Koikoi Festival

Festival highlights

Highlights include songs and dances throughout the hot spring district and a spirited procession held during the day.

The Yuna mikoshi, the Wakamono mikoshi, and the great lion parade through the hot spring district, bringing the festive pageantry unique to Yamanaka Onsen to life.

In 2026, a special performance of “Yamanaka-bushi: Dance of the Four Seasons” will also be held at Yamanakaza. It will take place on the outdoor stage in fine weather and in the Yamanakaza Hall in rainy weather.

Source: 山中温泉『第64回こいこい祭』 – 山中温泉

A festival of songs, dances, mikoshi, and a great lion in Yamanaka Onsen

What to expect

The festival takes place over 2 days at venues throughout the hot spring district. During the day, processions feature the Yuna mikoshi, the Wakamono mikoshi, and the great lion.

At the venues, enjoy songs and dances joined by local residents, geisha, hospitality staff, and hot spring visitors.

In 2026, special performances are also scheduled at Yamanakaza: on September 19, a Yamanaka-bushi performance begins at 12 p.m., and on the 20th, at 2 p.m.

How to take part

The festival is described as an event where bathers join in the songs and dances, allowing visitors to enjoy joining the dance circle.

The dance style known as “Koi Koi” is said to have originated as a way for hot spring visitors to spontaneously join the dance circle.

The 2026 announcement presents it as an event welcoming visitors.

Location and access

Venue and address

Various locations throughout the hot spring district of Yamanaka Onsen.

The venue includes the area around Yamanakaza.

The address is Yakushimachi, Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga City.

Train and bus

From Kaga-Onsen Station, take the Hokutetsu Kaga Bus (Onsen Yamanaka Line) for about 30 minutes, then get off at Yamanaka Bus Terminal and walk about 500 m.

During the festival, route buses will temporarily terminate at Yamanaka Bus Terminal.

By car

About 12.1 km from the Kaga IC on the Hokuriku Expressway.

Parking

Use the parking lot at Yamanaka Kenmin Gymnasium and transfer to the shuttle bus to the venue.

The venue shuttle bus is free.

Source: こいこい祭り(石川県)の詳細データ｜ウォーカープラス / こいこい祭り開催に伴う温泉街交通規制（規制期間：９／１８午前８時～９／２１午後１時まで） – 山中温泉

Address Yakushimachi, Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga, Ishikawa

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Dates and season

2026 event details (the listed dates have passed)

In 2026, the festival will be held from September 19 (Sat) through the 20th (Sun), from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Venues are spread throughout the hot spring district, and special festival performances will also take place at Yamanakaza.

The special performance on September 19 runs from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., and on the 20th from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

In 2026, the hot spring town is crowded during the festival, so visitors arriving by car are advised to use the free shuttle bus from the Yamanaka Kenmin Gymnasium parking lot.

Please note that route buses will temporarily terminate at Yamanaka Bus Terminal.

For Yamanaka-bushi Shiki no Mai, on September 19 the venue may change depending on the weather, to either the outdoor stage or the Yamanakaza Hall.

Nearby attractions

Museums and art museumsKaga City

深田久弥山の文化館

石川県加賀市の博物館・美術館のスポットです。

Visit the official page ↗ⓘ Photo and data sources

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写真：663highland / CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo source ·

Facility data source

Museums and art museumsKaga City

石川県九谷焼美術館

石川県加賀市にある美術館

Visit the official page ↗ⓘ Photo and data sources

Photo and data sources×

写真：663highland / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Facility data source

Castles and historic sitesKaga City

魯山人寓居跡 いろは草庵

石川県加賀市にある博物館

Visit the official page ↗ⓘ Photo and data sources

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Facility data source

Attractions in the same municipality. Check each attraction’s official website for travel distances from the venue and current opening information.

Origins and History of Koikoi Festival

The Koikoi Festival is said to have been held for the first time in 1961 (Showa 36), and has continued as a festival in Yamanaka Onsen.

The name “Koikoi” is explained as coming from a call inviting hot spring visitors to come from far away.

The festival’s signature Yamanaka-bushi dance is modeled on the Tanko-bushi dance, so hot spring visitors can join the circle spontaneously.

Official information

You can find the 2026 event details on Yamanaka Onsen’s events page.

The venues are spread throughout the hot spring district, and the page lists the dates and times, along with details of the special performances at Yamanakaza.

The email address and official Instagram account of the Yamanaka Onsen Koikoi Festival Executive Committee Secretariat are listed for inquiries.

Koikoi Festival at a Glance

The Koikoi Festival is a hot-spring-town celebration where the residents and performers of Yamanaka Onsen join hot spring visitors in song and dance.

Along with processions featuring the Yuna mikoshi, the Wakamono mikoshi, and the great lion, you can enjoy a special Yamanaka-bushi performance at Yamanakaza in 2026.

Since the venues are spread throughout the hot spring district, it’s a good idea to check public transport and temporary traffic information before you go.