'Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival', the greatest festival of Kanazawa, is to commemorate the entry of Toshiie Maeda, the founder of the Kaga domain, into Kanazawa Castle in June, 1583. Kanazawa will celebrate the 58th anniversary of the festival.

The festival this year is held during three days from Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 7. The highlight is 'Hyakumangoku Parade', which takes place on Saturday afternoon, June 6 when more than 2,000 residents in historical costumes will march through the street to the castle.

There will be many other events during the three days. The main events are as follows:

1)    19:00-21:00 Friday 5,'Kaga-yuzen Toro Nagasi'

Lanterns lit with candles and decorated with Kanga Yuzen silk fabrics float down the Asanogawa River across the Asano-gawa Ohasi Bridge.

2)    14:00-18:10 Saturday 6, 'Hyakumangoku Parade'

The Parade leaves the east square of JR Kanazawa station for Kanazawa Castle Park and marches along 3.2km main streets.

3)    18:30-20:30 Saturday 6, 'Hyakumangoku Odori-nagashi'

12,000 people dance on the main street in Korinbo district.

4) 18:30-21:00 Sunday 7, 'Hyakumangoku Takigi Noh'

 The traditional Noh play is performed outdoors with lights supplied by bonfires in Kanazawa Castle Park.

For further information regarding the festival, please visit the following links.

http://www.kanazawa-tourism.com/eng/event/event2.php

  http://100mangoku.net/