Our First Spring in Kanazawa with a Baby: Discovering the Culture of Becoming a Family at Kenrokuen

“Maybe it’s too soon to travel with a baby.”
That’s what we used to think—until one spring day, we found ourselves in Kanazawa.

Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, cherry blossoms in full bloom, and a gentle breeze.
Traveling with our tiny daughter, who couldn’t even hold up her head yet, brought its share of worries. But more than anything, it brought us countless “firsts.”

In this article, we share our experience of visiting Kanazawa in spring for the first time as a family with a baby.
If you’re someone who’s thinking, “I want to travel, even with a baby,” or “I want to create special memories with my family,” we hope this story offers you a bit of courage—and a few helpful tips.

The Beginning of Spring—And the Day We Became a Family at Kenrokuen

A Small Decision, Inspired by Cherry Blossoms

After our baby was born, we assumed long-distance trips would have to wait. There was just too much to carry, and we never knew when we’d need to nurse or change a diaper.
Still, something about Kanazawa in spring felt possible. Maybe it was the reassuring image of Kenrokuen—a place that seemed gentle and manageable, even with a baby.

Our first visit came early in the cherry blossom season, with only a few trees blooming. We had misjudged the timing, expecting full bloom based on local instincts.
Yet even in the chilly air, walking through the garden while carrying our daughter left a vivid impression—perhaps because everything felt so new.

A Return for Full Bloom—and the People in the Landscape

Determined to see the cherry blossoms in full glory, we returned a bit later. This time, we were rewarded with breathtaking pinks, soft light filtering through the petals, and an air that felt celebratory.

What surprised us most was the number of visitors. People had come from all over the world, yet the mood remained serene—everyone seemed to quietly soak in the beauty of the garden and the blossoms. There was a shared sense of reverence for the culture and the setting.

We skipped the popular photo spot by the Kotoji Lantern, not because we didn’t appreciate it, but because we wanted to feel the garden in our own way—not through the lens of a tourist shot, but as part of our memory.

Gentle Glances and Unexpected Connections

Under the full bloom, our baby slept peacefully in the carrier. At one point, a passing traveler looked at her and asked gently, “Aren’t her feet cold?”

It was a small, caring moment—something natural in their culture, perhaps. My partner and I laughed later, realizing how rare baby socks can be to find. But that brief interaction warmed us more than we expected.

Kanazawa Castle, Sweet Red Bean Mochi, and Another Spring Memory

Slopes, Cherry Blossoms, and the Buzz of the City

After Kenrokuen, we made our way downhill to Kanazawa Castle Park. The streets along the way were livelier than we had imagined, filled with visitors—especially many from overseas—taking photos and admiring the buildings and flora with great interest.

Carrying a baby, we felt people’s eyes on us. But it wasn’t a look of pity or concern. It was more like a silent acknowledgment—“You’re traveling together, as a family.”

Cherry Blossoms Beneath a Different Sky

The cherry blossoms at Kanazawa Castle had a different feel from those at Kenrokuen—more open, with a broader view of the sky. Despite the crowds, we felt surprisingly at ease.

When we started to feel tired, we found a quiet spot by the garden’s lakeside to rest. We unwrapped a couple of ankoro mochi—sweet rice cakes filled with red bean paste—and sipped some tea. It was a moment of stillness we hadn’t known we needed.

A Sleeping Face Becomes a Memory

Through it all, our baby remained sound asleep.
We found ourselves wishing she could wake and see the beautiful scenery—but somehow, her peaceful sleeping face became the most iconic memory of the trip.

Choosing to Travel with a Baby

The Confidence That Comes From “We Did It”

Before the trip, we worried: “Is this too much?” “What if we cause trouble for others?” But once it was over, the feeling that lingered most was: “That was more enjoyable than we expected.”

We had traveled—with a baby—and it actually worked. That sense of accomplishment became the push we needed for future adventures.

The Hidden Comfort of Knowing Help Is There

Near Kenrokuen, we used a newer parking area that offered a nursing room. We didn’t end up needing it, but just knowing it was there made a huge difference.
In unfamiliar places, it’s those unseen, unused conveniences that give peace of mind.

Well-equipped tourist spots can become a family’s greatest allies during the child-raising years.

Crossing Paths with Families from Around the World

As we walked the sloped streets, we passed a foreign couple pushing a stroller. Part of me wondered, “How did they manage the gravel paths of Kenrokuen?”—but more than that, I was struck by a deeper realization: there’s no single “right” way to travel.

Having a baby lets you see a different side of the world. And now, we were living in that perspective.

When Travel Memories Become Part of Family Culture

Midnight Feedings and Moments on a Screen

After we returned home, I found myself scrolling through photos during a late-night feeding. There she was—our baby, sound asleep beneath a canopy of cherry blossoms.

I smiled to myself and whispered,
“You know, you were surrounded by blooming sakura in the most beautiful place.”

She may not remember it, but for us, it became a memory we’ll never forget.

Travel as a Culture That Grows with Us

Traveling with a baby wasn’t just sightseeing—it was a moment of touching something deeper. A time to grow together as a family, embraced by nature, by the seasons, and by a gentler pace of life.

Someday, when she’s older, I want to show her that photo.
The breeze from that day, her sleepy little face—this is how family culture begins.

Until Next Time, In This City

Maybe we’ll come back in autumn. Or when the snow falls in winter.
We’ll walk hand in hand through red leaves, pose for photos beneath the snow-covered ropes of Kenrokuen. This kind of journey—one that nurtures our family—is something we hope to continue.

Series Preview: See You Again in This City

“Yes, it’s possible to travel with a baby.”
Our time in Kanazawa helped us realize that.
This spring memory has inspired us to keep pursuing what we now call nurturing journeys. Maybe next time in fall? Or winter’s snowy embrace?

▼ Follow our series “Nurturing Journeys in Kanazawa,” where we share family memories through the seasons:

• A Morning Walk with Baby in the Castle Town of Early Summer (Coming Soon)
• Smiles Beneath the Snow Ropes: Winter at Kenrokuen (Planned)

▶️ Explore the Full Series on Culture Compass Kanazawa

Kaho

Kanazawa Local Guide

Hello and welcome! I’m Kaho – born and raised in Kanazawa, and still happily living here with my husband and daughter. I created this blog to share the quiet corners, cultural treasures, and everyday beauty of my hometown that many guidebooks overlook. I hope it helps you connect with the deeper side of Kanazawa, and enjoy your stay in a more meaningful way. Every now and then, you might even catch a story from my husband’s perspective, too!