Spring in Kanazawa & Hokuriku: Festivals You Shouldn’t Miss
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Introduction｜Spring in Japan isn’t just about cherry blossoms
When people think of spring in Japan, they usually picture cherry blossoms. But if you want something more memorable—and easier to plan—Kanazawa and the Hokuriku region offer a different kind of spring.
Here, you’ll find a mix of:
Local food festivals
Traditional celebrations
Stunning seasonal landscapes
Unique cultural rituals you won’t see anywhere else
Instead of rushing from one famous spot to another, you can experience how people actually live, celebrate, and enjoy the season.
This guide introduces some of the best spring events around Kanazawa, especially useful for travel planners, guides, and anyone looking to design a richer itinerary.
Table of Contents
1. Why spring is a great time to visit Kanazawa
Spring in Kanazawa is not just beautiful—it’s practical.
Unlike cherry blossoms, which depend on timing, these events:
Happen on fixed dates
Are easier to plan around
Offer a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences
That makes spring one of the most reliable seasons for building travel itineraries.
2. Omicho Market Spring Festival
Omicho Market is known as “Kanazawa’s kitchen.” During the spring festival, it becomes even more lively.
Instead of a typical tourist market, this is where locals:
Buy fresh seafood and vegetables
Talk directly with vendors
Follow seasonal food traditions
Event Venue: Omicho Ichibakan Square
April 11 (Thu)
Fresh Bluefin Tuna Cutting Show & Special Sale Starts at 12:00 PM
April 12 (Fri)
Special Sale: Bamboo Shoots & Bamboo Shoot with Kombu Starts at 12:00 PM
April 13 (Sat)
Noto Wild Vegetables Fair Starts at 10:00 AM
April 14 (Sun)
Bamboo Shoot Rice (Takikomi Gohan) – ¥100 per pack Starts at 12:00 PM
April 15 (Mon)
Japanese Premium Beef Sirloin Steak (2 pieces) – ¥2,000 Starts at 12:00 PM
April 16 (Tue)
Omicho Market Specialty “Zenzai” (Sweet Red Bean Soup) – ¥50 per bowl Starts at 11:30 AM
3. Tonami Tulip Fair
About an hour from Kanazawa, the Tonami Tulip Fair is one of Japan’s largest flower festivals.
Millions of tulips bloom across wide fields, creating:
Bright, open landscapes
Great photo opportunities
A refreshing contrast to city sightseeing
👉 Best use in an itinerary A half-day trip that adds visual impact and variety
Event Information
Dates
April 22 (Wed) – May 5 (Tue, Public Holiday), 2026
Temporary Closure
The park will be closed during the following periods due to event preparation and dismantling:
April 12 (Sun) – April 21 (Tue)
May 6 (Wed, Substitute Holiday) – May 12 (Tue)
Opening Hours
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM(Last admission: 5:00 PM)
Venue
Tonami Tulip Park (Toyama Prefecture)
4. Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival
Step into samurai history
This is Kanazawa’s biggest festival, celebrating the city’s origins.
The highlight is a large parade recreating the arrival of a feudal lord, complete with:
Samurai costumes
Traditional performances
Local participation
👉 Why it worksIt’s one of the few events where visitors can clearly see history come to life
5. Snow Otani Walk
Experience the breathtaking Snow Otani Walk, one of Japan’s most iconic spring attractions. Visitors can walk through a spectacular corridor of snow, with towering walls reaching up to 20 meters high. This seasonal highlight offers a rare chance to witness the power of nature up close.
Period: April 15 – June 25
Time: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Walking Zone (Murodo Area)
As a signature spring experience of the Alpine Route, it provides unforgettable scenery and a unique contrast to traditional cultural travel.
6. Shobuyu Matsuri (Yamashiro Onsen)
A quiet, meaningful tradition
This festival is based on a traditional custom: bathing in water infused with iris leaves.
It’s believed to:
Promote health
Protect against illness
Mark the change of seasons
👉 What makes it uniqueUnlike large festivals, this one is calm and personal.
👉 Best for
Wellness travelers
Couples
Guests looking for something deeper and less crowded
7. Who this kind of trip is perfect for
This type of spring itinerary works especially well for:
Travelers who have already been to Japan
People looking for something beyond typical sightseeing
Couples and small groups
Culture and nature lovers
It’s also ideal for travel planners designing high-quality, slower-paced trips.
