Kanazawa, Ishikawa


Kanazawa is one of Japan’s most picturesque cities, especially in autumn when Kenrokuen Garden and the vast Kanazawa Castle grounds glow in brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red. Both spots usually host evening illuminations as well, making them ideal to visit both day and night. Another foliage highlight is American Maple Avenue, a 250-metre stretch of road between Kanazawa City Hall and Kanazawa Castle Park's Gyokusen'inmaru Entrance, where you’ll find mature American maple trees with gorgeous vermillion leaves. The best time to catch the leaves is mid to late November, though the peak time varies with the weather each year.