Kanazawa in Autumn: Top Stunning Fall Foliage Spots and Best Food Experience in Autumn
Kanazawa is a city rich in history and charm that developed from a castle town that flourished during the Edo period (1603-1868, the age of the Samurai). It is particularly famous in Japan for having numerous historical spots and traditional locations, and many tourists visit this city every year.
By the way, in Japan, autumn is called "the season of appetite" because it is the season when the flavors of ingredients are at their peak. There are also other expressions such as "autumn of art" and "autumn of recreation."
Kanazawa autumn represents the pinnacle of Japanese experiences - food, art, and recreation are all at top levels in Japan. This time, we will introduce recommended spots for Kanazawa autumn and explain how to enjoy them.
Climate and Recommended Clothing for Autumn in Kanazawa
September
【Climate Characteristics】
• Average temperature: 26.8°C
• Average maximum temperature: 30.8°C
• Average minimum temperature: 23.7°C
☆ This is when summer transitions to autumn. While it's warm during the day, mornings and evenings can get cold.
【Recommended Clothing】
It's recommended to pair short sleeves or thin long sleeves with cardigans or light jackets to make body temperature regulation easy.
October
【Climate Characteristics】
• Average temperature: 19.5°C
• Average maximum temperature: 23.7°C
• Average minimum temperature: 16.1°C
☆ It's a comfortable climate where you can feel autumn, but be careful of morning and evening cold and sudden rain.
【Recommended Clothing】
Light sweaters or cardigans are recommended. Since it can get hot during the day, it's safe to wear a long-sleeved shirt underneath. Also, carry an umbrella in preparation for sudden rain.
November
【Climate Characteristics】
• Average temperature: 19.5°C
• Average maximum temperature: 23.7°C
• Average minimum temperature: 16.1°C
☆ This is the period when autumn transitions to winter. You start to feel chilly even during the day.
【Recommended Clothing】
As it gets cold, we recommend sweaters or shirts with jackets and other outerwear even during the day. Since mornings and evenings get cold, prepare coats as well.
(All temperatures refer to 2024 records)
Highlights of Autumn in Kanazawa
Kanazawa autumn is said to be the best season for tourism. First, the climate is comfortable and makes sightseeing easy, which is one reason. Furthermore, Kanazawa's attractive points such as history, food, and recreation level up in autumn, which is also cited as a reason.
From here, we will introduce the reasons why Kanazawa autumn is recommended.
The Collaboration of Autumn Foliage and Traditional Streetscapes
First, regarding the historical aspect. In Kanazawa, historical buildings and streetscapes are preserved throughout the city. These have excellent compatibility with autumn foliage and enhance each other. The emotion and charm felt in the streetscapes become deeper, and the autumn foliage drifts with stronger melancholy. Just walking through the streets is enjoyable during the autumn foliage season in Kanazawa autumn.
Also, in Kanazawa, you can see beautiful autumn foliage in Japanese gardens and large parks, so those are also highly recommended. As we will introduce in the middle of this article, Kenroku-en and America Maple Street are my favorite places.
Exquisite Kanazawa Cuisine That Becomes Even More Delicious in Autumn
Next, let's explore Kanazawa's charm from the perspective of "food." Kanazawa is a gourmet town with various local specialties, including "Kanazawa Curry" topped with large cutlets and shredded cabbage, and "Hanton-Rice," which features fried white fish, fried shrimp, and soft-boiled eggs on top of ketchup rice.
The charm of this gourmet town Kanazawa deepens even further in autumn when various seafood and agricultural products reach their peak season. During peak season, the umami and aroma become stronger compared to other times of the year. In Kanazawa, shrimp, squid, saury, oysters, cod, and sweet potatoes reach their prime. It's also a delicious time for Japanese sake.
Various Genre Events Enjoyed in Beautiful Climate
Finally, let's talk about "autumn recreation" that can be enjoyed in Kanazawa. Autumn has mild weather, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities. Therefore, numerous events of all sizes are held during Kanazawa autumn.
In the latter half of this article, we introduce recommended events by month, so please be sure to check them out. The event genres range widely from those where you can feel history to gourmet, music, and alcohol, ensuring that everyone can find events to their liking.
By participating in events as well as visiting tourist attractions, you can enjoy Kanazawa even more.
Author's Carefully Selected! 7 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Autumn Kanazawa
Kanazawa is a city with the nickname "Forest Capital," where you can enjoy nature even in the city center. Please enjoy the collaboration of beautiful autumn foliage and the charming scenery of this historic town.
Kanazawa is a compact city with tourist attractions located very close to each other, so visiting multiple spots is highly recommended.
Kanazawa Castle Park
Kanazawa Castle is a castle with nearly 500 years of history. Although the main keep (the castle's main building) was lost to fire, there are many castle-related structures within the park. While many of these were recreated in later periods, some are incredibly historic buildings that remain from the original era.
In this park where you can feel the atmosphere of history, you can enjoy the collaboration of castle-style architecture and autumn foliage during Kanazawa autumn, and I love Kanazawa Castle Park most during this time of year. How about taking a walk through the small forest in the park while imagining the autumn scenery that people of the past used to see? Since this park also has evergreen trees, the contrast between the red and yellow colored leaves and the green is also beautiful.
The best time to see autumn foliage here is from mid to late November.
<Detailed Information>
- Address:
- Operating Hours: 7:00-18:00 (October 16 - end of February: 8:00-17:00)
Operating hours may vary by facility, so please check the official website for details.
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone Number: 076-234-3800
- Official Website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kanazawajou/e/
Kenroku-en
Kenroku-en is a historic Japanese garden that is one of Japan's three most famous gardens. It's popular for its seasonal landscapes that make the most of nature's beauty throughout the four seasons. Since it's a very large garden, you can enjoy nature as if you were in the mountains, even though it's located in the middle of the city. It took me about an hour to walk around.
For Kenroku-en as well, the season I most want to recommend is the Kanazawa autumn foliage season. With approximately 800 maple, cherry, and zelkova trees planted throughout, you can spend time surrounded 360° by autumn colors.
The best time to see autumn foliage at Kenroku-en is from early to late November.
<Detailed Information>
- Address: 1-4 Kenroku-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 7:00-18:00 (October 16 - end of February: 8:00-17:00)
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone Number: 076-234-3800
- Official Website: Cultural property specification Garden special scenic spot | Kenrokuen
Gyokusen-en Nishida Family Garden
Gyokusen-en Nishida Family Garden is a Japanese garden with an extremely long history, having been passed down for over 400 years. This is a famous autumn foliage spot where the attractive point is the variety of trees that turn colors, with enkianthus and maple trees colorfully decorating the garden. My favorite is the enkianthus, which turns such a brilliant red that I've never seen in other trees, and I find myself completely captivated by it.
Gyokusen-en Nishida Family Garden has a historic tea house called "Saisetsu-tei." The best spot in this park is viewing the autumn foliage from this tea house. This garden is designed so that the scenery looks most beautiful when viewed from the tea house, so please take your time to look out over the scenery from the tea house.
The best time to see autumn foliage here is from mid-November.
<Details>
- Address: 8-3 Kosho-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business hours: 9:00-17:00 (December: 10:00-16:00)
- Closed: Wednesdays
※May be temporarily closed
※Closed for winter from December 25 to the end of February the following year
- Phone number: 076-221-0181
- Official website: A good place to visit for fresh greenery｜Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture｜Gyokusen-en, the garden of the Nishida family
America Maple Street
This is approximately a 250-meter street connecting City Hall to Kanazawa Castle Park, with American sweetgum trees planted on both sides of the road. Here you can enjoy seeing colorful leaves in red, yellow, and orange brightly decorating the city.
In this small forest in the city center, nature and people's lives are harmoniously integrated, and you can feel why Kanazawa is called the "Forest Capital." When you're nearby during your sightseeing, please take a walk down this street.
Additionally, an attractive point is that nighttime illumination is implemented during the autumn foliage season. The best viewing time is early November, which is relatively early for Kanazawa city.
<Details>
- Address: 2-chome Hirosaka, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone number: 076-225-1758
- Official website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/photo/detail_554.html
Higashi Chaya District (Eastern Teahouse District)
Higashi Chaya District is an area overflowing with historical atmosphere. About two-thirds of the 140 buildings in the district are traditional structures, and stepping into this area allows you to enjoy sightseeing with a feeling as if you've traveled back in time.
This area has now become a shopping district-like place packed with the charms of Kanazawa as a city of history and gourmet food, from traditional Japanese sweets to souvenir shops and restaurants where you can enjoy Kanazawa's flavors.
Behind Higashi Chaya District is a mountain called Mt. Utatsu, which is also famous for autumn foliage. Please enjoy shopping while experiencing the pleasant autumn breeze, beautiful autumn colors, and gorgeous scenery.
<Details>
- Address: 1-chome Higashiyama, Kanazawa City
- Business hours and holidays: Varies by store
- Phone number: 070-251-6777
- Official website: https://chayagai.goldleaf-sakuda.jp/
For those interested in Kanazawa's history and traditional culture, we recommend a tour guided by locals
This tour is a 5-hour tour that explores Kanazawa's main tourist spots while delving into the deep charms of Kanazawa city.
The attractive point of this tour is that you can visit all the must-see spots that you absolutely cannot miss when going to Kanazawa, such as Omicho Market and Kenrokuen Garden. Furthermore, while visiting these famous spots, local guides will also take you to hidden gems that only locals know about, such as beautiful hidden alleys and restaurants where you can view Japan's oldest fountain.
This tour is recommended for those who want to fully enjoy both Kanazawa as a tourist destination and Kanazawa as a place to live.
<Tour Details>
- Meeting point: FamilyMart+Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
- Tour area: Kanazawa
- Start time: 10:00
3 Selected Markets in Kanazawa Where You Can Enjoy Exquisite Autumn Food
In Kanazawa, where markets are thriving, you can enjoy gourmet food not only at restaurants but also at markets, which is one of Kanazawa's attractive points. From here, we'll introduce three recommended markets in Kanazawa.
Please note that basically none of these markets have a bargaining culture, so be careful about that.
Omicho Market
Omicho Market is a market that has supported the lives of Kanazawa citizens for over 300 years. About 170 stores are packed closely together, offering everything needed for daily life, from ingredients like seafood, vegetables, and meat to daily necessities including clothing.
Since Omicho Market is developed for tourists, it has abundant dining establishments. You can eat luxurious seafood bowls and sushi made with freshly caught seafood. For those who want to eat just a little, we also recommend grilled skewer dishes using ingredients like scallops, squid, and beef that are cooked on the spot, as well as crab soup and pudding. All dishes are packed with Kanazawa's charm, so please try purchasing whatever catches your interest during your Kanazawa autumn visit.
〈Detailed Information〉
- Address: 50 Kami-Omicho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: Around 9:00-15:00
Varies by store
- Closed: New Year's (January 1-4)
Varies by store
Many stores are relatively closed on Wednesdays, so we recommend contacting each store
- Phone Number: 076-231-1462
- Official Website: https://ohmicho-ichiba.com/
Kanazawa Wholesale Market
Source:Official website
Kanazawa Wholesale Market is a complete contrast to the tourist-crowded Omicho Market, being an authentic market where professional chefs and traders gather.
Therefore, while there are fewer restaurants, the attractive point of this market is that there are many hidden famous establishments. The restaurants here are mainly for people working in the market, so they gather high-cost-performance dining establishments with good quality and generous portions. Even for under 1,000 yen, you can eat seafood bowls where fish is piled so high you can't see the rice underneath.
This market is recommended for those who want to experience the authentic atmosphere of a Japanese market that isn't tourist-oriented, perfect for experiencing Kanazawa autumn in its most genuine form.
〈Detailed Information〉
- Address: 4-7-1 Shinnen, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 3:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Closed: Wednesdays
(There may be other temporary closures, and sometimes they operate on - Wednesdays, so please check the official website)
- Phone Number: 076-220-2711
- Official Website: https://www.kanazawa-market.or.jp/Homepage/index.html
Kanazawa Port Ikiiki Market
Source:Official website
Kanazawa Port Ikiiki Market is a tourist-oriented market that can be enjoyed at relatively affordable prices.
The most attractive point of this market is that you can eat the seafood you purchase right on the spot. They will prepare fish into sashimi or bowls, or shuck fresh oysters right there for you. The eat-in space is also well-equipped, so you won't have trouble finding a place to eat.
This market is perfect for people who want to experience both "buying fish at a market" and "eating freshly caught seafood dishes." Personally, this market was my favorite among the three markets, especially during Kanazawa autumn when the seafood selection is at its peak.
<Detailed Information>
- Address: 52 Muryoji-machi Wo, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 9:00-16:00
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone Number: 076-266-1353
- Official Website: https://ikiiki.or.jp/tenpo/maruya
Exquisite Cuisine You Must Enjoy During Kanazawa Autumn
From here, we'll explore the charm of Kanazawa autumn from a "gourmet" perspective. We'll introduce three ingredients that reach their peak season in autumn or can only be eaten in autumn, along with recommended restaurants where you can enjoy exquisite gourmet dishes using these ingredients.
Female Snow Crab
Female snow crab is one of the specialty products widely loved in Kanazawa. Since fishing is only permitted for about two months starting from November 6th each year, and the distribution volume is limited, it can be said to be an autumn delicacy that can only be truly enjoyed in Kanazawa.
The reason Female snow crab is popular is that compared to males, they are smaller but have more concentrated flavor. The eggs in their belly and the immature eggs inside the shell are also highly recommended.
〈Recommended Store〉
Itaru Main Store
An izakaya where you can enjoy delicious Japanese sake and seafood dishes including crab cuisine. Particularly recommended is "Yopparai Gani" (Drunken Crab), which is Female snow crab soaked in Japanese sake.
Sweet Shrimp
Sweet Shrimp is a Kanazawa specialty characterized by its plump texture and rich sweetness derived from amino acids. It's an extremely difficult shrimp to keep fresh, making it a phantom ingredient that's rarely available outside of Kanazawa.
Sweet Shrimp becomes plump from September to December in preparation for spawning. While Sweet Shrimp is delicious year-round, this period is especially when the flesh is packed and can be enjoyed at its most delicious time of the year.
Even in Kanazawa, this is a highly rare ingredient that may or may not be available depending on fishing conditions, so when you encounter it, you should absolutely try it.
Sweet Potato
Sweet Potato is one of Kanazawa's traditional vegetables, cultivated since around 1700. The variety grown in Kanazawa is called Goroujima Kintoki, characterized by its fluffy texture and elegant sweetness. This brand values "quality over quantity" and is grown leisurely in spacious fields, so it absorbs plenty of nutrients and grows densely packed, which is another attractive point. It's a representative taste of Kanazawa that's also extremely popular as a gift.
〈Recommended Store〉
Nokayacafe
Run by Goroujima Kintoki farmers, this cafe offers sweets that bring out 120% of Goroujima Kintoki's charm. The recommended menu item is "Roasted Sweet Potato Chiffon Cake."
To Enjoy Kanazawa Autumn's Exquisite Cuisine, Let Locals Guide You to Beloved Establishments
This tour is a 3.5-hour night tour that explores Kanazawa's charm from gourmet and historical perspectives during the beautiful Kanazawa autumn season.
This tour visits three restaurants. While eating Japanese-style course cuisine Kappo, Japanese-style hot pot "oden," matcha, wagashi (traditional sweets), Japanese sake, and more, you'll enjoy Kanazawa's specialty products and traditional Japanese-style dining experiences that showcase the best of Kanazawa autumn.
Additionally, an attractive point of this tour is that you can enjoy Kanazawa's traditional streetscapes while walking from restaurant to restaurant. During this time, guides will explain where remnants of the past remain, so you can feel the history from small details you wouldn't notice when walking alone - another attractive aspect of experiencing Kanazawa autumn.
〈Tour Details〉
- Meeting point: In front of the Korinbo Ramoda bldg
- Tour area: Kanazawa
- Start time: 18:00
Monthly Guide to Autumn Events You Can Enjoy in Kanazawa
Finally, let's explore the "recreational" aspect. Since you're making the journey all the way to Kanazawa, participating in events that can only be enjoyed during specific seasons will allow you to experience the deeper charm of Kanazawa's cityscape. The Kanazawa autumn season offers particularly spectacular cultural and culinary experiences that showcase the city's rich heritage.
Must-See Kanazawa Events in September
【Kanazawa Odori】
This is an event where geisha (women who perform traditional arts) from Kanazawa's three tea districts gather to present various traditional performances. You can enjoy Kanazawa's traditional culture at its finest during the Kanazawa autumn season.
〈Details〉
- Event dates: September 20-23 annually
- Venue: Ishikawa Ongakudo Concert Hall, Japanese Music Hall
- Official website: https://kanazawaodori.jp/
【Craft Beer Kanazawa】
This event brings together top-level popular craft beers from Japan and Ishikawa's popular foods that pair perfectly with them, all gathering in Kanazawa.
〈Details〉
- Event dates: Late September (September 28-29 in 2024)
- Venue: Shiinoki Geihinkan, Stone Plaza and Lawn Plaza
- Official website: http://craftbeer-kanazawa.info/
【GO FOR KOGEI】
This is an event where you can experience the fascinating aspects of Hokuriku's traditional crafts. The attractive point is being able to reexamine traditional crafts through their commonalities with contemporary art.
〈Details〉
- Event dates: September 13 - October 19, 2025 (Sunday)
- Venue: Kanazawa area (10 locations)
- Official website: https://goforkogei.com/
【Kanazawa Jazz Street】
This is a major music event that brings together jazz artists from both domestic and international scenes. During the event period, jazz flows throughout the city, and an excited atmosphere permeates the entire town during this memorable Kanazawa autumn celebration.
〈Details〉
- Event dates: September 13-15, 2025
- Venue: Musashi, Korimbo, and Katamachi areas
- Official website: https://kanazawa-jazzstreet.jp/
Must-See Kanazawa Events in October
【Hokuriku Ramen Expo 2025】
This is a food festival where popular ramen shops from across the country gather. Since you can compare and taste various types of ramen, this is a must-see event for ramen lovers exploring Kanazawa autumn flavors.
〈Details〉
- Event dates: Mid-October annually
- Venue: Ishikawa Industrial Exhibition Hall No. 4
- Official SNS: https://www.instagram.com/hab_hokurikuramenhaku_official/
【Ishikawa SAKE MARCHE】
This event brings together sake and other alcoholic beverages from Ishikawa Prefecture, along with local cuisine. This event is recommended for people who want to fully enjoy the food culture of Ishikawa and Kanazawa during the beautiful autumn season.
〈Details〉
- Event dates: Early October annually
- Venue: Shiinoki Geihinkan
- Official website: https://sakemarche.jp/
【Kanazawa Marathon】
This is a full marathon event where you run through the city while enjoying Kanazawa's attractive streetscape. The appealing point is being able to run while feeling the pleasant Kanazawa autumn breeze.
〈Details〉
- Event dates: Late October annually
- Venue: Kanazawa city
- Official website: https://www.kanazawa-marathon.jp/
【Kanazawa Castle & Kenrokuen Ohchakai】
Tea ceremony (preparing matcha) has seven different schools in Kanazawa alone. At this event, you can taste matcha prepared by professionals from each school during the serene Kanazawa autumn atmosphere.
〈Details〉
- Event dates: October annually
- Venue: Kanazawa Castle Park, around Kenroku-en
- Official website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_52202.html
Must-See Kanazawa Events in November
【Yukitsuri Installation at Kenrokuen Garden】
This is the work of protecting trees with ropes so they don't fall under the weight of snow. The ropes stretched in triangular cone shapes are beautiful. (The work continues until mid-December, but the yukitsuri can be seen until March) This preparation marks the transition from Kanazawa autumn to winter.
〈Details〉
- Event dates: November 1 to mid-December
- Venue: Kenroku-en
- Official website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_50425.html
【The Four Seasons of Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden: Autumn Illuminations】
The snow suspension ropes and autumn foliage are fantastically illuminated with beautiful lighting, creating a magical end to the Kanazawa autumn season.
〈Details〉
- Event dates: Late October to November
- Venue: Kenroku-en
- Official website: https://kenrokuen.or.jp/illumination/
【Omicho Market Crab Hot Pot Festival】
Female snow crab's first catch (the first caught that year) arrives at the market, and crab hot pot is served to visitors, celebrating the bounty of Kanazawa autumn seafood.
〈Details〉
- Event dates: Early November
- Venue: Omicho Market
- Official website: https://ohmicho-ichiba.com/
【Momiji Tour of the Town of Hyakumangoku】
This is an event where you can enjoy autumn foliage, art using autumn leaves, and seasonal autumn flavors, perfectly capturing the essence of Kanazawa autumn.
〈Details〉
- Event dates: Early November
- Venue: Shiinoki Green Space / Honda-no-mori Park and others
- Official website: https://www.shiinoki-geihinkan.jp/?mode=pickup&ctg=evt&cord=592
(For festival information, this is recommended: https://ishikawa-style.com/machinaka-momiji/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
To Fully Enjoy Japan's Autumn, It's Best to Be Guided by Locals Who Know Each Area Inside and Out!
If you want to enjoy 100% of a place's charm when visiting for the first time, thorough research and preparation including reservations are essential. This requires both effort and time, and above all, it's very difficult. Therefore, local tours are perfect for people who want to easily and surely enjoy the charm of a place.
Among these, I strongly recommend Magical Trip's tours. In these tours, tour guides who are also locals will take you around from famous tourist spots to hidden gems that only locals know, introducing you to the best ways to enjoy the area.
If you're interested in "travel not found in guidebooks" or "Japan from a local's perspective," please try participating in this company's tours. I can confidently assert that you will create unforgettable and irreplaceable memories. The two tours introduced in this article are also from this company.
