Kaga-tobi Dezomeshiki Festival

The Kaga-tobi Dezomeshiki Festival (加賀とび) is held every January at Kanazawa Castle, where a thousand local firefighters showcase their bravery and skills. This exciting event features the stunning dezomeshiki, where firefighters perform acrobatic feats atop tall ladders, all while wearing traditional garb. Despite the chilly Ishikawa winter, these brave firefighters wear minimal clothing, sometimes even drenched by water hoses, while they climb and maneuver.

The origins of this spectacular tradition date back to the Edo period (1603-1867), when firefighting teams coordinated by a leader atop a high ladder would shout commands. A highlight of the event is the matoi—Edo-period flags adorned with gold leaf that were once used to indicate a fire was being extinguished. Each firefighting team carries its own unique matoi, adding a historical touch to the performance.