As the cherry trees burst into bloom, Kanazawa transforms into a pastel paradise, with magical pink petals adorning ancient geisha districts and serene parks. Join me as I uncover the best spots to view cherry blossoms in Kanazawa.
History is everywhere in Kanazawa, as you can read in our complete travel guide. In this post, I want to show you what this city looks like during the cherry blossom season. We’ll traverse its well-preserved Edo-period districts, stunning gardens, and rich cultural heritage while unearthing off-the-beaten-path spots, including an unmissable Sakura sunset.
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Cherry Blossom Viewing Tip
Kanazawa cherry blossom viewing was an impromptu trip, as temperamental weather (common during cherry blossom season) made me change my itinerary. If your goal is to see cherry blossoms, I recommend creating a flexible itinerary, allowing you to move to different cities on short notice.
While hotels can be expensive during peak season, there are plenty of options available in major cities. If you have already booked accommodation in advance, consider day trips to other cities in case of bad weather or delayed blooming periods. To make the most of this unexpected trip, I’ll also have a complete Kanazawa food guide, filled with irresistible local specialties, coming in the following weeks, so stay tuned.
Now, let’s get exploring!
Asano River (浅野川)
Blooming Period: Late March to Early April
Photo date: April 7th, 2024
When the sun is shining and a cool spring breeze is blowing, there is no better place to spend a day enjoying hanami (cherry blossom viewing) than along the Asano River.
The riverbanks are the perfect location to enjoy a freshly made bento box under the pink blossoms. Relaxing on the banks, next to the city center yet so distant, you’ll start to feel time flow as calmly as the river’s water.
Next to the river is Higashiyamagashi Ryokuchi Park, which has some food trucks and flea market-style stalls. Just behind the park is the Higashi Chaya District, one of Kanazawa’s most famous geisha districts.
Head to the nearby Kazue-Machi Chaya District on the other side of the park. The delicate blossoms drape across the walkway, forming a pink and white canopy that contrasts beautifully with the traditional wooden facades of the old teahouses.
Similarly, on the opposite end of the city center is Sai River. The breathtaking backdrop of the snow-capped mountains complements the rows of cherry blossoms.
Daijoji Kyuryo Park (大乗寺丘陵公園)
Blooming Period: Late March to Early April
Photo date: April 7th, 2024
Daijoji Kyuryo Park is south of the city, approximately 20 minutes by car. The No. 30 bus, which takes about 20 minutes to travel from Kanazawa Station to Enkoji Bus Stop, also provides access. From the bus stop, it’s a 15-minute walk to the park.
The 22.5-hectare park was developed to restore the lush greenery and pass it on to future generations. Various pathways lead to the top of the parkland, and as you ascend, the Kanazawa skyline emerges behind you.
At the pinnacle of the park, you’ll find a serene forest of cherry trees. Here, people enjoy leisurely picnics and moments of relaxation, basking in the late afternoon scenery. If you plan your visit a few weeks later, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking sight: rows upon rows of 13,000 azaleas in full bloom, a true feast for the eyes.
Utatsuyama Park (卯辰山公園) & 400 Year Forest (四百年の森)
Blooming Period: Early April to Mid-April
Photo date: April 7th, 2024
If you’re traveling by car, it’s well worth stopping by Utatsuyama Park, just a 5-minute drive from Kanazawa Castle. Scattered throughout the park are observation decks offering panoramic views over the city, the Sea of Japan, and the Tateyama Mountain Range.
The gently sloping hillside park is excellent for strolling around and discovering tucked-away spots off the beaten path. Small shrines and stone monuments are dotted throughout the park, allowing you to learn more about Kanazawa’s history and culture.
Surprisingly, there were very few people when I visited. Although there aren’t an abundance of cherry trees, the walk through the park grounds was a serene getaway from the city.
The 400-Year Forest is located slightly east of Utatsuyama Park, down a narrow winding road. Unfortunately, I was a little early for the blossoms, but I can imagine how magical it must look during full bloom. Many locals were already enjoying their hanami and homemade bento boxes.
Takao Castle Ruins Observatory (高尾城址見晴らし台)
Blooming Period: Late March to Early April
Photo date: April 7th, 2024
I searched for a place to watch the sunset to make the most of the fantastic weather. Tucked away in the mountains of south Kanazawa, the mountain castle was owned by Togashi Masachika, the guardian of Kaga Province. However, the Ikko-Ikki uprising attacked and captured it in 1488.
The observation deck is built on top of the castle ruins, some 590 feet (180 meters) high on the mountainside, consisting of around 300 steps. During the ascent, the city skyline slowly emerges, framed by countless cherry trees.
At the top is a small observatory, which allows you to soak in the city’s scenery.
While there are no activities or monuments, the peacefulness of the chirping birds, the early evening breeze, and the faint distant sound of the bustling city made Takao Castle Ruins Observatory one of my favorite spots of the trip.
Kanazawa Castle Park (金沢城公園) & Kenrokuen Garden (兼六園)
Blooming Period: Late March to Early April
Photo date: April 6th/7th, 2024
No trip to Kanazawa is complete without visiting the famous Kanazawa Castle and the neighboring Kenrokuen. The best thing about Kenrokuen (aside from the spring blossoms themselves) is that during peak cherry blossom viewing season, you don’t need a ticket—it’s free to enter!
The magical cherry blossoms accentuate the castle’s carefully preserved stone walls and moats’ beauty. If you want to read about what there is to do and the history of the castle and garden, check out our guide here!
Inside Kenrokuen, make sure to visit Hanami-bashi, a small wooden bridge overlooking one of the myriad streams lined by somei-yoshino and yoshino cherry trees.
Wondering where to find day-by-day updates on cherry blossoms? One top tip I used to keep track of them was searching for the location on Instagram in Japanese (which I have included for each spot). Many people post stories with the location tagged so you can see up-to-date videos and pictures of the cherry blossoms.
Kanazawa Light Up
The castle and garden are spectacularly lit in the evening so that people can enjoy yokzakura (night sakura). Admission to the garden is also free during the evening, but some parts are closed off to the public.
On the outskirts, the food stalls stay open long into the night, so you can enjoy street food classics such as okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and various sweets. Tea shops, restaurants, and cafes are also open, where you can enjoy local Kanazawa delicacies such as gold leaf-wrapped ice cream!
Leading up to the castle, the famous Ishikawa-mon Gate is adorned with a blanket of enchanting cherry blossoms.
Inside, the park and castle look different as the pink petals reflect and glisten in the water. You might think it’s not worth visiting the same spot twice, but the yozakura around the castle and garden will most definitely be a highlight of your trip.
So that’s it for Kanazawa cherry blossom! Next, I’ll head to Tokyo for more spots and tips for your next spring visit! Be on the lookout for the Kanazawa food guide, which will be coming soon and filled with tantalizing dishes that you must not miss out on!
