Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival

In the feudal times of Edo-era Japan, Kanazawa (or Kaga as the feudal domain was called) was famed as the Hyakumangoku domain. Hyakuman means one million in Japanese, and koku (or goku when suffixed) was a measure for bushels of rice. This festival celebrates the rich culture and tradition that developed in Kanazawa as a major urban center of Edo-era Japan.

The festival is the biggest annual traditional festival in Kanazawa and takes place over three days with the scheduled of events (located throughout the city) as follows.

Day 1 (Friday):

9am Water Drawing Ceremony at Kanazawa Shrine and taken to Seisonkaku Villa

10am:Shinto prayers at Oyama Shrine
1pm: Dedication Ceremonies at Oyama Shrine
6pm – 7pm: Kenshibu at Oyama Shrine – Sword potery and a traditional fan dance
6:40pm – 9pm: Children’s Lantern & Taiko Procession – A procession of colorful traditional lanterns and taiko (drums) along the main Route 157 road.

Day 2 (Saturday):

8:30am – 4pm: Hyakumangoku Chakai – A grand tea ceremony at Kenrokuen.
10am – 6pm: Kaga Hyakumangoku Bon Shogatsu – Traditional summer activities connected with the bon festival at Kanazawa Castle Park.
1pm – 7pm Food stalls open at Oyama Shrine and along the parade route
2.20pm – 5.30pm: Hyakumangoku Costume Parade
Celebrating the founder of the Kaga clan, this is a parade in period costumes reenacting a triumphal procession. The parade begins at the east exit of Kanazawa Station and finishes at Kanazawa Park.
3pm – 4.30pm Karate and Taiko drum performances at Oyama Shrine
4pm – 6pm The characters of Toshiie Maeda and his wife Matsu enter the castle in ceremonial dress.
6pm – 8pm: Hyakumangoku Traditional Dance Parade, takes place downtown, along Route 157, between Minami-cho and Katamachi.
6.30pm – 7.30pm Bonfire at Oyama Shrine
7pm – 9pm: Takigi-Noh – A performance of traditional noh theatre illuminated by torchlight in the grounds of Kanazawa Castle Park. Entry is free.A Children’s performance takes place from 6.30pm.

Day 3: (Sunday)

8:30am – 4pm: Hyakumangoku Chakai – A grand tea ceremony at Kenrokuen.
9am – 5.10pmCeremonies at Oyama Shrine – These go on throughout the day including sword drawing at 11am and Hochodo (serving of fish using swords and chopsticks) at 3pm.
10am – 4pm: Kaga Hyakumangoku Bon Shogatsu – Traditional summer activities connected with the bon festival at Kanazawa Castle Park.

Please note these times are as listed but are subject to change.

(Greg Lane)