VISIT KANAZAWA, JAPAN - Official Travel Guide

One of Kanazawa’s biggest spring highlights is the cherry blossom season. During this time of the year, visitors from all over flock to the area to take in the stunning display of cherry trees that bloom throughout the city, including the someiyoshino, yamazakura, yaezakura, and kikuzakura tree varieties. Wandering through the streets of Kanazawa, the contrast of these delicate pink and white flowers against the city’s historic buildings and natural beauty will take your breath away.

Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, is especially popular at Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park. These lovely gardens and lush fields are transformed into a sea of pink and white, with visitors enjoying the blossoming trees. It's an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience that you won't want to miss.

However, the cherry blossom season is only the beginning of Kanazawa's floral fun. As the season progresses, other types of flowers begin to bloom: first is the fukujuso, known as “the flower that heralds spring,” then comes the plum trees in March and azaleas that can be enjoyed through late April to late May. In May, it’s time for the doudan azalea, for beautiful peonies, and the purple blooms of the wisteria. These vibrant and colorful flowers complement the already stunning scenery, making Kanazawa a nature lover's paradise. Kenrokuen Garden is a particularly popular spot for enjoying these flowers.

Overall, the period from March to May is a wonderful time to visit Kanazawa, with a range of seasonal attractions and cultural experiences to enjoy. Our beautiful city has something to offer to everyone, whether you're interested in natural beauty, cultural events, or local cuisine.

Speaking of cuisine, spring in Kanazawa is a great time to try some of the city's delicious seasonal dishes.

Kanazawa is well-known for its seafood, and spring is an especially good time to enjoy sayori (also known as the "hanami fish") and delicious sushi and sashimi made with mebaru, flounder, and other fish from the Sea of Japan at this time of year.

Seafood isn’t the only notable delicacy in Kanazawa’s varied gastronomy: the city's seasonal cuisine also includes mountain delights such as wild vegetables, bamboo shoots, and more.

Visitors can also enjoy tastings and tours at several well-known local sake breweries throughout the city.

Kanazawa is also famous for its Japanese confections. In the spring, cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, and other colorful flower-shaped sweets adorn the storefronts of Japanese confectionery stores and appear on the menus of many Japanese-style cafes. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy the season with your eyes as well as your taste buds!

Spring in Kanazawa is a time of beauty and celebration, and during this time of the year, the city hosts many events and festivals that we recommend that you do not miss.

In spring, Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden are tinged with white and pink thanks to the over 400 cherry trees of about 40 varieties blooming throughout the area. During the cherry blossom season, the Kenrokuen Garden, the Kanazawa Castle Park, and the Gyokusen-in-maru Garden are all open free of charge and illuminated for a limited time. Cherry blossoms usually bloom early April, but the exact dates can vary depending on the weather. In addition to the cherry blossoms, a light-up viewing event is also held during Golden Week(Holidays in late April and early May). This is another great opportunity to see the gardens in all their illuminated glory.

Another exciting event in Kanazawa is the Asanogawa Koi Nagashi, which takes place in early May. During this unique event, many carp streamers float down the Asanogawa River, creating a beautiful and atmospheric sight. The streamers resemble the yuzen-nagashi, once a common sight on the Asanogawa River and thought to bring good luck and prosperity to the city.

The Gargan Music Festival, which takes place from late April to early May, is another spring highlight in Kanazawa. This annual event brings together Japanese and international artists to perform classical and other types of music from around the world. It's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in a variety of musical styles and cultures all in one place. 

Kanazawa is just a 2.5-hour train ride from Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, and it’s the ideal destination to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis and indulge in the city's delicious and varied cuisine and stunning spring views. 

If you're visiting Kanazawa in the spring, pack wisely and be prepared for various weather conditions. Weather in Kanazawa can be unpredictable this time of year, ranging from chilly mornings and evenings to hot summer-like days.

As far as clothing goes, it's important to pack layers to be prepared for both warm and cold weather. 

In March: bring a coat, jacket, or sweater to stay warm in the morning and evening, when temperatures can drop below 5 degrees Celsius. 

In April: mornings and nights can still be in the single digits, so bring a jacket or sweater, as well as long-sleeved shirts.

In May: bring both a light jacket or long-sleeved shirt, and short-sleeved shirts for the hotter days.

Overall, the key to packing for spring in Kanazawa is to be prepared for a range of weather conditions. With a little bit of planning, you'll be able to enjoy all that the city has to offer, no matter what the weather brings.