The Mikuni Festival is one of the three major festivals of the Hokuriku region, and this cherished tradition has a history spanning over 300 years. Renowned for its towering festival floats adorned with large warrior dolls, the festival originated in the Edo period and has since evolved into a vibrant celebration of Mikuni’s cultural and maritime heritage.
During the Meiji era, the festival floats reached impressive heights of over 10 meters, their warrior figures visible even from distant villages. Nowadays, the floats stand up to 6.5 meters, yet they continue to embody the enduring spirit of Mikuni. Each year, the floats and dolls are meticulously remade, showcasing the community’s dedication to preserving this dynamic tradition.
The event takes place each year from May 19th to 21st, with the main event taking place on the 20th. The floats and a mikoshi (portable shrine) gather at Mikuni Shrine, where they are then paraded through the town accompanied by the sound of traditional drums, flutes, and shamisen.
There is no admission fee to enjoy the atmosphere of the event, but please bring yen if you plan on purchasing food or drinks from the stalls set up for the festival.
