Kanazawa is rewarding in every season. Spring (late March to early April) brings cherry blossoms in Kenroku-en — one of the finest cherry blossom settings in Japan, but crowded accordingly. Autumn (late October to mid-November) produces outstanding foliage and is many visitors' favourite time.
Winter is underrated. Kanazawa gets heavy snowfall from the Sea of Japan, and Kenroku-en's yukitsuri rope arrangements for snow protection on the pine trees are an iconic image. The city is quieter, the food is at its best (snow crab season), and the grey skies give the preserved districts a particularly atmospheric quality.
Summer (July-August) is hot and humid, with occasional typhoons. The city is beautiful but busy with domestic tourists.