July is one of Kanazawa's most exciting months. Summer festivals erupt across the surrounding region and Kanazawa's location offers excellent access to mountain hiking trails, beach trips and warm evenings to take in the lantern-lit celebrations. Many of these events have histories of hundreds of years
While temperatures can be hot and humid, July rewards visitors with unforgettable cultural experiences, lively evening atmospheres, and some of Kanazawa's most iconic summer traditions.
Weather in July
July brings the end of the rainy season and the beginning of Kanazawa's hot and humid summer weather.
Average daytime temperature: 26–28°C (82–88°F).
Evenings / early mornings: 24–26°C (73–79°F).
Rainfall: Early July may still see occasional rainy-season showers before clearer summer weather arrives.
Light, breathable clothing is recommended along with a hat, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. Early mornings and evenings are often the most comfortable times for sightseeing. Remember to drink plenty of fluids and take regular breaks in the shade, as the high humidity can surprise the unprepared!
Festivals & Events in July
Calendar of Events
| Event | Date | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abare Festival | July 3 and 4 | One of the most eye-catching festivals in Japan aimed at pleasing Susanno'o, the god of storms by burning giant lanterns. | Ushizu, Noto City |
| Iidamachi Toroyama Festival | July 20 | Massive lanterns carried through the town towards the ocean, culminates with a beautiful fireworks display. | Kasuga Shrine, Iidamachi, Suzu City |
| Kanazawa Fireworks | July 25 | One of the region's largest fireworks displays. | By the Sai River, visible from many areas around the city. |
Event dates and details may vary year to year. Please check official sources for the most up-to-date information.
Seasonal Highlights in July
Abare Festival
The Noto Peninsula's Abare Festival is one of the region's most loved celebrations. It began around 350 years ago as a prayer to end a plague and became a yearly summer ritual to honour Susanno'o, the temperamental god of storms in Shinto mythology.
The festival sees around 40 giant lanterns carried through the town, burned and then thrown into the sea. The Noto Peninsula has had a rough few years after an earthquake in January 2024, so this year's celebrations are certain to be one to watch as the reconstruction efforts have progressed to allow people to visit for the first time since 2023's festival.
Beach Days
July is the best time for those in Kanazawa to head to any of the region's beaches. While Kanazawa itself has no beach, several are within an hour's travel and some of mainland Japan's best beaches are just a short trip on the shinkansen. Communities across the coast often organise festivals, stalls and activities for visiting families so there's more to do than just taking a dip in the refreshing waters. If you're visiting in the summer, bring your bathing suit!
If you're looking to dive a bit deeper into the nearby beaches, check out our Best Beaches Near Kanazawa and Fukui guide for more information!
Featured Tours in July
Fukui's Stunning Cliffs, Spiritual Island and Historical Port
Just a short train ride from Kanazawa is Awara Onsen, the gateway to the Fukui coastline: a dramatic but beautiful volcanic rock formation formed over thousands of years by the harsh climate of the region. The water is at its most beautiful in July and the proximity to the ocean offers a cooling breeze to beat the summer heat.
Highlights:
- Travel along the Fukui coastline, taking in the sights at beautiful and unique volcanic rock formations
- Try a range of local seafood at the Tojinbo Cliffs, where the waves crash against the rocks.
- Visit Mikuni Town, once one of the largest ports in the region, and walk through the beautiful Takidanji Temple, famed for its garden.
Tedori Gorge, Hakusan White Road and Shirakawa-go Village
The White Road is one of the most scenic driving routes in Japan and only opens for a few short months every year. The 33km road takes visitors through the Hakusan National Park and through some of the highest mountains in Japan where the views stretch across the mountaintops. While the route is most famous in fall, its summer scenes are nothing to scoff at with more than 1000 waterfalls through the valley and the chance for a picnic on the mountainside to enjoy the cool mountain air.
The tour culminates in Shirakawa-go, the famous thatched-roof village which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. This tour offers a great chance to see some of the region's most beautiful views and to learn the local history of its historic villages.
Highlights:
- Journey through the stunning Hakusan White Road.
- Visit the Tedori Gorge, a waterfall crashing deep into a gorge with sapphire blue water flowing down the river.
- Walk through the historic village Shirakawa-go and step inside a gassho-style farmhouse which is still lived in today to see the villagers' way of adapting to the harsh climate of the region.
Small Group
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Tedori Gorge, Hakusan White Road and Shirakawago Village
- Spots:
- KanazawaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Kanazawa
- Drop-off:
- Kanazawa
More Ways to Visit Kanazawa
Alongside our guided tours, we also offer Private Charters in Kanazawa. These are perfect for travellers who prefer private transport, customised itineraries, or more flexibility in planning their day. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or a group, charters provide comfort and convenience while still letting you experience the best of the village and surrounding region.
Tips for Visiting & Travel in July
- Carry a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the day
- Plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler
- Consider venturing towards the mountains or the sea for a break from the city heat
- Popular festival events can become crowded, so arrive early when possible
Where to Stay in July
July is one of quieter months in Kanazawa so, if you are the type that thrives in hot and humid climates, it's a great time to visit the area as hotels are often much more affordable than in the cooler months.
Kanazawa Station
Close proximity to the station is always best for convenience and easy access to transport links.
Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen
Perfect for being right in the thick of it. Hotels in this area are great for getting out and about around the city's attractions.
Higashi Chaya
The largest of Kanazawa's three historical geisha districts is perfect for people looking for more traditional ryokan to spend a night or two.
Kaga Onsen
The region's premier onsen area. Many of these offer shuttle bus options to and from the city.
Noto Peninsula
The Noto Peninsula is difficult to reach but one of Japan's most hidden gems - filled with beautiful scenery, fantastic beaches and rich local traditions.
Wherever you choose to stay, July is one of the best times of year to visit Kanazawa. For more guidance, see our Best Places to Stay in Kanazawa page.
Plan Your July Visit
July is a great time to be in Japan, especially if you're looking to avoid the legions of people that crowd its famous spots in the peak seasons in April and October. With easy access to cool mountain air and the refreshing sea, Kanazawa is a great place to recuperate after trekking around Tokyo or seeing the crowds at the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto.
Join one of our guided tours to experience Kanazawa and the surrounding region beyond the guidebooks and discover the culture, history, and seasonal traditions that make this city so special.
Planning Your Kanazawa Trip?
If you're still shaping your itinerary, consider checking out our 14-day Japan New Golden Route Itinerary which combines the main attractions in Japan's "Big Three" Cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka while also spending a few days in Kanazawa to wander a little off the beaten path and visit some of the region's most spectacular sights. If you want to a little more reading on your own, look no further than our "Things to Do Around Kanazawa" guide!
Kanazawa is filled to the brim with history and culture, so if you are looking for an experienced, local guide to show you around the city, check out our "Best Tours Around Kanazawa" page for more information on what Snow Monkey Resorts offers around the region.
Of course, there's plenty to dive deeper into! If you're the type who can spend hours in museums, consider our page on the "Best Museums in Kanazawa". For those who have been taken by the goshuin collecting craze, we have a list of the "Best Goshuin Near Kanazawa" to help you fill a few pages. Finally, Kanazawa is a region famous for its fantastic food. To help you get started on your foodie journey, consult our "Kanazawa's Famous Foods" page to get your stomach rumbling.
