America Maple Street (Ishikawa Prefecture) Complete Guide | Kanazawa’s Hidden Autumn Foliage Destination and Four-Season Charm
Located in the heart of Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, “America Maple Street” is a tree-lined avenue loved by local residents and tourists alike. This street, which connects Kanazawa Castle Park and the 21st Century Museum of Art, Kanazawa, is attracting attention as a hidden gem where visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery in every season. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the charm of America Maple Street, peak viewing times, access methods, and nearby tourist attractions.
What is America Maple Street? Basic Information and History
Official Name and Location of “America Maple Street”
America Maple Street is a prefectural road managed by Ishikawa Prefecture. Officially also known as Chuo Park Street, it is located in Hirosaka 2-chome, Kanazawa City. This street runs between Shiinoki Green Space (former Ishikawa Prefectural Government Building site) and Ishikawa Shiko Commemorative Park (former Fourth Higher School site), spanning approximately 200-250 meters in a straight line.
This road connects the Gyokusenin-maru Gate of Kanazawa Castle Park with the City Hall Gate of the 21st Century Museum of Art, Kanazawa, serving an important role as an entrance road to Kanazawa Castle Park from the Hirosaka and Korinbo areas. Due to its location in the center of Kanazawa City, it also functions as a traffic flow that enhances visitor circulation for tourists.
America Maple (Liquidambar styraciflua)
The origin of the name “America Maple Street” comes from the “America Maple (Liquidambar styraciflua)” planted as street trees. The formal scientific name is “Liquidambar styraciflua,” a deciduous tree belonging to the Hamamelidaceae family, genus Liquidambar.
This tree, native to North America, is affectionately called “America Maple” because its leaf shape resembles the Japanese maple or momiji. The tree grows to heights of 20-30 meters, with distinctive palmate leaves with 5-7 lobes in a star shape. In autumn, it turns brilliant red and orange, captivating all who visit.
Dozens of Liquidambar styraciflua trees are planted in a row along America Maple Street, creating a unified and beautiful landscape.
History of Road Development and Ishikawa Prefecture’s Initiatives
Development Schedule in Anticipation of Shinkansen Opening
Ishikawa Prefecture undertook comprehensive development of America Maple Street in anticipation of the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa at the end of fiscal year 2014 (March 2015). This development project aimed to enhance Kanazawa’s tourism appeal and increase tourism activity and visitor numbers.
The main contents of the development are as follows:
Sidewalk Development
- Implementation of sidewalk paving and expansion to ensure comfortable pedestrian strolling
- Removal of steps for barrier-free access
- Permeable pavement for improved comfort during rainy weather
Landscape Development
- Appropriate pruning and management of America Maple trees
- Installation of unified street furniture
- Lighting planning considering nighttime landscapes
Introduction of Illumination Facilities
- Installation of lighting equipment to beautifully illuminate the autumn foliage of America Maple
- Presentation designed in harmony with surrounding facilities
Continuous Maintenance and Enhancement
Ishikawa Prefecture continues to manage America Maple Street after the Shinkansen opening to maintain and enhance its appeal. Regular health checks of trees, pruning, sidewalk cleaning, and maintenance of lighting facilities are carried out to ensure visitors can always enjoy beautiful scenery.
Additionally, a cooperation system has been established with local residents and tourism-related organizations, with ongoing efforts to protect and nurture this street as a community.
Four-Season Charm | Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter Expressions
Spring: The Breath of New Greenery
As the winter dormancy ends, from late March to April, the spring season arrives at America Maple Street. As young leaves begin to sprout, the entire street is enveloped in bright yellow-green. The soft green of this season becomes a hallmark of spring’s arrival in Kanazawa.
The season of new greenery has relatively few tourists, making it attractive to enjoy a stroll in a quiet atmosphere. It’s also recommended to enjoy it together with the cherry blossoms of nearby Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden.
Summer: Cool Shade
From May to August, during the summer season, the leaves of America Maple change to a dark green, creating abundant green shade. The leaves of the trees block strong summer sunlight, providing coolness to pedestrians.
America Maple Street in summer is a precious space where one can feel nature’s coolness while in an urban area. The street serves as a place of relaxation for local residents as a daytime walking and jogging course.
Autumn: Spectacular Foliage
America Maple Street receives the most attention during the autumn foliage season. From mid-October to mid-November, the street gradually transforms from green to red and orange.
The peak of autumn foliage varies by year, but generally late October to early November is the best viewing time. The brilliant red tree-lined avenue stretching for about 250 meters is spectacular and breathtaking, attracting many photography enthusiasts and tourists.
Particularly on clear days, the contrast between the blue sky and the autumn foliage is outstanding, making it Kanazawa’s representative autumn scenic spot.
Winter: Beauty in Silence
From late November to December, leaves begin to fall, and in winter the trees stand as bare branches. At first glance it may seem desolate, but winter at America Maple Street has its own unique beauty.
When snow falls, the snow accumulated on the branches creates a fantastical landscape. On clear winter days, the blue sky seen through the branches creates a refreshing impression. This season has few tourists, allowing for leisurely strolls in a quiet atmosphere.
Autumn Foliage Peak Times and Current Color Status
Detailed Information on Foliage Season
America Maple Street’s autumn foliage is known as a popular foliage spot within Ishikawa Prefecture. Specific peak viewing times are as follows:
Color changes begin: Mid-October
Peak viewing: Late October to early November
Leaf fall: Mid to late November
However, these dates may vary depending on that year’s temperature and weather conditions, so it’s recommended to check the latest color status before your visit.
Anticipated Congested Time Periods
The following time periods are expected to see congestion at America Maple Street during foliage season:
Weekdays
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Arrival time of tour buses
- 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM: Peak time for individual tourists
Weekends and Holidays
- 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM: Congestion throughout the day
- Especially 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM experiences the heaviest crowds
Relatively uncrowded times are early morning (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) and evening (5:00 PM onwards). For those wishing to enjoy the foliage leisurely, visiting during these times is recommended.
Methods to Check Current Color Status
The foliage color status can be confirmed through the following methods:
- Ishikawa Prefecture Official Website: Official pages managed by the Department of Urban Policy provide the latest information
- Kanazawa City Tourism Association: Inquiries handled at tourism information centers
- Social Media: Searching “#アメリカ楓通り” on Instagram and Twitter reveals up-to-date photos from visitors
- Tourism Information Sites: Foliage information on sites such as Walker Plus and Jorudan
When planning a visit, utilize these information sources to determine the optimal timing.
The Charm of Nighttime Illumination
Overview of Illumination Implementation
One major attraction of America Maple Street is the nighttime illumination implemented during the foliage season. Lighting facilities installed by Ishikawa Prefecture beautifully illuminate the famous America Maple foliage in a fantastical manner.
Implementation Period: Typically late October to mid-November (subject to change depending on foliage conditions)
Lighting Hours: Sunset to approximately 10:00 PM (subject to annual changes)
Admission: Free
Nighttime Landscape Presentation
The illumination is characterized by presentation designed in harmony with surrounding facilities. It works in coordination with illumination at Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden, allowing visitors to enjoy unified nighttime scenery across the entire area.
Warm-colored lighting gently illuminates the foliage, creating a fantastical atmosphere different from daytime. The sight of brightly red foliage illuminated by lights is breathtakingly beautiful.
Since temperatures drop at night, it’s recommended to take proper precautions against the cold before visiting.
Access Methods and Parking Information
Access by Public Transportation
From JR Kanazawa Station
- Bus Service
- Board the Hokuriku Bus bound for “Korinbo” or “Hirosaka/21st Century Museum of Art” (approximately 15 minutes)
- Get off at “Hirosaka/21st Century Museum of Art” bus stop, a 1-minute walk
- Fare: 210 yen for adults (IC card payment available)
- Kanazawa Sightseeing Bus
- Kanazawa Castle Town Sightseeing Bus (counterclockwise or clockwise route)
- Get off at “Hirosaka/21st Century Museum of Art,” a 1-minute walk
- Fare: 210 yen for adults, 600 yen for one-day free pass
- Town Bus
- Kanazawa Flat Bus Zaimoku Route
- Get off at “Hirosaka,” a 2-minute walk
- Fare: 100 yen for adults (flat rate)
When Using Hokuriku Shinkansen
The trip from Tokyo Station to Kanazawa Station takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, and from the Kansai region, the Limited Express Thunderbird takes approximately 2 hours 40 minutes. After arriving at Kanazawa Station, use the buses listed above.
Access by Automobile
Using Expressways
- Approximately 20 minutes from “Kanazawa West IC” on the Hokuriku Expressway
- Approximately 25 minutes from “Kanazawa East IC” on the Hokuriku Expressway
- Approximately 11 minutes by car from Kanazawa Station
Car Navigation Setting
- Address: 1 Hirosaka 2-chome, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Facility names: Search for “21st Century Museum of Art, Kanazawa” or “Ishikawa Shiko Commemorative Cultural Exchange Hall”
Parking Information
There is no dedicated parking for America Maple Street, but several parking lots exist nearby:
Kanazawa City Hall/Museum Parking Lot
- Capacity: Approximately 320 vehicles
- Fee: First 30 minutes free, 150 yen for each additional 30 minutes
- Discount available for museum users
- Operating hours: 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Hirosaka Parking
- Capacity: Approximately 150 vehicles
- Fee: 150 yen per 30 minutes
- Open 24 hours
Korinbo Underground Parking
- Capacity: Approximately 400 vehicles
- Fee: 200 yen per 30 minutes
- Open 24 hours
- 7-minute walk to America Maple Street
During foliage season weekends, parking lots become congested, making public transportation use recommended.
Nearby Tourist Attractions | Guide to Nearby Facilities
21st Century Museum of Art, Kanazawa
The 21st Century Museum of Art, Kanazawa, which serves as the starting point of America Maple Street, is a contemporary art museum that opened in 2004. Its distinctive circular, glass-enclosed building was designed by architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa (SANAA).
Highlights
- “Swimming Pool” by Leandro Erlich (fee required area)
- Exchange zone accessible free of charge
- Contemporary art exhibitions
Basic Information
- Hours: Exhibition zone 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (until 8:00 PM Friday and Saturday), Exchange zone 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Closed: Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a holiday), year-end and new-year period
- Admission: Varies by exhibition (exchange zone is free)
Kanazawa Castle Park
Kanazawa Castle Park, located at the other end of America Maple Street, is a historic site conveying the history of the million-koku Kaga domain. Entering through the Gyokusenin-maru Gate allows visitors to view the restored Ishikawa Gate and Gojuken-nagaya and other historic structures.
Highlights
- Ishikawa Gate (National Important Cultural Property)
- Gojuken-nagaya, Hishiyagura, and Hashizume-mon Turret (Restored structures)
- Gyokusenin-maru Garden
- Extensive park grounds
Basic Information
- Hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM from October 16 to end of February)
- Open: Every day
- Admission: Free (some fee-based facilities)
Kenrokuen Garden (National Special Scenic Spot)
Counted among Japan’s three most famous gardens, Kenrokuen is a daimyo garden adjacent to Kanazawa Castle Park. Located approximately a 10-minute walk from America Maple Street, it offers beautiful scenery in every season.
Highlights
- Kotoji Stone Lantern
- Kasumi Pond
- Karasaki Pine
- Autumn foliage (peak viewing mid to late November)
Basic Information
- Hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM from October 16 to end of February)
- Open: Every day
- Admission: 320 yen for adults, 100 yen for children
Ishikawa Shiko Commemorative Cultural Exchange Hall
The Ishikawa Shiko Commemorative Cultural Exchange Hall, adjacent to America Maple Street, is a cultural facility utilizing the former campus building of the former Fourth Higher School. The red brick historic structure conveys the atmosphere of Meiji-era school architecture.
Highlights
- Historical exhibition of the former Fourth Higher School
- Ishikawa Modern Literature Hall
- Retro architectural space
Basic Information
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (admission until 4:30 PM)
- Closed: Year-end and new-year period
- Admission: 370 yen for general public (combined ticket with Literature Hall)
Oyama Shrine
Located approximately a 7-minute walk from America Maple Street, Oyama Shrine enshrines Maeda Toshiie, founder of the Kaga domain. It’s characterized by a unique shrine gate mixing Japanese, Chinese, and Western architectural styles and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
Highlights
- Shrine Gate (National Important Cultural Property): A rare shrine structure with stained glass
- Statue of Maeda Toshiie
- Garden
Basic Information
- Visiting hours: Free access (shrine office 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Admission: Free
Nearby Foliage Spots | Must-Visit Destinations
Gyokusenin-maru Garden’s Autumn Foliage
The Gyokusenin-maru Garden within Kanazawa Castle Park is a restored garden of the former Gyokusenin, where the wife of Maeda Toshitsune, the third daimyo of Kaga, resided. It’s a pond-stroll garden where beautiful autumn foliage can be enjoyed.
Peak viewing: Early to mid-November
Features: Foliage against stone walls is beautiful, with nighttime illumination also implemented
Access: 3-minute walk from America Maple Street
Special Scenic Spot Kenrokuen Garden’s Autumn Foliage
The aforementioned Kenrokuen Garden is also very popular as a foliage viewing spot. The garden features approximately 340 maple and momiji trees planted throughout, reaching peak viewing from mid to late November.
Peak viewing: Mid to late November
Features: Foliage around Kasumi Pond and Yamazaki Hill is particularly beautiful
Illumination: Special nighttime illumination during foliage season (fee required)
Autumn Foliage of Art Path and Green Path
The walking paths connecting the 21st Century Museum of Art, Kanazawa and Kenrokuen Garden, known as the Art Path and Green Path, also display beautiful foliage in autumn. The appeal lies in being able to leisurely stroll in a quiet atmosphere.
Peak viewing: Early to mid-November
Features: Relatively few tourists allow peaceful foliage appreciation
Access: 5-minute walk from America Maple Street
Autumn Foliage of Nishida Family Garden Gyokusenin Garden
Located near Kenrokuen Garden, Gyokusenin Garden is a samurai residence garden with approximately 400 years of history. Designated as a National Scenic Spot, it displays magnificent foliage in autumn.
Peak viewing: Mid to late November
Features: Matcha tea can be enjoyed while viewing the garden (fee required)
Admission: 700 yen for adults (including matcha)
Access: 12-minute walk from America Maple Street
Photography Spots and Instagram-Worthy Points
Recommended Photography Angles
1. View from Kanazawa Castle Park Side
The composition looking from the Gyokusenin-maru Gate toward the 21st Century Museum of Art is a classic photo spot at America Maple Street. The foliage lining both sides of the straight road creates perspective, allowing for photography with depth.
2. Central Section of the Avenue
An angle looking up from the center of the tree-lined avenue is also popular. The view of foliage covering the sky is sure to be Instagram-worthy.
3. Combination with Ishikawa Shiko Commemorative Cultural Exchange Hall
The contrast between the red brick historic structure and the foliage creates a composition that captures the essence of Kanazawa.
Best Timing for Photography
Time of Day
- Morning (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM): Soft morning light beautifully illuminates the foliage
- Dusk (4:00 PM to 5:00 PM): Orange evening light makes foliage appear more vibrant
- Illumination time (after sunset): Fantastical nighttime scenery photography is possible
Weather
- Clear skies: Beautiful contrast between blue sky and foliage
- Cloudy: Soft light allows uniform color capture
- After rain: Wet leaves reflect light, appearing more vivid
Role as a Place of Relaxation for Local Residents
America Maple Street serves not only as a tourist destination but also as a place of relaxation woven into the daily lives of local residents.
Daily Walking Course
The well-maintained sidewalk and moderate length (approximately 250 meters) make it ideal for morning walks, jogging, and dog walking. The relatively low volume of vehicular traffic makes it safe for pedestrians, supporting its popularity with local residents.
Commute and School Route
The street is also used as a commute and school route to nearby Kanazawa City Hall, surrounding offices, and schools. It’s cherished by many citizens as a luxury route where one can enjoy four-season scenery while commuting and attending school.
Event Usage
During the foliage season, local events and photography meetups are sometimes held, with the street also functioning as a place for community interaction.
Important Notes and Etiquette When Visiting
Photography Etiquette
- Consider not causing inconvenience to other visitors
- Avoid going into the road for photography, as it is dangerous
- When using tripods, select a location that doesn’t obstruct traffic
- Do not damage trees or break branches
Environmental Protection
- Always take trash with you
- Do not collect plants
- Walk on designated sidewalks
Traffic Safety
- Respect the distinction between vehicle and pedestrian areas
- Confirm left and right before crossing
- Pay special attention when accompanied by children
Summary: Fully Enjoy the Charm of America Maple Street
America Maple Street is a tree-lined avenue in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of all four seasons. Particularly during autumn foliage season, the brilliant red tree-lined avenue stretching approximately 250 meters captivates visitors.
With its convenient location connecting Kanazawa Castle Park and the 21st Century Museum of Art, Kanazawa, it’s easy to incorporate into sightseeing routes, and many tourist attractions including Kenrokuen Garden and Oyama Shrine are clustered nearby. The significant appeal includes the ability to enjoy beautiful scenery both day and night through Ishikawa Prefecture’s road development and illumination implementation.
Public transportation access is excellent, with buses taking approximately 15 minutes from Kanazawa Station. While foliage peak viewing is late October to early November, the avenue displays different faces throughout the year: spring’s new greenery, summer’s green shade, and winter’s silence.
When visiting Kanazawa, be sure to visit America Maple Street and experience the harmony between seasonal natural beauty and urban landscape. This avenue, loved by local residents and continuing to enchant tourists, is a place where you can discover new charm in Kanazawa, undoubtedly adding color to your travel memories.
