Kanazawa (Ishikawa)
Local Guide
Check out the four seasons, temperatures, and clothing in the Kanazawa area (including Kaga)!

Photo courtesy of Kanazawa City

Kanazawa is the largest city in Hokuriku, and the culture of Kaga Hyakumangoku, founded by the Maeda family, remains strong. Since the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train line, Kanazawa has developed into a major tourist city that attracts many tourists not only from Japan but from all over the world. Which season is best to visit Kanazawa: spring, summer, fall, or winter?

Ishikawa Prefecture's annual precipitation is one of the highest in Japan, and Kanazawa in particular is known as a rainy area, so much so that there is a saying, "Don't forget your umbrella even if you forget your lunch box. Although there are many sunny days in early summer, rain, hail, and snow are common in the rest of the year, which is a typical characteristic of the Sea of Japan climate.
 Yamashiro and Yamanaka hot springs, located on hills and terraces at the foot of the Nomi Mountains, tend to receive even more snow than Kanazawa City.
 It is recommended to carry rain gear when going out to Kanazawa throughout the year.

This article summarizes the temperature and clothing you should know when planning your trip to Kanazawa.

<Kanazawa Temperature and Clothing
Spring (March-May) Temperatures and Clothing in the Kanazawa Area (Including Kaga City)
Summer (June-August) temperatures and clothing in the Kanazawa area (including Kaga)
Autumn (September to November) Temperatures and Clothing in Kanazawa Area (including Kaga City)
Winter (December to February) temperatures and clothing in the Kanazawa area (including Kaga City)
Kanazawa Castle Park in spring (photo courtesy of Kanazawa City)
Kanazawa Castle Park in spring (photo courtesy of Kanazawa City)

March in Kanazawa is the season of melting snow. The average temperature is 8.8 degrees Celsius, and the budding of trees and other signs of spring begin to arrive.The cherry blossoms at Kenrokuen, one of the three best gardens in Japan, are at their best from late March to early April. The garden is open to the public free of charge, and you can enjoy the cherry blossoms lit up at night. The lowest temperature during this season is around 5°C, so if you go out at night, you will need to wear a coat over your knitwear to protect yourself from the cold.

The average temperature in April is 13.4°C, and in May it is 18.2°C. The temperature difference from Tokyo is about 1to2°C. You can wear the same clothing as in Tokyo. May in particular has sunny days, making it the perfect time to enjoy walking around the city's rich history, such as visiting the teahouse district, samurai residences, temples, and shrines.

Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival departure ceremony (photo courtesy of Kanazawa City)
Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival departure ceremony (photo courtesy of Kanazawa City)

The average temperature in June is 23.7°C. The average minimum temperature is also a comfortable 20.0°C. However, there are many rainy days and it can feel chilly.

The first week of this month is Kanazawa's major event, the Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival. The "Hyakumangoku Procession," a reenactment of Toshiie Maeda's entry into Kanazawa Castle, attracts more than 400,000 visitors every year.

The average temperature in July and August is about 29°C, the same as in Tokyo. The high average maximum temperature of over 30°C, combined with the humidity that is typical of a region with abundant rainfall, makes it hot and humid enough to make even those in sleeveless or short-sleeved clothing perspire. The temperature difference between outdoors and indoors will be large, so be sure to bring a breathable jacket. The sun's rays are strong, so you will need a parasol, hat, and sunglasses.

To fully enjoy summer in Kanazawa, visit the two major rivers. The Asanogawa River is home to riverbeds, and the Saigawa River hosts a fireworks display every year.

Autumn leaves on Utatsuyama overlooking the city of Kanazawa (photo courtesy of Kanazawa City)
Autumn leaves on Utatsuyama overlooking the city of Kanazawa (photo courtesy of Kanazawa City)

In September, the average maximum temperature is over 30°C on some days, and you can spend the day in short sleeves. It is also the fall rainy season, so it is useful to have a folding umbrella that can be used both for sunny and rainy weather.

The average temperature in October is 18.8°C. The average temperature in November is almost the same as that in Tokyo, as the heat subsides and the weather gradually cools down. The average temperature in October is 18.8°C. The mild sunshine and cool weather during the daytime are ideal for strolling.

In November, when the average temperature drops to 12.3°C, the snow crab fishing season opens.In Yamanaka hot spring, the beautiful autumn foliage of the Tsurusenkyo, a walking trail along the Daishoji River in Yamanaka, is at its best. In Kanazawa City, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa and the D.T. Suzuki Museum of Fine Arts offer a great opportunity to enjoy the autumn colors of art.
Dress for this time of year: long sleeves and a parka or unlined outerwear are sufficient, but in the mornings and evenings, it is a good idea to prepare something that can be layered, such as a knit to wear over a shirt.

Snow hanging in Kenrokuen Garden (Photo courtesy of Kanazawa City)
Snow hanging in Kenrokuen Garden (Photo courtesy of Kanazawa City)

December is the month whenKanazawa's kitchen, Omimachi Market, becomes even more crowded withseasonal winter delicacies such as crab, cold yellowtail, and sweet shrimp.The average temperature is 8.2℃. The average temperature is 8.2°C. Even if it snows, it disappears quickly, but in January, the monsoon blows from the northwest, resulting in more snowy days and an increase in snow accumulation.

In January and February, there is about 60 cm of snow in most years and 20 cm in less years. In Yamashiro and Yamanaka hot springs, this is 1.5 to 2 times the amount of snowfall. Snow with high water content tends to freeze easily, and when it melts, the roads become muddy, so waterproof boots or boots are recommended for footwear.

If you are going to see snow hangings and other picturesque scenery, wear a heavy coat or down coat. Be sure to take warm clothing and gloves to protect yourself from the cold.

The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.