Kanazawa in May 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals
In May, Kanazawa reaches temperatures above 20°C during the day, allowing you to enjoy short sleeves, but mornings and evenings can drop below 15°C, making it a season where you still can't part with your jacket. As it gets warmer, you can enjoy blooming flowers and fresh greenery throughout the city, appreciating the beautiful natural scenery.
Kanazawa is filled with numerous attractions including historic townscapes, traditional crafts, art, and cuisine using seafood, making it a city where you can enjoy various experiences. Known for its high-quality tourist destinations, it features a mixture of old and new culture with numerous points of interest.
In May 2025, Kanazawa offers numerous events where you can learn about Japanese culture and traditions, and experience what makes Kanazawa unique. This time, we will introduce the highlights, basic information, event dates, and access to these venues.
5 Traditional and Japanese Cultural Events to Enjoy in Kanazawa in May 2025
Here are 5 carefully selected traditional and Japanese cultural events to enjoy in Kanazawa in May.
Ōno-Minato Shrine Spring Festival
Source:Google Maps
The Ōno-Minato Shrine Spring Festival is the most important event at Ōno-Minato Shrine, held annually on May 15. During this event, sacred Noh performances with over 400 years of history are performed on a stage within the shrine grounds, praying for the prosperity of Japan, the Imperial Family (the Emperor's clan), and the local region.
I have personally attended this event and watched Noh for the first time. The sight of actors wearing Noh masks performing songs and dances with a unique rhythm on a stage filled with solemn atmosphere has an originality unlike anything else, and I was immediately drawn into its world. Although the performance lasted about 45 minutes, it was a presentation where I couldn't look away for even a moment.
Come experience Kanazawa's history by watching this venerable sacred Noh performance.
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- Date: May 15, 2025
- Access: 5 minutes walk from Nishi Police Station stop via Hokuriku Railway Bus routes 60 Kanaishi, 61 Ono, or 63 Ono
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://oonominato.or.jp/
Asano River Carp Streamer Festival
At the Asano River Carp Streamer Festival, you can see carp streamers flowing from Ume-no-Bashi Bridge to Asanogawa Ohashi Bridge along the Asano River and surrounding areas.
While koinobori (streamers displayed to wish for boys' healthy growth) are typically displayed in the sky, what makes this event special is that they flow in the river, similar to Yuzen-nagashi (the process of washing excess dye and starch from Kaga Yuzen, a traditional Kanazawa craft, in the river).
I was captivated by this spectacle of 150 to 200 colorful carp streamers in red, blue, pink, and other colors swimming on the river's surface—a sight rarely seen throughout Japan. Why not enjoy this precious carp streamer display while taking a leisurely stroll along the walkway by the Asano River?
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- Date: May 4, 2025
- Access: Immediately accessible from Hashibacho Station via city bus from Kanazawa Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_30336.html
Oterakugo
Oterakugo is a coined term mixing "Temple" (called "Otera" in Japanese) and "Rakugo," an event where you can enjoy traditional Japanese popular entertainment at a temple.
Rakugo involves a single performer sitting on a zabuton (traditional Japanese cushion), progressing through a story while portraying multiple characters, and concluding with a humorous ending. The talks proceed at a good pace with laughter-inducing moments throughout, keeping viewers engaged from beginning to end.
When I attended Oterakugo, the content was a bit difficult, but what left an impression on me was my elementary school nephew who accompanied me laughing out loud multiple times at the rakugo performer's gestures. Since the performers skillfully use facial expressions, tone, and gestures, you can enjoy the atmosphere even if you can't understand all the words.
Experience the unique world of rakugo in the solemn atmosphere of a temple.
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- Date: May 9-11, 17-18, 2025
- Access: Various temples in Kanazawa City
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://oterakugo.localinfo.jp/
Aoba Yuwaku Enjoyment Market
The Aoba Onsen Yuwaku Festival Market is an event held within the Kanazawa Yuwaku hot spring area where you can enjoy gourmet foods, workshops, stage shows, and prize drawings offered by local inns and shopping districts.
The main gourmet booths feature a wide lineup ranging from meals made with locally harvested mountain vegetables, salt-grilled fish, and fried chicken, to sweet menu items like cookies and pound cakes—so many choices it's hard to decide! I chose the visually impactful salt-grilled ayu (sweetfish) that was skewered whole. The soft, tender ayu meat with the accenting salt flavor was deliciously addictive!
At the outdoor stage, you can also enjoy Japanese taiko drum performances by Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Taiko. The powerful show of drummers striking large drums with all their might is a must-see!
This Kanazawa event May 2025 allows you to fully enjoy the charms of Yuwaku.
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- Date: May 2025
- Access: About 3 minutes walk from Yuwaku Onsen Station on the Hokuriku Railway bus line
- Admission fee: Free
- Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_30215.html
Kaga Million-Goku Walk
During the Kaga Million-Goku Walk, local volunteer tourism guides introduce the history, culture, and nature of four different areas—Kanazawa, Noto, Hakusan, and Kaga—while walking.
I once applied for the "Higashi Chaya District Course" in Kanazawa. The tour proceeds in order from Kannonmachi, Utasu Shrine, Higashi Chaya District, to Shima (a nationally designated important cultural property), and disbands at Higashi Chaya District Hiromi (the place with the best view of the main street).
The explanation by guides who know the local area well was easy to understand, and the tour was so full of highlights that the one-hour duration passed in no time. I liked the tour so much that I applied for another tour after it ended.
For the Kanazawa event May 2025, the Kaga Million-Goku Walk varies in cost and reservation methods depending on the course, so it's reassuring to check the website in advance.
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- Date: Applicable dates in 2025
- Access: Depends on the course
- Admission fee: Depends on the course
- Website: https://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/kankouvolunteer
If you want to enjoy Kanazawa more deeply, tours guided by locals are recommended
If you want to enjoy Kanazawa more deeply, tours guided by locals are recommended. They can introduce you to the charms of Kanazawa that only locals know about.
Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour
On the Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour, you can fully enjoy Kanazawa-specific meals at three distinctive restaurants recommended by locals.
The first stop is a traditional restaurant where you can taste sophisticated Japanese cuisine. The sashimi and fried dishes made with fresh local seafood are all exquisite, and you'll find yourself drinking more and more! Next, you'll stroll through the historic Bukeyashiki (former samurai residences) streets, having a time-slip experience to the past as you head to the second restaurant.
The second spot features a nostalgic retro atmosphere where you'll challenge yourself to try "oden," a traditional Japanese dish. The slowly simmered oden is characterized by its gentle broth flavor, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed dining time.
At the third spot, you can experience "kiki-sake" where you can taste 3-5 types of sake, allowing you to deeply immerse yourself in the charm of Kanazawa's alcohol. Finally, you'll taste matcha and Japanese sweets to conclude the perfect Kanazawa food tour.
All three spots offer different attractions, allowing you to fully enjoy Kanazawa's cuisine without missing anything. This is a highlight of the Kanazawa event May 2025 season for food lovers.
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- Tour area: Kanazawa
- Start time: 18:00
Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour
The Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour allows you to visit famous historical sites in Kanazawa city in half a day with a local guide. The tour visits 5 classic Kanazawa spots:
- Omicho Market
- Kanazawa Castle Park
- Kenrokuen
- Japanese Sweets Museum
- Higashi Chaya District
First, taste test interesting foods and enjoy Kanazawa cuisine at Omicho Market, known as Kanazawa's kitchen with over 300 years of history. After enjoying a stroll in Kanazawa Castle Park, savor the scenic beauty of Japanese gardens at Kenrokuen, one of the 3 famous gardens in Japan. Next, enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets at the Japanese Sweets Museum, and finally head to Higashi Chaya District where you can enjoy the old townscape.
Having a local guide is an attractive point as they can efficiently guide you through must-see tourist spots in Kanazawa with explanations. Why not participate in this tour during the Kanazawa event May 2025 season and experience Kanazawa's historical culture firsthand?
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- Tour area: Kanazawa
- Start time: 10:00
5 Must-See Events to Enjoy in Kanazawa in May 2025
Here I'll introduce 5 must-see events that can be enjoyed in Kanazawa in May 2025.
Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden Light-up
The Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden Light-up is held only 6 times a year as part of the "Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden Story" event.
- Cherry blossom season (late March to early April, coinciding with cherry blossoms)
- Spring session (early May)
- Early summer session (early June)
- Firefly viewing party (late June to early July)
- Autumn session (late September to late November)
- Winter session (early to mid-February)
The most popular event is the "Spring session," which I have visited before. In Kenrokuen Garden, concerts are also held, and I enjoyed the garden light-up that evokes the arrival of spring with azaleas and fresh greenery while listening to elegant performances.
The light-up is held throughout the year, and it's understandable why there are many repeat visitors as you can see different scenery in each season. Please enjoy the fantastical atmosphere during the light-up, which differs from the daytime view.
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- Dates: April 26-27, May 3-5, 2025
- Access: 10-minute walk from Kanazawa Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/event/detail_21201.html
Hyakumangoku Confectionery Expo 2025
The Hyakumangoku Confectionery Expo 2025 is an event held at Kanazawa Castle Park that I would recommend to sweet lovers, featuring demonstrations and sales by confectionery shops from Ishikawa Prefecture, as well as Japanese confectionery-making experiences.
The popular Japanese confectionery-making experience, where you can receive guidance from professional craftsmen, is available for same-day registration without reservation, so please give it a try! This valuable experience will surely create lasting memories. The main demonstration and sales booths gather famous confections from Ishikawa Prefecture, making it perfect for souvenir hunting.
At the venue, there are also plenty of non-confectionery contents such as carp streamer paper craft experiences, origami helmet-making workshops, and event shows featuring street performances and dancing, making it popular for families to enjoy together. This Kanazawa event in May 2025 offers a wonderful opportunity to forget about dieting for a while and immerse yourself in a sweet celebration!
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- Dates: May 3-5, 2025
- Access: About 5-minute walk from Kenrokuen-shita/Kanazawa Castle Station on the Castle Town Kanazawa Loop Bus, Hokuriku Railway Bus, or JR West Bus; About 5-minute walk from Kenrokuen-shita Station on the Kanazawa Flat Bus Zaimoku Route
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_30195.html
MINIATURELIFE Exhibition 2 -Tatsuya Tanaka's World of Perspective-
The MINIATURELIFE Exhibition 2 - Tatsuya Tanaka's World of Perspective is an event at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, where you can see miniature photographs and three-dimensional works created by Tatsuya Tanaka. Tatsuya Tanaka is a miniature photographer who has gained attention both domestically and internationally for his unique style of using miniatures to make objects appear as something completely different.
This event features 170 playful works where lettuce becomes a hot air balloon, sushi turns into cars, and baumkuchen transforms into a rainbow. Since the works use familiar objects that will make you smile, they can be enjoyed by people of all ages and genders.
In addition to the exhibition, the venue also offers photo spots where you can fully experience the miniature world and venue-limited merchandise sales, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Tatsuya Tanaka's world. Even if you've never heard of Tatsuya Tanaka before, once you step into the venue during the Kanazawa event in May 2025, you're sure to be captivated by his charm.
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- Dates: April 26-May 24, 2025
- Access: Immediately from Hirosaka/21st Century Museum stop on the route bus from JR Kanazawa Station
- Admission: Adults 1,300 yen, Junior/Senior High School Students 700 yen, Elementary School Students 500 yen
- Website: https://hk-event.jp/event/ev_detail.php?ed_no=2586
Spring Special Exhibition "Connecting History - Rekihaku Collection Telling the Story of Ishikawa"
The Spring Special Exhibition "Connecting History - Rekihaku Collection Telling the Story of Ishikawa" is an event that introduces recently acquired materials at the Ishikawa Prefectural History Museum, alongside related items from the museum's collection. The materials preserved in the museum are essential for telling the history of Ishikawa, and the goal is to connect history to the future by linking these artifacts together.
This exhibition features impressive works that convey the historical significance of Ishikawa, including swords by Kanewaka, a master swordsmith representing Kaga region, sketches by Hiroshi Mizuno who is famous for Kaga Yuzen dyeing, and mechanical dolls filled with Kaga's scientific technology. This comprehensive display will be a highlight for visitors attending the Kanazawa Event May 2025.
In addition to the exhibits, the event offers rich content including exhibition explanations by curators and workshops. Why not visit the event and delve into the history of Ishikawa?
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- Date: April 26 - June 8, 2025
- Access: 3 minutes walk from Kenrokuen Garden
- Admission: Adults 800 yen, University/College students 640 yen
- Website: https://ishikawa-rekihaku.jp/special/special_top.php?cd=2025040701
For those who like historic cities like Kanazawa, we also recommend a local tour in Asakusa
For those who enjoy historic cities like Kanazawa, participating in a local tour around Asakusa is also recommended. The Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour allows you to learn about Japanese culture through exploring Asakusa and experiencing tea ceremony. The audience of the Kanazawa Event May 2025 will particularly appreciate these cultural connections.
The meeting point is at Kaminarimon Gate, and there are 4 stopping points:
- Nakamise Shopping Street
- Sensoji Temple
- Tea Ceremony Experience
- Okonomiyaki/Monjayaki Lunch
At the historic Nakamise Shopping Street, shops selling Japanese crafts and sweets are gathered, and you can enjoy just window shopping. Here you can taste traditional Japanese sweets while heading to Sensoji Temple to learn about Buddhism and Japanese culture. Next, challenge yourself with the popular tea ceremony experience.
The tea ceremony experience in a quiet Japanese room has a reputation for freeing you from everyday distractions and making you feel refreshed. Finally, you'll fill your stomach with a delicious lunch at a popular monjayaki restaurant in Asakusa before dispersing.
You can tour Asakusa's tourist attractions in 3 hours and spend quality time. If you're planning to visit Asakusa, please check this out.
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- Tour area: Asakusa
- Start time: 11:00
