About this event
The 'Niwaka Festival,' an ancient traditional fishermen's festival handed down in the Noto Ukawa region, is a traditional event praying for bountiful catches and maritime safety at Kaise Shrine, which enshrines the sea goddess Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto (Benzaiten). Nine large lantern floats, 7 meters high and 5.4 meters wide, are called 'niwaka' and are powerfully painted with warrior portraits. These large lantern floats parade through the town, gather at Mioroshi Beach, and enter Kaise Shrine late at night. Afterwards, enthusiastic dancing unfolds on the shrine grounds until morning, and fireworks soar into the Ukawa night sky. The sounds of taiko drums and flutes echo, bringing lively energy to the festival. The custom of displaying the gohei paper streamers and warrior paintings used in this festival on boats and household altars as amulets for bountiful catches and safety has been passed down since the Kanei era (about 400 years ago).
Official website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Noto Town Office Ukawa Branch
18-128 Aza Ukawa, Noto-cho, Hosu-gun, Ishikawa 927-0302
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