Kenrokuen in "spring" when the entire garden is tinted pink

In spring, every part of the garden is tinted pink. In the vast garden, 400 cherry trees of about 40 varieties, mainly Someiyoshino cherry trees, are in full bloom. Another attraction is that visitors can enjoy rare varieties of cherry blossoms unique to Kenrokuen, such as Kenrokuen chrysanthemum cherry blossoms and Kenrokuen Kumagai cherry blossoms. In addition, the cherry blossoms at Kenrokuen are open free of charge for about a week when the best time to view them arrives, a tourist-friendly hospitality.

Hanami Bridge, where visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom along with the Kyokusui River, is the best viewing spot for cherry blossoms in the park. The gentle flow of the water is a tasteful accompaniment to the Kyokusui. The view from Kanazawa Viewing Platform, where you can enjoy the pink carpet of cherry blossoms, is also recommended.

The "Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Cherry Blossom Viewing Period Light-up" is a very popular event held free of charge when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, and visitors must line up every day. The area around the Hanami Bridge is illuminated by green lights, and visitors can enjoy the dignified and beautiful blooming cherry blossoms in a mysterious atmosphere. The reflection of the cherry blossoms on the surface of Hisagoike Pond is also a magnificent sight.

Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Cherry Blossom Viewing Season Light-up
Period: April 2 (Wed) - 8 (Tue), 2025, 7:00 - 21:30 *Light up from sunset to 21:30

Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden Light-up "Spring Stage
Period: April 26 (Sat.) - 27 (Sun.), 2025, May 3 (Fri., holiday) - 5 (Mon., holiday)
https://kenrokuen.or.jp/illumination/

Kenrokuen Garden in "summer" with fireflies and illumination

In early summer, azaleas and kakitsubata bloom, providing a contrast to the lush, fresh greenery. The 40,000 kakitsubata (azalea and kakitsubata) blooming along the Kyokusui River are at their best in early June, and are a sight to behold.

During the summer season, visitors can enjoy the free illumination of Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden during two periods: "Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden Light-up 'Early Summer Stage'" and "Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden Light-up 'Summer Stage'". During these periods, "Light-up Concerts" are held and music by the "Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa" is played as background music, allowing visitors to enjoy the event with all five senses.

The "Firefly Appreciation Party," held annually around early July, is a popular event in which Kenrokuen Garden is opened free of charge at night and visitors can enjoy the fantastic light of fireflies. The garden is surrounded by greenery and the clean water of the Tatsumi Irrigation Canal, making it a great place to view genji and heike fireflies even though it is located in the middle of the city. The Kanazawa Firefly Association provides guided tours, so there is no substitute for a relaxing evening in the cool of the city.

Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden Light-up "Early Summer Stage
Time: Saturday, June 7, 2025

Firefly Appreciation Party at Kenrokuen
Period: June 27 (Fri.)-28 (Sat.), July 4 (Fri.)-5 (Sat.), 2025

Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden Light-up "Summer Stage
Period: August 9 (Sat.)-10 (Sun.), 16 (Sat.), 23 (Sat.), and 30 (Sat.), 2025
https://kenrokuen.or.jp/illumination/

Enjoy the colorful world of Kenrokuen Garden in "Autumn

In October, the trees gradually begin to change color and Kenrokuen Garden turns into the season of autumn leaves. The best time to view the autumn leaves is usually in early November. About 300 maple trees are planted in the garden, and their vivid red and yellow colors are breathtaking.

Yamazaki, where there are many deciduous trees such as maples and zelkova, is known as "Momijiyama" (Mt. Autumn Leaves) because of the gorgeous colors of the autumn leaves. It is the best spot for viewing the autumn leaves in Kenrokuen.

When the autumn leaves are at their best, Kenrokuen Garden is open to the public free of charge at night for a limited time. From November 1, "Yuki-hanging" will be installed to prevent branches from being broken by the weight of snow, and visitors can enjoy the contrast between the hanging snow and the autumn leaves.

Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden Light-up "Autumn Stage
Period: October 18 (Sat), 25 (Sat), November 1 (Sat)-2 (Sun), 8 (Sat), 15 (Sat), 22 (Sat)-23 (Sun), 29 (Sat), 2025
https://kenrokuen.or.jp/illumination/

Be entranced by the snow hangings, a wintertime tradition at Kenrokuen Garden.

Yukis hanging" is synonymous with winter in Kenrokuen Garden. The ropes strung radially from the tops of the trees are a work of art. The snow hangings on the trees in the park remind us of the coming of winter, and the scenery, which is unique to snow country, is very exciting. The Karasaki Pine, located by Kasumigaike Pond, has a particularly strong presence. It is surprising that about 800 ropes are used to hang the Karasaki pine tree from the snow.

Snow falls in Kanazawa from December to February, but in recent years the amount of snowfall has been decreasing due to the mild winter. The pure white snowy landscape tends to be rare, so be sure to enjoy it on the days when it does accumulate.

During the year-end and New Year holidays from December 31 to January 3, Kenrokuen Garden is open free of charge. The "Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Light-up "Winter Stage"" held around mid-February offers a free illumination of the garden.

▼ Free opening during the year-end and New Year's holidays
Period: December 31-January 3, 8:00-17:00
*Open all night from December 31 to January 1 at 8:00.

Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden Light-up "Winter Stage
Period: February 7 (Sat), 14 (Sat), 21 (Sat), 28 (Sat), 2026
https://kenrokuen.or.jp/illumination/