The 43rd Echizen Ceramics Festival

A large fireworks festival said to be the biggest in the Hokuriku region. Set against the backdrop of Mikuni Sunset Beach, approximately 15,000 fireworks, including 2-shaku shells, are launched. Musical fireworks and starmines bloom in magnificent splendor, and among them, the underwater fireworks thrown directly into the sea from boats by pyrotechnicians have become a signature of the Mikuni Fireworks Festival. Image courtesy: Mikuni Fireworks Festival Executive Committee

Towering festival floats with large dolls, reaching up to 6 meters in height, are truly impressive. These doll floats parade through the streets along with mikoshi (portable shrines), accompanied by traditional music. Street stalls also line the roads, and the entire town bustles with activity throughout the day. Note: The parade takes place only on the 20th.

The Maruoka Castle Honmaru is maintained as Kasukiga Castle Park, with cherry blossoms, and is designated as the "100 Places of Sakura". Maruoka Castle is the oldest surviving Tenjōkaku, together with Inuyama Castle in Aichi Prefecture, and is also certified as "100 Japanese Great Castles". Every year, a cherry blossom festival is held during the flowering period, and various events are held on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday 6.