Matsunami Ningyou Kiriko Matsuri 2026
Held annually on the fourth Saturday of July in the Matsunami district of Noto Town, the Matsunami Ningyou Kiriko Matsuri is one of the most distinctive Kiriko festivals on the Noto Peninsula. Each Kiriko lantern is decorated with a handmade ningyō (doll), making the procession instantly recognizable among Noto’s many Kiriko festivals.
A Brief History
The festival dates back to 1811, when local youths introduced a Kiriko lantern to the town’s Gion Festival. As the tradition spread, neighboring communities built their own Kiriko and gradually added decorative carvings, crests, and the handmade dolls that have become the festival’s defining feature. Although the lanterns were reduced in size in the early twentieth century to accommodate telephone lines, the tradition has been preserved for more than two centuries.
What is Ningyō?
Ningyō literally means “human figure” or “doll” in Japanese. At the Matsunami Ningyou Kiriko Matsuri, each Kiriko lantern is decorated with a large handmade doll mounted on its front.
Festival Experience
When I arrived, around six large Kiriko and two smaller Kiriko were lined up in front of the Uchiura Welfare Center, where participants made final preparations before the procession. Shortly after 4:00 PM, the Kiriko departed one by one toward Matsunami Shrine.
The handmade ningyō are what set this festival apart. While some depict historical or folkloric figures, others feature modern characters, including popular anime icons, creating an interesting contrast between tradition and contemporary culture. The procession includes a mikoshi, shoulder-carried Kiriko, smaller wheeled Kiriko operated by children, with many families participating together.
Due to limited public transportation, I was only able to stay for the afternoon procession before catching the last bus back to Suzu City. Even in that short time, the festival stood out for its Kiriko designs and its strong sense of community.
ジョイの歩き方｜Joy no Arukikata 