The 11 Best Places to see Cherry Blossoms in Kanazawa and Ishikawa Prefecture
- Published on : 03/03/2026
- by : Joshua
- Youtube
Kanazawa under the cherry trees
@unsplash
Discover the best places to admire the cherry blossoms in Kanazawa and Ishikawa Prefecture as a whole!
Ishikawa Prefecture in Hokuriku is a gem of central Japan, located on the coast of Japan with a bounty of amazing seafood and natural scenery. One of the most geographically diverse prefectures on the archipelago, there is a medley of amazing locations for hanami.
Take a look at our recommendations for cherry blossoms in different parts of Ishikawa Prefecture!
Kanazawa
The capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa, is one of the few cities to be spared during World War II, and thus, it has maintained its historic beauty and culture. The picturesque views of this boutique city are ideal for sakura, combining contemporary urban aesthetics with harmonious natural scenery.
1. Kenroku-en Garden
A tourist attraction in the city, Kenroku-en is recognized as one of the three great gardens of Japan, along with Koraku-en (Okayama Prefecture) and Kairaku-en (Ibaraki Prefecture). The most popular spot in the prefecture, it has around 420 cherry trees of 10 different species. Illuminations also take place from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Usually subject to an admission fee, entry to the garden is free during the cherry blossom season. 390,000 people join in the festivities each spring.
@Wikimedia
2. Oku-utatsuyama Kôen Park
This large park offers many activities: you can have barbecues and even play golf! Various workshops and games are available for children. In May and June, the rose garden blooms and enlivens the landscape.
During the cherry blossom season, visitors flock to the park's pond, where the pink blossoms are reflected on the water's surface. Take a stroll through the park and you will see Yoshino cherry trees and Yae-zakura cherry trees.
3. Kanazawa Castle Park
While Japanese castles are known for their main towers, or tenshukaku, in Kanazawa, the absence of a keep makes the building popular. Cherry trees are found throughout the grounds and are especially beautiful by the castle's main bridge and entrance that is nearby Kenrokuen.
From 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the castle's 400 cherry trees are illuminated for the enjoyment of visitors.
Kanazawa Castle
@Wikimedia
4. Kazuemachichaya District
Kanazawa is famous for its historic tea districts, with Higashichaya likely being the most famous. But right across the entrance to Higashichaya is Kazuemachichaya.
Historic, wooden structures dating back to the Edo Period line a brick road that goes along the river, with sakura lining the trail. At night, the sakura are illuminated by paper lanterns and the combination of all these aesthetics makes for a scene right out of a film.
Kazuemachichaya, Kanazawa
@Jo B on Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Check out our activities in Kanazawa!
5. Oyama Shrine
This gate of this distinct-looking shrine in central Kanazawa was actually designed by a Dutch architect and features a beautiful stained glass display. The grounds of the shrine themselves are calming, with a garden centered around a pond.
A number of cherry trees and plum trees are scattered throughout, and during spring, the backdrop of the wooden shrine with the pale pink sakura leaves is one that ought to not be missed when visiting the city!
Omiya Jinja
@そらみみ on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
6. The Saigawa River
About 30 minutes from Kanazawa Station is the Saigawa River. Along the banks, rows of cherry trees in bloom make it the ideal place for hanami.
During the flowering season, the cherry trees near the Saigawa Ohashi Bridge are illuminated at night. You can also enjoy the cherry trees from the bridge. Additionally, the appropriately named Sakurabashi Bridge provides great views of the river and surrounding scenery.
Picturesque accommodation in Kanazawa at Saigawa House!
Stay at Saigawa House in Kanazawa, a two-story traditional home on the banks of the Saigawa River. The historic city of Kanazawa is known for its more modest, yet authentic environment, and staying at this welcoming machiya nearby the city's samurai district!
Noto Peninsula
Extending from Ishikawa Prefecture into the Sea of Japan to the north, Noto Peninsula offers some of the most standout geography in all of Ishikawa. Despite being in the same prefecture, it can seem almost worlds away from the capital of Kanazawa. Beautiful sakura accent the views of the surrounding waters, a perfect snapshot of all that rural Japan has to offer.
7. Noto Kashima Station
This station is coloquially known as “Noto-Sakura Station,” and as this nickname implies, it becomes a popular spot during springtime. At the station, cherry trees extend their branches, enveloping the train platform with shade and overhead blankets of blush pink. The trees also continue down the train tracks, creating a spectacle both within and outside of the train cars.
There is a festival held at the station every year, and at night the trees are illuminated. The station is located right along the Noto Peninsula coast, with seaside views and salty breezes as the ribbon on top.
Noto-Kashima Station
@SONIC BLOOMING on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
8. Yanagida Botanical Park
This seaside park is located in Noto Town, near the northern tip of the Noto Peninsula by Suzu. There are a number of plots throughout the park for different flowers. There is a lane lined with sakura trees that creates a tunnel of cherry blossoms for visitors to walk through.
The park also has a few facilities, such as a restaurant that serves foods such as hamburger steak. There is also a cafe with a signature soft-serve ice cream dessert with a candy topping, as colorful as the flowers that adorn the park during spring.
Yanagida Koen
@Inazakira on Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0
Kaga and Komatsu
Located in the more southern part of Ishikawa Prefecture, near Fukui, these two historic destinations are known for beautiful nature and, of course, warm and relaxing onsens. Many come to visit this area for a more laid-back atmosphere, authentic crafts, and of course, beautiful scenery, in which the mountain-rich geography complements that beautiful sakura that bloom in spring.
9. Natadera Temple
Set against the forested hills of Komatsu, Natadera Temple offers a striking setting for cherry blossom viewing in early spring. As delicate sakura bloom along the temple’s stone paths and around its vermilion bridges, soft pink petals frame the dramatic rock formations and centuries-old wooden halls that define this historic mountain sanctuary.
The contrast between the blossoms and the temple’s rugged cliff creates a scene that feels both serene and timeless. With fewer crowds than more famous hanami spots, Natadera allows visitors to linger quietly beneath the blossoms.
Sakura
@Sulvia, CC0 Public Domain
10. Shibayamagata Lakeside Park
Rows of sakura trees line the walking paths and stretch along the lakeshore, their pale pink petals reflected in the water on clear days. With the distant Hakusan mountain range often visible beyond the trees, the setting feels expansive yet tranquil.
Visitors can stroll or cycle beneath the blossoms, pause on a bench to take in the view, or simply watch petals drift across the lake’s surface in the gentle breeze.
11. Ouhinomiya Park
Ouhinomiya Park is located near Yamashiro Onsen, one of the most historic hot spring towns in Japan with over 1,300 years of history. There are around 200 cherry trees found throughout the park of different species that take on different hues of pink.
Daigan Shrine can be found on the park grounds as well, with the structures surrounded by cherry trees. Bloom typically starts in mid-April and attracts both locals and visitors from different areas of Japan looking to enjoy the scenery and hot springs.
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