Japan
Kanazawa in May
🌿 Late springPleasant and often rainy.
🎒 Pack: compact umbrella or rain jacket
Why May scores 9.2What goes into the score
How it works- Weather comfort8.8
- ✓Comfortable temperatures (22°C highs / 14°C lows)
- ✓Comfortable humidity (dew point 11.5°C)
- !Wet: ~138 mm rain, ~5 heavy-rain days
- Air quality9.3
- ✓Good (within WHO guideline) (PM2.5 ~10 µg/m³)
- Seasonal hazards10.0
- ·No notable seasonal hazards
- Safety baseline9.0
- ·Normal precautions
| May | Oct | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 9.2 Excellent | 8.8 Excellent |
| Season | 🌿 Late spring | 🍁 Autumn (koyo) |
| High / low | 22° / 14° | 22° / 14° |
| Rain | 138 mm | 177 mm |
| Humidity | dew pt 12° | dew pt 12° |
| PM2.5 | 10 µg/m³ | 6 µg/m³ |
Typical-month data: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis) 2015–2024 (modelled, not a forecast). Temperatures: Kanazawa weather-station normals. Rainfall: Kanazawa weather-station normals (national met service).
Holidays & crowdsMay 2027
Holiday weekA long local holiday falls this month. Expect crowds at sights, fuller trains and flights, and higher hotel prices on those dates. Book ahead.
- Golden Week 1–5 May · 5 days off in a row
National holidays only; regional holidays and school breaks aren't included. Source: holidays (open-source public-holiday calendar).
Nature calendarBlossoms, leaves & seasons in Kanazawa
- Cherry blossom 2026 (what actually happened)2026 actualFirst blooms 29 Mar 2026, full bloom 3 Apr 2026
Observed by JMA at the city's official sample tree. The 2027 forecast isn't out yet: Japanese weather companies such as the Japan Weather Association usually publish the first one in January, and we add it then.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency
- Cherry blossomTypical datesFirst blooms ~3 Apr, full bloom ~8 Apr
Typical dates (1991–2020 normal). In 2021–2026 first blooms came between 23 Mar and 1 Apr (29 Mar in 2026). Blossoms last about a week after full bloom.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency
- Autumn leaves: KenrokuenTypical datesUsually early-Nov to late-Nov
Usual peak viewing window for this spot.
Explore KanazawaEvents, sights, food & souvenirs
Check event dates locallyA historic castle town on Japan's Sea of Japan coast, known for Kenroku-en garden, preserved districts, gold leaf and seafood.
Golden WeekAcross Japan
Four national holidays in one week; the busiest domestic travel period.
Coming up later
Hyakumangoku MatsuriDate variesUsually early June
The city's main festival, with a costumed parade recalling the arrival of lord Maeda Toshiie.
Why go: The parade draws big crowds; find a spot early.
Where: City centre to Kanazawa Castle Park
Yukitsuri seasonDate variesRopes go up in early November and stay through winter
Pine trees are fitted with conical rope supports against heavy snow.
Why go: The ropes are most striking with snow on the ground.
Where: Kenroku-en
Cherry blossom seasonDate variesUsually early April
The gardens and castle grounds bloom with cherry trees.
Why go: Timing varies by about a week each year.
Where: Kenroku-en and Kanazawa Castle Park
Kenroku-en
One of Japan's three most celebrated landscape gardens.
💡 In winter, pine branches are supported by 'yukitsuri' rope cones to protect them from snow.
Kanazawa Castle Park
Reconstructed castle gates and turrets next to Kenroku-en.
Higashi Chaya district
A preserved geisha district of wooden teahouses.
💡 Come early morning to see the lanes before tour groups arrive.
Nagamachi samurai district
Earthen-walled lanes of former samurai residences, including the Nomura house.
Omicho Market
The city's main fresh food market, strong on seafood.
💡 Many stalls close by late afternoon.
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
A circular contemporary art museum known for the 'Swimming Pool' installation.
Kaisendon
Rice bowls topped with fresh Sea of Japan seafood.
💡 Omicho Market
Snow crab (kani)
Local winter crab, a seasonal highlight.
💡 Omicho Market and seafood restaurants, in season November to March
Jibuni
Duck or chicken coated in flour and simmered in a thick broth, a Kaga regional dish.
💡 Traditional Japanese restaurants
Kanazawa curry
A thick, dark curry served over rice with cutlet and shredded cabbage.
💡 Curry chains and casual eateries
Wagashi
Traditional Japanese sweets served with matcha.
💡 Confectioners and teahouses in Higashi Chaya
Gold leaf products
Kanazawa produces nearly all of Japan's gold leaf, used on lacquer, cosmetics and food.
💡 Higashi Chaya district shops
Kutani ware
Brightly painted porcelain from the Kaga region.
💡 Craft shops and department stores
Kaga yuzen
Hand-painted silk in a local dyeing style.
💡 Craft shops
Wajima lacquerware
Lacquerware from the Noto Peninsula in the same prefecture.
💡 Craft and department stores