1Kenrokuen Garden

Enjoy the autumn leaves in a feudal lord's garden

Ishikawa Prefecture's best spot to see autumn leaves. The vast Japanese garden, created by successive feudal lords of the Kaga domain, is beautifully colored by over 1,000 trees that turn red and yellow every November. In particular, Yamazakiyama, an artificial hill near Kodatsunoguchi, one of the garden's entrances, is filled with autumnal colors as maple, beech, and horse chestnut trees color the mountainside. There is also a five-story pagoda made of Shirakawa granite on the mountainside, where you can enjoy a stroll while admiring the autumn leaves.

[Start of coloring] Usually around early November
[Best time to see] Mid to late November
[Types of autumn leaves] Maple, beech, horse chestnut, etc.

Kenrokuen Garden

• 1 Kenrokucho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
• From JR Kanazawa Station, take the Hokutetsu Bus Castle Town Kanazawa Tour Bus "Clockwise Route" for about 15 minutes, get off at "Kenrokuenshita/Kanazawa Castle" and walk for about 2 minutes
• 7:00-18:00 (final entry 17:30), October 16th to the end of February 8:00-17:00 (final entry 16:30)
• Open daily
• 320 yen, Children (ages 6-17) 100 yen
• 076-234-3800（金沢城・兼六園管理事務所）
• Paid

2American Maple Street

A tree-lined road that signals the arrival of autumn, like a scene from a movie

A popular spot that heralds the arrival of autumn is the tree-lined street facing the former prefectural office, the Ishikawa Prefectural Government Memorial Shiinoki Guest House, located in the center of the city. The street is about 250 meters long. About 40 American maples line both sides of the road gradually change color from late September, creating a beautiful gradation of green, red, and orange that delights the eyes of visitors. The colors of the trees become even more vivid from mid- to late November, when the autumn leaves are at their best. Fallen leaves pile up on the ground, creating a scene that looks like a scene from a movie. It is also recommended to sit on a bench in the park on either side of the street and slowly enjoy the autumn leaves. There is also a tree-lined street connecting the downtown area, Korinbo, Kenrokuen, and the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, so you can stop by while sightseeing.

[Best time to see] Mid-November to early December
[Type of autumn leaves] Maple tree

3Tokozan Daijoji Temple

In the silence of the morning, I am soothed by the autumn leaves decorating the temple gate.

It is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Kanazawa. This is an old temple of the Soto sect near Nodayama, where Maeda Toshiie rests. There are many maple trees planted in the temple grounds, especially around the "Sanmon" gate, which is also a prefectural cultural asset. The contrast between the sturdy Sanmon gate built in the Edo period and the vivid maple trees is very charming. The best time to see them is around late November. If you come early in the morning when there are few people around, you can relax and worship while looking at the autumn leaves. In addition, the zazen hall is open every morning from 4:15 to 9:00, and anyone can freely Experience zazen. You can practice zazen with monks in a tranquil atmosphere, balance your mind and body, and refresh yourself while feeling the tranquility and beauty of nature.

[Start of coloring] Early November
[Best time to see] Late November
[Type of autumn leaves] Maple

4Nagamachi samurai residence area

Enjoy a stroll through the old-fashioned streets and beautiful autumn foliage in the gardens

The Nagamachi area, just a short walk from Korinbo in the center of Kanazawa City, is a quiet area that you wouldn't expect to find so close to downtown. The remains of the residences of Kaga clan samurai and mid-ranking samurai remain here, and the mud walls and stone-paved alleys are worth a visit. You'll feel as if you've traveled back in time to the Edo period.
In autumn, the garden trees here and there turn red, making even a stroll a feast for the eyes. The only samurai residence in this area that is open to the public, the Nomura Family Samurai Residence, has a beautiful harmony between its solemn building and tasteful garden. You can also enjoy matcha green tea (with dried sweets) in the teahouse overlooking the garden. There are Japanese sweet shops, teahouses, cafes, and more in the surrounding area, so it's a good idea to enjoy the autumn leaves while strolling around, and then take a break at a shop that catches your eye if you get tired.

[Start of coloring] Early November
[Best time to see] Mid to late November
[Types of autumn leaves] Maple, ginkgo, etc.

5Ishikawa Fourth High School Memorial Park

A relaxing place surrounded by nature, with colorful leaves shining

This park is a combination of cultural Property such as the Ishikawa Fourth High School Memorial Cultural Exchange Center and the Ishikawa Prefectural Government Memorial Shiinoki Guest House, as well as green spaces. Located along American Maple Street, it is a popular place of relaxation for tourists as well as Kanazawa residents. The autumn foliage season usually runs from mid-November to early December, when the trees in the park are colorfully colored. Every spot is photogenic, so why not visit with your camera in hand?
Every year in early November, the Property hosts the "Momiji Tour of the Town of Hyakumangoku," an event themed around maples, where visitors can enjoy autumn flavors and local crafts for sale. It's also within walking distance of Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park, and the downtown area of Korinbo, so it's also recommended as a place to take a break after sightseeing.

[Start of coloring] Early November
[Best time to see] Mid-November to early December
[Types of autumn leaves] Ginkgo, maple

▼Hyakumangoku Town Tour Maple
Period: November 1st (Sat)- 2nd (Sun), 2025, 10:00-17:00
Venue: Shiinoki Green Space, Hondanomori Park