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Autumn Leaves · Chubu & Hokuriku

Kenrokuen Garden

KanazawaGarden🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Late Nov✦ Illumination
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Overview

Overview

A stroll-style feudal lord’s garden that represents Kanazawa and is counted among Japan’s three great gardens. In autumn you can see the autumn leaves and the yukitsuri snow supports put up for winter at the same time, and entry is free on illumination nights.

Address
1 Kenroku-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0936
Closed
Open every day
Time needed
About 1–2 hours
Official website
https://kenrokuen.or.jp/
Peak Time

When to See the Leaves

Typical peakUsually mid- to late November
September
October
November
December

The peak varies a lot from year to year. Check the Kanazawa City Tourism Association or Kenrokuen information for the latest

This year’s special openings & events

Autumn 2026 illuminations: 11/7 (Sat), 14 (Sat), 15 (Sun), 21 (Sat), 22 (Sun), 28 (Sat), 29 (Sun)

Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.

Highlights

Highlights

The main highlight is Mt. Yamazaki, also called Momiji-yama, where maples and horse chestnuts change color. The Kotoji Lantern on Kasumigaike Pond with autumn leaves reflected in the water, and the Karasaki Pine with its yukitsuri, make views found only at Kenrokuen.

📷 Best views
Mt. Yamazaki

Also called Momiji-yama, the garden’s best spot for autumn leaves

Kasumigaike Pond and Kotoji Lantern

The garden’s symbolic lantern, with autumn leaves reflected on the water

Hisago-ike Pond

A waterfall and colored trees give it the feel of deep mountains

Karasaki Pine

A famous tree fitted with yukitsuri. See autumn leaves and winter preparations together

Illumination

Illumination & night viewing

Period
November 7, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29, 2026
Hours
18:00–20:45 (closes at 21:00)
Admission
Free

Held at the same time as Kanazawa Castle Park

Hours

Opening hours

Opening hours (October 16–end of February)8:00–17:00

Last entry 16:30

Illumination days (autumn 2026)18:00–20:45

Closes at 21:00

Hours can change by season and for events. Check the official website before you go.

Admission

Admission

AdmissionAdults ¥320, children (ages 6–17) ¥100

Free for visitors 65 and over, visitors with disabilities and others

During illumination hoursFree

Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓On illumination days you can enjoy Kenrokuen and Kanazawa Castle Park at night together
Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop
  • Kenrokuen-shita/Kanazawa-jo bus stopAbout 3 min walkJokamachi Kanazawa Shuyu Bus, Hokuriku Railroad local buses, West JR Bus
From major stations & airports
  • Kanazawa Station: Loop bus or local bus to Kenrokuen-shita/Kanazawa-jo
By car & parking
Parking nearby (3 lots, 923 spaces in total)
Getting back
  • Walking around neighboring Kanazawa Castle Park as well is recommended
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best times

Busiest
Weekends at the peak and illumination nights
Quieter times
Weekdays, right after opening
Weather

Temperature & what to wear

Typical temperatures
November normals for Kanazawa: high 15.9°C, low 8.1°C (Japan Meteorological Agency)
What to wear & bring
Autumn in Hokuriku is rainy, so bring a folding umbrella and a jacket to put on
☁ Chubu & Hokuriku weather by month
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Rules

Photography & visitor rules

  • !No smoking anywhere in the garden
  • !No pets
Facilities

Facilities

Payment
Cash or credit card, etc.
Accessibility
Wheelchairs available to borrow
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Kenrokuen GardenPR

PRSee more places to stay near Kenrokuen Garden on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Events

Events & festivals in Kanazawa

June

Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Matsuri

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Kanazawa

Usually 3 days in early June (the Hyakumangoku Procession is on Saturday; June 5–7 in 2026, procession on June 6)

See all events →
Attractions

Attractions in Kanazawa

Experience

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Katsuyama, Fukui

A dinosaur-themed museum in Katsuyama, Fukui Prefecture. It displays 51 complete dinosaur skeletons along with fossils, dioramas, and life-size models, and a new wing was added in 2023. Tickets are generally bought in advance for a specific date and time, so book on the official website once your itinerary is set.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendlyAdvance, date-specific tickets required
See all attractions →
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✦ Illumination
See all autumn leaves spots →

Peak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Colors and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-05

PRKlookKenrokuen & Kanazawa Castle Historical Tour (with Admission)About 2-hour English-guided walking tour from Kenrokuen's Katsurazaka Gate, covering Kenrokuen and Kanazawa Castle with admission includedView