Noto Kiriko festivals

Festival highlights

A highlight is the kiriko, which vary in appearance and size from area to area.

Some are over 10 meters tall; the most common are 4–6 meters tall and are carried by around 20 people each.

Lanterns are decorated with features that reflect each community’s character, including paper lanterns, gohei streamers, auspicious lettering expressing local hopes, and images of warriors or landscapes on the back.

A festival of prayer, with giant kiriko illuminating Noto’s towns

What to expect

Typically, parishioners carry the kiriko through the urban area, proceed to an otabisho, and then return to the shrine.

Otabisho are often set up by the water or in open spaces, and at some festivals the kiriko are carried out over the sea.

Depending on the area, you may see different processions and presentations, such as lanterns lit at night or several kiriko appearing together.

How to take part

Visitors can watch the event.

必要人数：1台あたり20人前後

Location and access

Venue and address

Held throughout the Noto Peninsula, with the venue varying from festival to festival.

The settings include urban areas, waterside locations, and open spaces.

Event venue 石川県七尾市、輪島市、珠洲市、穴水町、能登町、志賀町 能登半島各地

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

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Dates and season

Season

Mainly July to September

Tips for your visit

Since venues and procession routes vary by community, it is important to identify the specific Noto Kiriko festival you want to visit and check its details beforehand.

Dates may change, and the festival calendar advises visitors to contact the relevant municipalities.

At festivals where kiriko are carried through urban areas or along the water, take care when choosing a viewing spot and moving around.

Source: キリコ祭りカレンダー- 日本遺産「灯り舞う半島 能登 〜熱狂のキリコ祭り〜」能登のキリコ祭り

Origins and History of Noto Kiriko festivals

Kiriko festivals are said to have originated in the Edo period, and different origins are passed down for each festival.

They are said to fall into 2 categories: those derived from Kyoto’s Gion Festival and those derived from summer purification rites.

The lanterns are said to have grown gradually from small sasa-kiriko, taking their present form in the late Edo period. In 1997, they were designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property for which measures such as record-making should be undertaken.

Official information

You can check the calendar of Kiriko festivals throughout Noto on the official website for the Japan Heritage site “The Peninsula Where Lights Dance: Noto — The Passionate Kiriko Festivals.”

It lists each festival’s location and dates, and advises visitors to contact the relevant municipalities because schedules may change.

Noto Kiriko festivals at a Glance

Noto Kiriko festivals are traditional celebrations held throughout the Noto Peninsula, where people carry giant kiriko lanterns through their communities.

The size and decorations of the kiriko, as well as the route of the procession, vary by area and reflect local prayers and history.

Before visiting, check which festival you want to see and where it is held to enjoy the distinctive character of each community.