Kanazawa Events January 2026: Hatsumode, Geisha Performances, Illuminations & Historical Street Walks

Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture is a cultural city that flourished as a castle town during the Edo period (1600–1868). Surrounded by the sea and mountains, the city is filled with various attractions, including abundant nature, unique traditional culture, and local cuisine that makes the most of the region's advantages.

January is the coldest time of year in Kanazawa, with average temperatures around 4 degrees Celsius. Snow is frequent, and the streets full of Japanese atmosphere are beautifully colored by snowy landscapes.

This time, we will introduce recommended events you can enjoy in Kanazawa in January. Please choose according to your preferences.

Table of Contents
-Traditional Kanazawa Events in January 2026
-Two Precious Cultural Experience Events Offering Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunities
-Seasonal Illumination Events Lighting Up the Streets of Kanazawa in January 2026
-Special Kanazawa Events in January 2026: Guided Tours of Each Chaya District with Volunteer Guides

Traditional Kanazawa Events in January 2026

Hatsumode

Hatsumode is a traditional New Year's custom of visiting a temple or shrine for the first time after welcoming the new year. It is a time to express gratitude for safely getting through the previous year and to pray for health and happiness in the new year.

It is customary to go during the period called Sanganichi, from January 1st to January 3rd. After completing your visit, drawing an Omikuji to tell your fortune for the new year and choosing a new good luck charm are also part of the fun.

Oyama Jinja

Oyama Jinja is a popular power spot for Hatsumode. In winter, snow accumulates in the garden on the grounds, allowing you to enjoy beautiful scenery.

Another attractive point is its proximity to popular spots such as Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden. There is a bridge on the shrine grounds that leads directly to Kanazawa Castle Park.

The gate, designated as an Important Cultural Property, features a rare architectural style that blends Japanese, Chinese, and Western influences. At night, the stained glass windows are beautifully illuminated. My recommendation is to visit at night during Hatsumode to avoid the daytime crowds.

<Information>
Address: 11-1 Oyama-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Visiting hours: 24 hours
Phone number: 076-231-7210
Official website: http://www.oyama-jinja.or.jp/

Kanazawa Shrine

Kanazawa Shrine, adjacent to Kenrokuen Garden, is a prestigious shrine with a distinguished history. It is known for blessings for academic success, and many students preparing for exams visit during Hatsumode. The spring right next to the shrine is also said to be a power spot for improving financial luck, so please be sure to stop by.

Every year during the Hatsumode period, complimentary kelp tea, a winter staple in Japan, is served. In the cold January weather of Kanazawa, this is a welcome service that warms your body.

Please also check out the festive limited-edition items available only during the New Year, such as good luck charms containing gold leaf.

<Information>
Address: 1-3 Kenroku-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Visiting hours: 24 hours
Phone number: 076-261-0502
Official website: https://www.kanazawa-jj.or.jp/en/

Ishiura Shrine

Source:Wikipedia

Ishiura Shrine, founded approximately 2,200 years ago, is the oldest shrine in Kanazawa. In recent years, it has become a popular topic as an Insta-worthy shrine.

My recommended photogenic spots:
- Temizuya (a place to purify your hands with water before worship) with colorful floating flowers
- A tunnel of 101 red torii gates (illuminated at night)
- The official character "Maki-chan," featuring a dog and rabbit motif
- Colorful polka-dotted good luck charms and ema (votive tablets)

During New Year's, food stalls also appear, so you can enjoy a festive atmosphere!

<Information>
Address: 3-1-30 Honda-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Visiting hours: 24 hours
Phone number: 076-231-3314
Official website: https://www.ishiura.jp/

Kanazawa City Fire Brigade New Year's Ceremony

Source:Kanazawa City

The Dezomeshiki (New Year's Fire Brigade Ceremony) is an annual New Year's event that wishes for peace throughout the year while raising awareness of disaster prevention and fire safety.

This event marks the start of work for firefighting personnel and is also an occasion to show citizens their determination to work hard in the coming year.

An attractive point of the Kanazawa Dezomeshiki is that you can see both traditional firefighting techniques and modern technology. The Kaga Tobi Hashigo Nobori, where performers showcase their skills atop a 6-meter-high ladder, is the biggest highlight.

The powerful performance was especially well-received when I took foreign friends to see it.

What I love is the sight of water being launched simultaneously against the backdrop of Kanazawa Castle. The powerful water spray looks stunning against the winter sky of Kanazawa.

Please come out to this quintessential winter event in Kanazawa!

<Information>
Location: Kanazawa Castle Park, Shin-maru Square
Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Date: January 11, 2026
Time: 10:00–11:00　
Phone number: 076-280-1028
Official website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_30303.html

Two Precious Cultural Experience Events Offering Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunities

Here we introduce rare events where you can enjoy the world of "geigi" (geisha), a traditional performing art of Kanazawa. These events aim to share the geigi culture, which has been declining year by year, with the general public.

Since these are not annual events, this may be an experience you can never have again. Please take this opportunity to experience the geigi culture that Kanazawa takes pride in.

A Journey to Experience Authentic Kanazawa Geigi Arts 2026

Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official

This is an approximately one-hour experience plan where you can casually enjoy ozashiki entertainment. Tea and sweets are included in the set.

Teahouses in Kanazawa are places to entertain regular customers, so generally they only accept regulars or those introduced by regulars. The world of geigi is difficult for first-timers to access, but with this plan, anyone can experience it. Even for Japanese people, it is rare to actually enter a teahouse's ozashiki room.

My recommended highlight is the geigi entertainment called "Ozashiki Daiko." This gorgeous art of drumming in rhythm with shamisen music is a distinctive feature of Kanazawa that is rarely seen in other regions.

There are unique etiquette rules such as "you cannot enter the ozashiki room barefoot," so I recommend checking these in advance.

<Information>
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Location: Teahouses in various chaya districts in Kanazawa City
Dates: January 24 & 31, 2026 / February 7, 14, 21 & 28 / March 7, 14, 21 & 28
Fee: 5,000 yen / 2,500 yen for university students and younger (preschool children cannot participate)
Phone: 076-232-5555
Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/article/detail_26.html

Kanazawa Geigi Dance

Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official

"Kanazawa Geigi Dance" is an event where you can appreciate the traditional arts of geigi that have been passed down for many years.

Geigi in Kanazawa must be able to perform dance, drums, hand drums, flute, shamisen, and singing after their debut. Therefore, they acquire all these skills step by step before making their debut.

Kanazawa's geigi culture, which began around 1820, has inherited various traditional arts along with the spirit of hospitality.

Personally, I believe that the charm of Kanazawa's geigi lies in their combination of elegance and inner strength. The secret may lie in their patient training before debut.

This is an excellent opportunity to casually appreciate the gorgeous arts of geigi who have refined their skills to a high level. Don't miss it!

<Information>
Location: Ishikawa Ongakudo (Ishikawa Prefectural Concert Hall)
Address: 20-1 Showa-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Dates: January 26, 2026 / February 4 & 16 / March 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 27
Fee: 1,500 yen
Phone: 076-225-1372
Official Website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.lg.jp/muse/event/geigi_no_mai_english.html

Seasonal Illumination Events Lighting Up the Streets of Kanazawa in January 2026

Korinbo Tree Fantasy

Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official

In Korinbo, the central entertainment district of Kanazawa, you can enjoy beautiful illuminations that light up the streets from November to February. Korinbo, where traditional streetscapes blend with modern fashion buildings, is one of my favorite areas.

The main street lined with zelkova trees is gorgeously lit up with over 100,000 LEDs. The elegant illumination featuring predominantly white lights is perfect for Kanazawa in winter.

Korinbo has many long-established department stores and restaurants, offering various ways to enjoy yourself. I also recommend warming up at an authentic bar or stylish café.

Why not take a stroll through the illuminated night streets after enjoying shopping and dinner?

<Information>
Address: 1-2 Chome, Korinbo, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Period: November 1, 2025 – February 15, 2026
Hours: 17:00 – 24:00　
Phone: 076-220-5001
Official Website: https://www.shop-kanazawa.jp/topics/66/

Kanazawa Castle Park and Gyokusenin Maru Garden Light-up

Gyokusenin Maru Garden is a spacious garden located within Kanazawa Castle Park. This popular garden within the park features stone walls and waterfalls in a style rarely seen elsewhere.

Every Saturday night, the entire garden is lit up, creating a magical atmosphere. The lighting represents the progression from dusk to late night, with three stages of presentation: "Sunset Garden," "Evening Garden," and "Moonviewing Garden."

My favorite is the program that illuminates the garden in seasonal colors accompanied by the sounds of traditional Japanese instruments. Please enjoy the gorgeous illuminations representing spring cherry blossoms, summer festivals, autumn moon, and the new year.

Kanazawa Castle Park is a popular spot, so I recommend visiting in the evening or later to avoid the daytime crowds.

<Gyokusenin Maru Garden (within Kanazawa Castle Park) Information>
Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Period: Every Saturday
Hours: Sunset – 21:00
Phone: 076-234-3800
Official Website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/english/top.html

Katamachi Christmas Tree and Yukizuri Illumination

Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official

In the plaza of a department store in Katamachi, Ishikawa Prefecture's largest entertainment district, a large fir tree appears in winter. Until December 25, it is gorgeously decorated as a Christmas tree, but what I love is the "Yukizuri" style that follows.

"Yukizuri" is a traditional technique to protect tree branches and leaves from snow. Because Kanazawa's snow contains a lot of moisture, ropes are used to suspend the branches to prevent them from breaking under the weight of the snow. Yukizuri is applied to large pine trees in Kenrokuen Garden and in front of Kanazawa Station every year, making it a winter tradition of Kanazawa.

This illumination recreates yukizuri using traditional techniques, with 10,000 white LEDs representing snow. Please enjoy this illumination unique to Kanazawa during this season.

<Information>
Address: 2-2-2 Katamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Period: November 3, 2025 – February 15, 2026
Hours: Around 18:00 – 21:00
Phone: None
Official Website: https://www.e-katamachi.com/

Explore the Beautiful Streets of Kanazawa with Local Guides Explaining Its Charms!

Kanazawa, which retains the atmosphere of a castle town, has many charms that cannot be learned from guidebooks. What I consider "the best way to deeply understand a place" is to talk with local people.

By learning about the culture and history, even a single view gains depth and becomes more enjoyable.

That's why I recommend tours guided by local guides who know the streets of Kanazawa inside out.

Tour Highlights:
- Stroll through the streets of Kanazawa and popular spots
- Tasting experience at Kanazawa's largest market
- Local cuisine lunch
- Japanese sweets museum, and more

One of the attractive points of this tour is that you can efficiently visit must-see spots while also enjoying lunch and tea time. Please check it out!

<Information>
Meeting Point: FamilyMart+Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
Tour Area: Omicho Market / Kanazawa Castle Park / Kenrokuen Garden, and more
Start Time: 10:00

Click here for more details

Special Kanazawa Events in January 2026: Guided Tours of Each Chaya District with Volunteer Guides

Kaga Hyakumangoku Walk [Higashi Chaya District]

Higashi Chaya District is a popular spot where you can feel the authentic charm of Kanazawa just by walking around. Many buildings with traditional architectural styles still remain here, and "Shima," a teahouse that has been preserved exactly as it was built in 1820, is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

At the same time, there are also many stylish cafes and variety shops, making the balanced fusion of old and new one of its most attractive features. You can experience the most vibrant atmosphere among all of Kanazawa's chaya districts.

During this Kanazawa event in January 2026, you will explore the Higashi Chaya District and its surroundings, full of highlights, with a volunteer guide. Please also enjoy popular nearby spots such as Kannon machi, where old shops line the streets, and Utasu Shrine, known as the shrine where ninjas hide.

<Information>
Contact: 076-232-5555 (Kanazawa Tourism Volunteer Guide "Maido-san")
Official Website: https://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/event/detail_22001.html

Kaga Hyakumangoku Walk [Nishi Chaya District and Teramachi Temple District]

This Kanazawa event in January 2026 allows you to explore Nishi Chaya District and its surroundings with a volunteer guide.

Nishi Chaya District, with its calm and sophisticated atmosphere, is my favorite chaya district. The architectural style unique to this area, featuring beautiful lattice work that catches your eye, lines the streets and gives them an elegant presence.

Because there are many long-established traditional restaurants here, you may even spot geisha in kimono on the streets during dusk.

This area is also known as Teramachi, where approximately 70 temples are gathered. One of the attractive points of this event is that you can visit popular temples with commentary from a guide.

Temples visited during the event:
- Myoryuji, also known as the "Ninja Temple"
- Kourinji, known as the "Temple for Making Wishes"
- Honchouji, famous for its beautiful goshuin (temple stamps)

Please check the details below.

<Information>
Contact: 076-232-5555 (Kanazawa Tourism Volunteer Guide "Maido-san")
Official Website: https://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/event/detail_22000.html

Kaga Hyakumangoku Walk [Nagamachi Samurai District]

The place I always take my foreign guests is Nagamachi Samurai District. This area, where samurai residences built between the 1700s and 1800s still remain, offers an experience as if you have wandered into old Japan.

Many traditional earthen walls and stone pavements also remain, allowing you to enjoy the elegant streetscape. In winter, you can see "Komo Gake," a traditional practice of covering the earthen walls with straw sheets to protect them from the cold and snow.

This area, filled with various ingenious ideas from people of the past, becomes even more enjoyable when you explore it while listening to explanations from a local guide!

All three tours introduced here require no advance registration. Simply go to the meeting point on the day, so you can choose based on your mood that day.

<Information>
Contact: 076-232-5555 (Kanazawa Tourism Volunteer Guide "Maido-san")
Official Website: https://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/event/detail_21999.html

For a Special Experience in Kanazawa, Request Reservations and Guidance from Locals for a Stress-Free Enjoyment!

During overseas travel with limited time, you may find yourself wondering "where should I sightsee?" or "what kind of experiences should I have?" In such cases, my choice is always a tour with a local guide.

This is because guides who know the area inside out will suggest the best plans for you, eliminating worries about reservations or choosing restaurants.

Magical Trip offers various experience tours that are difficult to arrange on your own.

Tours that stroll through streets lined with samurai residences and chaya districts, as well as tours that enjoy drinks and gourmet food in the nighttime city, were particularly popular with my foreign friends.

If you are interested, please check the details on the following sites!

<Information>
Meeting point: Oyama Shrine Main Torii Gate
Tour area: Oyama Shrine / Nagamachi Samurai District / Nishi Chaya District / Myoryuji Temple
Start time: 11:00　

Kanazawa Samurai and Geisha Culture Walk: Crafts and Traditional Beauty

Meeting point: 11:00
Tour area: Around Korinbo
Start time: 18:00

Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour

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