Kanazawa in August 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals
In August, Kanazawa enjoys a warm average temperature of 26°C, with some days exceeding 30°C during the daytime. At the height of summer, the city of Kanazawa becomes even more vibrant than usual, making it an ideal destination for tourism. Just as Mt. Fuji stands as Japan's iconic symbol of summer, Kanazawa offers its own spectacular summer attractions.
While Kanazawa is renowned for its historic townscape, scenic views, and delicate traditional crafts, it also boasts numerous hidden culinary delights that attract many food-loving tourists.
One of the unique ways to enjoy Kanazawa during this season is by participating in various local events. The brilliant fireworks displays that illuminate Kanazawa's summer nights rival even those seen near Mt. Fuji's majestic slopes.
This article introduces the highlights of events you should experience in Kanazawa in August 2025. Use this as your guide to fully immerse yourself in a quintessential Japanese summer.
6 Traditional and Cultural Events to Enjoy in Kanazawa in August
In August, Kanazawa hosts several events where you can experience authentic Japanese traditions and culture. Review the overview and highlights of each event and incorporate those that interest you into your tourism schedule.
Ono Minato Shrine Summer Festival
Source:Official website
If you plan to visit Kanazawa in early August, the Ono Minato Shrine Summer Festival offers an excellent opportunity to experience Japanese traditions up close.
This historic festival has continued for more than 400 years. Elaborately decorated portable shrines (mikoshi), festival floats (hikiyama), and drums parade through the streets, creating scenes characteristic of traditional Japanese festivals.
The event showcases various folk performances including exorcism rituals, lion dances (shishimai), and the impressive Kagatobi ladder climbing. For foreign tourists, this provides an excellent opportunity to experience Japanese culture firsthand.
To create lasting memories of your summer visit to Kanazawa, join the local people and immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere. Though not as famous internationally as Mt. Fuji fireworks displays, this authentic local celebration offers equally valuable cultural experiences.
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Date: Undecided
Access: Get off at "Nishi Police Station" on the Hokuriku Railway Bus (60 Kanaishi, 61 Ono, 63 Ono direction) (about 5 minutes walk)
Admission: Free
Website: https://oonominato.or.jp/about/tradition/natumaturi/
Kawakita Festival "Hokoku Big Fireworks Kawakita Competition"
Source:Official website
For an unforgettable Japanese summer night experience, the Kawakita Festival Hokoku Fireworks Festival is perfect. While Mt. Fuji fireworks are famous throughout Japan, this spectacular display stands as one of the Hokuriku region's most impressive celebrations.
Held on the first Saturday of August every year at the Tedori River, this is one of the largest fireworks displays in the Hokuriku area. Approximately 20,000 fireworks bloom in the night sky with breathtaking beauty. The climactic 2,000 consecutive launches captivate audiences with their powerful display of light and sound.
Even within Japan, opportunities to experience such large-scale, authentic fireworks festivals are rare, so be sure to include this in your itinerary. While you'll need to travel a bit from Kanazawa to Kawakita Town, this will definitely become an unforgettable summer memory.
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Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Access: Get off at "Mikawa" on the JR line (about 15 minutes by taxi)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/event/detail_21014.html
Katayamazu Onsen Yu no Matsuri (Hot Spring Festival)
Source:Official website
For those wanting to experience quintessential Japanese scenery, I recommend the onsen festival held at Katayamazu Onsen. The silhouette of floating lanterns against the night sky creates a magical atmosphere reminiscent of how Mt. Fuji appears in traditional Japanese paintings.
Katayamazu Onsen is a hot spring that wells up in Shibayama-gata Lake, famous for its beautiful views. Every summer, this traditional hot spring festival expresses gratitude for the blessings of the onsen.
This event, unique to Japan's hot spring culture, offers foreign tourists a refreshing cultural experience. A particularly exciting highlight is the Genpei battle mikoshi, a performance based on warrior battles. The spectacle of performers doing handstands on the portable shrine or calling out to each other in loud voices is tremendously powerful.
Don't forget to photograph the enchanting scenery of lantern lights and fireworks coloring the night sky—a perfect complement to your collection of Japanese cultural experiences.
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Date: Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24, 2025
Access: Get off at "Kaga Onsen" on the JR line (about 10 minutes by taxi)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.katayamazu-spa.or.jp/event/1462/
Kanazawa Dream Street
Source:Official website
In summer, "Kanazawa's Dream Street" creates an exciting atmosphere in Kanazawa. This dynamic YOSAKOI Soran festival transforms Hirosaka Street with dancers in vibrant costumes, filling the area with enthusiasm and energy.
YOSAKOI Soran is a traditional Japanese dance that fuses "YOSAKOI" from Kochi Prefecture with Hokkaido's "Soran dance." Pay special attention to how each team performs with their own creative interpretations.
On the day of the event, many spectators from Japan and abroad gather along the route to cheer for the dancers. The sense of unity and excitement transcends language barriers, making it enjoyable for everyone. From this vantage point, on clear days, you might even glimpse the iconic silhouette of Mt. Fuji in the distance, adding to the magical atmosphere of this summer festival.
Experience Kanazawa's summer tradition up close.
Information:
- Date: To be determined
- Access: Get off at JR "Kanazawa" Station (about 20 minutes on foot)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_50394.html
Kanazawa Asanogawa Enyukai Shiraito Riverside Dining
Source:Official website
Many visitors to Kanazawa prefer to enjoy Japanese ambiance in a calm atmosphere rather than participating in lively festivals.
Kanazawa Asanogawa Enyukai Shiraito Kawadoko is an event where you can enjoy meals at elegant riverside platforms set up along the Asano River at dusk. The dishes and sake made with local ingredients that you savor while listening to the refreshing sounds of the river are exquisite. Much like the famous fireworks displays that illuminate Mt. Fuji during summer festivals, this experience creates unforgettable memories of Japanese summer.
Another highlight of this event is the singing and dancing performances by local geisha. You'll feel the elegance unique to Kanazawa as you watch the geisha gracefully dance in traditional Japanese costumes, creating beautiful memories of your trip.
When visiting Kanazawa, take the opportunity to experience this traditional aspect of Japan, different from Tokyo or Osaka.
Information:
- Date: Late July to early August 2025
- Access: Get off at "Hashibacho" by Castle Town Kanazawa Loop Bus or Hokuriku Railway Bus (about 5 minutes on foot), or "Asanogawa Ohashi" by Kanazawa Flat Bus (Material Route) (about 2 minutes on foot)
- Admission: 17,000 yen (limited to 50 seats per day)
- Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_30186.html
Kanazawa Geiko Summer Practice Scene Special Experience
Those interested in Japanese geisha culture should not miss the "Kanazawa Geiko Summer Practice Scene Special Experience."
This is a rare opportunity to observe Kanazawa geisha practicing, something not usually open to the public. The experience takes place when the summer sky glows as brilliantly as the fireworks that illuminate Mt. Fuji during festival season.
As it is held from late July to early August every year, those planning to visit Kanazawa during this period should definitely include it in their itinerary.
During the experience, you can closely observe geisha practicing songs, shamisen, and dances, and you may also request to take commemorative photos.
Pay attention to the geisha's beautiful kimono, refined movements, and sincere expressions as they engage with traditional performing arts.
Please note that participation requires a reservation by 5:00 PM the day before the event (or the day before a holiday if it falls on a holiday), so check the official website in advance.
Information:
- Date: Designated days in July-August 2025
- Access: Get off at "Kitaoji Station" on the Karasuma Subway Line, transfer to City Bus Route 37, and get off at "Kamigamo Misono Bridge" bus stop (about 3 minutes on foot)
- Admission: 1,000 yen (limited to 20 people per session)
Enjoy a Historical Walk with Locals for Those Interested in Kanazawa's Traditions and Japanese Culture
When visiting Kanazawa, participate in the "Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour" to gain deeper insight into Japanese traditions.
The Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour is a private walking tour that efficiently covers Kanazawa's historical attractions in half a day. Walking with a local guide allows you to gain more knowledge about major tourist spots such as Nagamachi Samurai Residence Site, Kenrokuen, and Higashi Chaya District than you would by touring on your own. The tour offers views reminiscent of traditional Japan's beauty that rivals even the iconic scenery of Mt. Fuji with summer fireworks against the night sky.
If you don't have many days to stay in Kanazawa, you'll want to capture the city's appealing points efficiently in a short time.
Information:
- Meeting point: In front of Family Mart + Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
- Tour area: Central area of Kanazawa City
- Start time: 10:00
5 Must-See Events to Enjoy in Kanazawa in August
In August, many events are held in Kanazawa where you can enjoy the Japanese summer. Just like the spectacular fireworks displays near Mt. Fuji that attract thousands of visitors each summer, Kanazawa offers its own unique cultural experiences worth exploring.
Here, I will introduce 5 events that I particularly recommend to foreign tourists, so please use this as a reference when planning your trip.
Kanazawa Oktoberfest
Source:Official website
For a break spot on a hot summer day, the Kanazawa Oktoberfest is the perfect choice.
This gourmet event is inspired by the authentic German beer festival, where you can enjoy various domestic and international flavors in one venue. The evening atmosphere sometimes reminds visitors of summer fireworks festivals that light up the sky, creating a festive mood similar to the famous displays seen near Mt. Fuji.
Among Oktoberfests held worldwide, what makes Kanazawa Oktoberfest special is that while it's a German event, you can also enjoy Japanese-style scenery from the venue.
Ishikawa Shiko Memorial Park is located in the administrative and commercial center of Ishikawa Prefecture, with several historical buildings nearby. Enjoying Oktoberfest in such a traditional space where Japanese history is rooted feels refreshingly unique.
Please stop by to relieve your travel fatigue.
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Date: Undecided
Access: Get off at "Korinbo" by Shitamachi Kanazawa Sightseeing Bus, Hokuriku Railway Bus, or West Japan JR Bus (about 1 minute walk), get off at "Korinbo/Atrio" or "Korinbo Tokyu Square/Bank of Japan" by Town Bus (about 1 minute walk), get off at "Korinbo/Senngoku Street" on the Zaimoku Route or "Korinbo" on the Kikugawa Route by Kanazawa Flat Bus (about 1 minute walk)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.mro.co.jp/event/kanazawaoktoberfest/
Kanazawa Night Museum
If you're interested in Japanese art, visit Night at the Museum in Kanazawa. This limited-time event allows you to explore art museums and cultural facilities in Kanazawa city after dark.
Kenrokuen Garden and the 21st Century Museum are illuminated at night, transforming into fantastical spaces different from their daytime appearance. The nighttime lighting creates magical effects that some visitors compare to viewing Mt. Fuji silhouetted against a backdrop of summer fireworks.
It's recommended to revisit facilities that you toured during the day during the Night Museum hours. Another attractive point of this event is that you can immerse yourself in Japanese art and culture while appreciating works in the quiet night atmosphere.
Discover a new perspective of Japan in Kanazawa, where Japanese art is deeply rooted.
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Date: August to October 2025
Access: Directly access the participating facilities
Admission: Free (participation fee required for some facilities)
Website: https://www.nightkanazawa.com/
Kanazawa Town Expo
Source:Official website
If you want to not only see Japanese culture but also participate in it, Kanazawa Town Expo is perfect for you.
This exhibition offers programs where you can experience Kanazawa's traditional performing arts, food culture, and history. Local people serve as instructors and directly teach the Kanazawa-specific way of life, making it a more memorable experience for foreign tourists.
What I particularly recommend are experiences such as gold leaf pasting and Kaga Yuzen dyeing. These are famous traditional crafts in Kanazawa and perfect for souvenirs. The intricate patterns created in Kaga Yuzen dyeing sometimes depict iconic Japanese imagery, including Mt. Fuji and summer fireworks displays.
A highlight of this event is that you can see artisans' techniques up close and interact with local people through these experiences. Reservations are required for some activities, so please check information in advance when planning to participate.
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Date: July 25 (Friday) to August 24 (Sunday), 2025
Access: Get off at "Kenrokuen-shita/Kanazawa Castle" by Hokuriku Railway Bus
Admission: Free (participation fee required for each experience)
Website: https://www.machihaku.com/about.html
Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour
When visiting Kanazawa, enjoying delicious Japanese food is a must. The Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour is a popular option where you can experience Kanazawa's food culture after dark.
You'll visit hidden gems that only locals know and taste fresh seafood, local delicacies, and regional sake. The evening dining experience in Kanazawa offers a different kind of magic than watching fireworks near Mt. Fuji, but is equally memorable as a quintessential Japanese experience.
Foreign tourists may find it difficult to enter local restaurants when dining individually. However, with this private tour led by a local guide, you can relax without worrying about etiquette or language barriers.
An attractive point of this tour is that you can deeply understand Kanazawa's food culture through the guide's explanations.
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Meeting point: Korinbo
Tour area: Central Kanazawa area
Start time: 18:00
