Kenroku-en Garden Cherry Blossoms: Peak Time, Night Sakura, Access & Crowds

Overview

A feudal lord’s garden in Kanazawa counted among Japan’s Three Great Gardens and selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. About 420 cherry trees color its ponds and winding streams, and during the cherry blossom season the garden opens free of charge with night illumination.

Address: 1 Kenroku-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Closed: Open every day
Time needed: About 1 hour
Official website: https://shiro-niwa.pref.ishikawa.lg.jp/kenrokuen-garden/info.html

Area weather

KanazawaWeather and what to wear in Kanazawa →

Tours & tickets for this areaPR

Peak Time

When to See the Blossoms

Typical peakUsually late March to mid-April

February

March

April

May

The dates for free admission and illumination during the cherry blossom season are announced each year right after the official declaration that Kanazawa’s cherry trees have started blooming

Peak times are typical guides. Blooming and full bloom shift with each year’s temperatures.

Highlights

Besides Somei-yoshino, about 420 cherry trees bloom here, including rare varieties such as Kenroku-en Kiku-zakura and Kenroku-en Kumagai. Highlights include the teahouse street near the Katsurazaka entrance, the cherry trees along the winding stream seen from Hanami-bashi Bridge, and the area around the viewpoint.

📷 Best views

Hanami-bashi Bridge

A bridge over the winding stream, facing the blossoms by the water

Teahouse street near the Katsurazaka entrance

Cherry trees along a street lined with teahouses

Around the viewpoint

A high spot overlooking Kanazawa, with cherry blossoms

Illumination

Night illumination

Period: Usually during the cherry blossom season, timed for full bloom (announced right after Kanazawa’s bloom declaration)

In 2026: Apr 2–8, sunset to 21:30. Free admission during this period. Neighboring Kanazawa Castle Park is illuminated at the same time

Hours

Opening hours

Regular (Mar 1–Oct 15)7:00–18:00

Last entry 17:30

Free opening during the cherry blossom season7:00–21:30

Apr 2–8 in 2026

Free early-morning entry (March–August)4:00–6:45

Last entry 6:30

Hours can change during the cherry blossom season and for events. Check the official website before you go.

Admission

Admission (adults, 18 and over)¥320

Free during the cherry blossom season free-opening period

Admission (children, 6 to under 18)¥100

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

Tips

Tips for travelers

✓From March to August, free early-morning entry starts at 4:00, letting you enjoy the garden in peace
✓Neighboring Kanazawa Castle Park is also open free and illuminated during the cherry blossom season. Eating and drinking are allowed at Shinmaru Square and the Hyakken-bori area

Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop: Kenrokuen-shita / Kanazawa-jo (bus stop)About a 3 min walk
From major stations & airports: Kanazawa Station: By car (About 10 min)
By car & traffic restrictions: No dedicated parking. Use nearby paid parking (public transportation is recommended during the cherry blossom season)
Getting back: Bus stops get crowded at night during the cherry blossom season, so allow plenty of time

Open in Google Maps ↗

Crowds

Crowds & best times

Busiest: Extremely crowded, including at night, during the free opening in the cherry blossom season
Quieter times: Free early-morning entry hours

Weather

Temperature & what to wear

Typical temperatures: April normals in Kanazawa: high 17.3°C, low 8.2°C (JMA)
What to wear & bring: Spring weather in the Hokuriku region is changeable, so bring a light jacket and a folding umbrella

☁ Chubu & Hokuriku weather by month

January February March April May June July August September October November December

Rules

Hanami rules & etiquette

!No smoking in the garden
!No pets
!No motorcycles or bicycles
!No eating or drinking outdoors in Kenroku-en (allowed inside the teahouses)

Facilities

Payment: Cash, credit cards, various e-money and QR code payments
Accessibility: Wheelchairs (manual and electric) can be borrowed at the ticket booths. The area around the Kodatsuno entrance is flat

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Kenroku-en GardenPR

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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

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Cherry Blossoms