Are you planning to visit Ishikawa Prefecture during cherry blossom season in Japan?
You’re in luck — it’s home to some amazing viewing spots, perfect for enjoying ‘hanami’ (flower viewing). But where to go? There are countless sightseeing sights not only in Kanazawa city, but spread throughout Ishikawa prefecture, making it hard to decided where to visit.
To help you prepare for your trip, our local staff here at MACHIYA INNS & HOTELS have put together a list of our eight must-see spots in the prefecture.
Keep reading to discover outstanding viewing spots in Kanazawa City and other parts of Ishikawa Prefecture!
The exact dates that cherry blossoms in Japan start to bloom can change from year to year, which makes planning your vacation a little more difficult. Generally, the sakura season is about a week later then in Tokyo and Osaka, taking into consideration that Ishikawa prefecture has a chillier climate.
Generally, Ishikawa Prefecture’s cherry blossom season starts around late March and early April. For example, in 2022, Ishikawa’s first bloom came on March 30th. Once the flowers bloom, cherry blossoms last about one week. Depending on factors like the weather and rain, the cherry blossoms may last a little longer or a little shorter.
If you’re planning your Ishikawa vacation for cherry blossom trees, be sure to add our top picks to your list. We’ve included locations from Kanazawa city, Noto, Kaga, and Hakusan region.
See our recommended accommodations in Kanazawa: MACHIYA RESIDENCE INN KANAZAWA
Kanazawa Castle is one of the top things to do in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan. It has a rich history, dating back to the late 1580s, though it has burned down multiple times in the centuries since. The grounds were used by Kanazawa University until it switched to a new location in the early 1990s, but it remains a popular site with locals and tourists alike.
You can visit the Kanazawa Castle grounds for a great view of exquisite cherry blossoms during the day or night, thanks to strategically placed spotlights that bring out the blossoms’ beauty even after dark.
Can’t get enough of Japan’s castles? Check out our guide to the Best Japanese Castles to Visit In and Around Kyoto.
Not only is Kenrokuen Garden one of the top sightseeing spots in Kanazawa city, it’s also one of our favorite places to see cherry blossoms in the city. Kenrokuen Garden is famous for the winter views, but don’t let that fool you! It’s home to multiple types of cherry trees, creating a diversified display, and it’s located conveniently close to Kanazawa Castle if you want to explore two sites back to back.
Kenrokuen Garden can get very busy at times, so expect crowds, especially when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. They also offer special night time illuminations of certain areas of the garden during the cherry blossom season, so be sure to check if your vacation coincides with these dates!
For more on Kenrokuen Garden and other traditional Japanese gardens, be sure to see our article on Japan’s Best Gardens.
The Kazue-machi Chaya (or Tea) District is located on the Asano River’s south bank and has a beautifully traditional feel. There’s just something about the traditional wooden architecture of Kazue-machi that give a nostalgic and romantic feel to the cherry blossoms. It may be small, but this area offers great viewing spots for viewing at cherry blossoms in Japan. Some of the most popular views are by the riverbank path, and included the picturesque Nakanohashi Bridge
The Kazue-machi Chaya District is fascinating to explore in its own right, so take a wander after enjoying the cherry blossoms to explore this historical area of Kanazawa city.
Ishikawa’s Daijoji Kyuryo Park offers a panoramic view of Kanazawa City and the magnificent Sea of Japan. Our local staff highly recommend a trip to the park if you’re visiting Ishikawa Prefecture and Kanazawa city during the spring cherry blossom season. As it’s a little further from the main sightseeing areas in Kanazawa city, you’ll find that its less crowded then other cherry blossom viewing spots in the city.
During cherry blossom season in Japan, ‘Yamazakura’ and ‘Somei Yoshino’ are in full, majestic bloom along the 900-meter main path. Not only can you enjoy flower-viewing with the cherry blossoms, you’ll find over 13,000 azaleas in bloom here at the park too!
Kibagata Park is a city park in Komatsu City, in Ishikawa Prefecture’s southern area. There are four parks which all surround the lake at the center: North Park, South Park, West Park, and Central park.
Visit during cherry blossom season in Japan to see around 1,300 cherry blossom trees along the 6.4-kilometer park path. The views from across the lake are truly breathtaking, and walking along the trees is sure to be an unforgettable “hanami” experience. Kibagata Park also offers a variety of fun activities, including cycling, athletics, and boating. It’s more popular with locals than tourists, so it’s worth visiting if you want to get away from the crowds for a while but still see one of the best cherry blossom views Ishikawa Prefecture has to offer.
Kakusenkei Gorge is part of the Daishoji River, which runs through a hot spring town up in the mountains It’s also one of the most beautiful valleys in Hokuriku. You’ll find stunning Yoshino cherry trees and weeping cherry blossom trees in Kakusenkei Sakura Park during the spring cherry blossom season.
As well as the beautiful cherry blossom trees, Kakusenkei Gorge offers other wonderful sights, such as Ayatoribashi Bridge (with its distinctive S-shape) and Basho-do Hall. The Kawadoko rest area opens for a limited period between April and November, and it’s a nice spot to relax with a cup of hot tea while relaxing in nature.
Venture up to Shishiku Highland for a spectacular panoramic view of the vast Kaga plains. You can take a gondola to the top of the mountain, which makes a terrific spot to see Hakusan City, the Alps, the Sea of Japan, and the Tedori River. The night view from the mountaintop is so jaw-dropping that it has been chosen as one of the top 100 night views in all of Japan!
Visit the Shishiku Highland during the cherry blossom season in Japan to see the magnificent Somei Yoshino cherry trees . You can also enjoy a relaxing meal at the park’s restaurants and cafes while here.
Feeling adventurous? The Shishikogen Paraglider School offers tandem flights with trained instructors, which makes for some of the most unforgettable views of cherry blossoms in Japan. It’s sure to be one of the most unique ways to enjoy “hanami” in Japan!
If you’re planning to visit the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture in spring, be sure to stop by Ipponmatsu Park! Ipponmatsu Park is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in the Noto region, with 980 cherry blossom trees that light up the park with their light pink flowers. You’ll also see many Japanese cypresses and azaleas while you wander the park, making for a great nature getaway.
It’s no surprise that Ipponmatsu Park is incredibly popular with Japanese locals throughout the cherry blossom season. As it’s located on a hill, you can also expect a great view of the Wajima cityscape and the Sea of Japan in the park. It’s also located within easy access to many other sightseeing spots in the Noto region, including the Notojima Aquarium, Noto Morning Market, and many restaurants serving the local specialty, Noto-don!
