Noto Kiriko Festival: Summer Night's Strange Festival with Giant Lanterns Dancing Wildly

What is the Kiriko Festival?

Noto's Kiriko Festival is the collective name for dozens of festivals held throughout Noto Peninsula in summer to autumn (July-October). "Kiriko" are giant lanterns called "hoto," with some in certain regions reaching 20m tall and weighing several tons.

Magnificent Festival of Carrying Kiriko

At Kiriko festivals, many carriers carry kiriko parading around, dancing magnificently to drum and flute music. Nighttime kiriko shines fantastically lit from inside, coloring Noto's nights. Kiriko festivals in various locations including Udotsu, Suzu, and Wajima each have individual character.

Noto's Kiriko Hall

Wajima City's Kiriko Hall exhibits actual kiriko, allowing experiencing the kiriko's presence even outside festival season. Popular as a facility for touching Noto Peninsula's rich festival culture.

📚 Sources

This article draws on official tourism information from Noto's municipalities and Ishikawa Prefecture, information published by preservation groups and tourism associations related to the Kiriko festivals, and guidance on related facilities such as the Wajima Kiriko Art Museum, organizing the appeal of Noto's traditional Kiriko festivals from a general perspective. The Noto region still bears effects of the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, and the festivals' status and related facilities' operations may have changed. Festival dates and facilities' hours and closed days also vary by year, so please check the latest holding, recovery, and operating status on the official municipal and facility information before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow one to two hours to visit related facilities, or several hours to about half a day into the evening if watching an actual festival.
• What to bring / prepare: Night festivals can be chilly, so bring a jacket, and comfortable shoes for outdoor viewing. Value consideration and etiquette toward local people when watching.
• Suggested route: Learning the festival's background at a related facility such as the Wajima Kiriko Art Museum before watching a festival at its site lets you savor Noto's festival culture more deeply.
• Ways to enjoy the surroundings: Visiting together with Noto's seafood and hot springs, not just the festival energy, lets you enjoy the trip while supporting the region.
• Points to note: The earthquake may change whether festivals are held, and dates differ by year. Anticipate traffic restrictions and crowds, and plan by checking the latest information.