Because the cherry timber burst into bloom, Kanazawa transforms right into a pastel paradise, with magical pink petals adorning historic geisha districts and serene parks. Be a part of me as I uncover the most effective spots to view cherry blossoms in Kanazawa.
Historical past is in all places in Kanazawa, as you possibly can learn in our full journey information. On this put up, I need to present you what this metropolis appears to be like like throughout the cherry blossom season. We’ll traverse its well-preserved Edo-period districts, beautiful gardens, and wealthy cultural heritage whereas unearthing off-the-beaten-path spots, together with an unmissable Sakura sundown.
Cherry Blossom Viewing Tip
Kanazawa cherry blossom viewing was an impromptu journey, as temperamental climate (frequent throughout cherry blossom season) made me change my itinerary. In case your purpose is to see cherry blossoms, I like to recommend creating a versatile itinerary, permitting you to maneuver to totally different cities on brief discover.
Whereas accommodations could be costly throughout peak season, there are many choices accessible in main cities. If in case you have already booked lodging prematurely, take into account day journeys to different cities in case of dangerous climate or delayed blooming durations. To take advantage of this sudden journey, I’ll even have a whole Kanazawa meals information, crammed with irresistible native specialties, coming within the following weeks, so keep tuned.
Now, let’s get exploring!
Asano River (浅野川)
Blooming Interval: Late March to Early April
Photograph date: April seventh, 2024
When the solar is shining and a cool spring breeze is blowing, there isn’t any higher place to spend a day having fun with hanami (cherry blossom viewing) than alongside the Asano River.
The riverbanks are the proper location to take pleasure in a freshly made bento field below the pink blossoms. Stress-free on the banks, subsequent to town middle but so distant, you’ll begin to really feel time stream as calmly because the river’s water.
Subsequent to the river is Higashiyamagashi Ryokuchi Park, which has some meals vehicles and flea market-style stalls. Simply behind the park is the Higashi Chaya District, one in every of Kanazawa’s most well-known geisha districts.
Head to the close by Kazue-Machi Chaya District on the opposite facet of the park. The fragile blossoms drape throughout the walkway, forming a pink and white cover that contrasts fantastically with the standard wood facades of the previous teahouses.
Equally, on the other finish of town middle is Sai River. The breathtaking backdrop of the snow-capped mountains enhances the rows of cherry blossoms.
Daijoji Kyuryo Park (大乗寺丘陵公園)
Blooming Interval: Late March to Early April
Photograph date: April seventh, 2024
Daijoji Kyuryo Park is south of town, roughly 20 minutes by automobile. The No. 30 bus, which takes about 20 minutes to journey from Kanazawa Station to Enkoji Bus Cease, additionally offers entry. From the bus cease, it’s a 15-minute stroll to the park.
The 22.5-hectare park was developed to revive the plush greenery and move it on to future generations. Numerous pathways result in the highest of the parkland, and as you ascend, the Kanazawa skyline emerges behind you.
On the pinnacle of the park, you’ll discover a serene forest of cherry timber. Right here, folks take pleasure in leisurely picnics and moments of leisure, basking within the late afternoon surroundings. If you happen to plan your go to just a few weeks later, you’ll be handled to a panoramic sight: rows upon rows of 13,000 azaleas in full bloom, a real feast for the eyes.
Utatsuyama Park (卯辰山公園) & 400 Yr Forest (四百年の森)
Blooming Interval: Early April to Mid-April
Photograph date: April seventh, 2024
If you happen to’re touring by automobile, it’s effectively price stopping by Utatsuyama Park, only a 5-minute drive from Kanazawa Citadel. Scattered all through the park are statement decks providing panoramic views over town, the Sea of Japan, and the Tateyama Mountain Vary.
The gently sloping hillside park is great for strolling round and discovering tucked-away spots off the crushed path. Small shrines and stone monuments are dotted all through the park, permitting you to study extra about Kanazawa’s historical past and tradition.
Surprisingly, there have been only a few folks once I visited. Though there aren’t an abundance of cherry timber, the stroll via the park grounds was a serene getaway from town.
The 400-Yr Forest is situated barely east of Utatsuyama Park, down a slender winding street. Sadly, I used to be a bit of early for the blossoms, however I can think about how magical it should look throughout full bloom. Many locals have been already having fun with their hanami and do-it-yourself bento packing containers.
Takao Citadel Ruins Observatory (高尾城址見晴らし台)
Blooming Interval: Late March to Early April
Photograph date: April seventh, 2024
I looked for a spot to look at the sundown to take advantage of the incredible climate. Tucked away within the mountains of south Kanazawa, the mountain fort was owned by Togashi Masachika, the guardian of Kaga Province. Nevertheless, the Ikko-Ikki rebellion attacked and captured it in 1488.
The statement deck is constructed on high of the fort ruins, some 590 toes (180 meters) excessive on the mountainside, consisting of round 300 steps. In the course of the ascent, town skyline slowly emerges, framed by numerous cherry timber.
On the high is a small observatory, which lets you soak within the metropolis’s surroundings.
Whereas there are not any actions or monuments, the peacefulness of the chirping birds, the early night breeze, and the faint distant sound of the bustling metropolis made Takao Citadel Ruins Observatory one in every of my favourite spots of the journey.
Kanazawa Citadel Park (金沢城公園) & Kenrokuen Backyard (兼六園)
Blooming Interval: Late March to Early April
Photograph date: April sixth/seventh, 2024
No journey to Kanazawa is full with out visiting the well-known Kanazawa Citadel and the neighboring Kenrokuen. One of the best factor about Kenrokuen (except for the spring blossoms themselves) is that in peak cherry blossom viewing season, you don’t want a ticket—it’s free to enter!
The magical cherry blossoms intensify the fort’s rigorously preserved stone partitions and moats’ magnificence. If you wish to examine what there may be to do and the historical past of the fort and backyard, try our information right here!
Inside Kenrokuen, make sure that to go to Hanami-bashi, a small wood bridge overlooking one of many myriad streams lined by somei-yoshino and yoshino cherry timber.
Questioning the place to search out day-by-day updates on cherry blossoms? One high tip I used to maintain observe of them was looking for the placement on Instagram in Japanese (which I’ve included for every spot). Many individuals put up tales with the placement tagged so you possibly can see up-to-date movies and footage of the cherry blossoms.
Kanazawa Mild Up
The fort and backyard are spectacularly lit within the night so that individuals can take pleasure in yokzakura (night time sakura). Admission to the backyard can also be free throughout the night, however some components are closed off to the general public.
On the outskirts, the meals stalls keep open lengthy into the night time, so you possibly can take pleasure in road meals classics equivalent to okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and numerous sweets. Tea outlets, eating places, and cafes are additionally open, the place you possibly can take pleasure in native Kanazawa delicacies equivalent to gold leaf-wrapped ice cream!
Main as much as the fort, the well-known Ishikawa-mon Gate is adorned with a blanket of enchanting cherry blossoms.
Inside, the park and chateau look totally different because the pink petals mirror and glisten within the water. You would possibly suppose it’s not price visiting the identical spot twice, however the yozakura across the fort and backyard will most positively be a spotlight of your journey.
In order that’s it for Kanazawa cherry blossom! Subsequent, I’ll head to Tokyo for extra spots and ideas in your subsequent spring go to! Be looking out for the Kanazawa meals information, which can be coming quickly and crammed with tantalizing dishes that you need to not miss out on!
