Horai Festival

About this event

This is the autumn festival of Kinken-gu Shrine in the Tsurugi district of Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture, a traditional festival said to have an 800-year history. Held every year on the first Saturday and Sunday of October, mikoshi (portable shrines) lead the procession, followed by shishikata (lion dance performers) and massive floats called "Tsukurimono" as they parade through the town. The biggest highlight of the festival is the approximately 5-meter-tall "Tsukurimono" crafted every year in each neighborhood. Modeled after warriors and Kabuki scenes and decorated with grains and vegetables, these floats are truly impressive, and when illuminated at night, they take on a magical appearance quite different from daytime. The lion dance called "Bofuri," which acts as the path clearer, also enlivens the festival. During the event, sasazushi (pressed sushi wrapped in bamboo grass) is served at the free rest area "Yoko-machi Urara-kan." After the festival ends, the "Tsukurimono" are displayed for one year at the "Tsukurimono no Yakata" inside Park Shishiku in Yawata-machi, Hakusan City, where they can be viewed for free. As traffic restrictions are in place, the use of public transportation is recommended.

Venue

Hakusan Tourism Association

Nu-85 Tsurugi Honmachi 4-chome, Hakusan, Ishikawa 920-2121