Horyu Tanabata Kiriko Festival

One of Noto's signature kiriko festivals, with over 500 years of history, held on the first Saturday of August at Mitsuke Beach (Mitsuke Park). More than a hundred bearers carry six large kiriko lantern floats — about 14 meters tall and two tons — plus one children's kiriko, sounding bells and drums as they parade around the mouth of the Ukai River. The climax comes at night when bearers wade into the sea and make the kiriko dance toward a torch pillar set 20-30 meters offshore. Fishing fires and fireworks color the sky and water in a stunning scene. Also held as a prayer for recovery from the Noto earthquake, it is a component of the 'Japan Heritage' kiriko festivals of Noto.