Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa City is one of Japan’s most famous traditional gardens and a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. The vast 11.4-hectare garden is home to around 8,200 trees representing about 160 species. About 420 of them are cherry trees, which usually bloom in early April.
The garden offers free admission and night lighting during the cherry blossom season each year. During this period, the garden remains open until 9:30 p.m., allowing visitors to enjoy “yozakura” (night cherry blossom viewing).
Discover Kanazawa: A Hidden Gem for Garden Lovers
Highlights of Kenrokuen Garden
Entering the garden through the Katsurazaka Gate, soon you will find yourself in Sakuragaoka, which means “cherry hill” in Japanese, where cherry trees line the garden promenade. When the cherry trees are in full bloom, it is as if you are in a tunnel of light pink petals.
From the panoramic viewpoint, you can see a mountain that is also full of cherry blossoms as well as the cityscape of the castle town of Kanazawa. The night view is also excellent.
One of the classic Japanese-style bridges over the winding waters of the garden is the Hanamibashi Bridge, which means “Flower Viewing Bridge” in Japanese. As the name suggests, visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms, azaleas, and irises from the bridge.
Don’t miss Kanazawa Castle Park
Kanazawa Castle Park is connected to Kenrokuen Garden by the Ishikawa Bridge.
Originally a castle of the Kaga Maeda clan, the site became an Imperial Army base after the end of the feudal era and a university campus after World War II. This eventful history has enriched the vegetation of the park, and it serves as a “green heart” that provides nature to the city.
It is also a wonderful experience to stroll through this spacious park while admiring the cherry blossoms and castle architecture.
Date and Time
The free admission period is determined after the official announcement of the start of the cherry blossom season in Kanazawa, which is usually in late March or early April and lasts only one week.
In 2026, free admission was from April 2 to April 8.
During the free admission period, the Kenrokuen Garden is open from 7:00 am to 9:30 pm (last admission at 9:15 pm) and is also illuminated from sunset to closing time.
Note: Regular opening hours from March 1 to October 15 are from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Access
Kenrokuen garden and Kanazawa castle park in Kanazawa city, Japan.
From JR Kanazawa station, approx. 16 minute by Kanazawa Loop Bus (Right Loop) or local buses. Get off at [RL7] Kenrokuen-shita Kanazawa-jo bus stop.
Lodging Information
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