Kanazawa Events & Festivals November 2026: Illuminations, Local Delicacies & Autumn Foliage Guide
Kanazawa, a city rich in tradition like Kyoto, captivates not only international visitors but also travelers from across Japan. With its blend of historic charm, vibrant art scene, and outstanding cuisine, Kanazawa stands out as one of the most appealing cities in the country.
However, I have seen many of my foreign friends visit Kanazawa and leave without fully enjoying it. In reality, Kanazawa’s profound history and traditions can be difficult to grasp, and many people come away thinking, “It feels amazing somehow, but I don’t really understand what makes it special.”
That’s why I recommend exploring the city with locals who truly know the real Kyoto. With tours from Magical Trip—winner of Tripadvisor’s The Best of the Best in both 2024 and 2025—you’ll be able to leave Kyoto with unforgettable memories.
If you want to fully experience the city of Kanazawa and its traditions, join the “Kanazawa Highlights, Curated: Garden Rituals, Samurai Craft & Geisha District” tour and explore the city while listening to insightful commentary from a local guide.
For those who want to enjoy hands-on activities related to samurai and geisha culture, the “Kanazawa Samurai and Geisha Culture Walk: Crafts and Traditional Beauty” is highly recommended, with locals handling everything from reservations to guiding.
And don’t forget Kanazawa’s exceptional ingredients. By joining the “Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour,” where you can savor some of Japan’s finest seafood, local specialties like oden, and unforgettable Kanazawa sake at restaurants beloved by locals, your trip to Kanazawa is sure to become a truly memorable one.
Introduction
November in Kanazawa is a special season when traditional winter preparations begin all at once before the snow falls. At Kenroku-en, Kanazawa's representative tourist destination, Yukitsuri work begins, and in the Nagamachi Samurai District, Komogake Installation is performed on earthen walls, allowing visitors to fully enjoy Kanazawa's unique beautiful autumn scenery.
November in Kanazawa is also a time when you can enjoy various types of events, including illuminations that shine throughout the city, gourmet events featuring fresh seafood from Kanazawa, and art events. This time, we will introduce in detail the diverse Kanazawa Event November 2026 experiences you can enjoy.
Experience the Annual "Yukitsuri" and "Komogake" in November Kanazawa
In November Kanazawa, the Yukitsuri work at Kenroku-en has become a winter tradition. Yukitsuri is a traditional technique that reinforces trees with poles and ropes to prevent branches from breaking under the heavy, moisture-laden snow characteristic of the Japan Sea side.
Also, in Kanazawa where historic streetscapes remain, the Komogake Installation to protect traditional architecture is a must-see. Komogake Installation is the work of stretching woven straw mats called "Komo" to prevent damage to earthen walls from snow and freezing.
Below, we will introduce Yukitsuri and Komogake Installation in detail, including tourist destinations where you can observe each.
Kenroku-en Yukitsuri Work
The Yukitsuri work at Kenroku-en is a representative winter tradition of Kanazawa, implemented annually from November 1st to mid-December. Yukitsuri is a traditional Japanese technique that protects tree branches from heavy, moisture-laden snow, and this sight can be seen throughout Kanazawa city, with Kenroku-en at the forefront.
The Yukitsuri work at Kenroku-en begins with "Karasakimatsu," which boasts the garden's finest branching at approximately 10m high and 26m wide. The craftsmen's skill of climbing a pole about 14m high and suspending branches using 800 ropes from 5 support poles is spectacular, and the beautiful cone shape formed by the ropes is a must-see.
At Kenroku-en, Yukitsuri is applied to trees throughout the garden one after another from November 1st onward. Please experience this limited-time spectacular view that combines snow country's traditional techniques with Japanese gardens.
Earthen Wall Komogake Work
In the Nagamachi Samurai District where traditional streetscapes remain, Komogake Installation is performed annually from late November to early December. This work is done to protect earthen walls from snow and freezing, and it decorates Kanazawa's winter streetscape for a limited period until mid-March of the following year.
The main spots where you can see Komogake Installation are as follows:
Nomura-ke Samurai Residence
This is the residence of the Nomura Family who served Maeda Toshiie, the lord of the Kaga Domain who once ruled Kanazawa. As a representative of high-class samurai residences, you can closely observe the prestigious traditional architecture and Komogake Installation on earthen walls.
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・Schedule: Typically from the first weekend of December to mid-March of the following year
・Address: 1-3-32 Nagamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
・Access: From Kanazawa Station, take the "Kanazawa Loop Bus" or regular bus and get off at "Korinbo" bus stop (about 5 minutes on foot)
Takada Family Samurai House Remains
This is the residential remains of the Takada Family, middle-ranking samurai of the Kaga Domain. You can observe the traditional gate architecture and beautiful Japanese garden along with the Komogake Installation applied to earthen walls.
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・Address: 2-6-1 Nagamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
・Access: From Kanazawa Station, take the "Kanazawa Loop Bus" or regular bus and get off at "Korinbo" bus stop (about 5 minutes on foot)
Two Eagerly Anticipated Events to Enjoy Exquisite Kanazawa Cuisine in November
November in Kanazawa is truly the season of food festivals. A variety of special events held only during this time are also taking place one after another, so be sure to pay a visit. While many tourists look forward to the Kanazawa Event 2026 calendar, November offers its own remarkable culinary highlights not to be missed.
Omicho Market Crab Festival
Omicho Market is Kanazawa's kitchen, boasting a history of over 300 years. Every year on November 6, when the snow crab fishing season officially opens, the market's fresh fish stalls are completely covered in vivid red crabs.
The "Crab Festival" is held to celebrate this opening. The biggest highlight is Kani Jiru, cooked boldly in a large pot. You can enjoy a bowl packed with the rich umami of snow crab and mushrooms at a very reasonable price.
I have visited myself and was deeply moved — the crab in Kanazawa is this delicious! The flavor was truly impressive.
Ishikawa Prefecture's snow crab brands include the male "Kanou Gani" and the female "Kobako Gani," and Kobako Gani in particular is exceptional for the richness of its roe.
- Schedule: TBD (held on November 8, 2025)
- Access: Immediately accessible from the "Musashigaoji/Omicho Market" bus stop served by the Jokamachio Kanazawa Loop Bus, Hokuriku Railway route buses, or West Japan JR Bus
- Admission: Free
- Website: N/A
Ishicho-sai (Ishikawa Cooking Technical School Cultural Festival)
Ishikawa Cooking Technical School was established in 1971. The annual cultural festival "Ishicho-sai," held every November, is a once-a-year event where aspiring chefs showcase their skills to the general public.
Being able to taste and compare authentic dishes from different genres — Japanese cuisine, Western cuisine, Chinese cuisine, and confectionery — all in one place is something unique to a school festival.
You can enjoy restaurant-quality food at surprisingly affordable prices. Another point of interest is the participation of graduates. Professionals active at famous Kanazawa restaurants and hotels rush back to their alma mater's school festival to show off their culinary talents.
The venue is just a few minutes' walk from the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum, so you can combine both into a single outing.
- Schedule: TBD (held on November 23, 2025)
- Access: 5-minute walk from the "Hirosaka/Kanazawa 21st Century Museum" bus stop
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.ishikawa-chourishi.ac.jp/
November Events to Enjoy Beautiful Kanazawa Streets and Illuminations
Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en Light-Up
The Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en Illumination is a limited-time event where Kenroku-en, one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, and Kanazawa Castle, known for its traditional castle architecture, are beautifully illuminated.
The main highlight of the Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en Illumination is the fantastical scenery of Kenroku-en's Yukitsuri illuminated by light. The beautifully illuminated triangular Yukitsuri reflects on the pond's surface, creating a picture-like spectacular view.
In November at Kenroku-en, the autumn foliage also reaches its peak. I was overwhelmed by the fantastical sight of colorful autumn leaves and illuminated Yukitsuri and ended up taking many photos.
During this event period, you can enter Kenroku-en for free, which normally requires an entrance fee, making this an attractive point. Please casually enjoy the nightscape woven by traditional Japanese gardens and nature that can only be seen during this season.
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・Schedule: October 18th, 25th; November 1st, 2nd, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th
・Access: From Kanazawa Station, take the "Kanazawa Loop Bus" or regular bus and get off at "Kenrokuen Garden
・Kanazawa Castle Park" bus stop (about 3 minutes on foot) ・Entrance fee: Free (only during illumination period)
・Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_30047.html
Kohrinbo Tree Fantasy
Kohrinbo District Tree Fantasy is an illumination event held in Kohrinbo, one of Kanazawa's premier entertainment districts. This event, held for a limited period from autumn to winter, creates a fantastical atmosphere where zelkova trees lining the main street are illuminated with approximately 110,000 LED lights.
The highlight of this event is the Yukitsuri illumination applied to the zelkova tree in Kohrinbo Atrio square. Through illumination that fuses Kanazawa's traditional Yukitsuri with modern technology, you can experience special nighttime views that can only be seen in Kanazawa during this season.
Kohrinbo is within walking distance of major tourist spots like Kenroku-en and Oyama Shrine, with excellent access. Please enjoy the beautiful limited-time illuminations along with Kanazawa sightseeing and shopping.
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・Schedule: Usually from November to around February
・Access: From Kanazawa Station, take the "Kanazawa Loop Bus" or regular bus and get off at "Korinbo" bus stop immediately
・Entrance fee: Free
・Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_50480.html
Katamachi Christmas Tree / "Yukitsuri" Illumination
Katamachi Christmas Tree / "Yukitsuri" Illumination is an illumination event held in Katamachi, Kanazawa's representative entertainment district. This event has attracted attention as a unique illumination event where you can enjoy different atmospheres in the first and second half of the period.
In this event, a fir tree approximately 9m long appearing in the plaza of the commercial facility Katamachi Kirara is decorated with illuminations. You can enjoy two types of presentations: a Christmas tree from November to Christmas (December 25th) in the first half, and illumination inspired by Yukitsuri in the second half.
Among these, the star-shaped illumination shining at the top of the Christmas tree is my favorite. With the gorgeous Christmas tree lit by approximately 20,000 white, red, and gold LED lights, please fully experience the atmosphere of Kanazawa's vibrant entertainment district, Katamachi.
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・Schedule: Usually from November to around February
・Access: From Kanazawa Station, take the "Kanazawa Loop Bus (counterclockwise route)" or regular bus and get off at "Kata-machi" bus stop (about 1 minute on foot)
・Entrance fee: Free
・Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_50486.html
Gold Leaf Yukizuri "Kinpaku Kirara"
Kanazawa is known as the "City of Gold Leaf," producing over 99% of all the Gold Leaf used in Japan. "Kinpaku Kirara" combines that gold leaf with Yukizuri — a traditional winter technique unique to the Hokuriku region.
Yukizuri is a method in which ropes are stretched in a conical shape from the top of a tree to support its branches and prevent them from breaking under heavy snow. It is a beautiful sight that symbolizes Kanazawa's winter landscape and can also be seen at Kenroku-en.
This event involves attaching thousands of sheets of real gold leaf to monuments shaped like Yukizuri, which are then illuminated with LED lights.
Three monuments standing 12m, 8m, and 6m tall are lined up around Omicho Market, and a total of 2,800 sheets of gold leaf shimmer and glow golden in the night breeze.
I visit every year myself, and no matter how many times I see it, I am captivated by its beauty and always end up taking countless photos.
- Schedule: TBD (in 2025: October 17 – February 15, 2026)
- Access: Immediately accessible from the "Musashigaoji/Omicho Market" bus stop served by the Jokamachio Kanazawa Loop Bus, Hokuriku Railway route buses, or West Japan JR Bus
- Admission: Free
- Website: N/A
To Deeply Enjoy Kanazawa's Beautiful Streetscapes, Take a Tour with Commentary from Local Guides!
The Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour is a tour that visits Kanazawa's major spots, including Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en, as well as the approximately 300-year-old Omicho Market. This tour also allows you to stroll through the traditional streetscape of Higashi Chaya District while listening to explanations from local guides.
What I recommend most about this tour is that you can taste Kanazawa's local cuisine at a restaurant where you can view Japan's oldest fountain inside Kenroku-en. Especially in November, you can enjoy a special experience of dining while taking in the spectacular views of Kenroku-en's autumn foliage and Yukitsuri. This makes it a perfect Kanazawa Event November 2026 experience for visitors seeking authentic cultural immersion.
This tour involves walking approximately 4-4.5km around Kanazawa city, so please participate wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Information:
- Meeting point: FamilyMart+Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
- Tour area: Musashigasuji～Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden area～Higashiyama
- Start time: 10:00～
Four Spots to Enjoy Beautiful Autumn Foliage in Kanazawa in November
Gyokusen-en Nishida Family Garden
Gyokusen-en Nishida Family Garden is a samurai garden created over approximately 100 years by the Wakita Family, who were samurai of the Kaga Domain about 400 years ago. About 120 years ago, the Nishida Family inherited the mansion and garden, continuing to preserve the traditional Japanese garden and the beautiful nature within the grounds.
This garden features mystical landscapes with vivid green moss spreading across the entire area and nature's beauty throughout the four seasons. Particularly in November, when Kanazawa's city center is painted with autumn colors, you can enjoy spectacular views of the garden's trees, including maple and enkianthus, turning brilliant red.
An attractive point of this garden is that you can experience authentic tea ceremony culture at Kanazawa's oldest tea house, "Saisetsutei." Why not try matcha and traditional sweets while gazing at the autumn foliage that colors the tranquil garden? This authentic cultural experience represents the essence of any Kanazawa Event November 2026.
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・Schedule: Peak season is typically late October to late November each year
・Address: 8-3 Kosho-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
・Business hours: 9:00～17:00 (December: 10:00～16:00)
・Closed: Wednesdays, December 25～end of February
・Phone: 076-221-0181
・Official website: http://www.gyokusen-en.net/
Oyama Shrine
Oyama Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Maeda Toshiie, the first lord of the Kaga Domain, and his wife.
The main attraction of this shrine is Oyama Shrine's main gate, Shinmon Gate. This gate features a unique design that fuses traditional Japanese wooden architecture with Western stained glass. The solemn atmosphere of the shrine architecture is vividly colored by brilliantly shining stained glass.
Also in November, you can fully enjoy beautiful autumn foliage in the shrine's garden. This shrine's garden is a circular-style garden where you can walk around the pond. Stone walkways are constructed over the pond, allowing you to enjoy the unique experience of walking as if you were walking on autumn foliage reflected in the pond, which is my favorite point.
Please enjoy this special time experiencing Kanazawa's history and beautiful autumn foliage simultaneously in the sacred atmosphere unique to shrines - a highlight for any Kanazawa Event November 2026 itinerary.
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・Schedule: Peak season is typically mid-November each year
・Address: 11-1 Oyama-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
・Business hours: [Amulet purchases, etc.] 9:00～17:00 [Purification ceremonies] 9:30～15:30
・Closed: Open year-round
・Phone: 076-231-7210
・Official website: http://www.oyama-jinja.or.jp/
Utatsuyama Park
Utatsuyama Park is a historic park that opened in 1914. This park spreads across the entire Utatsuyama (Utatsu Mountain) area, which overlooks Kanazawa city, and has been beloved by local people since ancient times.
The reason I recommend Utatsuyama Park as an autumn foliage spot is its special location where you can simultaneously view the beautiful autumn colors of the Sea of Japan and forests. The scenery where you can enjoy the contrast between vivid red and orange autumn foliage and the blue sea is a spectacular view unique to Kanazawa, blessed with abundant greenery and sea.
The park features not only observation decks where you can overlook Kanazawa city and the sea, but also walking paths where you can enjoy nature throughout the four seasons. Compared to central Kanazawa, it has fewer people and a calm atmosphere, making it recommended for those who want to leisurely view autumn foliage. This serene setting makes it an ideal destination for a peaceful Kanazawa Event November 2026 experience.
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・Peak season is typically mid- to late November each year
・Address: Suehiro-machi and other areas, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
・Business hours: 24 hours
・Closed: None
・Phone: 076-220-2356
・Official website: https://www4.city.kanazawa.lg.jp/soshikikarasagasu/midoritohananoka/gyomuannai/5/1/9410.html
Daijō-ji
Daijō-ji is a Soto Zen temple where monks undergo training to qualify as head priests. At Daijō-ji, trainee monks still live disciplined lives, and it has gained attention for allowing tourists to experience Zen meditation in the same environment as active trainee monks.
At Daijō-ji, you can enjoy the collaboration of historic temple architecture and beautiful autumn foliage. Among these, the autumn foliage around the gate "Sanmon," designated as a precious cultural property of Ishikawa Prefecture, is a must-see. You can enjoy spectacular views that can only be experienced at Daijō-ji, woven together by approximately 400-year-old traditional architecture and vivid autumn foliage.
Why not leisurely observe the historic temple architecture and beautiful autumn foliage in this sacred space enveloped in tranquility? This spiritual experience captures the contemplative spirit perfect for any Kanazawa Event November 2026 seeking cultural depth.
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・Peak season is typically early to late November each year
・Address: Nagasaka-machi Ru-10, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
・Business hours: 9:00～17:00 ※Amulet purchases, etc.: 9:00～15:00
・Closed: None
・Phone: 076-241-2680
・Official website: https://daijoji.info/
Enjoy Kanazawa's Exquisite Food with Locals at Popular Local Restaurants!
The Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour is a guided tour that visits three izakaya (Japanese bars) in Kanazawa's representative entertainment districts of Katamachi and Korinbo. This tour also includes a stroll through the Nagamachi Samurai District, and from late November through December and beyond, you can also enjoy the scenery of the Komogake Installation.
On this tour, you can taste Kanazawa's unique exquisite gourmet food, including Japanese cuisine using fresh seafood from Kanazawa and Kanazawa's local dish "Kanazawa Oden" (a hot pot dish where boiled eggs and vegetables are simmered in broth). Even with dishes you're trying for the first time, English-speaking guides will carefully teach you how to eat them, so you can enjoy them with confidence.
Since November in Kanazawa gets cold in the mornings and evenings, we recommend participating in warm clothing in preparation for walking around the city.
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・Meeting point: In front of the clothing store "BEAMS" in Korinbo Ramoda Bldg
・Tour area: Korinbo Katamachi
・Start time: 18:00-
