1
Kenrokuen Garden

Autumn foliage in a daimyo's garden

The best autumn foliage spots in Ishikawa Prefecture. The vast Japanese garden, created by successive lords of the Kaga domain, is usually decorated with more than 1,000 trees in red and yellow every November. In particular, Yamazaki Mountain, a hill near Kodatsunoguchi, one of the entrances to the garden, is full of autumn atmosphere with maple trees, beech trees, and horse chestnut trees in red and yellow colors. There is also a five-story pagoda made of Shirakawa granite on the mountainside, where visitors can enjoy strolling while admiring the autumn leaves.

Start of changing colors: Usually in early November.
Usually from mid to late November.
Maples, beeches, horse chestnuts, etc.

Kenrokuen Garden

• 1 Kenrokucho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa MAP
• From JR Kanazawa Station, take the Hokutetsu Bus "Kanazawa Castle Tour Bus" (clockwise route). 15 min. ride, approx. 2 min. walk from "Kenrokuen-kita/Kanazawa Castle" stop.
• 7:00-18:00 (last admission 17:30), 8:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30) from October 16 to the end of February.
• No holidays
• 320 yen, children (6-17 years old) 100 yen
• 076-234-3800 (Kanazawa Castle & Kenrokuen Garden Management Office)
• Charged

2
America Maple (Fu) Street

Like a scene from a movie, the tree-lined avenue heralds the arrival of autumn

The tree-lined avenue facing the "Ishikawa Prefectural Government Memorial Shi-inoki-geihin-kan", the former prefectural government office located in the center of the city, is a popular place to herald the arrival of autumn. The street is about 250 meters long, and the 40 or so maple trees lining both sides of the avenue gradually change color from late September, creating a beautiful gradation of green, red, and orange that is a delight to the eyes of visitors. The colors of the trees become even more vivid from mid to late November, when the autumn foliage is at its best. The ground is also covered with fallen leaves, making the scenery look like a scene from a movie. It is recommended to sit on a bench in one of the parks on either side of the street and enjoy the autumn colors. The tree-lined avenue is located between Korinbo, the center of the city, Kenrokuen Garden, and 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa.

Best time to visit: Usually from mid-November to early December.
Kind of foliage: Japanese maple (Acer palmatum)

3
Tokozan Daijyoji Temple

In the quietness of the morning, the autumn leaves adorning the gate of the temple will soothe you.

About 20 minutes by car from central Kanazawa. This is an old Soto sect temple located near Mt. Nodayama, where Toshiie Maeda is laid to rest. There are several maple trees planted in the precincts of the temple, especially concentrated around the "Sanmon" gate, a cultural asset designated by the prefecture. The contrast between the massive gate built in the Edo period and the vivid maple trees is very atmospheric. The best time to visit is around the end of November. We recommend visiting the temple early in the morning when there are fewer people around, so that you can enjoy the autumn leaves in a relaxed atmosphere. The zazen hall is open every morning from 4:15 to 9:00 a.m., and anyone can experience zazen freely. Visitors can experience zazen with monks in a tranquil atmosphere and refresh themselves by balancing their minds and bodies while feeling the serenity and beauty of nature.

Beginning of the changing of colors] Usually in early November.
Best time to see the leaves: Late November
Kind of foliage】Momiji (Japanese maple)

4
Naga-machi Buke Yashiki Ruins area

Enjoy the autumn leaves as you stroll along the traditional streets and beautiful gardens

The Nagamachi area, a short walk from Korinbo in the center of Kanazawa City, is a quiet area that one would not expect to find so close to the downtown area. The remains of the residences of the Kaga clan and middle-class samurai still remain, and the earthen walls and stone-paved alleyways are well worth a visit. It feels as if you have stepped back in time to the Edo period.
In the fall, the leaves of the garden trees here and there turn red, making the area a delight to the eye just by walking around. The Nomura Residence, the only one in the area that is open to the public, is a perfect blend of austere architecture and tasteful gardens. Matcha (powdered green tea) with dried sweets can be enjoyed in the tea room overlooking the garden. There are many Japanese sweets stores, teahouses, and cafes in the neighborhood, so we recommend that you enjoy the autumn leaves while strolling around, and if you get tired, have a smoke at a store that catches your fancy.

Start of changing of colors] Usually in early November.
Best time to view the leaves: Usually mid to late November.
Kind of foliage】Momiji, Ginkgo, etc.

5
Ishikawa Shiko Memorial Park

A place of rest and relaxation in abundant nature with colorful leaves shining brightly

The park integrates cultural properties such as the "Ishikawa Shiko Memorial Cultural Exchange Center" and the "Ishikawa Prefectural Government Memorial Shiiinoki Guest House," as well as green areas. Located along America Maple Street, the park is a popular recreational spot for Kanazawa citizens and tourists alike. Usually from mid-November to early December is the autumn foliage season, when the trees in the park are colorfully decorated. It is a great place to visit with a camera in hand, as it is photogenic no matter where you take your pictures.
Every year in early November, the "Hyakumangoku Machinaka Meguri Maple Festival" is held at all the surrounding Properties, featuring maple trees, autumn delicacies, and locally made crafts for sale. The event is within walking distance from Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park, and downtown Korinbo, making it a great place to take a break after a day of sightseeing.

Beginning of the changing of colors: Usually in early November.
Best time to see the leaves: Usually mid-November to early December.
Ginkgo and maple trees

▼Hyakumangoku Machinaka Meguri Maple Viewing Tour
Period: November 1 (Sat) - 2 (Sun), 2025 10:00-17:00
Venue: Shininoki Green, Honda Forest Park