Houryuu Tanabata Kiriko Matsuri 2026 Experience
The Houryuu Tanabata Kiriko Matsuri 2026 marked its first revival following the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Renowned for its towering 14-meter Kiriko, among the largest in the Noto Peninsula, the festival features lanterns decorated with colorful streamers, paper lanterns, bamboo branches, and wind chimes. Unlike most Kiriko festivals in Noto, it is not associated with a shrine or portable shrine “mikoshi” procession, making it a unique summer tradition.
A Brief History
The festival is believed to date back to the Edo period and has long been held on the night of Tanabata. Originally, it began as a community celebration praying for abundant fishing and good harvests, while also marking the beginning of preparations for Obon, when ancestral spirits are welcomed home. Over the centuries, the festival became known for its towering Kiriko lanterns depending solely on manpower to wield.
Festival Experience
Due to the earthquake and tsunami, this year’s celebration was relocated to a parking area in front of Mitsukejima instead of its usual venue.
The festivities began at around 3:00 PM with the children’s Kiriko procession through the festival grounds. At around 5:40 PM, the towering 14-meter Kiriko began its procession and was later joined by the smaller Kiriko. This year, only two Kiriko participated in the festival.
For safety reasons, the festival’s signature sea-entry procession was not held this year. Even so, the atmosphere remained lively, with festival food stalls, commemorative Hōryū Tanabata Kiriko Matsuri T-shirts, and many local residents gathering to celebrate the return of the festival. The evening concluded with a fireworks display over Mitsukejima, marking a hopeful celebration of resilience and recovery.
