A festival where kiriko floats showered in sparks and mikoshi race through Uetsu
Abare Festival
The 2026 edition of Abare Festival has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/07/03 〜 2026/07/04Ended
- Season / frequency
- First Friday and Saturday of July / Held once a year over 2 days
- Location
- Uetsu district, Noto Town; Uetsu Yasaka Shrine; Iyasaka Square, and other locations
- Area
- Ishikawa Prefecture・Noto Town(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h 30 min–3 h · bullet train)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Features
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation / viewing
- Spectators welcome
- Official website / social media
- Official website
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
The Abare Festival in Uetsu, Noto Town, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a Yasaka Shrine festival that unfolds across the town with kiriko floats and . Kiriko floats moving through the sparks from a giant torch, and mikoshi being moved with great force through the sea, river, and fire, are defining features of the festival.
About Abare Festival
The Abare Festival is a festival held at Yasaka Shrine in the Uetsu district of Noto Town, Ishikawa Prefecture.
A distinctive feature of the festival is the sight of large and small kiriko floats processing through town and 2 mikoshi being moved with great force through the sea, river, and fire.
It is one of Noto’s major kiriko festivals, passed down through the prayers and daily life of the local community.
Festival highlights
On the first day, kiriko floats about 7 meters tall circle a giant torch as sparks fly and the sounds of drums, bells, and shouts ring out.
On the second day, mikoshi are thrown into the sea, river, and fire, and slammed against the ground in a series of fierce scenes.
The festival’s highlights include the moments when the night’s fire, kiriko floats, and the movements of the mikoshi come together.
Source: 【令和８年開催】あばれ祭 | 【公式】能登町観光ガイド-能登半島｜石川県能登町観光ポータルサイト
A festival where kiriko floats showered in sparks and mikoshi race through Uetsu
What to expect
The festival begins with shrine rituals in the town and a kiriko procession, followed in the evening by the time for yobare.
On the first night, kiriko floats gather at Iyasaka Square and circle a giant torch.
On the second day, mikoshi and kiriko floats process through town. At night, they pass through Kajikawa and the torch area before heading to Yasaka Shrine for entry into the shrine.
How to take part
Visitors can watch the event.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Ushitsu, Noto Town, Hosu District, Ishikawa Prefecture.
The festival takes place throughout the Ushitsu district, including at Yasaka Shrine and Iyasaka Plaza.
In 2026, no shuttle buses will run between the temporary parking area and the festival venue.
- By car
About 30 minutes from the Noto Satoyama Kaido’s Noto Airport IC, or about 40 minutes from Anamizu IC.
About 2 hours by car from JR Kanazawa Station.
- Parking
A temporary parking area for tourists and other visitors will be set up at Uetsu Shinko, with space for about 700 vehicles.
Traffic guides will be on duty from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. The venue is about a 20–30-minute walk away.
Source: 臨時駐車場を開設します。 - 【公式】あばれ祭公式サイト | 石川県能登町宇出津
Address Within Uetsu, Noto Town, Hosu District, Ishikawa Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 Event Information (The Listed Dates Have Passed)
The 2026 Abare Festival was announced as scheduled for July 3 (Friday) and the 4th (Saturday).
It is usually held over 2 days, on the first Friday and Saturday of July. The first day centers on kiriko floats and a giant torch, while the second day features mikoshi and kiriko processions.
The official schedule lists the times of each event, but the schedule is intended as a guide.
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Ishikawa Prefecture / Noto Town (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
Do not enter the routes of the kiriko floats or mikoshi, restricted areas, or private property, and do not cross in front of the bearers.
Be prepared for sparks and crowds by wearing comfortable shoes and bringing rain gear; it is also a good idea to dress warmly for the night.
Avoid parking on the street and use designated parking areas. Check in advance before using photography equipment or drones.
Source: 能登の祭りを見に行く前に知っておきたいこと｜あばれ祭に学ぶ、地域に寄り添う祭り旅のすすめ｜特集｜【公式】石川県の観光/旅行サイト「ほっと石川旅ねっと」
Nearby attractions
Around the festival venue, you can enjoy stopping by local restaurants and cafes in Uetsu.
The article introduces DOYA COFFEE in Uetsu and Noto shirushi in Ogi, Noto Town.
The article also suggests spending the day after the festival exploring Noto’s coastline, satoyama countryside, and streets lined with old merchant houses.
Origins and History of Abare Festival
The origins of the Abare Festival date back to around 1661–1672, during the Kanbun era, when a serious illness spread in Uetsu.
The festival is said to have begun when people invited Gozu Tenno from Gion Shrine in Kyoto and started holding the festival, then, grateful to have been saved from the epidemic, carried kiriko floats to worship at Yasaka Shrine.
Kiriko floats over 10 meters tall once processed through town, but in Taisho 10 they could no longer do so because of overhead power lines, and the festival underwent changes.
Official information
You can check official information on the Abare Festival website.
It lists the 2026 dates, event times, venue, access, and temporary parking information.
Before heading to the festival, check the official announcements for updates, including changes to traffic restrictions and road conditions.
Abare Festival at a Glance
The Abare Festival is a Yasaka Shrine festival passed down in Uetsu, Noto Town.
On the first day, kiriko floats move through the sparks from a giant torch. On the second day, mikoshi are moved with great force through the sea, river, and fire.
In 2026, it was held on July 3 and the 4th. Traffic restrictions apply around the venue, so plan to walk from a temporary parking area.
Source: あばれ祭 ｜イベント｜能登ふるさと博 | 能登の観光情報サイト
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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