Kanazawa Autumn Foliage 2025: Best Spots, Peak Viewing Times & Travel Tips
Kanazawa Autumn Foliage 2025: Complete Tourist Guide
Kanazawa developed from a castle town that flourished during the Edo period and is known for having many historical and traditional spots in Japan. Since you can experience the good old Japan in various places, it is always bustling with domestic and international tourists.
When it comes to Japan's autumn traditions, the beautiful autumn foliage that can only be enjoyed for a short period is famous. Did you know that there are many spots in Kanazawa where you can enjoy beautiful autumn foliage in autumn? The scenery where the entire city is colorfully painted in red, yellow, and other vibrant colors with autumn foliage is a must-see!
This time, we will introduce not only the particularly famous autumn foliage spots in Kanazawa, but also spots where the collaboration with the cityscape is beautiful, and hidden gems where you can enjoy beautiful autumn foliage while avoiding crowds.
2025 Autumn Foliage Start Prediction and Peak Viewing Period
| City | Color change begins (forecast) | Peak viewing (forecast) |
|---|---|---|
| Kanazawa | Early November | Mid to late November |
Here, we would like to predict the start and peak periods for Kanazawa Autumn Foliage 2025.
The beginning of Kanazawa's autumn foliage coloring starts in early November when temperatures gradually drop and you begin to feel the arrival of autumn. During this time, among the green leaves, leaves that gradually turn yellow and red begin to appear, allowing you to enjoy the color gradation that makes you feel the changing of the seasons.
As the cold continues, the autumn foliage progresses rapidly, reaching its peak from mid to late November. When it reaches its peak, all leaves are dyed in brilliant yellow like glowing gold and burning red, allowing you to enjoy the spectacular scenery that can only be seen during this time.
Based on information from previous years, we predict that for 2025 as well, the coloring will begin in early November, and the peak will be from mid to late November.
When Visiting Kanazawa in Autumn, First Explore the Autumn Foliage Spots Around Kanazawa Castle!
When you visit Kanazawa in autumn, first explore the autumn foliage spots around Kanazawa Castle. Since tourist attractions are concentrated around Kanazawa Castle, you can fully enjoy the wonderful scenery of famous spots and autumn foliage.
Kanazawa Castle Park
Kanazawa Castle Park is a plaza where Kanazawa Castle, the symbolic presence of Kanazawa, is located. It opened in 2001 after restoring buildings that were destroyed by repeated fires. There are five autumn foliage spots in the park:
・Gyokusen-inmaru Garden
・Imori Slope
・Tsuru-no-maru Plaza
・Around Sanjikken Nagaya (Thirty-Ken Long House)
・Honmaru Garden Area
My recommendation is the autumn foliage around Sanjikken Nagaya, which is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Sanjikken Nagaya is known as a building that contains the architectural techniques and architectural beauty of that time, and the scenery of the building that remains exactly as it was in the past along with the autumn foliage gave me a sensation as if I had slipped back in time to the past.
There are other impressive autumn foliage spots scattered throughout, so take a leisurely stroll through the park and enjoy the colorful display.
The autumn foliage begins to color from early November and reaches its peak from mid to late November.
<Information>
- Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 8:00-17:00
- Closed: None
- Phone Number: 076-234-3800
- Official Website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kanazawajou/
Kenroku-en
Kenroku-en is one of Japan's three great gardens and is designated as a national special scenic beauty spot, also called "the national treasure of gardens." There are three autumn foliage points within the park:
・Kasumigaike Pond
・Hyoike Pond
・Yamazakiyama
The autumn foliage at Hyoike Pond, which was created in the oldest period in Japan and is said to be the beginning of Kenroku-en, is the main highlight.
The autumn foliage reflected on the water surface of the gourd-shaped Hyoike Pond has elegance, and I was mesmerized by its fantastical beauty. Also, the sight of autumn foliage illuminated at night floating in the darkness is said to offer an otherworldly experience.
During the illumination period, concerts are held on some days, and you can listen to enchanting live performances while viewing the brightly lit autumn foliage and Japanese garden, spending a supreme time. During the illumination period, admission to Kenroku-en is free, making it an attractive point that you can easily appreciate it.
The autumn foliage begins to color from late October and reaches its peak from mid to late November.
<Information>
- Address: 1 Kenroku-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone Number: 076-225-1542
- Official Website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/
Gyokusen-en Nishida Family Garden
Gyokusen-en Nishida Family Garden is a garden associated with the Kaga Domain (the organization that governed this region during the Edo period), with a history approximately 120 years older than Kenroku-en.
The garden is a pond-strolling style garden (chisen-kaiyushiki teien), one of only six examples in Japan, composed of flowing water, ponds, and hundreds of species of plants and trees. Within the garden grounds, you can enjoy quintessentially Japanese scenery with Kanazawa's oldest tea house "Saisetsutei" and a recreated tea house called "Kanuntei" (a representative tea house name).
The garden is also famous for its diverse variety of trees that turn autumn colors, and the attractive point is that you can experience different atmospheres depending on the location.
My recommendation is the view from the stairs connecting the main garden and "Saisetsutei," where you can enjoy the autumn foliage of both the maple trees in the main garden and the enkianthus (dodan-tsutsuji) at "Saisetsutei." In this movie-set-like garden, please enjoy the magnificent, carefully calculated autumn foliage as part of your Kanazawa Autumn Foliage 2025 experience.
The autumn colors begin to appear in early November, with peak viewing from mid to late November.
<Information>
- Address: 8-3 Kosho-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 9:00-17:00
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone: 076-221-0381
- Official Website: https://gyokusen-en.net/
Avenue of American Maples
Avenue of American Maples is a 250-meter tree-lined avenue connecting the Ishikawa Shikou Memorial Cultural Exchange Museum and Kanazawa Castle Park. American maples (sweetgum trees) are planted on both sides of the avenue, and during autumn foliage season, you can enjoy the scenery of trees turning vivid red.
Since the avenue is located near popular tourist attractions such as Kanazawa Castle Park, Kenroku-en, and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, I have also visited to see the autumn foliage between sightseeing activities. Walking while viewing the autumn-colored American maples lined up along the street gave me the mysterious sensation of passing through a bright red tunnel.
While it has good access from major tourist destinations, it's surprisingly uncrowded, making it a hidden gem where you can leisurely appreciate the autumn foliage during your Kanazawa Autumn Foliage 2025 journey.
The autumn colors begin to appear in mid-October, with peak viewing around mid-November.
<Information>
Address: 22 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Phone: 0762325555
Official Website: None
Hondanomori Park
Source:Google Maps
Hondanomori Park has long been covered by rich forests, and with nearby Kenroku-en and many cultural properties and cultural facilities in the vicinity, it is also called the "Cultural Forest around Kenroku-en."
The park has many trees planted like a forest, and during autumn foliage season, you can enjoy gradations of various colors such as red, orange, and yellow. The collaboration between the autumn foliage and retro buildings such as the nationally designated important cultural property "Ishikawa Red Brick Museum" and the nationally registered tangible cultural property "National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto" is picture-perfect beautiful.
In early November, you can enjoy autumn foliage-related events such as maple cafes and maple art classes around the park, so please participate. Why not tour the cultural properties while appreciating the beautiful autumn foliage and fully enjoy Kanazawa's autumn as part of your Kanazawa Autumn Foliage 2025 adventure?
The autumn colors begin to appear in early November, with peak viewing from mid to late November.
<Information>
- Address: Dewa-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 076-231-6859
- Official Website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.lg.jp/kouen/map/park/honda/
Art Path and Green Path
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
Art Path (from Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art to Nakamura Memorial Museum) and Green Path (from Nakamura Memorial Museum to D.T. Suzuki Museum) are paths that overflow with nature despite being in the city center, and are like hidden back roads known only to those in the know among locals.
I have seen autumn foliage on the Art Path. Along the Art Path, the Tatsumi canal flowing from Kenroku-en runs parallel to the stairs, so you can enjoy the autumn foliage accompanied by the gentle sound of flowing water.
Since there is little foot traffic and you can stroll at your own pace, the attractive point is that you can appreciate the scenery without worrying about other people's eyes. However, since the path consists of steep stairs, if autumn foliage is your purpose, I recommend going downhill rather than uphill for your Kanazawa Autumn Foliage 2025 experience.
The autumn colors begin to appear in early November, with peak viewing from mid to late November.
<Information>
- Address: 3 Honda-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: None
- Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/spot/detail_10215.html
Oyama Shrine
Oyama Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Toshiie Maeda, who held power from the late Edo period to the early Meiji period, and his wife Omatsu. Within the shrine grounds, there is a unique "shinmon" (sacred gate) with a distinctive design that blends Western and Chinese styles, designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
My recommended autumn foliage spot is the garden located to the right of the main hall. This is a circular-style garden (a garden designed to be enjoyed by actually walking through it rather than viewing from buildings) featuring a nakajima (island floating in the river) shaped like musical instruments and bridges connecting them.
In November, you can see the trees around the pond turn colorful. When I visited after the peak foliage season when leaves had begun to fall, I was able to see the autumn leaves that had fallen on the water surface, and I was captivated by their fantastical beauty.
The autumn foliage begins to change color in early November, reaching its peak viewing period from mid to late November.
<Information>
- Address: 11-1 Oyama-cho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 24 hours
- Regular Holiday: None
- Phone Number: None
- Official Website: http://www.oyama-jinja.or.jp/
Three Spots Where You Can Enjoy the Fusion of Kanazawa's Traditional Streetscapes and Autumn Foliage
From here, I'll introduce three spots where you can enjoy the fusion of Kanazawa's traditional streetscapes and autumn foliage. The autumn colors set against traditional streetscapes create absolutely stunning views that can only be seen here, and I recommend capturing them in photographs as part of your Kanazawa Autumn Foliage 2025 experience.
Higashi Chaya District (Eastern Teahouse District)
The Higashi Chaya District (Eastern Teahouse District) is a teahouse district (former entertainment quarter) that flourished in the late Edo period and is one of Kanazawa's three teahouse districts. Along the streets, you can enjoy not only the beautiful streetscape designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, but also gourmet food and shopping, making it the most bustling area among the three teahouse districts.
In the Higashi Chaya District, you can see the autumn foliage of Utatsu-yama behind the teahouse district from the depths of the street. The view of Utatsu-yama, one of Ishikawa Prefecture's premier autumn foliage spots, combined with the streetscape that evokes Japanese atmosphere, creates a truly picturesque scene.
Even without thinking about complex compositions, you can take photos overflowing with traditional Japanese beauty, making this my recommended autumn foliage photo spot for your Kanazawa Autumn Foliage 2025 journey. You'll surely end up with shots you'll want to show off to your friends.
The autumn foliage begins to change color in early November, reaching its peak viewing period from mid to late November.
<Information>
- Address: Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 24 hours
- Regular Holiday: None
- Phone Number: 076-232-5555
- Official Website: https://www4.city.kanazawa.lg.jp/soshikikarasagasu/bunkazaihogoka/gyomuannai/3/1/1/siteibunkazai/7/5808.html
Nagamachi Samurai District
The Nagamachi Samurai District is the site of former residences where high-ranking samurai lived. With its remaining earthen walls, stone pavements, and small paths, it's renowned for allowing visitors to directly experience the atmosphere of life from bygone days. This precious area retains a strong resemblance to its historical appearance and is designated as a Traditional Environment Preservation Area and Landscape District.
In the Nagamachi Samurai District, you can enjoy various types of autumn foliage at each residence while strolling through the streetscape. My top recommendation is the autumn foliage at "Samurai Residence Ruins Nomura Family," which opens its interior to the public. The collaboration between the historically significant buildings and the autumn colors in the atmospheric garden creates a beauty that captivates all who see it. I enjoyed luxurious autumn foliage viewing while drinking tea in the tea room overlooking the garden.
The autumn foliage begins to change color in early November, reaching its peak viewing period from mid to late November.
<Information>
- Address: 1-3-12-2 Nagamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 24 hours
- Regular Holiday: None
- Phone Number: 076-220-2033
- Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/spot/detail_10195.html
Nishi Chaya District
Source:Google Maps
The Nishi Chaya District is one of Kanazawa's three teahouse districts, and due to its compact area, it maintains a more tranquil atmosphere among the three districts. The area houses four traditional ochaya (teahouses - places where customers are entertained by geiko with dance and music alongside food and drink) that have continued since ancient times, and it's renowned for allowing visitors to feel traditional Japanese sentiment.
When strolling through the Nishi Chaya District during autumn foliage season, you can see trees turning red here and there along the streets. I once strolled through the streets during peak season, and while the autumn colors weren't eye-catchingly vibrant, the quietly colored foliage standing in the serene space had a special charm that made me feel peaceful.
This spot is recommended for those who want to enjoy autumn foliage while strolling through streetscapes that evoke good old Japan, making it a perfect addition to your Kanazawa Autumn Foliage 2025 itinerary.
The autumn foliage begins to change color in early November, reaching its peak viewing period from mid to late November.
<Information>
- Address: Nomachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 24 hours
- Regular Holiday: None
- Phone Number: 076-260-7191
- Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/spot/detail_10199.html
If You Want to Deeply Enjoy Kanazawa's Historical Streets, Have Locals Guide You!
If you want to deeply enjoy Kanazawa's historical streets, have locals guide you! The Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour allows you to explore Kanazawa's famous tourist spots in half a day with a guide who is well-versed in Kanazawa.
First, stroll through Omicho Market, which has supported Kanazawa's food culture, while sampling local ingredients. Next, move to Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, and enjoy beautiful Japanese gardens while savoring local cuisine at a restaurant. Continue to enjoy matcha and sweets at the confectionery museum, and finally indulge in shopping at Higashi Chaya District, where various shops line the streets.
Since you can efficiently visit the must-see spots in Kanazawa, this tour is recommended for first-time visitors to Kanazawa.
<Information>
- Meeting Point: FamilyMarт + Drug Comeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
- Tour Area: Kanazawa
- Start Time: 10:00
Secretly Introducing Hidden Gems! Kanazawa's Hidden Autumn Foliage Spots
Kanazawa has three hidden autumn foliage spots. Here we'll secretly introduce these Hidden Gems. The scenery of these spots known only to those in the know will be unforgettable once you see it. For those planning their Kanazawa Autumn Foliage 2025 adventure, these locations offer spectacular views away from the crowds.
Utatsuyama Park
Source:Google Maps
Utatsuyama Park is a park that opened in 1914, spreading across the Utatsuyama area where you can overlook Kanazawa city, and has been beloved by locals since ancient times.
Utatsuyama Park has two autumn foliage spots. The first is the collaboration of the Sea of Japan and autumn foliage visible from the observation deck. The contrast between the magnificently spreading blue of the Sea of Japan and the colorful autumn foliage is wonderful, and this scenery that can only be seen here is a must-see!
The second is the autumn foliage along the slope leading to the iris garden. Many maple trees are planted here, so the progression of autumn colors differs by location. Green, yellow, red, and orange colors are scattered throughout, and I found myself forgetting time as I gazed at this scene where you can feel nature's vitality with your skin.
The autumn foliage begins to change color in early November, with the best viewing period from mid to late November.
<Information>
- Address: Suehiro-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 24 hours
- Phone Number: 076-220-2356
- Official Website: https://www4.city.kanazawa.lg.jp/soshikikarasagasu/midoritohananoka/gyomuannai/5/1/8472.html
Daijō-ji
Source:Google Maps
Daijō-ji is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple established in 1263, where you can see precious Buddhist statues and buildings designated as important cultural properties by the nation, prefecture, and city.
The highlight of the autumn foliage is the scenery with the "Sanmon" gate, which was built in the early Edo period and is designated as a prefectural cultural property. When the maple trees planted at both ends of the bright vermillion "Sanmon" gate reach their peak, they turn bright red, dyeing the entire gate area in red. The moment when the usually somewhat dark temple transforms into a gorgeous impression only during autumn foliage season is a perfect photo opportunity! I was overwhelmed by the magnificent view and found myself silently taking photos.
Why not enjoy autumn foliage in this temple where a solemn atmosphere flows?
The autumn foliage begins to change color in early November, with the best viewing period from mid to late November.
<Information>
- Address: Nagasakamachi Ru 10-10, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 24 hours
- Phone Number: 076-241-2680
- Official Website: http://www.daijoji.or.jp/
Honchoji
Source:Google Maps
Honchoji is a Nichiren Buddhist temple famous for "The Life of the Buddha," a rare fresco mural in Japan that was created over nine years inside the main hall. The temple grounds also feature a haiku monument by the famous haiku poet Matsuo Basho and a cautionary toad statue, among other attractions scattered throughout.
In the back garden stands a large maple tree that is a preserved tree of Kanazawa City, 200 years old and 9 meters tall, known for its overwhelming presence when it turns red in autumn. The stone pavement in the temple grounds is well-maintained and easy to walk on, and you can relax and enjoy the autumn foliage in this well-maintained, nature-rich space.
The autumn foliage begins to change color in late October, with the best viewing period from early to late November.
<Information>
- Address: 1-2-8 Nomachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 24 hours
- Phone Number: 076-241-4029
- Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/spot/detail_10232.html
Spots Near Kanazawa Where You Can Leisurely Enjoy Autumn Foliage
Finally, let me introduce some spots a little away from Kanazawa where you can leisurely enjoy autumn foliage. You can fully enjoy the great outdoors, so you'll definitely be able to refresh yourself while viewing the autumn leaves - perfect for experiencing Kanazawa Autumn Foliage 2025.
Toukokusan Yokoji
Source:Google Maps
Toukokusan Yokoji is a historic Soto Zen temple in Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture, founded in 1312. Despite suffering two fires in the past, it has continued to protect numerous cultural properties and is known as one of Japan's leading treasure houses of medieval cultural assets.
It also features an observation deck with panoramic views of Hakui City and offers zazen (sitting meditation with proper posture for mental concentration) experiences, making it full of attractions.
The temple grounds are also charming with streams flowing through and moss growing everywhere, allowing you to feel nature up close. I was particularly moved by the elegant scene when bright red maple leaves fell on the moss - a moment so beautiful that I can still vividly remember it today.
Why not appreciate the autumn foliage while listening to the babbling of streams and the sounds of birds and insects?
The autumn foliage begins to change color from mid-October, with peak viewing from late October to mid-to-late November.
<Information>
- Address: Ishikawa Prefecture, Hakui City, Sakai-cho I-11
- Business Hours: 9:00-17:00
- Phone Number: 0767-23-4534
- Official Website: https://www.sotozen-net.jp/temple/68
Hakusan Shirakawago White Road
Source:Official website
Hakusan Shirakawago White Road is a 33.3km toll road connecting Ozoe in Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and Hatogaya in Shirakawa Village, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture, renowned for offering spectacular views of Hakusan's magnificent nature.
This road has been selected as one of "Japan's 100 Best Autumn Foliage Spots" for three main reasons:
- You can enjoy autumn foliage early
- You can see various types of autumn foliage
- The peak season lasts for an extended period
The White Road is characterized by significant elevation differences, which means autumn foliage progression varies greatly by location. When I visited during autumn foliage season, seeing the constantly changing autumn colors made me feel as if I was traveling through time while driving - truly embodying the spirit of Kanazawa Autumn Foliage 2025.
The homepage displays autumn foliage information for 11 spots on a six-level scale, so it's recommended to check before visiting.
The autumn foliage begins to change color from late September, with peak viewing from early to late October.
<Information>
Address: Ishikawa Prefecture, Hakusan City, Chugu
Business Hours: 7:00-18:00
Phone Number: 076-256-7341
Official Website: https://hs-whiteroad.jp/
Natadera Temple
Source:Google Maps
Natadera Temple is a historic temple in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, founded in 717. The temple grounds feature national important cultural properties and nationally designated scenic spots, and in 2015, it earned a star rating in the world-famous travel guide "Michelin Green Guide Japan."
Among the temples where you can enjoy various autumn foliage including Japanese maple, mountain maple, and full-moon maple, my recommended spots are the Weirdly shaped rock formations and Fugekyō Bridge.
At the Weirdly shaped rock formations, you can see the striking landscape of bizarre rocks created by nature over many years combined with bright red autumn foliage. At Fugekyō Bridge, surrounded by autumn foliage, walking on the bridge felt like being showered with autumn leaves.
Due to the spectacular autumn foliage, crowds are inevitable, but when I visited early in the morning, it was relatively less crowded, so I recommend going early if you want to appreciate the scenery leisurely.
The autumn foliage begins to change color from late October, with peak viewing from early to late November.
<Information>
- Address: Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa City
- Business Hours: 24 hours
- Phone Number: 076-165-2111
- Official Website: https://natadera.com/
If You Visit Kanazawa in Autumn, Also Savor Exquisite Foods Only Available in Fall!
If you visit Kanazawa in autumn, why not also savor exquisite foods that can only be enjoyed in fall? The Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour allows you to dine at three restaurants and bars that local guides confidently recommend, making it a perfect complement to your Kanazawa Autumn Foliage 2025 experience.
At these establishments, you can enjoy Kanazawa specialties such as fresh seafood caught in nearby waters, oden (traditional Japanese stewed dishes), and fried foods, paired with a wide variety of alcoholic beverages including sake, shochu, and beer. All dishes are perfect as drinking snacks, so you won't be able to stop ordering more drinks!
At the end, you can also experience "kikisake" - a tasting comparison of 3-5 types of sake - where you can learn about Japanese sake culture from your guide while actually tasting the alcohol.
During transit, you can also stroll through the nighttime streets of the samurai district, popular for its fantastical atmosphere. Join the tour and fully enjoy Kanazawa's nightlife.
<Information>
- Meeting Point: Beams (Kohrinbo Ramoda Building)
- Tour Area: Kanazawa
- Start Time: 18:00