Komatsu Hikiyama Children's Kabuki: Festival of Traditional Kabuki Performed by Children

Authentic Kabuki Performed by Children

At Komatsu City's "Otabi Matsuri (May)" in Ishikawa, "Hikiyama Children's Kabuki" is performed. A tradition continuing since the Edo era, elementary school children completely recreate authentic kabuki programs including costumes, makeup, and movements. It is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Impact of Hikiyama Float Stage

A special stage is set on the gorgeous hikiyama float, where children perform kabuki on top. Hikiyama is artwork decorated with traditional carvings, lacquer, and embroidery, passed down from the Edo era.

Komatsu City History

Komatsu City is located in southern Ishikawa and is a castle town that flourished during the Kaga domain era. With many historical sightseeing spots including Komatsu Castle ruins (Ashiro Park) and Natadera Temple, visitors can enjoy Komatsu's history and culture different from Kanazawa.

Practical Information for the Festival (based on the 2026 festival)

• Dates: Friday 8, Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May 2026 - the Otabi Matsuri, the spring grand festival of Ubashi Shrine and Motoori Hiyoshi Shrine
• The greatest highlight, the line-up of all eight hikiyama floats: Saturday 9 May, 15:00-20:00, at the Saikumachi crossroads
• 15:00 first part begins / 15:30 Teramachi performs / 16:30 Yokaichimachi performs
• 18:00 second part begins / 18:00 Teramachi performs / 19:00 Yokaichimachi performs / 20:00 the floats withdraw
• Commentary is provided by Seiji Kasai, a specialist in classical performing arts
• The 2026 programme: [Teramachi] Meiboku Sendai Hagi, the Masaoka Chugi scene / [Yokaichimachi] Tabigoromo Komatsu no Midori Iyasakae, the gidayu version of Kanjincho
• Neighbourhood performances of the children's kabuki: about eight performances in total between 8 and 10 May
• Venue: central Komatsu City / the Saikumachi crossroads / the Komatsu Hikiyama Exchange Hall "Miyossa." A 10-minute walk from JR Komatsu Station (to the Saikumachi crossroads)
• Paid seating: set up for the line-up of the floats, at 3,000 yen a seat, including a souvenir. With only 100 seats for the afternoon part and 50 for the evening part, they sell out in a normal year. Tickets are issued only at Seven-Eleven stores (Ticket Pia); they cannot be reserved or bought by telephone
• Parking: the Komatsu City Hall car park and temporary car parks
• Related event: "Otabi de Marche," Saturday 9 May, 10:00-18:00, at the citizens' park on the west side of Komatsu Station (in front of Urara). Cancelled in bad weather
• In bad weather: the line-up of the floats may be cancelled because of storms or similar
• Enquiries: Komatsu City Tourism Exchange Section, tel 0761-24-8076 / Komatsu Tourism and Products Network, tel 0761-24-8394

(Source: Komatsu Kanko Navi; Komatsu City official website)

📚 Sources

This article draws on official tourism information from Komatsu City, information published by cultural facilities and preservation groups related to the Komatsu float festival and kabuki, and locally handed-down accounts, organizing Komatsu's kabuki and float culture from a general perspective. It does not assert the details of individual facilities or events. Event dates and facilities' hours and closed days vary by year, so please check the latest details on the official Komatsu City and facility information before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow one to two hours to visit related cultural facilities, or about half a day if watching an event or performance.
• What to bring / prepare: Events are sometimes held outdoors, so clothing suited to the season and sun or cold protection are reassuring. Observe etiquette when watching.
• Suggested route: Using exhibition facilities on the floats and kabuki as a base and touring them with sights in central Komatsu lets you savor the local culture at a relaxed pace.
• Ways to enjoy the surroundings: Visiting to match the event season lets you feel the energy of the kabuki culture handed down in the area.
• Points to note: Events are often held only at limited times of year, so check dates in advance and plan for traffic restrictions and crowds.