Festivals

Suzu City features a number of festivals throughout the year, most of which are specific to the small towns which make up Suzu City.

Summer and Autumn:

Summer is festival season, and there is nothing better than getting out there with some sake and carrying a kiriko (lantern float) with the locals.

Toroyama Festival - July20th and 21st

Held in the center of Suzu City, Iida Machi, featuring eight lacquer-coated floats which are pulled through the streets, until midnight. This festival is definitely a highlight on Suzu's festival calendar and is the most talked about Suzu festival of the year.

Chongari Festival - August 6th - Iida Machi

This is the one night of the year Suzu City breaks out their 14 metre high lantern (reputed to be the biggest in Japan) and dance around it. Local dancing and performance groups, as well as schools, put on displays. This festival is good to see, even if only to wonder why someone would want to make a lantern that big.

Ukai Festival - August 8th- Horyu Machi

This festival, set with the backdrop of Suzu's famous 'island' Mitsukejima, is definitely one of the best festivals of the year. Starting in the afternoon, it goes well into the night, culminating in 14 metre high kiriko being carried into the ocean. It also features an excellent fireworks display.

Towns throughout Suzu City feature their own kiriko festivals throughout the months of August, September and October, each with its own flavour and entertainment. Various autumn festivals fill the months of September and October, featuring the usual beer and sake fueled debauchery.

Winter:

As well as the typical New Years' celebrations, Suzu also has a great food festival called 'Ai no kase'. It features all the Japanese food you can expect during the winter months. Roast your own fish on the grill or eat 'nabe' dished from a huge cauldron, complete with crabs and other seafood delights. Usually held at the beginning of February.

Spring:

This is cherry blossom time, and there are many places around Suzu to enjoy the spring blooms and the arrival of spring.

Otani River Carp Streamer Festival - May 3rd and 4th

This festival is held in one of the most beautiful towns in Suzu, over the river, just a few steps from the ocean. Over 350 colourful carp streamers fly above the river, whilst various performances are held in the river bed. Definitely a 'must-see'.

Suzu Noryu - Onsen (hot spring) near Hachigasaki beach.

This onsen opened in July 2002, and is a great way to spend a few hours. It comes complete with indoor and outdoor pools, a relaxation room, restaurant, and an 'ion' room, which has to be seen to be believed. There are also wonderful massages available to cure all ills. This is pure luxury in one building.

Restaurants:

'Sugachan' - Iida Machi
This is 'cook your own' okonomiyaki at its best and cheapest. There is a wide variety of Japanese food available, as well as cheap beer on tap.

'Fish Dance' - Indonesian Tasting Bar - Iida Machi
Definitely one of, if not the best restaurant on the Noto Peninsula! 'Fish Dance' provides wonderful Indonesian food using the freshest of ingredients and great imported beer, all at a great price. The Indonesian-like setting is also very authentic. There is also a room out the back of the restaurant for larger groups. And if you ask nicely, the chef may play the guitar for you!

Nihon Kai Club - Uchiura Machi
A European style restaurant and brewery set in a country setting, about twenty minutes from Suzu, in Uchiura Machi. Not only do they make wonderful food, they also brew fantastic beer here as well. You can even eat delicacies such as emu here, if you are that way inclinded.

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