Kanazawa: 4 Splendid Cherry Blossom Spots to Visit in 2024

The castle site is home to over 400 cherry trees. Similar to Kenrokuen, it is also lit up from early to mid-April. You can see a totally different and beautiful side of the cherry blossoms at night.

Kanazawa Castle Ruins

1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture 920-0937

3. Saigawa River Terrace

Photo by Pixta

Known as “the manly river” for its vigorous current, the Saigawa River is about 30 minutes from Kanazawa Station by car. Its banks are lined with cherry blossom trees, making Saigawa River the perfect place to view cherry blossoms in springtime. While the flowers are blooming, the area of trees near Saigawa Bridge may be lit up.

Saigawa Bridge, registered as a Japanese tangible cultural property site, is also worth seeing.

Saigawa Bridge

Address: Ishikawa, Kanazawa City, Katamachi　Map
Access: 15 minutes on foot from Nomachi Station (Hokuriku Railroad, Ishikawa Line)

4. Mt. Okuutatsu Park

Picture courtesy of Mt. Okuutatsu Park

At Mt. Okuutatsu Park, visitors can have barbecues, play park golf, and enjoy the beauty of nature at beautiful spots such as the rose garden.

In spring, check out the blossoms that hang over the pond. The flowers are reflected in the water’s surface, turning the surrounding area into beautiful sheades of pink! The park also has double-flowered cherry trees and Yoshino cherry trees, which are some of the most popular sakura types.

Mt. Okuutatsu Park

Address: Ishikawa, Kanazawa City, Wakamatsu 32　Map
Access: From JR Kanazawa Station, take the Kita-Tetsu bus bound for Mt. Utatsu/Senjukaku (35 minutes, 310 yen) and get off at the Suzumidai 4-chome stop, then walk for 16 minutes
Website: Okuutatsu

What to Wear During Cherry Blossom Viewing Season in Kanazawa

Kanazawa’s cherry blossoms go into bloom from early to mid-April. In general, the temperature will range from 11 to 14℃, so you will need a jacket or sweater. It gets colder as the day goes on, so if you want to see the flowers at night, you should bring a coat.

Cherry Blossom Viewing Etiquette

The flowers will bloom all at once and fall from the trees before long, so many people will visit cherry blossom viewing spots. The important thing is to be polite. Here is some basic etiquette when going to see the blooms.

1. Clean Up After Yourself and Take Your Trash Home

Make sure to clean up any trash from bento boxes, snacks, and drinks, and take it with you when you leave.

2. Don’t Shout!

It’s fun to chat as you look at the flowers, and it’s not a rule that you have to be quiet, but don’t bother other people. One cause of noise problems is alcohol. You may see other groups getting too drunk and causing a fuss, but don’t forget that they’re bothering people who are trying to enjoy themselves. Be considerate of those around you.

3. Only Reserve the Necessary Space for Your Group

Finding the Perfect Spot for Cherry Blossom Viewing, source
When you’re going to see cherry blossoms, you’ll have to find a spot to view them from. However, don’t try to reserve more space than your group needs. Remember to compromise with others.

4. Do Not Touch the Trees!

Avoid plucking flower petals or climbing on the branches. Many cherry blossom viewing spots have fencing around the trees, and it is forbidden to enter these enclosures. Be considerate and respectful when you go to see the cherry blossoms.

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