Local Guide
[2025] Ishikawa Prefecture Kaga / Komatsu 7 famous cherry blossom spots! Information on the best time to see them

Kaga City and Komatsu City, located in the southwest of Ishikawa Prefecture, are the cities where cherry blossoms bloom earlier than other parts of the prefecture. There are many picturesque cherry blossom spots, such as Shibayamagata Lake and Natadera Temple, which overlook the sacred mountain of Mt. Hakusan. We will introduce the best times to enjoy cherry blossom viewing in Kaga, including the best varieties and events held to coincide with the blooming of the cherry blossoms.

Take a stroll and enjoy the cherry blossoms in Kaga's leading hot spring town

It's a leisurely 10-minute walk from hot spring town. The weeping cherry blossoms in the garden are worth seeing.
It's a leisurely 10-minute walk from hot spring town. The weeping cherry blossoms in the garden are worth seeing.

Located close to hot spring, which boasts a history of 1,300 years since its founding, this park is home to Ozekimiya (Ozeki Shrine), which is enshrined with the Daishoji River at its back. There are about 200 cherry trees planted here, including Yoshino cherry trees that form a pink tunnel leading into the park, and Yaezakura and Weeping cherry trees that bloom beautifully in layers, and the park has long been loved by local residents and hot spring visitors.
The small, quiet shrine is not only beautiful when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, but it is also very picturesque when the petals start to flutter and the new green leaves start to spread. There are rows of cherry trees along the river, and it is nice to enjoy a leisurely stroll while enjoying the cherry blossoms and listening to the murmuring of the river.

[Blooming season] Usually early April
[Best time to see] Mid-April
[Types of cherry blossoms] Somei-yoshino, Yaezakura, Weeping cherry

Ohinomiya Park
  • URLhttps://www.tabimati.net/spot/detail_192.html
  • 住所Ishikawa Prefecture Kaga City Hogacho I 6 MAP
  • アクセスJR加賀温泉駅から車で約11分
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR hot spring Station, get off at "hot spring West Exit" and walk for about 10 minutes
  • TEL0761-77-1144(山代温泉観光協会)
  • 駐車場free

Enjoy festivals at this famous riverside cherry blossom viewing spot

The Daishoji district, where the Kumasaka River flows, is located at the southern tip of Ishikawa Prefecture and is a popular spot where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing earlier than in Kanazawa.
The Daishoji district, where the Kumasaka River flows, is located at the southern tip of Ishikawa Prefecture and is a popular spot where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing earlier than in Kanazawa.

A row of Somei-Yoshino cherry trees creates a pale pink tunnel for about 1 km along the banks of the Kumasaka River that runs through Kaga City. When the cherry blossoms are in bloom, lanterns are lit at night, creating a serene atmosphere with the illuminated cherry blossoms. When in full bloom, the cherry blossoms reflected on the surface of the river paint the entire area in pink. There are many other sights to see nearby, including the Yamanoshita temple group, including Jisshoin (Hagi Temple) and Kaga Shinmeigu (Yamashita Shrine), the Ishikawa Prefecture Kutani Pottery Museum, and the Enuma Shrine Garden.
The Kaga Shinmei Shrine's annual festival, the Daishoji Sakura Festival, is held on the second Saturday and Sunday of April every year. Stalls line the approach to the shrine, and floats and lion dances parade through the town, livening up the long-awaited spring.

[Blooming season] Usually early April
[Best time to see] Mid-April
[Type of cherry blossom] Somei Yoshino

▼Daishoji Cherry Blossom Festival
Date: (Sat) April 12th and (Sun) April 13th, 2025
Time: Kagura and Mikoshi from around 12:30 to early evening
Location: Kaga Shinmei Shrine and other locations
remarks: https://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/event/12087

Kumasaka Riverside
  • URLhttps://tabimati.net/spot/detail_181.html
  • 住所Map of the Kumasaka River banks in Daishoji, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture
  • アクセスAbout 10 minutes walk from JR Daishoji Station
  • TEL0761-72-6678(加賀市観光情報センター KAGA旅・まちネット)
  • 駐車場Free (Kokutani Forest Waterfront Park Parking)

A cherry blossom garden where citizens can relax and enjoy the view of the sacred mountain, Mt. Hakusan

The lawn area is spacious, so you can spread out your mat and enjoy cherry blossom viewing without it getting crowded.
The lawn area is spacious, so you can spread out your mat and enjoy cherry blossom viewing without it getting crowded.

Located on gentle hills, this park has a great view of the lush Kaga Plains and the sacred mountain, Mt. Haku. It also has a kids' park with large play equipment, making it a popular spot for families. Approximately 1,100 cherry trees are planted over a wide area, centered around the grass plaza, and on sunny days the pink cherry blossoms create a vivid contrast with the blue sky and the majestic Mt. Haku in the distance.
The Sakura Festa, held every year to coincide with the blossoming season, is also extremely popular. In addition to local specialties, gourmet food such as sakura mochi and chirashi sushi, there are also performances such as brass bands and dance performances, and the event is crowded with many cherry blossom viewers.

[Blooming season] Usually early April
[Best time to see] Mid-April
[Types of cherry blossoms] Somei-Yoshino, weeping cherry

▼Sakura Festival
Date and time: Sunday in early April 2025, 11:00-15:00
Location: Kaga City Central Park, on the lawn next to Seminar House Iris (along the cherry blossom-lined promenade)
*In case of rain, the venue will be Seminar House Iris.
remarks: https://www.tabimati.net/event/detail_333.html

Kaga City Central Park
  • URLhttp://tabimati.net/midokoro/detail_kanko.php?p=4011
  • 住所245-2 Yamadacho, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスJR加賀温泉駅から車で約5分
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR hot spring Station and get off at the "Chuo Park Exit"
  • 入場料free
  • TEL0761-73-1220(加賀市中央公園管理センター)
  • 駐車場free

Spring at Lake Shibayama, where cherry blossoms stand out against the snow-capped Mt. Hakusan

The Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms shine brightly on the lake's surface, which is said to change into seven colors.
The Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms shine brightly on the lake's surface, which is said to change into seven colors.

Lake Shibayama changes color many times a day depending on the time and weather, revealing a variety of different expressions. Shibayamagata Lakeside Park is a cherry blossom viewing spot where about 160 cherry trees bloom in the spring, and is also known as a viewpoint overlooking the sacred mountain of Mt. Hakusan across the lake. The ever-changing expression of Lake Shibayamagata beyond the pale pink cherry blossoms and the snow-capped Mt. Hakusan are spectacular views you'll want to capture on camera. There is a huge fountain in the center of the lake, and if you time it right, you can enjoy the dynamic water flowers along with the cherry blossoms.
There is also a 7km cycling road in the area, which also has a 1km long row of cherry trees, so you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing while taking a stroll.

[Blooming season] Usually early April
[Best time to see] Mid-April
[Type of cherry blossom] Somei Yoshino

Shibayamagata Lakeside Park
  • URLhttps://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/spot/5536
  • 住所Ishikawa Prefecture, Kaga City, Shiozucho 1 MAP
  • アクセスJR加賀温泉駅から車で約8分
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR hot spring Station, get off at "Snow Science Museum" and walk for about 2 minutes
  • TEL0761-74-1123(片山津温泉観光協会)
  • 駐車場free

The cherry blossoms in full bloom decorate the mysterious rocky mountain temple

The vibrant vermilion of the Golden Hall of the Palace of the Emperor Kondo is beautifully harmonised with the graceful weeping cherry blossoms.
The vibrant vermilion of the Golden Hall of the Palace of the Emperor Kondo is beautifully harmonised with the graceful weeping cherry blossoms.

Founded by the monk Taicho in 717, this ancient temple continues to convey the Hakusan faith that respects nature. The temple grounds are home to numerous important cultural properties, including the nationally designated scenic spot "Kigan Yusenkyo," and you can also Experience "passing through the womb" in the cave behind the main hall, where you can feel your soul being reborn. The temple has been awarded one star in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, a rating system for tourist destinations where you can experience rich nature and diverse culture.
There are about 100 cherry trees decorating the grounds, including the weeping cherry trees that adorn the stately Kondo Kaoden Hall, the old trees clinging to the rock faces of the Strange Rocks of Senkyo, and the Yoshino cherry trees spreading their branches along the banks of the pond in the back. The cherry trees that bloom and fall with the seasons and give birth to new life seem to teach us about the wisdom of nature and the transmigration of souls.
In addition to cherry blossoms, you can enjoy rhododendrons, azaleas, daffodils, skunk cabbage, and other flowers throughout the seasons.

[Blooming season] Usually early April
[Best time to see] Mid-April
[Types of cherry blossoms] Somei-Yoshino, weeping cherry

Natadera Temple
  • URLhttp://www.natadera.com/
  • 住所Ishikawa Prefecture Komatsu City Natanicho Yu 122 MAP
  • バスアクセスFrom JR Awazu Station, take the Komatsu Bus Awazu Line (downbound) for about 10 minutes and get off at "Natadera Temple"
  • 営業時間9:15~16:00
  • 入場料Adults (junior high school students and above) 1,000 yen, elementary school students 300 yen, infants free
  • TEL0761-65-2111
  • 駐車場free

A corridor of approximately 1,700 cherry trees decorating the naturally rich water town

The endless corridor of cherry blossoms is a spectacular sight. It is crowded with locals who come to enjoy walking and running from early in the morning.
The endless corridor of cherry blossoms is a spectacular sight. It is crowded with locals who come to enjoy walking and running from early in the morning.

This urban park makes use of the natural environment of Kibagata, the only remaining lagoon in the prefecture that has not been reclaimed. The North, South, West and Central Gardens have been developed around Kibagata, and are connected by a 6.4km long path.
Part of the garden path was originally a famous cherry blossom spot known as "Senbonzakura" (Senbonzakura), but in the fall of 2018, more trees were planted, connecting the entire path with a cherry blossom corridor. The total number of planted trees is approximately 1,700, the most of any park in the prefecture, making it a sight to behold. From the North Garden to the West Garden, you can see the beautiful scenery of Kibagata Lagoon, the rows of cherry trees, and Mt. Hakusan, making it a great photo spot. In the Central Garden, the "Kibagata Park Sakura Festival Walking" is held on the first Sunday of April, and the area is filled with excitement with local gourmet food and music performances. The trees are also lit up around the time of the festival, so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms at night.
Additionally, in the iris garden in the south park, you can enjoy the gorgeous sight of approximately 50,000 irises and Japanese irises in bloom.

[Blooming season] Usually late March
[Best time to see] Early April
[Types of cherry blossoms] Somei-yoshino, Oshimazakura, weeping cherry

Kibagata Park
  • URLhttps://kibagata.com/
  • 住所58 Ranobe, Mitani-cho, Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 15 minutes by car from JR Komatsu Station
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR Komatsu Station, get off at "Kibagata Park Central Garden" and walk for a short distance
  • 営業時間Park Center: 8:30-17:00 (Entry is always possible)
  • TEL0761-43-3106(公益財団法人 木場潟公園協会)
  • 駐車場free
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