Kanazawa Events February 2026: Winter Illuminations, Traditional Festivals, Geiko Shows & Art Exhibitions
In February, Kanazawa hosts a diverse array of events, including traditional ceremonies held at shrines, special occasions where you can experience Kanazawa's traditional performing arts, and art events unique to Kanazawa as a city of the arts.
February marks the peak snowfall season in Kanazawa, and one of the highlights is the beautiful illumination events where Kanazawa's iconic landmarks—Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen—are adorned in a stunning blanket of snow.
This season is also the perfect time to savor exquisite seasonal delicacies, as Kanazawa's representative seafood such as snow crab and sweet shrimp are at their peak. Combining these events with limited-time gourmet experiences makes this an ideal season to visit.
In this article, we will introduce in detail the Kanazawa events in February 2026, from traditional ceremonies to art experiences and illumination events.
Table of Contents
-Traditional Events in Kanazawa in February 2026
-Two Cultural Experience Events Offering Once-in-a-Lifetime Precious Experiences
-Illumination Events to Enjoy in Kanazawa in February 2026
-Art Events to Experience in Kanazawa in February 2026
Traditional Events in Kanazawa in February 2026
Setsubun
Setsubun is a traditional Japanese annual event held around February 3rd each year. It is a ceremony to drive away evil spirits and pray for good health and happiness, featuring the "mamemaki" (bean-throwing) ritual to chase away demons and invite good fortune.
On the day of Setsubun, in addition to throwing beans at home or workplaces, Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples across Japan hold "Setsubun Festivals" as sacred ceremonies. Below, we introduce three shrines in Kanazawa City where you can experience a traditional Setsubun Festival. Be sure to check them out.
Utasu Shrine Setsubun Festival
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
Utasu Shrine is a shrine famous for its blessings of warding off evil and protection against misfortune, located near Higashi Chaya District, one of Kanazawa's traditional townscapes.
At the "Utasu Shrine Setsubun Festival" held around February 3rd each year, in addition to the customary bean-throwing, traditional Japanese street performances and performing arts are dedicated to the shrine.
What I love most about the "Utasu Shrine Setsubun Festival" is the dedication dance performed by Geisha dressed in kimono with traditional white makeup. Watching them dance gracefully with traditional hand fans allows you to experience the essence of the aesthetic sensibility that has long been part of Japanese culture.
At the end of this event, Geisha throw sacred beans that have been blessed at the shrine toward the visitors. Anyone can participate for free, so be sure to try and catch some of these precious beans.
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Date: February 3, 2026
Access: Approximately 8 minutes from "Hashiba-cho" bus stop on the Kanazawa Loop Bus
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_30304.html
Oyama Shrine Setsubun Festival
Source:Official website
Oyama Shrine is one of Kanazawa's most representative shrines, enshrining Maeda Toshiie, the first lord of the Kaga Domain who ruled Kanazawa approximately 400 years ago, and his wife.
The shrine is characterized by its beautiful "Shinmon Gate" featuring stained glass that harmoniously blends Japanese, Chinese, and Western architectural styles, making it a popular photo spot among tourists.
Oyama Shrine also holds a Setsubun Festival around February 3rd each year, where Japanese celebrities and players from the local professional baseball team throw beans toward visitors. With the appearance of red and blue demons symbolizing evil spirits, you can experience a traditional Setsubun ceremony.
This is recommended for those who want to explore the unique shrine buildings that fuse traditional Japanese wooden architecture with foreign architectural styles while enjoying a lively Setsubun Festival.
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Date: February 3, 2026
Access: Approximately 3 minutes from "Minami-cho・Oyama Jinja Shrine" bus stop on the Kanazawa Loop Bus (Right Loop)
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.oyama-jinja.or.jp/festival/
Saigawa Shrine Setsubun Festival
Source:Official website
Saigawa Shrine is a shrine that stands along the gently flowing Saigawa River on the west side of Kanazawa Castle. This ancient shrine has a deep history, said to have begun in 1574 when the enshrined deity was divided and brought from Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, a World Heritage Site.
The "Saigawa Shrine Setsubun Festival" begins at the late hour of 7:00 PM. After sacred prayer rituals are performed, beans are thrown toward visitors inside the worship hall.
You can enjoy this uniquely Japanese scene where beans and good luck charms fly through the air accompanied by loud chants within the atmospheric shrine architecture.
Additionally, during approximately the first week of each month, this shrine offers "Hanachouzu," where the water basin used to purify hands and mouth before worship is decorated with seasonal flowers.
Along with the traditional Setsubun Festival, be sure to experience Kanazawa's beautiful nature and the shrine's thoughtful hospitality through "Hanachouzu."
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Date: February 3, 2026
Access: Approximately 5 minutes from "Tomimotocho" bus stop on the route bus (Yasuhara Line or Naruwa-Masuizumi Line)
Admission: Free
Website: https://saigawajinja.com/events.html
Explore the Town Steeped in Kanazawa's Traditions with a Local Guide!
If you want to deeply understand Kanazawa's historical charm, we recommend joining a guided tour led by locals.
The "Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour" with an English-speaking guide allows you to efficiently visit Kanazawa's major attractions, including Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen, and Higashi Chaya District.
You can discover hidden alleyways and historical backgrounds known only to locals, uncovering the depth of Kanazawa that you might miss on an individual trip. You can also enjoy traditional Kanazawa food experiences, such as dining while gazing at Japan's oldest fountain and savoring matcha and Japanese sweets.
This tour also accommodates vegetarian meal options. If you have any dietary requests or allergies, please let us know at least one day before your tour date.
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Meeting point: FamilyMart+Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
Tour area: Musashigatsuji - Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden area - Higashiyama
Start time: From 10:00 AM
Two Cultural Experience Events Offering Once-in-a-Lifetime Precious Experiences
In February, Kanazawa hosts cultural experience events where you can encounter the authentic arts of Geigi who have been active in Kanazawa since ancient times.
While the hospitality of Kanazawa Geisha is a historic traditional performing art, the following events being held in 2026 differ from traditional ceremonies—they are special events only happening this year.
Geisha culture, which has been carefully passed down for approximately 200 years, is gradually declining due to changes in modern lifestyles and a shortage of successors.
Below, we introduce two special Geigi cultural experience events in February 2026 that may be precious experiences you can never have again.
Kanazawa Geisha Experience 2026
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
"Kanazawa Geisha Experience" is a special event where you can experience Kanazawa's Geisha culture while interacting with real Geisha. This event provides a valuable opportunity for foreign tourists to casually enjoy traditional Geisha performing arts, which are usually only experienced by regular customers.
What I love about this event is that you can not only watch Geisha dancing and taiko drum performances up close, but also enjoy traditional games using instruments together with the Geisha.
Interacting with Geisha—something even Japanese people rarely get to do—is sure to become an unforgettable memory of your Kanazawa trip.
This event also offers plans with English interpreter guides, so foreign tourists who don't understand Japanese can experience Kanazawa's authentic Geisha culture firsthand without worrying about language barriers.
[Book the experience plan with English interpreter guide here]
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Dates: January 24, 31 / February 7, 14, 21, 28 / March 7, 14, 21, 28, 2026
Access: [Higashi Chaya District / Kazuemachi Chaya District] Approximately 5 minutes from Kanazawa Loop Bus "Hashiba-cho" bus stop, [Nishi Chaya District] Approximately 5 minutes from Kanazawa Loop Bus (Left Loop) "Hirokoji" bus stop
Admission: General 5,000 yen / University students and younger 2,500 yen (preschool children not permitted)
Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/article/detail_26.html
Kanazawa Geigi no Mai
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
"Kanazawa Geigi no Mai" is a special performance by Geisha active in Kanazawa's three chaya districts. You can enjoy traditional dances performed by Geisha on stage, as well as performances of flute and shamisen (a traditional Japanese stringed instrument). English audio guides are available, so foreign visitors who don't understand Japanese can feel at ease.
What I recommend about this Kanazawa event in February 2026 is that you can actually experience Geisha entertainment by playing taiko drums along with the Geisha's singing.
After enjoying the interaction with Geisha, you can also take commemorative photos together, making it perfect for those who want to bring home memories of this special cultural experience in Kanazawa.
Another reason this event is popular is that you can participate in a backstage tour to see the authentic behind-the-scenes after the performance. Through the elegant dance with over 200 years of history and a tour of the backstage that supports it, please experience the depth of Japanese culture.
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Dates: January 26 / February 4, 16 / March 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 27, 2026
Access: Approximately 2 minutes walk from JR Kanazawa Station
Admission: [Individual] 1,500 yen [Group (15 or more)] 1,200 yen *Backstage tour is +500 yen
Website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.lg.jp/muse/event/geigi_no_mai.html
Illumination Events to Enjoy in Kanazawa in February 2026
The Four Seasons of Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden: Winter Illuminations
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
"The Four Seasons of Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden: Winter Illuminations" is a winter-limited illumination event held at Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen, two of Kanazawa's most iconic tourist spots.
This event, held mainly on weekends in February, illuminates snow-covered Kenrokuen and Kanazawa Castle with warm lights.
What I especially recommend during this season is that Kenrokuen features "Yukitsuri," characterized by its neat conical silhouette, allowing you to enjoy a refined and beautiful snowy landscape.
"Yukitsuri" is a traditional technique of stretching ropes to protect trees from the weight of snow, and has become a winter tradition in Kanazawa, which receives heavy snowfall.
At Kanazawa Castle, the castle architecture including stone walls is illuminated, allowing you to experience a fantastical world created by white snow and light.
The sight of traditional Japanese landscapes illuminated against snowy scenery with modern lighting is photogenic from every angle, so please try to capture a beautiful shot.
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Dates: February 7, 14, 21, 28, 2026
Access: Approximately 3 minutes from Kanazawa Loop Bus "Kenrokuen Garden / Kanazawa Castle Park" bus stop
Admission: Free (only during illumination period)
Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_30282.html
Kenrokuen
Address: 1 Kenroku-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Hours: [March 1 - October 15] 7:00-18:00 (Last entry 17:30) [October 16 - End of February] 8:00-17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 076-234-3800
Official Website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/
Kanazawa Castle Park
Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
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/
Kohrinbo District Tree Fantasy
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
Kohrinbo District Tree Fantasy is a large-scale illumination event held in the Kohrinbo area, one of Kanazawa's most bustling districts. The zelkova trees lining National Route 157 from the Kohrinbo intersection toward the shopping district are brilliantly lit with approximately 110,000 LED lights.
My favorite part is the Yukitsuri illumination on the zelkova tree at Kohrinbo Atrio square. Why not enjoy this limited-time spectacular view unique to Kanazawa, the city of tradition, where traditional Kanazawa techniques blend with the glamour of a modern trendsetting district?
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Dates: November 1, 2025 - February 15, 2026
Access: Immediately from Kanazawa Loop Bus "Korinbo" bus stop
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_50480.html
Katamachi Christmas Tree / "Yukitsuri" Illumination
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
"Katamachi Christmas Tree / Yukitsuri Illumination" is an event held in the Katamachi area, one of Kanazawa's representative entertainment districts. You can enjoy a unique two-sided illumination: Christmas at year-end, and from late December through mid-February, an illumination featuring Yukitsuri, Kanazawa's winter tradition.
In February, a fir tree approximately 9 meters tall appears in the plaza of the commercial facility Katamachi Kirara, decorated with lights inspired by Yukitsuri.
Approximately 10,000 white LED lights express snow particles, creating a beautiful scenery as if the quiet atmosphere of Kenrokuen spreads within the lively city.
The Katamachi area has many restaurants open late at night, so after dinner, take a stroll and slowly enjoy this limited-time illumination.
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Dates: [Katamachi Christmas Tree] November 3 - December 25, 2025/ ["Yukitsuri" Illumination] December 27, 2025 - February 15, 2026
Access: Approximately 1 minute from Kanazawa Loop Bus (Left Loop) "Kata-machi" bus stop
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_50486.html
Art Events to Experience in Kanazawa in February 2026
"Hito, Noto, Art." (People, Noto, Art)
"Bringing Us Together: Art for the Noto Peninsula" is an event that conveys messages of hope for recovery through art, aimed at healing the hearts of those affected by the major earthquake and heavy rainfall that struck the Noto Peninsula in 2024.
Approximately 86 artworks owned by 30 cultural institutions and private collectors, primarily from Tokyo, will be displayed at various venues in Kanazawa.
In February, you can view the artworks at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, one of Kanazawa's most iconic art spots, and the National Crafts Museum, which relocated from Tokyo in 2020.
This Kanazawa event in February 2026 offers a unique opportunity to appreciate art while supporting the Noto Peninsula's recovery efforts.
[Features of Artworks at Each Venue]
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art:
Western masterpieces by artists such as Henri Rousseau and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, as well as graphics by Hosoda Mamoru, who spent his student years in Kanazawa, will be on display.
National Crafts Museum:
Precious Dogū (clay figurines) designated as nationally protected cultural properties, along with a collection of traditional Japanese ceramics, will be gathered here.
Why not take a moment to appreciate Japan's historic artworks while sending your thoughts to the Noto Peninsula as it strives toward recovery?
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Dates:21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art: December 13, 2025 – March 1, 2026/ National Crafts Museum: December 9, 2025 – March 1, 2026
Admission: 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art: Free/National Crafts Museum: Admission with ticket for "Crafts and Weather" (described below)
Website: https://www.tnm.jp/modules/r_free_page/index.php?id=2689
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Address: 1-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Hours: Exhibition Zone: 10:00–18:00 (until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays) / Public Zone: 9:00–22:00
Closed: Exhibition Zone: Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a holiday), year-end and New Year holidays / Public Zone: Year-end and New Year holidays
Phone: 076-220-2800
Official Website: https://www.kanazawa21.jp/
National Crafts Museum
Address: 3-2 Dewamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Hours: 9:30–17:30 (last admission at 17:00)
Closed: Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a holiday), year-end and New Year holidays, and occasional irregular closures
Phone: 050-5541-8600
Official Website: https://www.momat.go.jp/cg/
SIDE CORE Living road, Living space
Source:Official website
"SIDE CORE Living road, Living space" is a contemporary art exhibition held at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
Presented by "SIDE CORE," a group that develops art projects in public spaces and on the streets, this exhibition features works themed around "expressions that connect different places" from the perspective of "roads" and "movement."
For example, utilizing the unique interior space of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art with its distinctive massive circular glass walls, large-scale wall artworks and a full-fledged skate park will appear.
What I personally recommend about this exhibition is that it features many installation works where you can experience the art space firsthand, including a skate park where you can actually enjoy skateboarding. With many visually accessible works that make use of space, both children and adults can enjoy the world of contemporary art together.
Why not enjoy this special, limited-time art experience in Kanazawa, a city of art? This Kanazawa event in February 2026 promises an unforgettable encounter with contemporary art.
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Dates: October 18, 2025 – March 15, 2026
Access: Directly from Kanazawa Loop Bus "Hirosaka・21st Century Museum" bus stop
Admission: Adults 1,200 yen / University students 800 yen / Elementary, junior high, and high school students 400 yen / Seniors 65+ 1,000 yen
Website: https://www.kanazawa21.jp/data_list.php?g=65&d=1828
Crafts and Weather
Source:PR TIMES
"Crafts and Weather" is a unique exhibition themed around the relationship between Kanazawa's traditional crafts and weather. In commemoration of the recovery from the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, the exhibition primarily features traditional crafts unique to Kanazawa, such as Kutani ware and Wajima Lacquerware, created by artists with ties to Ishikawa Prefecture.
Facing the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa has a humid climate, and the weather throughout the four seasons has greatly influenced people's lives and crafts. For example, the process of washing away excess paste and dye in the river after dyeing "Kaga Yuzen," a traditional Kanazawa textile, is only possible in Kanazawa, blessed with abundant water flow from melting snow.
At "Crafts and Weather," you can admire Kaga Yuzen kimonos with their beautiful, soft, and gentle colors, as well as works featuring delicate expressions inspired by Kanazawa's clouds and snow.
Please deepen your understanding of Kanazawa's climate and traditional crafts through these distinctive artworks. This Kanazawa event in February 2026 is a wonderful opportunity to explore the region's rich artistic heritage.
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Dates: December 9, 2025 – March 1, 2026
Access: Approximately 7 minutes from Kanazawa Loop Bus "Hirosaka・21st Century Museum" bus stop
Admission: Adults 1,200 yen / University students 700 yen / High school students 500 yen
Website: https://www.momat.go.jp/craft-museum/exhibitions/565
For a Special Experience in Kanazawa, Enjoy Stress-Free Sightseeing by Having Locals Handle Reservations and Guides!
For those who want to enjoy authentic cultural and culinary experiences in Kanazawa, we recommend joining tours where local guides who know the area well can show you around and handle facility reservations on your behalf.
"Kanazawa Samurai and Geisha Culture Walk: Crafts and Traditional Beauty" allows you to experience Kanazawa's samurai and geisha culture firsthand, including strolling through the samurai district and Nishi Chaya District, and visiting the Ninja Temple.
Since the guide handles the phone reservations required for the Ninja Temple, you can focus on enjoying your sightseeing without stress.
Additionally, on the "Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour," you can savor a variety of Kanazawa cuisine at hidden izakaya (Japanese bars) known only to locals, guided by your tour leader. Even for dishes you're trying for the first time, English-speaking guides will kindly explain everything from the ingredients used to how to eat them and proper etiquette.
Both of these tours involve walking through Kanazawa's streets and entertainment districts on foot, so please wear comfortable walking shoes to avoid blisters.
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Meeting point: Oyama Shrine Main Torii Gate
Tour area: Oyama Shrine → Nagamachi Samurai District → Nishi Chaya District → Myouryuji (Ninja Temple)
Start time: From 11:00
Kanazawa Samurai and Geisha Culture Walk: Crafts and Traditional Beauty
Meeting point: In front of the Korinbo Ramoda bldg
Tour area: Korinbo → Katamachi
Start time: From 17:00 / From 18:00
