The Best Autumn Foliage Scenery in Kanazawa

Kanazawa's autumn foliage has evolved into “attractive foliage” with the addition of Japanese gardens and other human touches.

This is backed by a unique aesthetic sense that finds beauty even in the mottled maple leaves, which are called "Mura Momiji".

It is not just “Wow, it's beautiful!" but rather, we will guide you to the autumn foliage spots for adults that lead you to the world of wabi-sabi (beauty and refinement).

The best time to view the autumn leaves is usually from mid to late November (unless otherwise noted).

*It varies greatly from year to year.


Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Japan for its seasonal gastronomy, mild weather, and breathtaking fall foliage. For all three, Kanazawa ranks among the best destinations in Japan. Here are some tips on how to enjoy an autumn trip to our city. 

Learn more about fall fun https://visitkanazawa.jp/en/trip-ideas/detail_237.html

Local photographers recommend autumn foliage spots in Kenrokuen Garden

Kenrokuen Garden is beautiful from season to season. One of the most dramatic times to visit Kenrokuen is during the season of autumn leaves. The scenery changes from day to day, and a once-in-a-lifetime view created by people and nature awaits you.


Yamazaki-yama Hill : It is said that this mountain was built using the "doi (earthen gate)" of Kanazawa Castle. The entire area, including maple trees and horse chestnut trees, is covered with yellow and red colors, making it a magnificent sight. Also known as “Momiji-yama(Maple mountain),” it is the best spot for viewing the autumn leaves at Kenrokuen Garden.


Hanami-Bashi, Flower Viewing Bridge ~ Yamazaki-yama Hill: Crossing the Hanami-Bashi Flower Viewing Bridge, which has a parapet of Giboshi ornaments over the Kyokusui river, and walking along the "Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts" and the Kyokusui river on the way to Yamazaki-yama Hill. The red and yellow maple trees are beautiful, and the autumn leaves reflected in the Kyokusui river and the fallen leaves spread over the moss are also picturesque.


Kasumiga-ike Pond: The Kotoji Stone Lantern stands by the pond and is a representative spot of Kenrokuen Garden. Circling around the pond, visitors can enjoy the various expressions of the autumn leaves. The most recommended view is the collaboration of the autumn leaves on the opposite shore reflected on the water when looking back across the Niji-bashi Bridge in front of the Kotoji Stone Lantern and the pine tree with Yukitsuri(snow hanging) from Oyashirazu road and the autumn leaves.


Sazae-yama, Shelfish-Hill: This 9-meter-high hill was built with soil from the excavation of Kasumiga-ike Pond during the Edo period. From the top, visitors can enjoy the contrast between the colorful autumn leaves and the blue of the pond, as well as the view of Mt.Utatsu with autumn leaves. When illuminated, the maple tree in the foreground and the Karasaki Pine Tree float in the darkness, creating a fantastic sight.

※As of November 2024, the Sazae-yama, Shelfish-Hill is off-limits. It is possible to view it from the surrounding area. Please check the Kenrokuen garden website for the latest information.


Hisago-ike Pond: Hisago-ike Pond is located immediately after entering the Mayumizaka Gate on the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa side. The colored forest looming behind the pond and the Midori-taki Waterfall falling through the forest give the pond an atmosphere of a deep mountain valley. When the pond is lit up, the colorful autumn leaves are reflected on the surface of the water, creating a mysterious atmosphere.


(Written by Ken Wakai, Hokuriku Writer)

The Four Seasons of Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden: Autumn Illuminations

During autumn nights in Kenrokuen Garden, the yukitsuri ropes suspending the branches of the trees and the beautiful foliage are lit to evoke a magical atmosphere.

The Four Seasons of Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden: Autumn Illuminations

Autumn Foliage Spots in the Town

Kanazawa is known as the "City of Forests". The city is full of greenery, and beautiful autumn leaves can be seen everywhere in Kanazawa. Here are some typical autumn foliage spots in the center of Kanazawa.


American Maple Avenue: The 250-meter straight road connecting the front of Kanazawa City Hall and Kanazawa Castle Park Gyokusen'inmaru Entrance is lined with American Maple trees. Together with the adjacent Fourth High School Memorial Park and Hirosaka Greens, visitors can enjoy the refined autumn foliage typical of the forest city. During the fall foliage season, the trees are lit up at night. The best time to view the leaves is a little early in early November.


Kanazawa Castle Park: Starting with the Hommaruenchi Park, which is covered with dense trees, there are deep forests that one would not expect to find in the center of the town. In addition to maples and cherry trees, some of them are beech trees, and the red and yellow trees look beautiful against the evergreen trees.


Honda-no Mori Forest: Located in a corner of the nature-rich Kodatsuno Plateau, the forest is dotted with cultural facilities. The contrast between the retro buildings, such as the Ishikawa Pref. Museum of History and the National Crafts Museum, and the autumn leaves is picturesque. The café at the Ishikawa Pref. Museum of Art, with its large glass windows jutting out into the forest, is also popular.


"Bijutsu-no Komichi"(Art Path), "Midori-no Komichi"(Green Path): The "Bijutsu-no Komichi(Art Path)" leading from the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art to the Nakamura Memorial Museum and the “Midori-no Komichi(Green Path)” leading from the Nakamura Memorial Museum to D.T. Suzuki Museum are pleasant walking paths away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The dense foliage is colorful in the fall.


Shin-en Garden of Oyama Jinja Shrine: The garden extends to the right of the main hall. It is a garden with a pond and fountain, with a central island shaped like a Gagaku(Japanese traditional court music) instrument and elaborate bridges connecting the island and the pond.The garden is beautifully colored with autumn leaves in mid-November.

Japanese garden with magnificent autumn foliage

Maeda Toshiie, the first lord of the Kaga Domain, and Toshinaga, the second, learned the tea ceremony from their tea master Sen no Rikyu, and the Kaga Domain widely promoted the tea ceremony, which still flourishes today. Kanazawa is known as a town where tea ceremonies are still popular today.

*All of the gardens introduced here require a fee for admission. For details, please refer to the links below.


Nishida Family's Gyokusen-en Garden : It is a varied two-tiered upper and lower pond garden with a variety of foliage. It also has the oldest teahouse in Kanazawa. Designated as a place of scenic beauty by Ishikawa Prefecture.


Samurai Residence Kurando Terashima's House: There is an old azalea tree that is over 300 years old and about 200 trees, mostly those that bear fruit for food, in the garden. Designated as a historical site by Kanazawa City.


Nomura Samurai Family Residence: The water from the Onosho canal flows over the porch of the garden, and the lanterns and beautifully pruned trees around the garden are relaxing. The Garden was awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.


Tsujike-teien GardenAn English-style natural garden created by Jihei Ogawa VII, the father of modern Japanese gardens. The 300-year-old zelkova tree, the symbol of the garden, is an eye-catcher. It is Kanazawa City Designated Cultural Property.


Gyokusen’inmaru Garden: The garden was created by MAEDA Toshitsune, the third lord of the Kaga Domain, and existed in the Gyokusen'inmaru of Kanazawa Castle until the abolition of the domain. The current garden was faithfully restored in 2015.

Green tea with a view of the Japanese garden

One of the best parts of a trip to Kanazawa is relaxing with a cup of tea while admiring the beautiful garden decorated with autumn leaves. In addition to the four places introduced here, there are many other places where you can enjoy such an elegant moment. Shigure-tei in Kenrokuen Garden and Gyokusen-tei in Gyokusen-inmaru Garden of Kanazawa Castle Park offer authentic hospitality with matcha green tea and Japanese sweets.

Green tea with a view of the Japanese garden

Introduction of tours to enjoy autumn foliage

定期観光バス「白山めぐり 白山手取川ジオパーク号」
定期観光バス「白山めぐり 白山手取川ジオパーク号」
祝・世界認定!白山手取川ジオパークで季節を感じよう!
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Highway Bus from Kanazawa to Gokayama, Shirakawa-go, and Takayama
Highway Bus from Kanazawa to Gokayama, Shirakawa-go, and Takayama
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加賀友禅のこころにふれるちいさな旅
加賀友禅のこころにふれるちいさな旅
金沢・浅野川から卯辰山へ紅葉を愛で、加賀友禅ゆかりの『龍國寺』で加賀友禅作家と加賀友禅染め彩色(色付け)体験。
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【観光タクシーチャーター】ホワイトロードから世界遺産白川郷・五箇山を周遊(6時間)
【観光タクシーチャーター】ホワイトロードから世界遺産白川郷・五箇山を周遊(6時間)
白川郷に詳しいドライバーが、世界遺産白川郷・五箇山をご案内致します。
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[Chartered Taxi/6 hours]Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Tour
[Chartered Taxi/6 hours]Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Tour
Visit famous UNESCO World Cultural Heritages from Kanazawa
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A small journey to touch the heart of traditional craft Kaga Yuzen
A small journey to touch the heart of traditional craft Kaga Yuzen
Admire the autumn leaves from the Asano River to Mt. Utatsu, and experience Kaga Yuzen dyeing and coloring with a Kaga Yuzen artist at Ryukokuji Temple, which is associated with Kaga Yuzen.
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  • Kenrokuen Garden
  • Kanazawa Castle Park
  • Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History
  • Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art
  • National Crafts Museum
  • "Bijutsu no komici(Path of Art), "Midori no komichi(Path of Green)
  • Samurai Residence Kurando Terashima's House
  • Nomura Samurai Family Residence
  • Gyokusen-en Garden
  • 【観光タクシーチャーター】ホワイトロードから世界遺産白川郷・五箇山を周遊(6時間)
  • 加賀友禅のこころにふれるちいさな旅
  • 定期観光バス「白山めぐり 白山手取川ジオパーク号」
  • [Chartered Taxi/6 hours]Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Tour
  • A small journey to touch the heart of traditional craft Kaga Yuzen

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