Momijigari in Kanazawa – Chasing Autumn’s Fire
After the long, humid stretch of summer fades, Kanazawa transforms. The heavy air lightens, the skies sharpen to a clear blue, and across the region millions of maple trees begin their slow, spectacular metamorphosis. What were once lush green canopies turn into blazing crowns of crimson, amber, and gold.
This is momijigari—the centuries-old Japanese tradition of autumn leaf viewing. And in Kanazawa, it feels less like a seasonal change and more like a celebration.
From mid-November, for a precious couple of weeks, parks, gardens, and hillsides appear as if set aflame. While the city itself offers beautiful spots to admire the colors, venturing just beyond its center reveals some of the region’s most unforgettable autumn scenery.
Yamanaka Onsen – A Gorge Painted in Red and Gold
About an hour south of Kanazawa lies Yamanaka Onsen, a charming hot-spring town beloved by Japanese travelers yet still pleasantly under the radar for many international visitors. It’s beautiful year-round—but in autumn, it becomes extraordinary.
The town’s crown jewel is the Kakusenkei Gorge, a dramatic ravine that runs alongside the Daishoji River. During fall, the maple trees lining the gorge erupt in brilliant color, reflecting in the flowing water below. Walking the riverside paths feels like stepping into a living painting.
Two bridges offer especially breathtaking views:
- Kurotani Bridge
- Kohrogi Bridge
From these vantage points, fiery maple leaves frame the river in dramatic sweeps of color—perfect for photographers or anyone simply wanting to pause and take it all in.
For those who love the outdoors, the Oku-Yamanaka area just beyond the town center offers hiking trails through forested hills dressed in autumn brilliance. Afterward, soaking in a traditional onsen while surrounded by crisp fall air is perhaps the most satisfying way to end the day.
Kenroku-en – Tradition Illuminated
No visit to Kanazawa would be complete without Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens. While it’s stunning in every season, autumn reveals a particularly magical side.
As winter approaches, workers begin Yukizuri, carefully tying ropes in elegant cone shapes around the garden’s iconic pines—especially the famed Karasaki pine—to protect them from heavy snowfall. The geometric lines of rope against the backdrop of red and gold leaves create a striking seasonal tableau unique to this time of year.
Adding to the atmosphere, the garden hosts special evening illuminations across several nights in mid-to-late November. Soft lighting enhances the rich tones of the foliage, and the reflections shimmering across Kasumi Pond feel almost surreal. Even the Yukizuri ropes glow gently, turning tradition into art.
If you’re fortunate enough to be in Kanazawa during peak season, Kenroku-en is worth visiting twice—once under the clear daylight sky, and once beneath the glow of evening lights.
Daijoji Temple – Autumn in Quiet Contemplation
For those seeking a more peaceful experience, Daijoji Temple offers a hidden sanctuary. Tucked into the wooded slopes of Mount Nodayama in southern Kanazawa, this Zen temple remains blissfully removed from busy tourist routes.
Its grounds are filled with maple trees that turn the temple precincts into a quiet sea of red and orange. The contrast of vivid foliage against the temple’s Black Gate and Red Gate captures the very essence of momijigari—beauty observed in stillness.
Daijoji is a Zen temple where the monks tirelessly practice meditation and asceticism, but they also hold seminars and meditation sessions that are open to the public. If zen meditation is something that really interests you, Short stays at the temple for up to 3 nights; living, working and learning with the monks, are also possible.
Special Thanks to:
Photo Credits: 莎拉拉 / Penqk5 / Julianol / Mike Keenan