Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Kanazawa Without the Crowds

Ah, springtime in Japan! And there’s really only one image that comes to mind: cherry blossoms, or sakura.

Kanazawa City has some of the best cherry trees to be seen within a city’s limits. The pride and joy of Kanazawa, Kenrokuen Garden, is one of the most popular places to view cherry trees in bloom. Unfortunately, it can get a bit crowded. Also, there’s no picnicking, or hanami, allowed. So, where can you go within walking distance of Kanazawa’s downtown area to both enjoy the cherry blossoms and have a bit of quiet time? 

©Keri Yazawa

Ishikawa Shikou Memorial Park

Located just one block away from Kanazawa’s main drag (National Route 157), the Ishikawa Shikou Memorial Park is an open space with an outdoor stage, ringed by trees and wooden benches. It’s the ideal place for many of Kanazawa’s outdoor events such as “A Cappella Town” in August and “Oktoberfest” in September. It’s quiet while still being near all the conveniences that we travelers like, which can be found across the street in Daiwa Department Store.

Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bseNH5zt3wjKeYRU9

Head down to the basement for lunch or tea time or takeout. There’s a wide selection of foods to choose from. For coffee connoisseurs, Chitose Coffee is a must. If it’s sweets you’re after, Fruit Parlor Kajitsuen or Gelato Pique Cafe will have something to hit the spot.

©Keri Yazawa

If you prefer a bird’s eye view of the cherry blossoms, head upstairs to the restaurant and exhibition level (8F) and choose a place along the east the side of the building, either Daiwa Dining or family-friendly Shunsai Grill Korin.  Window tables overlook the park; a lovely sight to relax to over lunch or an early dinner.

©Keri Yazawa

Tamagawa Park

Sprawling behind one of the city’s many libraries is a lovely expanse of greenery. It’s a 5-minute walk from busy streets but you’d never know it. There’s no better place near Kanazawa’s Omichi Market to spread a blanket out and soak in the sight of falling petals. If you just can’t get enough sakura, right beside it is the smaller Mastugae Ryokuchi, which has even more cherry trees.

Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G5rVUhas6duDBFHCA

Stop by the basement of nearby Kanazawa M’ZA Department Store  before you venture out and pick up something to eat out-of-doors, or swing by my favorite bagel place: Tobeguru for takeout. (Just don’t forget to pack a bag for garbage as Kanazawa City parks do not offer trash cans.)

The Saigawa Riverside

The Sai River is one of the two largest rivers in Kanazawa City, running from the mountains, past Kanazawa’s downtown nightlife, and out to the Sea of Japan. It’s a bit long to walk (9 kilometers from the downtown Saigawa Bridge to the ocean), but there are plenty of cherry trees to see without having to hike. Starting at Saigawa Shrine, meander 20 minutes either upstream or down and you’ll find not only gorgeously mature trees bursting with blossoms, but plenty of picnic spots to choose from.

©William Michaud

On a nice day, with the burbling of the river and the breeze whispering through the sakura… well. It doesn’t get much better than this. (But do keep an eye on the sky whenever you’re nibbling at your food. Kanazawa’s small hawks tend to invite themselves to the party and make off with a morsel.)

Even on a rainy day, the river is lovely. Put your feet up in the nearby cafe, “pillows tea”, and enjoy the view from the picture windows.

Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zYB3sSgitKbqJxWX7

This article was written by Keri Yazawa

About Keri Yazawa
Keri Yazawa has been a resident of Kanazawa City since 2005 and enjoys cycling, stamp-making, and tofu!

©Keri Yazawa