Kaga-tobi Dezomeshiki Festival

The Kaga-tobi Dezomeshiki Festival (加賀とび) takes place every January at Kanazawa Castle, showcasing a thrilling display of courage and skill by over a thousand local firefighters. This traditional festival is famous for the incredible feats performed by the firefighters, who scale tall ladders while dressed in minimal clothing, despite the freezing temperatures of the Ishikawa winter. Their acrobatic performances involve climbing, balancing, and even being drenched by water hoses, all while wearing traditional gear. The event offers a rare opportunity to witness the bravery and precision involved in firefighting techniques passed down through generations.

Rooted in history, the Kaga-tobi Dezomeshiki Festival traces its origins to the Edo period (1603-1867), when firefighting teams, led by a commander atop a high ladder, would work in unison to battle fires. A key feature of the festival is the matoi—flags once used by firefighters to signal the extinguishing of a fire. These intricate flags, often adorned with gold leaf, are carried by each team during their performance, adding a historical touch to the spectacle. This blend of tradition, history, and daring performance makes the Kaga-tobi Dezomeshiki Festival a must-see cultural experience in Kanazawa.