Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa City is one of Japan’s representative Japanese gardens and a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. The vast 11.4-hectare site is planted with 8,200 trees of about 160 species, about 420 of which are cherry trees, and usually blooms in early April.
The garden offers free admission and night lighting during the cherry blossom season each year. During this time, admission to the Kenrokuen is free all day and the closing time is extended to 9:30 p.m. to allow visitors to enjoy “yozakura (夜桜)” or night cherry blossom viewing.
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 the Kanazawa Castle Park as well
Kanazawa Castle Park is connected to the 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 2024, free admission is Friday, April 5 through Thursday, April 11.
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.
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