Cherry trees in Kenrokuen Garden

The cherry blossom season has been underway for just over two weeks now since the opening of the first blossoms was reported in Tokyo on March 14. While the peak of the season has passed in Tokyo, the petals have only just started to fall in cities like Kyoto, where I was yesterday. The best viewing for many major cities in eastern and western Japan (aside from Tokyo) is expected to continue through this weekend for another day or two.

Today I headed to Kanazawa, a city along the Sea of Japan known for its beautiful garden, museums and delicious cuisine. The opening of the first blossoms were announced on March 23, and full bloom was reached a week later on March 30. I visited Kenrokuen Garden, one of the top three most beautiful gardens in Japan and the pride and joy of Kanazawa, and found the cherry blossoms to be at full bloom. The best viewing period at Kenrokuen is expected to continue through this weekend and until the middle of next week.

For seven days from March 27 until April 2, 2023, which coincides with the predicted best viewing period of the cherry blossoms, Kenrokuen Garden is open from 7:00 to 21:30 and admission is free. Additionally, the garden is illuminated in the evenings during the same period from sunset to 21:30. Picnicking is not allowed in Kenrokuen Garden, those who wish to picnic can do so in nearby parks like the adjacent Kanazawa Castle Park.

Walking up the path from the Kenrokuen Garden bus stop
Passing through a sakura canopy
Close up of the blossoms
The famous two-legged Kotojitoro Lantern in the garden
Visitors enjoying the good weather and full bloom
Cherry trees along the stream in the garden
Bridges along the way make for nice photo spots
Branches of the rare Kenrokuen-kikuzakura cherry tree which supposedly has over 300 flower petals. It blooms in late April to late May
A heron also enjoying the full bloom
The garden was crowded in some parts and relatively quiet in other parts
Close up of the blossoms II
Like a sakura sea
Teahouses in the pedestrian way
All the mainstream Somei Yoshino cherry trees at full bloom
Food stalls near the Katsurazaka entrance of the garden lend a festival atmosphere to the place
First look at the cherry blossoms around Kanazawa Castle's Ishikawa Gate
Main street lined with cherry trees
Waiting for the bus has never been this scenic
Castle and sakura, just like in the good ol' days (maybe)
More Stories
Osaka Report:
Petals Starting To Fall
Kyoto Report:
Petals Starting To Fall
See All Stories

Questions? Ask in our forum.