The "Katayamazu Onsen Cool Evening Fireworks Festival" is a popular fireworks event held daily throughout August. 200 fireworks are launched over about 10 minutes and can be viewed from various locations throughout the Katayamazu hot spring district. I recommend staying at a nearby inn and watching from your room or outdoor bath.
[Asanogawa Enyukai Shiraito Kawadoko]
Dates: July 25 - August 9, 2025
Venue: Asano River (advance reservations required)
Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_30186.html
[Katayamazu Onsen]
Dates: Yu-no-matsuri August 23-24, 2025 / Cool Evening Fireworks Festival August 1-30, 2025 (9:00 PM for 10 minutes)
Venue: Around Katayamazu Onsen
Official Website: https://www.katayamazu-spa.or.jp/file/2024-katayamazu-guide-map_en.pdf
To Enjoy Kanazawa Summer's Exquisite Cuisine, Get Guided by Locals to Beloved Establishments
To fully enjoy Kanazawa summer gourmet cuisine, how about this tour that visits three carefully selected restaurants chosen by local guides?
At the first establishment, you'll savor traditional-style Japanese food. Don't worry if you don't know how to eat or proper dining etiquette. The guide will explain everything carefully, so you can enjoy your meal with peace of mind.
While strolling through streets lined with traditional architectural buildings, you'll head to the next shop. Please feel the beautiful atmosphere with Kanazawa's characteristic charm.
The second establishment is a retro-atmosphere shop where you'll taste "Oden," Japan's classic simmered dish. Finally, you'll visit a bar where you can experience sake tasting and enjoy various types of Japanese sake. You might even learn local-style drinking arrangements that only locals know.
This tour is recommended for those who want to fully enjoy Kanazawa's local food and sake during the Kanazawa summer season.
Meeting point: In front of the Korinbo Ramoda bldg.
Tour area: Restaurants in the Kanazawa area
Start time: 18:00
