Kanazawa in October 2025: Fall Events, Cultural Festivals & Traditional Experiences Guide
Kanazawa, which flourished as a castle town about 400 years ago during the Edo period, remains one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, with many historic attractions and traditional streetscapes still preserved today.
October in Kanazawa is one of the most comfortable times of the year, as the summer heat subsides. During this Kanazawa Event October 2025 season, various events are held that allow visitors to experience Kanazawa's nature and traditions, including seasonal illumination events that coincide with the beginning of autumn foliage, traditional ceremonies at Kanazawa's representative hot spring areas, and festivals where you can experience kimono culture.
This article introduces events unique to October in Kanazawa that you can enjoy, focusing on illuminations at major tourist spots like Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden.
When visiting Kanazawa in October, we recommend touring the beautiful gardens under the mild climate
Autumn in Kanazawa is a season when temperatures gradually cool toward winter. While the first half of October retains some summer heat, the latter half sees temperatures drop enough that mornings and evenings feel chilly, and you'll see people wearing light jackets around town.
October in Kanazawa, with its many comfortable temperature days, is perfect for strolling through Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en while experiencing beautiful nature and tradition.
Particularly, "The Four Seasons of Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden: Autumn Illuminations," held from late October through November, is a must-see Kanazawa Event October 2025 highlight. This beautiful Japanese garden, counted among Japan's three most famous gardens, and traditional castle architecture are illuminated, creating a fantastical atmosphere you can experience.
Below, we'll introduce in detail the attractions and highlights of the illuminations at both Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden.
Highlights of "The Four Seasons of Kanazawa Castle: Autumn Illuminations"
In "The Four Seasons of Kanazawa Castle: Autumn Illuminations," Kanazawa's symbol, the historic castle architecture of Kanazawa Castle, and the garden within the castle grounds called "Gyokusen'inmaru Garden" are illuminated with warm lights. You can enjoy a solemn and fantastical atmosphere different from daytime.
Let me introduce the highlights of Kanazawa Castle during this Kanazawa Event October 2025 one by one, so please check them out.
Rich nature and gentle light that colors Gyokusen'inmaru Garden
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
Gyokusen'inmaru Garden is a recreation completed in 2015 based on historical materials of a garden originally built in 1634 by the Kaga Domain, which used Kanazawa Castle as their residence. This garden is a circuit-style garden centered around a pond, with attractive features including rich greenery, cascading waterfalls, and beautifully stacked stone walls.
During "The Four Seasons of Kanazawa Castle: Autumn Illuminations," the trees around the pond and the stone walls surrounding the garden are illuminated with gentle light. The illuminated trees are reflected in the pond, allowing you to enjoy an atmospheric ambiance quite different from daytime.
My particular recommendation is the autumn foliage that begins to change color from late October. The sight of the illumination lights throughout the garden weaving together with the vibrant autumn colors is so beautiful you'll want to capture it in photographs. Since thi
Important Cultural Properties of Kanazawa Castle illuminated with gentle light
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
In "The Four Seasons of Kanazawa Castle: Autumn Illuminations," one of the highlights is the illumination of traditional castle architecture designated as National Important Cultural Properties. At Kanazawa Castle, you can view the following three Important Cultural Properties:
Ishikawa-mon gate: The representative gate of Kanazawa Castle, rebuilt in 1788 after the original gate was destroyed by fire. This is a precious cultural property that remains as it was from that time.
Sanjukken Nagaya: A warehouse with white walls and lead-tiled roofing built in 1858. Along with Ishikawa-mon gate, it's one of the few structures remaining as they were from that period.
Tsurumaru Soko: An armory storehouse completed in 1848. It's said to be one of the largest storehouses within castle grounds in Japan.
At Kanazawa Castle's representative photo spot "Ishikawa-mon gate," you can enjoy mystical scenery as the beautiful castle architecture with white walls and gray lead tiles is illuminated. Please savor this precious time experiencing the illumination of castle architecture recognized by the nation for its historical value.
Not only Hishi Yagura, but also Ishikawa-mon gate and castle grounds are illuminated
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
In "The Four Seasons of Kanazawa Castle: Autumn Illuminations," the spectacular illumination beautifully lights up the entire castle grounds of Kanazawa Castle, in addition to the new symbol of Kanazawa Castle, "Hishi Yagura," where you can observe the structure of castle architecture.
Many of Kanazawa Castle's buildings, including the Important Cultural Property "Ishikawa-mon gate," feature white walls and gray lead tiles. The illumination makes the contrast between white walls and lead tiles stand out, allowing you to more deeply appreciate the beauty of castle architecture.
My favorite point about this Kanazawa Event October 2025 is that the stone walls surrounding the castle are also illuminated. Kanazawa Castle, also called a "stone wall museum," preserves stone walls with various stacking methods, so please take time to view them leisurely amid the beautiful illumination.
Information
- Dates: October 18, 25, November 1, 2, 8, 15, 22, 23, 29, 2025
- Access: From Kanazawa Station, take the "Kanazawa Loop Bus" or regular bus and get off at "Kenrokuen Garden･Kanazawa Castle Park" bus stop (approximately 3-minute walk)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_30047.html
"Kenrokuen Garden Four Seasons Story: Autumn Chapter" Highlights
"The Four Seasons of Kenrokuen Garden: Autumn Illuminations" is a special event where you can experience the beauty of Kenrokuen Garden at night, enjoying Kanazawa's history and the natural beauty of the four seasons.
This event, which fuses traditional Japanese gardens with modern lighting technology, offers a fantastical space that's quite different from the daytime experience. Here are three highlights of Kenrokuen Garden during this event that you should definitely check out.
The Beauty of Japanese-Style Gardens Illuminated in Vivid Light, Designated as One of Japan's Three Famous Gardens
During "The Four Seasons of Kenrokuen Garden: Autumn Illuminations," you can enjoy the fantastical spectacular view of Kenrokuen Garden, renowned as one of Japan's three famous gardens, enveloped in subdued tone lighting.
At Kenrokuen Garden, a circuit-style garden where you stroll around a large pond for viewing, the illuminated trees reflect on the water surface, creating a picture-like beautiful scene. The carefully maintained trees emerge from the darkness through illumination, further enhancing their beauty.
Additionally, Kenrokuen Garden's symbol, the Kotoji Stone Lantern, is one of the highlights of this event. The composition including the pond viewed through the Kotoji Stone Lantern and the stone bridge in the foreground is a popular photo spot. Please capture the beautiful nightscape unique to Kanazawa, where tradition and nature merge.
The Fantastical Atmosphere Created by Kanazawa's Traditional "Yukitsuri" and Illumination
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
At Kenrokuen Garden, "Yukitsuri" work begins in November. "Yukitsuri" is a traditional technique of reinforcing tree trunks with poles and ropes to protect trees from the weight of snow. The beautiful conical "Yukitsuri" is a winter tradition of Kenrokuen Garden and an spectacular view that can only be seen during this season.
While you can enjoy the beautiful snowy landscape of snow-covered "Yukitsuri" from January to February, November's attraction is being able to observe the installation work process. The sight of gardeners climbing poles up to 14 meters high to string ropes is sure to captivate you with the craftsmen's skilled techniques.
If you visit Kenrokuen Garden in October, please also enjoy the special experience of watching the "Yukitsuri" work that begins in November.
During Autumn Foliage Season, Enjoy the Collaboration of Fall Colors and Illumination
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
During "The Four Seasons of Kenrokuen Garden: Autumn Illuminations," you can enjoy the fusion of vivid autumn foliage that typically begins coloring in October and reaches its peak in November, with illumination.
During the autumn foliage season illumination, the colorful fall leaves reflect on the pond's water surface, and my favorite point is how the garden is enveloped in a bright atmosphere even at night. October's autumn foliage is in the middle of changing colors, so you can also enjoy various gradations of hues.
At the vast Kenrokuen Garden, the types of trees you can see and the progression of autumn colors differ by location. While admiring the beautiful nature within the garden and the architectural beauty of the Japanese garden, please enjoy the autumn foliage and illumination from various angles.
Information:
- Dates: October 18, 25, November 1, 2, 8, 15, 22, 23, 29, 2025
- Access: From Kanazawa Station, take the "Kanazawa Loop Bus" or regular bus and get off at "Kenrokuen Garden・Kanazawa Castle Park" bus stop (about 3 minutes walk)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_30047.html
Local Guides Can Help You Experience the City's History and Traditions More Deeply
The Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour is a guided tour that visits Kanazawa's major tourist spots, including Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden. This tour also allows you to enjoy strolling through the traditional streetscape of Higashi Chaya District and food hopping at Omicho Market, where diverse Kanazawa gourmet foods are available.
Kanazawa, which escaped war damage, preserves not only the historical buildings of Kanazawa Castle but also many historic streetscapes from ancient times. With this tour guided by locals, you can fully enjoy sightseeing while gaining a deeper understanding of Kanazawa's history and traditional culture.
This tour's attractive feature is that you can enjoy special experiences unique to Kanazawa, such as dining while viewing Japan's oldest fountain and savoring matcha and traditional sweets. Since this tour involves walking more than 4 kilometers to visit tourist sites, please participate in comfortable clothing.
Information:
- Meeting point: FamilyMart+Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
- Tour area: Musashigatsuji～Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en area～Higashiyama
- Start time: 10:00～
Other Must-See Events You Can Experience in Kanazawa in October
In October, Kanazawa offers a diverse array of festivities beyond the illuminations of Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden, including traditional events at historic hot spring areas, events where you can enjoy exploring Kanazawa while wearing traditional Japanese clothing "kimono," and gourmet events where you can taste local sake.
Here, we will introduce in detail three events you can experience in Kanazawa in October, so please be sure to check them out.
Yuwaku Bonbori Matsuri
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
Yuwaku Bonbori Matsuri is a fantastical lantern festival held in Yuwaku Onsen, a historic hot spring area representative of Kanazawa. At this festival, you can enjoy watching a procession dressed in traditional costumes that escorts the deity of Yuwaku Inari Shrine as it walks through the hot spring town illuminated by the gentle light of bonbori (lanterns).
This festival is an actual recreation of a festival that appeared in the anime "Hanasaku Iroha" that was broadcast in 2011. On the day of Yuwaku Bonbori Matsuri, limited edition goods collaborating with "Hanasaku Iroha" and meals recreating gourmet dishes that appeared in the work using local ingredients are also sold.
Why not participate in Yuwaku Bonbori Matsuri and experience this uniquely Japanese special event where a historic hot spring town with 1,300 years of history merges with modern Japanese anime?
Information:
- Date: October 18, 2025
Access: Take route bus "Yuwaku Line" from Kanazawa Station and get off at "Yuwaku Onsen" bus stop (immediate arrival)
Admission: General admission ticket 2,000 yen Entry pass required for entering Yuwaku Onsen area from evening onwards on the day of the event
Website: https://yuwaku.gr.jp/bonbori/
Kanazawa Kimono Komachi
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
Kanazawa Kimono Komachi is an event where you can enjoy walking around Kanazawa while wearing kimono that use "Kaga Yuzen," a traditional craft of Kanazawa, and gold leaf.
Kanazawa has many historical landmarks such as Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden, with abundant spots full of Japanese atmosphere where kimono looks beautiful. Particularly in Higashi Chaya District, you can take beautiful photos as if you've time-slipped back about 200 years, walking through traditional streetscapes in kimono attire.
An attractive point for Kanazawa Kimono Komachi participants is that they can participate in tea ceremonies held at Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden. Why not enjoy a special time experiencing Kanazawa's street walking and traditional tea ceremony culture in kimono attire?
Information:
- Date: October 2025
- Access: Take "Kanazawa Loop Bus" or route bus from Kanazawa Station and get off at "Korinbo" bus stop (about 3 minutes walk)
- Admission: Free Kimono rental fees are generally self-funded
- Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_52328.html
SAKE MARCHE 2025
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
"SAKE MARCHE 2025" is a gourmet event where you can taste Japanese sake made in Kanazawa and throughout Ishikawa Prefecture. About 25 representative sake breweries of Ishikawa Prefecture gather, and you can enjoy comparing various local sakes with different flavors.
Also at "SAKE MARCHE," my favorite point is that you can taste Kanazawa's exquisite gourmet foods that pair perfectly with Japanese sake, such as sushi and tempura. You can experience not only Japanese food but also the marriage of Japanese sake with multinational cuisine such as Italian and Spanish dishes.
"SAKE MARCHE 2025" is a valuable opportunity to hear directly from brewery craftsmen about the characteristics and manufacturing methods of Japanese sake. Please deepen your understanding of Japanese sake by learning about their dedication and passion, while enjoying Kanazawa's food culture.
Information:
- Date: October 2025
- Access: Take "Kanazawa Loop Bus" or route bus from Kanazawa Station and get off at "Hirosaka･21st Century Museum" bus stop (about 1 minute walk)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://sakemarche.jp/
2025 Limited Geigi Culture Experience in Tea House Parlors - Author's Recommendation
Source:Official website
For those traveling to Kanazawa in October, I also recommend participating in a special 2025-limited event where you can experience Geigi culture in Kanazawa's three historic tea house districts.
Geigi are women who embody the arts and spirit of hospitality that have been passed down for over 200 years in the tea house districts. Geigi have a tradition called "ichigen-san okotowari" (no first-time customers), and normally you cannot meet them without an introduction from regular customers. This event is a valuable opportunity to interact directly with such Geigi.
At this event, you can watch the gorgeous performances of Geigi dancing to the accompaniment of traditional instruments such as shamisen (Japanese string instrument) and drums right before your eyes. You can also enjoy playing games using drums together with Geigi, fully experiencing Kanazawa's traditional culture.
Please create unforgettable memories of your Kanazawa trip while touching authentic Japanese culture.
Information:
- Date: April 26, 2025 / May 10, 17, 31 / June 14, 21, 28 / September 6, 13, 27 / October 4, 11, 18, 25 / November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 / December 6, 13 / January 24, 31, 2026 / February 7, 14, 21, 28 / March 7, 14, 21, 28
- Access:
【Higashi Chaya District・Kazuemachi Chaya District】
Take "Kanazawa Loop Bus" or route bus from Kanazawa Station and get off at "Hashiba-cho" bus stop (3-5 minutes walk)
【Nishi Chaya District】
Take "Kanazawa Loop Bus (Left Loop)" or route bus from Kanazawa Station and get off at "Hirokoji" bus stop (about 5 minutes walk)
- Admission: General 5,000 yen / University students and under 2,500 yen (preschool children not allowed)
- Website: https://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/event/detail_22547.html
To Deeply Enjoy Kanazawa's Exquisite Food, Try Using a Food Hopping Tour
Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour is a food tour that visits three hidden izakaya (Japanese bars) and restaurants in Katamachi, Kanazawa's representative entertainment district. On this tour, you can fully enjoy fresh seafood caught near Kanazawa and Kanazawa's local cuisine.
Katamachi has many famous restaurants in back alleys, and it would be difficult for foreigners visiting Kanazawa for the first time to find the best shops. By participating in this tour, local guides will take you to hidden famous restaurants where you can taste Kanazawa's exquisite gourmet food.
On the Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour, you can also enjoy Kanazawa's unique food culture, such as tasting matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets or enjoying sake tasting. Since this tour also includes strolling through traditional samurai residences, participation in comfortable walking attire is recommended.
Information:
- Meeting point: In front of the clothing store "BEAMS" in Korinbo Ramoda Bldg
- Tour area: Korinbo ~ Katamachi
- Start time: 18:00~
