Hanami week in Kanazawa

Japan – early April

Hanami literally means “flower watching” in Japanese and it’s easily my favourite week of the year in Kanazawa (my chosen home in Japan). In Ishikawa Prefecture, cherry blossoms usually reach their peak from early April to mid-month, though it shifts slightly each year. 2026 marks the third time I get to see the Sakura trees in full bloom here. It’s worth checking the latest blooming forecasts before you go; timing makes all the difference between tight buds and that fleeting, soft pink canopy. Now how do you spend that one bliss full week like a local and what else is there to do in one of Japan’s main samurai cities?

Top picnic spots for Hanami in Kanazawa

I usually find a quiet place at Saigawa river, between the Saigawa-Ōhashi Bridge and Saigawa Ryokuchi Park, or along Asanogawa and in Tamagawa Park, where people gather in small, easygoing circles. With my friends I spread out a blanket beneath branches heavy with blossoms, unpack simple snacks and a few drinks from the supermarket, and settle in petals slowly drift down. There is no rush, just the low hum of conversation, the occasional clink of cups, and that shared, fleeting awareness that this exact moment, like the sakura above us, will not last for long.

Things to eat during Hanami in Japan

I start to notice the season in the food as much as in the trees. At a small shop, I pick up Hyakumanyaki filled with a faintly fragrant sakura paste, its sweetness soft and slightly floral. Department stores and supermarkets put out Sakura bento made for hanami, neatly arranged boxes that feel almost too pretty to open once we are back under the blossoms. If there is a festival nearby, I end up standing in line for a portion of yakisoba from a temporary stall, eaten straight from the tray while the air carries a mix of steam, sauce, and the occasional petals. Another of my favourite hearty Japanese snacks is “Yakiimo” – grilled sweet potato. And then there is dango, “Mitarashi”, tricolor or pink with sakura flavour.

Sakura photo spots in Kanazawa

For sightseeing and photos, I move between a few familiar spots, following the blossoms through the city. Kenrokuen and Kanazawa Castle are the obvious anchors, especially during peak bloom when they stay open till 9.30pm and the grounds take on a softer, almost suspended atmosphere during the illumination events. In Kazuemachi, the narrow alleys, old wooden facades and the red lanterns along the river frame the trees in a quiet way. Up by Utasu Shrine the view opens slightly, with petals gathering along the steps. Around Nagamachirokuno Bridge and near Nakamura Jinja Shrine, I find smaller scenes that feel less staged, where locals pass through and the blossoms blend into daily life. Most evenings end with a slow walk, camera in hand, not really looking for anything specific, just letting the light fade and the colors shift as the day comes to a close.

Cafés to take a rest while exploring Kanazawa

At some point I slip into a café to rest my feet and warm up a little. Horaido Cafe is an easy choice, especially upstairs where the view on the castle opens out nicely, while places like coffee stand hana, kakurezato coffee, or isotope アイソトープ feel more tucked away, the kind of spots you almost pass without noticing. Hirami Pan is also hard to resist, with its fresh bread and slower pace, and townsfolk coffee is where I end up lingering longer than planned. There are plenty more scattered across the city, and I keep discovering new ones each time. If you are looking for more ideas, you can find all my restaurant recommendations across Japan here.

My favourite things to do in Kanazawa

When I am not out for hanami, I fall into a different rhythm around the city. I look for small, comforting things, like a bowl of local Oden or I wander through Omicho Market for a taste of “Nodoguro”. Some evenings turn louder with Karaoke, while others drift into bar hopping around Katamachi stopping by places like Tobira where conversations with strangers come easily, or Furansu for exquisite cocktails. And when I need a proper reset, I head to a sento: Manten no yu* is the more complete experience, especially with its outdoor baths, while Matsu no yu is the tattoo-friendlyer option. *Here, tattoos need to be covered with waterproof bandaids that match your skin colour.

Sakura viewing in Hokuriku

When I feel like leaving the city behind, I start looking for quieter places to catch the blossoms across Ishikawa and the wider Hokuriku region. Kibagata Park near Komatsu is an easy escape, with long, open stretches around the water where the sakura reflect softly on the surface. Up near Tsubata, the thousand cherry trees along 母恋街道 form a gentle tunnel that never feels too crowded. Crossing into Toyama, the banks of the Funagawa River are lined with blossoms and, on clear days, framed by distant mountains, while Fukumitsu near Inami offers a slower, more local atmosphere. These are the kind of places where you linger a little longer, with fewer people around and more space to take it all in. Another more well-known option is Takayama, where the Sakura blooming period often coincides with the local spring festival.