Light up Kenrokuen Garden in every season and you will want to go back again and again!
Kanazawa City is making efforts to create a town where visitors can enjoy unique night views and enjoy night sightseeing. One of the symbols of this is the lighting up of Kenrokuen Garden.
Many of you may have visited during the daytime, but the completely different appearance of Kenrokuen at night is also highly recommended.
However, this is not always possible. The lighting up of Kenrokuen is a rare event called “Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Four Seasons Story” that takes place only six times a year.
When planning a trip to Kanazawa, be sure to check “When is the lighting up? and enjoy the fantastic scenery.
※Please note that the schedule and details of the lighting-up of Kenrokuen Garden are subject to change or be cancelled at the last minute.
※Please check the latest information before you go (the event will be canceled in case of stormy weather).
※Admission to the park is free during all light-up hours. In addition to the light-up events, the park is open at night during the firefly viewing event in July and the all-night opening from December 31 to January 1.
Spring Light-up
The following two light-up events will be held at Kenrokuen between March and May.
●Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden Four Seasons (cherry blossom viewing season): End of March - beginning of April (according to the blooming of cherry blossoms)
The garden is illuminated from sunset to 9:30 p.m. for seven days to coincide with the blooming of Someiyoshino cherry trees. Enjoy viewing cherry blossoms at night in one of Japan's three most famous gardens.
●Four Seasons at Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden: Early May
Held in conjunction with GW. The garden is beautifully illuminated with fresh greenery and azaleas and other flowers.
Kanazawa Castle Park and Gyokusenin-maru Garden open at night on designated days
Kanazawa Castle Park is open at night and illuminated every Saturday and on designated days.
Lighting up in summer
The following is a list of Kenrokuen Garden light-up events that will be held between June and August.
●Four Seasons at Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden: Early June
Light-up held in conjunction with the “Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival” (the first Saturday in June).
Enchanted by the light of nature. Firefly Viewing Party
Every year in July, a firefly viewing party is held in Kenrokuen Garden with the lights turned down. In the garden, where the clean water of the Tatsumi Irrigation Canal flows, you can view genji and heike fireflies, which are rare in the city, and be soothed by the natural light. The Kanazawa Firefly Association will also be on hand to provide explanations. (Photo courtesy of Ishikawa Tourist Federation)
Autumn Lighting
The following is one of the Kenrokuen Garden light-up events that will be held between September and November.
●Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden Four Seasons Story - Autumn Stage: Late September to late November
The symbol of the lighting-up of Kenrokuen Garden, the Karasaki pine tree hung with snow, makes an appearance. The contrast with the glossy autumn leaves is eye-catching. The autumn leaves are also illuminated in Kanazawa City Hall, Kanazawa Castle Park, and other areas, so please enjoy viewing the autumn leaves at night.
Winter Lighting
The following is a list of Kenrokuen Garden light-up events that will be held from December to February.
●Four Seasons at Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden: Winter: Early to mid February
The winter illumination is the essence of Kenrokuen. The park illuminated by snow lights is fantastic and enchanting. It gets cold in the winter, so be sure to pack warm clothing.
(Photos and text by Ken Wakai, Hokuriku writer)
