Translated by Lester Somera
4 Top Cherry Blossom Spots In Kanazawa To Visit In 2020
Written by MATCHA
Kanazawa is one of the famous travel destinations of Ishikawa Prefecture, particularly known for Kenrokuen, the beautiful Japanese garden, and Kanazawa Castle. This is a fantastic place to visit when the cherry blossoms are in bloom in early April!
Cherry Blossom Season in Kanazawa
Kanazawa City in Ishikawa has flourished as a castle town in the Edo period (1603-1868). Kenrokuen Garden, one of the top three traditional gardens in Japan, is one of the most famous places to visit in the city.
In the spring, visitors can enjoy the view of Kanazawa Castle, the traditional atmosphere of the old town area, and the beauty of the cherry blossoms.
Kanazawa's Cherry Blossom Season in 2020
Approximated dates for when the cherry blossoms start to bloom in Kanazawa and when they are in peak bloom, are listed below. In general, they last from early to mid-April. Compared to the flowers in Tokyo, which are best seen from late March to early April, these bloom a little later.
| Start Date in 2020 | March 29 |
| Full Bloom Date in 2020 | April 1 |
In this article, we’ll introduce four spots to see the cherry blossoms in Kanazawa.
1. Kenrokuen Garden
Picture from 5 Superb Cherry Blossom Spots In Ishikawa, Toyama And Fukui
The vast Kenrokuen Garden is one of Japan’s top three gardens, along with Korakuen in Okayama and Kairakuen in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture.
Kenrokuen Garden boasts one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing locations in Ishikawa, with 420 cherry trees of twenty varieties that bloom in the springtime. The rare Sphaerantha cherry blossoms are a must-see, with a unique shape and color that change as the season goes on.
Kenrokuen Garden’s Sphaerantha cherry blossoms
In early April, Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden are lit up and entry to the garden is free. Be aware that the duration of the light-up varies from year to year, and that Kenrokuen does not have areas to lay out tarps for picnics. Enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst the trees.
2. Kanazawa Castle
While towering keeps are symbols of Japanese castles, the iconic Kanazawa Castle is known for not having one. At this famous destination, you can not only enjoy nature but also experience the history and culture of Kanazawa. Places like the Ishikawa Gate and the castle park are some of the highlights of the castle.
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.
3. Saigawa River Terrace
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 Google 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 Google Maps
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
Homepage: Okuutatsu
What to Wear During Cherry Blossom Viewing Season, and Kanazawa Weather
Kanazawa’s cherry blossoms go in 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 flowers.
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.
Read also
*This is an updated version of an article originally published on July 13, 2016.
Original writer: Sawada Tomomi
