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The Iida Toroyama Matsuri is a Kasuga Shrine ritual held in Iida, Suzu City, located on the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture. It is said to have started in the early Kan'ei era (1624-1643, giving it over 370 years of history), during a scorching summer, when the townsfolk welcomed the gods of Kasuga Shrine down to the city to cool off in the evening air by building a float and parading it around in spirit of celebration.
The biggest eye catcher of this festival is the 16m tall giant doll float called Toroyama, made by the hands of Suzu citizens. It weighs over five tons. And since is anyone is allowed to take a stab at pulling it, this event is great for festival goers who like to do more than just watch. It features nine different floats, including Toroyama, as well as a portable shrine, mikoshi, parade.
The main attraction of this festival is the 16m tall, 5.5t float Toroyama. One of the biggest pull floats in Japan, it is listed in Suzu City's intangible folk cultural assets. Once every two years, it is made anew by the hands of its loving town. Watching this massive Toroyama swaying to and fro as it's pulled around the streets is a stomach-full on its own.*The Toroyama is paraded on the 20th only, and displayed in the Iida Wakuwaku Hiroba on the 21st.
On the 20th, from 16:30 to 20:00, is the "Matsuri Experience" tour, where you can participate in on the action. So don't just watch, put on a happi, and help the locals pull the massive Toroyama to celebrate this passionate festival. There is even an interpreter present for the sake of overseas participants.
Info: Gather at the Iida Wakuwaku Hiroba at 16:30
Fee: 3000 yen per person (includes insurance coverage, beverage and T-shirt)
Contact: Iida Wakuwaku Hiroba
0768-82-7890
The first day reaches its finale when the nine floats all meet up at the Azuma bridge as fireworks paint the night sky. There are many food stands to try out as well. You will never forget the summer you had when visiting the beautiful Okunoto region where untouched landscapes of the heart still remain.
The float weighs 5.5 t, so do not go too close
Anyone may pull the float, but damaging or defacing it in any way is strictly prohibited.
Due to the consumption of alcohol by seasoned locals, it may prove ""safer"" to participate in the pulling of the float through the ""Matsuri Experience"" tour.
Taking roads that are not included in the parade course is not recommended as they can be drastically empty.
Access to Suzu City, Iida-cho
When going by bus
From the JR Kanazawa Station, take the Suzu Express train. Get off at Suzu Shiyakusho Mae (2.5h).
When going by car
From Kanazawa City, take the Noto Satoyama Kaido, Suzu Doro towards Suzu City (2.5h).
When going by airplane
From Noto Satoyama Airport, take the Furusato Taxi to Suzu City (40m).
Venue:
Around Iida-cho, Suzu City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Iida Wakuwaku Hiroba (gather here to participate in the ""Matsuri Experience"" tour)
16-21-1 Iida-cho, Suzu City, Ishikawa Prefecture
