For those able to brave the intense summer heat, August is one of the best times to visit Kanazawa. Many of the region's most exciting summer festivals are underway 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 or firework displays that will put other countries' efforts to shame.
While temperatures are usually very hot and humid, August rewards visitors with unforgettable cultural experiences, lively evening atmospheres, and some of Kanazawa's most iconic summer traditions.
Weather in August
In August, Kanazawa truly embraces summer and the city is under the full weight of Japan's heat and humidity.
Average daytime temperature: 30–33°C (86–91°F).
Evenings / early mornings: 26–29°C (79–82°F).
Rainfall: The first week of August may still see occasional rainy-season showers. As the month moves on, typhoons often plague the more southern parts of Japan and Kanazawa can sometimes catch the tail end.
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 August
Calendar of Events
| Event | Date | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issaki Boto Festival | August 1 | Celebrates local fishermen beginning the catching season. They build large floats and parade through the town chanting. Traditional dances are performed in the evening. | Ishizaki Fishing Port |
| Takarazuka Tanabata Kiriko Festival | August 1 | A festival to honour ancestral spirits. Floats called kiriko are carried by 100 people into the water, then burned. | Mitsuke Beach, Suzu City, Noto Peninsula |
| Kenrokuen Summer Stage Illuminations | Every Saturday evening | The garden is lit up for visitors to enjoy walking in the cool evening air. Sometimes there are musical performances | Kenrokuen Garden |
| Kawakita Fireworks Festival | August 1 | The largest fireworks display in Hokuriku, with 20,000 fireworks set off over the Tedori River. Also features taiko drum performances and a 40-metre bonfire. | By the Tedori River, Kawakita Town |
| Saikai Festival | August 14 | A festival where women take centre stage. One group carries a portable shrine, called a mikoshi, to the ocean while other groups carry kiriko and try to "block" it so the festival can go on for longer. | Saikai Shrine, Hakui |
| Okinami Taigyo Festival | August 14 and 15 | A daytime festival to appease the deity at worshipped at the shrine with a "great catch" - they take the kiriko out to sea, do taiko drum performances out on the water, then carry it back. | Tattonohama Beach, Okinami Town |
| Wajima Taisai Festival | August 22 - 25 | Brings together a mountain deity and an ocean deity to meet at the beach. Includes colourful clothing, traditional dances and fire. | Main event at Wajima Marine Town Park |
Event dates and details may vary year to year. Please check official sources for the most up-to-date information.
Seasonal Highlights in August
Takarazuka Tanabata Kiriko Festival
The Takarazuka Tanabata Kiriko Festival (Also often known as the Horyu Tanabata Kiriko Festival) traditionally marks the start of Obon, a holiday in Japan where the spirits of ancestors are welcomed home and revered. Villagers spend weeks building 14-metre tall festival floats called kiriko, painting and decorating them with elaborate designs. These massive floats take about 100 people to lift and are used to light the way home for the spirits of their families.
The floats are carried around the town and eventually taken out into the sea and set alight. The town also does a firework show over the bay, setting off thousands of fireworks to bring a close to the festival. 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
August is a great 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 August
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 August 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 August
- 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 August
August 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, August 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 August Visit
August 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 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.
