Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Kanazawa Without the Crowds Part 2

The opening of the cherry blossoms, or sakura, holds a special meaning for the Japanese. It is a symbol of rebirth and renewal. It’s a time of hope, optimism, and celebration. It can also be a mad and frustrating crush as people jostle to get the best photo angle or picnic spot. So while some places like Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden are famous for their exquisite cherry blossoms, there are plenty of others that will offer just as much beauty without the crowds. All you have to do is dare to head outside of downtown. It may take a bus or taxi ride to get there, but I promise it’ll be worth it!

©William Michaud

Asano Riverside

Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EJJ2z1tYBbK3TLE28

The most scenic portion of the Asano River begins just a 10-minute walk from JR Kanazawa Station. You can easily spend an hour strolling upstream and then down, but if you’re not interested in retracing your steps, then take the Kanazawa sightseeing bus (either the red one or the green one) to Higashi Chayagai – the East Teahouse District – Kanazawa’s most well-known historic neighborhood. You’ll arrive near the Asano Bridge and, if your timing is right, you’ll already be able to see the cherry trees in bloom along its banks.

I recommend heading upstream and wandering across the charming, wooden bridge called Ume Bashi (Bridge of Plums) which is only about 5 minutes from the main drag (Route 359, or Johoku Odori Avenue). You can even go a tad further upriver to the pale, metal truss bridge, Tenjinbashi, before turning around.

If you have time to kill, take a short detour to Higashi Chayagai, or the East Teahouse District, a popular filming location for “samurai TV dramas.” It’s literally three lanes to the north and tends to be very serene after 5 p.m., which is when the shops start to close for the day and the crowds begin to disperse.

When you’re ready to begin your trek downriver, the south bank of the Asano River offers a second teahouse district: Kazue Machi. As you pass under the cherry boughs, you’ll have the burbling river on your right and 19th century wooden houses on your left. And since these narrow streets are rarely used by cars, it’ll be just like spending a spring evening out-of-doors in feudal-era Japan.

To get back to JR Kanazawa Station, keep following the cherry trees. You’ll pass three more bridges – Nakanobashi, Kobashi, and Shoeibashi – before you arrive at Nakajimao Bridge. This is where you’ll turn left (south) and find yourself in front of JR Kanazawa Station after about 10 minutes.

©Keri Yazawa

Daijoji Kyuryo Park
Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3mKUNoZ1wx2M33Qp6

Stretching up and down the hillside beside Daijoji Temple, Daijoji Kyuryo Park has one of the best views in town, not only of the cherry trees, but of Kanazawa City itself. Whether you charge up the hill directly or take your time wandering along the winding footpaths, you’ll end up high enough to take in the sight of the city sprawled at your feet. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see the Sea of Japan on the distant horizon. 

Bring the kids, a kite, and a picnic blanket. There are benches and tables and also an expansive lawn. Before you begin your ascent, swing by Craft Soy Soft Cream 5, one block down from the park’s main entrance and just up the road.

©Keri Yazawa

Or, have lunch at nearby “ciel bleu kitchen”for something more substantial.

Catch a bus from JR Kanazawa Station if you’re traveling on a budget. The ride could take up to 40 minutes, so opting for a 20-minute taxi ride may be a better option. Don’t forget to bring a garbage bag. The park offers a beverage vending machine and clean public restrooms, but no trash cans.

Fushimi Riverside
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YmakMuGGfjyKoQwr9
Trickling through the suburbs of Kanazawa is a wide stream with a footpath high on the bank and ducks lazily paddling through the reeds. Occasional benches and unpainted traffic lanes (used by neighborhood residents and almost no one else) give this 2-kilometer (1.25-mile) walk a sense of serenity. Stroll up one side of the river bank and down the other if you like. It’s all the same to the trees.

©Keri Yazawa

Make a lunch or dinner reservation at French bistro Ludique  and opt for a main dish of fish, which is my forever favorite. The restaurant is small but charming and the quality of the food is first rate. A ten-minute detour from your riverwalk will take you to a cafe and sweets shop called Coconto Kashiten. Just look for the 7-ll and you’ll see it set back from the street, on the left. Other food options along your route are a bakery called Alice Farm Kitchen and Indian Restaurant Devi, which is next to Bakery Haru, Bistro Régal, and a place that serves grilled hamburger steaks Japanese style. (By the way, if you haven’t yet tried Indian food while in Japan, put it on your To-Do list!)

A return to downtown is very doable by bus or taxi. (Many Kanazawa taxi companies are using smartphone apps such as GO Taxi, which has English navigation.) Bask in your memories of the day (and admire your photos!) on the way back to your hotel. Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back for getting off the beaten path and discovering your own sakura experience.

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