Kanazawa November 2025: Complete Guide to Illuminations, Autumn Foliage & Traditional Winter Preparations
November in Kanazawa is a special season when traditional winter preparations begin all at once before the snow falls. At Kenroku-en, Kanazawa's representative tourist destination, Yukitsuri work begins, and in the Nagamachi Samurai District, Komogake Installation is performed on earthen walls, allowing visitors to fully enjoy Kanazawa's unique beautiful autumn scenery.
November in Kanazawa is also a time when you can enjoy various types of events, including illuminations that shine throughout the city, gourmet events featuring fresh seafood from Kanazawa, and art events. This time, we will introduce in detail the diverse Kanazawa Event November 2025 experiences you can enjoy.
Experience the Annual "Yukitsuri" and "Komogake" in November Kanazawa
In November Kanazawa, the Yukitsuri work at Kenroku-en has become a winter tradition. Yukitsuri is a traditional technique that reinforces trees with poles and ropes to prevent branches from breaking under the heavy, moisture-laden snow characteristic of the Japan Sea side.
Also, in Kanazawa where historic streetscapes remain, the Komogake Installation to protect traditional architecture is a must-see. Komogake Installation is the work of stretching woven straw mats called "Komo" to prevent damage to earthen walls from snow and freezing.
Below, we will introduce Yukitsuri and Komogake Installation in detail, including tourist destinations where you can observe each.
Kenroku-en Yukitsuri Work
The Yukitsuri work at Kenroku-en is a representative winter tradition of Kanazawa, implemented annually from November 1st to mid-December. Yukitsuri is a traditional Japanese technique that protects tree branches from heavy, moisture-laden snow, and this sight can be seen throughout Kanazawa city, with Kenroku-en at the forefront.
The Yukitsuri work at Kenroku-en begins with "Karasakimatsu," which boasts the garden's finest branching at approximately 10m high and 26m wide. The craftsmen's skill of climbing a pole about 14m high and suspending branches using 800 ropes from 5 support poles is spectacular, and the beautiful cone shape formed by the ropes is a must-see.
At Kenroku-en, Yukitsuri is applied to trees throughout the garden one after another from November 1st onward. Please experience this limited-time spectacular view that combines snow country's traditional techniques with Japanese gardens.
Earthen Wall Komogake Work
In the Nagamachi Samurai District where traditional streetscapes remain, Komogake Installation is performed annually from late November to early December. This work is done to protect earthen walls from snow and freezing, and it decorates Kanazawa's winter streetscape for a limited period until mid-March of the following year.
The main spots where you can see Komogake Installation are as follows:
Nomura-ke Samurai Residence
This is the residence of the Nomura Family who served Maeda Toshiie, the lord of the Kaga Domain who once ruled Kanazawa. As a representative of high-class samurai residences, you can closely observe the prestigious traditional architecture and Komogake Installation on earthen walls.
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・Address: 1-3-32 Nagamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
・Access: From Kanazawa Station, take the "Kanazawa Loop Bus" or regular bus and get off at "Korinbo" bus stop (about 5 minutes on foot)
Takada Family Samurai House Remains
This is the residential remains of the Takada Family, middle-ranking samurai of the Kaga Domain. You can observe the traditional gate architecture and beautiful Japanese garden along with the Komogake Installation applied to earthen walls.
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・Address: 2-6-1 Nagamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
・Access: From Kanazawa Station, take the "Kanazawa Loop Bus" or regular bus and get off at "Korinbo" bus stop (about 5 minutes on foot)
November Events to Enjoy Beautiful Kanazawa Streets and Illuminations
Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en Illumination
The Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en Illumination is a limited-time event where Kenroku-en, one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, and Kanazawa Castle, known for its traditional castle architecture, are beautifully illuminated.
The main highlight of the Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en Illumination is the fantastical scenery of Kenroku-en's Yukitsuri illuminated by light. The beautifully illuminated triangular Yukitsuri reflects on the pond's surface, creating a picture-like spectacular view.
In November at Kenroku-en, the autumn foliage also reaches its peak. I was overwhelmed by the fantastical sight of colorful autumn leaves and illuminated Yukitsuri and ended up taking many photos.
During this event period, you can enter Kenroku-en for free, which normally requires an entrance fee, making this an attractive point. Please casually enjoy the nightscape woven by traditional Japanese gardens and nature that can only be seen during this season.
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・Schedule: October 18th, 25th; November 1st, 2nd, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th
・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 on foot) ・Entrance fee: Free (only during illumination period)
・Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_30047.html
Kohrinbo Tree Fantasy
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
Kohrinbo District Tree Fantasy is an illumination event held in Kohrinbo, one of Kanazawa's premier entertainment districts. This event, held for a limited period from autumn to winter, creates a fantastical atmosphere where zelkova trees lining the main street are illuminated with approximately 110,000 LED lights.
The highlight of this event is the Yukitsuri illumination applied to the zelkova tree in Kohrinbo Atrio square. Through illumination that fuses Kanazawa's traditional Yukitsuri with modern technology, you can experience special nighttime views that can only be seen in Kanazawa during this season.
Kohrinbo is within walking distance of major tourist spots like Kenroku-en and Oyama Shrine, with excellent access. Please enjoy the beautiful limited-time illuminations along with Kanazawa sightseeing and shopping.
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・Schedule: Usually from November to around February
・Access: From Kanazawa Station, take the "Kanazawa Loop Bus" or regular bus and get off at "Korinbo" bus stop immediately
・Entrance fee: Free
・Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_50480.html
Katamachi Christmas Tree / "Yukitsuri" Illumination
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
Katamachi Christmas Tree / "Yukitsuri" Illumination is an illumination event held in Katamachi, Kanazawa's representative entertainment district. This event has attracted attention as a unique illumination event where you can enjoy different atmospheres in the first and second half of the period.
In this event, a fir tree approximately 9m long appearing in the plaza of the commercial facility Katamachi Kirara is decorated with illuminations. You can enjoy two types of presentations: a Christmas tree from November to Christmas (December 25th) in the first half, and illumination inspired by Yukitsuri in the second half.
Among these, the star-shaped illumination shining at the top of the Christmas tree is my favorite. With the gorgeous Christmas tree lit by approximately 20,000 white, red, and gold LED lights, please fully experience the atmosphere of Kanazawa's vibrant entertainment district, Katamachi.
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・Schedule: Usually from November to around February
・Access: From Kanazawa Station, take the "Kanazawa Loop Bus (counterclockwise route)" or regular bus and get off at "Kata-machi" bus stop (about 1 minute on foot)
・Entrance fee: Free
・Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_50486.html
To Deeply Enjoy Kanazawa's Beautiful Streetscapes, Take a Tour with Commentary from Local Guides!
The Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour is a tour that visits Kanazawa's major spots, including Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en, as well as the approximately 300-year-old Omicho Market. This tour also allows you to stroll through the traditional streetscape of Higashi Chaya District while listening to explanations from local guides.
What I recommend most about this tour is that you can taste Kanazawa's local cuisine at a restaurant where you can view Japan's oldest fountain inside Kenroku-en. Especially in November, you can enjoy a special experience of dining while taking in the spectacular views of Kenroku-en's autumn foliage and Yukitsuri. This makes it a perfect Kanazawa Event November 2025 experience for visitors seeking authentic cultural immersion.
This tour involves walking approximately 4-4.5km around Kanazawa city, so please participate wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Information:
- Meeting point: FamilyMart+Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store
- Tour area: Musashigasuji～Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden area～Higashiyama
- Start time: 10:00～
Four Spots to Enjoy Beautiful Autumn Foliage in Kanazawa in November
Gyokusen-en Nishida Family Garden
Gyokusen-en Nishida Family Garden is a samurai garden created over approximately 100 years by the Wakita Family, who were samurai of the Kaga Domain about 400 years ago. About 120 years ago, the Nishida Family inherited the mansion and garden, continuing to preserve the traditional Japanese garden and the beautiful nature within the grounds.
This garden features mystical landscapes with vivid green moss spreading across the entire area and nature's beauty throughout the four seasons. Particularly in November, when Kanazawa's city center is painted with autumn colors, you can enjoy spectacular views of the garden's trees, including maple and enkianthus, turning brilliant red.
An attractive point of this garden is that you can experience authentic tea ceremony culture at Kanazawa's oldest tea house, "Saisetsutei." Why not try matcha and traditional sweets while gazing at the autumn foliage that colors the tranquil garden? This authentic cultural experience represents the essence of any Kanazawa Event November 2025.
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・Address: 8-3 Kosho-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
・Business hours: 9:00～17:00 (December: 10:00～16:00)
・Closed: Wednesdays, December 25～end of February
・Phone: 076-221-0181
・Official website: http://www.gyokusen-en.net/
Oyama Shrine
Oyama Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Maeda Toshiie, the first lord of the Kaga Domain, and his wife.
The main attraction of this shrine is Oyama Shrine's main gate, Shinmon Gate. This gate features a unique design that fuses traditional Japanese wooden architecture with Western stained glass. The solemn atmosphere of the shrine architecture is vividly colored by brilliantly shining stained glass.
Also in November, you can fully enjoy beautiful autumn foliage in the shrine's garden. This shrine's garden is a circular-style garden where you can walk around the pond. Stone walkways are constructed over the pond, allowing you to enjoy the unique experience of walking as if you were walking on autumn foliage reflected in the pond, which is my favorite point.
Please enjoy this special time experiencing Kanazawa's history and beautiful autumn foliage simultaneously in the sacred atmosphere unique to shrines - a highlight for any Kanazawa Event November 2025 itinerary.
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・Address: 11-1 Oyama-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
・Business hours: [Amulet purchases, etc.] 9:00～17:00 [Purification ceremonies] 9:30～15:30
・Closed: Open year-round
・Phone: 076-231-7210
・Official website: http://www.oyama-jinja.or.jp/
Utatsuyama Park
Source:Google Maps
Utatsuyama Park is a historic park that opened in 1914. This park spreads across the entire Utatsuyama (Utatsu Mountain) area, which overlooks Kanazawa city, and has been beloved by local people since ancient times.
The reason I recommend Utatsuyama Park as an autumn foliage spot is its special location where you can simultaneously view the beautiful autumn colors of the Sea of Japan and forests. The scenery where you can enjoy the contrast between vivid red and orange autumn foliage and the blue sea is a spectacular view unique to Kanazawa, blessed with abundant greenery and sea.
The park features not only observation decks where you can overlook Kanazawa city and the sea, but also walking paths where you can enjoy nature throughout the four seasons. Compared to central Kanazawa, it has fewer people and a calm atmosphere, making it recommended for those who want to leisurely view autumn foliage. This serene setting makes it an ideal destination for a peaceful Kanazawa Event November 2025 experience.
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・Address: Suehiro-machi and other areas, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
・Business hours: 24 hours
・Closed: None
・Phone: 076-220-2356
・Official website: https://www4.city.kanazawa.lg.jp/soshikikarasagasu/midoritohananoka/gyomuannai/5/1/9410.html
Daijō-ji
Source:Google Maps
Daijō-ji is a Soto Zen temple where monks undergo training to qualify as head priests. At Daijō-ji, trainee monks still live disciplined lives, and it has gained attention for allowing tourists to experience Zen meditation in the same environment as active trainee monks.
At Daijō-ji, you can enjoy the collaboration of historic temple architecture and beautiful autumn foliage. Among these, the autumn foliage around the gate "Sanmon," designated as a precious cultural property of Ishikawa Prefecture, is a must-see. You can enjoy spectacular views that can only be experienced at Daijō-ji, woven together by approximately 400-year-old traditional architecture and vivid autumn foliage.
Why not leisurely observe the historic temple architecture and beautiful autumn foliage in this sacred space enveloped in tranquility? This spiritual experience captures the contemplative spirit perfect for any Kanazawa Event November 2025 seeking cultural depth.
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・Address: Nagasaka-machi Ru-10, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
・Business hours: 9:00～17:00 ※Amulet purchases, etc.: 9:00～15:00
・Closed: None
・Phone: 076-241-2680
・Official website: https://daijoji.info/
Events to Enjoy in Kanazawa in November - Author's Recommendations
Here we introduce a diverse range of Kanazawa Event November 2025 experiences, including gourmet events where you can taste fresh seafood from Kanazawa, and exhibitions of treasures from the Maeda Family collection who contributed to Kanazawa's development, among other colorful events you can enjoy in Kanazawa during November.
Fish Market Club Festival
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
The Fish Market Club Festival is a gourmet event held in November when snow crab fishing is lifted in Kanazawa. At this event, Ishikawa Prefecture's brand snow crabs "Kano-gani" and "Kobako-gani," freshly caught after the fishing ban is lifted, are sold at special prices.
Additionally, the biggest reason I recommend this event is that you can taste crab soup made with Kano-gani and vegetables simmered in a large pot with a 2-meter diameter. The umami of Kano-gani and the sweetness of vegetables dissolve into the soup, creating an exquisite harmony.
Please be sure to savor Kanazawa's seafood treasures that can only be tasted during this season.
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・Schedule: Any weekend in November
・Access: Take a route bus (bound for Kanazawa Port Cruise Terminal) from JR Kanazawa Station West Exit, get off at "Ohno" or "Ohno Port" bus stop (about 10 minutes walk)
・Admission fee: Free
・Website: https://www.kanazawa-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/event/detail_50469.html
Exhibition of Imperial Calligraphy and Court Culture from the Maeda Family Collection
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
The "Exhibition of Imperial Calligraphy and Court Culture from the Maeda Family Collection" is an exhibition that displays precious documents written directly by emperors, which have been passed down through generations by the Maeda Family, lords of the Kaga Domain.
At this exhibition, you can view documents written directly by emperors from the era when Maeda Toshiie, who greatly contributed to Kanazawa's development, ruled Kanazawa. Additionally, you can also appreciate other precious displays related to the imperial court, such as traditional costumes worn by court nobles during special ceremonies and folding screens passed down to high court officials.
Why not visit to see works that have been carefully preserved for about 400 years and feel the aesthetic sense and craftsmanship techniques of that time firsthand?
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・Schedule: October 2, 2025 December 15, 2025
・Access: Take a route bus (bound for Ishikawa Prefectural Library) from Kanazawa Station, get off at "Dewamachi" bus stop (about 3 minutes walk)
・Admission fee: [General/University students] 1,000 yen [Junior/Senior high school students] 400 yen [Elementary school students] 300 yen
・Website: https://www.seisonkaku.com/moyosi/beheld.html
Lucie Rie: Elegant Vessels Fusing East and West
Source:Kanazawa Tourism Official
"Lucie Rie: Elegant Vessels Fusing East and West" is an exhibition where you can appreciate about 120 works by Lucie Rie, a ceramic artist representing the 20th century. This exhibition is the first large-scale retrospective of Lucie Rie in about 10 years and is a rare opportunity to enjoy Lucie Rie's works from all over Japan at once.
This exhibition also features displays introducing the relationship between Lucie Rie, who was active in Austria and Britain, and Eastern ceramics including those from Japan. Please also enjoy works by ceramic artists who had deep connections with Lucie Rie, such as Bernard Leach and Hamada Shoji.
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・Schedule: September 9, 2025 November 24, 2025 (Closed on Mondays except holidays, September 16, October 14, and November 4)
・Access: Take the "Kanazawa Loop Bus" or route bus from Kanazawa Station, get off at "Hirosaka・21st Century Museum" bus stop (about 7 minutes walk)
・Admission fee: [General] 1,200 yen [University students] 800 yen [High school students] 500 yen (Free for junior high school students and younger)
・Website: https://www.momat.go.jp/craft-museum/exhibitions/564
Enjoy Kanazawa's Exquisite Food with Locals at Popular Local Restaurants!
The Kanazawa Night Foodie Tour is a guided tour that visits three izakaya (Japanese bars) in Kanazawa's representative entertainment districts of Katamachi and Korinbo. This tour also includes a stroll through the Nagamachi Samurai District, and from late November through December and beyond, you can also enjoy the scenery of the Komogake Installation.
On this tour, you can taste Kanazawa's unique exquisite gourmet food, including Japanese cuisine using fresh seafood from Kanazawa and Kanazawa's local dish "Kanazawa Oden" (a hot pot dish where boiled eggs and vegetables are simmered in broth). Even with dishes you're trying for the first time, English-speaking guides will carefully teach you how to eat them, so you can enjoy them with confidence.
Since November in Kanazawa gets cold in the mornings and evenings, we recommend participating in warm clothing in preparation for walking around the city.
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・Meeting point: In front of the clothing store "BEAMS" in Korinbo Ramoda Bldg
・Tour area: Korinbo Katamachi
・Start time: 18:00-
