[Kanazawa Ver.] 7 famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Ishikawa Prefecture | 2024 Edition with viewing season and flowering forecast

Kanazawa is a place where you can enjoy beautiful scenery in all seasons. Spring is the cherry blossom season. The best time to see them is usually in early April. Kanazawa Castle Park, where you can see the beautiful cherry blossoms blooming along the stone walls, and Kenrokuen Garden, which has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom spots, are famous for their scenic views. You can also see the rows of cherry blossom trees along the Asano River and the Saigawa River. The magical atmosphere at night is also recommended.

• Table of Contents
• Mt. Utatsu (Suehiro-cho)
• Saigawa Ryokuchi Park  (Hoshima-cho)
• Kenrokuen Garden (Kenroku-cho)
• Big Cherry Blossoms at Shogetsuji Temple (Teramachi)
• Along the Asano River (Kazue-cho)
• Kanazawa University Kakuma Campus (Kakuma-cho)
• Daijoji Hills Park (Nagasaka-cho)

Mt. Utatsu (Suehiro-cho)

Best time to see: late March to early April

In addition to the approximately 250 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees planted along the circulation route, cherry blossoms such as Yaezakura (double-flowered cherry blossom) and Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) are in full bloom throughout the park. From the observation deck at an altitude of 141m, you can see not only the cityscape of Kanazawa, but also the Sea of ​​Japan and the Hakusan mountain on clear days, and you can also enjoy the fabulous night view.

■Address: Around Suehiro-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
■TEL: 076-220-2356 (Kanazawa City Green and Flower Division)

■Information
Cherry blossoms: Approximately 270 trees
Open: Available at any time
Fees: None
Toilet: Available
Parking: Approximately 50 cars
Light up: None

Saigawa Ryokuchi Park  (Hoshima-cho)

Best time to see: late March to early April

Every year, a tunnel-like scenery of cherry blossoms spreads out on both banks of the Saigawa River. In particular, the lawn on the riverbed near the Ishikawa Children's Exchange Center is said to be a great place to enjoy a picnic while viewing the cherry blossoms. There is also plenty of play equipment for children, so it's perfect for cherry blossom viewing with the family.

■Address: Around Hoshima-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
■TEL: 076-243-8564 (Eco Team Saikawa)

■Information
Cherry blossoms: Approximately 40 trees
Open: Available at any time
Fees: None
Toilet: Available
Parking: 196 cars
Light up: None

Kenrokuen Garden (Kenroku-cho)

Best time to see: late March to early April

As one of Japan's top three gardens, you can enjoy beautiful scenery all year round. Approximately 420 cherry trees have been planted in the park, and the park is scheduled to be open for free and illuminated in early April, which is the best time to see them. Kenrokuen is also famous for its beautiful kikuzakura (chrysanthemum cherry blossoms), which have over 300 petals and are at their best in late April. It is also popular to take a stroll through the cherry blossom trees that line the garden path of the adjacent Kanazawa Castle Ishikawa Gate.

■Address: 1 Kenrokucho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
■TEL: 076-234-3800 (Ishikawa Prefecture Kanazawa Castle/Kenrokuen Management Office)

■Information
Cherry blossoms: Approximately 420 trees
Open: 7:00-18:00 (varies depending on the season)
Fees: 320 yen for adults, 100 yen for children
*Free during cherry blossom viewing season: March 27, 2023 (Monday) - April 2, 2023 (Sunday) 7:00-21:30
Toilet: Available
Parking: None (nearby pay parking lots available)
Light up: sunset - 21:30

Big Cherry Blossoms at Shogetsuji Temple (Teramachi)

Best time to see: early April~

A nationally designated natural monument. An old mountain cherry tree that is estimated to be 400 years old. It blooms white flowers up to 5cm in diameter. It is called "Gotenzakura", and it is said that during the Edo period, feudal lords paid respect to the cherry blossoms, holding down their spears when passing in front of them.

■Address: 5-5-22 Teramachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
■TEL: 076-241-0874 (Shogetsuji Temple)

■Information
Cherry blossoms: 1 tree
Open: Available at any time
Fees: None
Toilet: None
Parking: 3 cars
Light up: 19:00-21:00 when in full bloom (estimated schedule)
*Cancelled in case of rain

Along the Asano River (Kazue-cho)

Best time to see: early April to mid-April

The scenery of the Higashi Chaya District and Kazue-cho streets and the rows of cherry blossom trees is very atmospheric. At night, it is lit up with gas lamps, and the cherry blossoms reflected on the river surface create an even more atmospheric atmosphere. There is a promenade along the grassy riverbed, making it a great place to take a stroll.

■Address: around Kazue-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
■TEL: 076-233-7640 (Kanazawa/Asano River Enyukai)

■Information
Cherry blossoms: Approximately 50 trees
Open: Available at any time
Fees: None
Toilet: Available
Parking: None
Light up: Available

Kanazawa University Kakuma Campus (Kakuma-cho)

Best time to see: early April~

There are approximately 3,600 cherry blossom trees, including Somei-Yoshino and Yamazakura, making it one of the largest scales at any university in Japan. Many of the trees are around 30 years old, and the best time to see them is in early April every year. You are free to view the cherry blossoms on the campus, and during the cherry blossom season you can enjoy viewing them while walking around the vast campus.

■Address: Kakuma-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
■TEL: 076-264-5111 (General Affairs Division, General Affairs Department, Kanazawa University)

■Information
Cherry blossoms: Approximately 3,600 trees
Open: None
Fees: None
Toilet: Not Available
Parking lot: None
Light up: None

Daijoji Hills Park (Nagasaka-cho)

Best time to see: early April to mid-April

A park located in a hilly area in the southern part of Kanazawa. On a clear day, the park is lined with Somei-Yoshino cherry trees and wild cherry trees, offering spectacular views of Kanazawa city and the Sea of ​​Japan. It is also known as a famous place where you can see about 13,000 azaleas in early summer.

■Address: Nagasaka-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
■Tel: 076-220-2356 (Kanazawa City Hall Green and Flower Division)

■Information
Cherry blossoms: Approximately 135 trees
Open: April to September (8:00 to 19:00), October to March (8:00 to 18:00) *Closed: 12/29 to 1/3
Fees: None
Toilets: Available
Parking: Upper parking lot 165 cars, middle parking lot 130 cars, lower parking lot 155 cars
Light up: None

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