10 Best Parks in Kanazawa

Kenrokuen is designated as one of the 3 most famous gardens in Japan. Typical of the Edo era, this garden is centred around woods and springs and is also designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.

Especially worth seeing in winter is the yukitsuri traditional method of protecting trees from heavy snow by tying ropes to them. The snow-covered pine trees are hung with ropes like umbrellas, creating a magical scene. Another famous sight is the Karasaki pine tree, with its spectacular branches. If you're feeling peckish, try some local delicacies at one of the many teahouses.

Kanazawa Castle Park is the site of the former residence of Maeda Toshiie and other members of the Maeda clan, who were the feudal lords of the Kaga domain. This beautifully restored castle is a symbol of Kanazawa and a reminder of the city's former glory. Many visitors come to see the castle when it’s lit up at various points during the year.

Gyokusen’inmaru Park is another major attraction, recreating the garden that existed here until the abolition of Japan’s feudal domains. The uniquely shaped and coloured stone walls add to the landscape’s charm.

Now located within Kanazawa Castle Park, Gyokusen’inmaru Park is a reproduction of the garden of the Maeda clan that ruled Kaga Province up to the time of the abolition of domains. At the Gyokusen-an café you can enjoy matcha green tea and fresh Japanese sweets while taking in the views of beautiful garden scenery and unusually shaped stone walls.

Illumination events are also popular. These include the "Three Lights" illumination display where lights change depending on the time (check out the sunset garden, evening garden, and moon-gazing garden) and the "Lights of the Season" event that features performances of the shakuhachi (end-blown bamboo flute), koto (a plucked zither), and other Japanese musical instruments in a dreamlike scene.

Kasumigaike Pond is right in the middle of Kanazawa's celebrated Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s officially recognised 3 most famous gardens. If you’re visiting in winter, you’ll see the pine trees reflected on the surface of the water as part of the winter tradition of tying trees with ropes to protect them from the snow, but this beautiful mirror-like pond offers spectacular views throughout the seasons and is particularly popular for photography during illuminations.

The pond is surrounded by highlights of Kenrokuen such as the Karasaki pine tree and the 2.67-metre-high Kotoji lantern. Also check out the stunning views from the top of Mt. Sazae.

Daijoji Kyuryo Park is a lovely place to kick back relax on the green slopes of rolling hills. You can enjoy a wonderful view of Kanazawa City below and there’s the Sea of Japan in the distance.

It's also known as a spot for viewing seasonal flower including plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, azaleas and hydrangeas, and is ideal for walks, picnics, and exercise under the clear blue sky. There are also plenty of places for children to run around, and in winter it's a great place to play in the snow.

Utatsuyama Park is a great stopover for sightseeing in Kanazawa if you’re travelling by car. For one thing, there are observation decks offering panoramic views from the city centre to the Sea of Japan and the Tateyama Mountain Range. It's also a popular spot with locals for the spectacular sunsets and night views.

The well-maintained gardens are also a must-see. Highlights include the irises and hydrangeas in Hanashobu-en, azaleas in Kaboku-en, and cherry blossoms in the “400-year forest".

Shofukaku Garden has a longer history than Kanazawa's major tourist attraction, the Kenrokuen gardens, but as it's only been open to the public for a short time, this is still a bit of a secret spot that even the locals aren’t that familiar with. The garden, with its path around a central pond, stems from the early Edo era and retains the charming atmosphere of those days.

The views over the pond across the Shofukaku tower that was relocated from the residence of the Honda clan, the chief retainer of the Kaga domain, and the mossy stepping stones are pure Japan. The nearby D.T. Suzuki Museum is also well worth a look.

Kanazawa Minami Sogo Sports Park is popular with the locals for its vast green areas and various sports facilities. But the park’s main feature is a beautifully maintained rose garden. This attracts many visitors in May, June, September and October, when the 1,800 roses are in full bloom, creating a colourful, romantic scene.

Each rose has a nameplate that tells you its name, variety, and country of origin, so this is a great way to learn more about roses. Don't forget to take a photo in front of the arches and fences decorated with roses.

Kenmin Seaside Park is a calming space surrounded by greenery and water. You can enjoy a variety of activities at different spots throughout the park, including a spacious lawn, a promenade through the forest, a cycling path, a boat dock, a barbecue area, and a pond that’s a popular site for birdwatching.

Children will have a great time at the swimming pool, which opens in summer and has a water slide and giant playground equipment. If you want to enjoy nature in a perfect location with a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan, this is the place to be.