Background

Kenrokuen Garden: A Landscape of Six Attributes

Discover Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa: A harmonious landscape blending history, art, and nature in one of Japan's most beautiful gardens.

4.4

Kenrokuen Garden, located in Kanazawa, is celebrated as one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. Originally developed by the Maeda clan from the 17th to the 19th centuries, this strolling-style garden combines spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water features, and panoramas to create a landscape of exceptional beauty that changes with the seasons.

A brief summary to Kenroku-en

Local tips

  • Visit during early admission hours for free entry and a serene experience before the crowds arrive.
  • Check the seasonal illumination schedule for a magical nighttime viewing of the garden.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the garden's diverse landscapes and features.
  • Combine your visit with nearby Kanazawa Castle to experience more of Kanazawa's history and culture.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the garden has many slopes and gravel paths.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus or the Kenrokuen Shuttle Bus from the East Exit. The ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes, and the fare is ¥200-210. Get off at the Kenrokuen-shita bus stop, a short walk from the garden entrance.

  • Walking

    From Kanazawa Station, it's approximately a 30-minute walk to Kenrokuen Garden. The route takes you past Kanazawa Castle Park, offering a scenic and straightforward walk. From Kanazawa to Kenroku-en is 3 km.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at Kanazawa Station and can take you directly to Kenrokuen Garden. The ride takes about 10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is ¥3,100 - ¥3,800.

Unlock the Best of Kenroku-en

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Kenroku-en

Kenrokuen Garden, whose name translates to “Garden of the Combined Six,” is a sprawling Japanese landscape garden that embodies the six essential attributes of an ideal garden: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water features, and panoramas. This reflects an ancient Chinese aesthetic that is difficult to achieve, making Kenrokuen a unique and harmonious space. Developed over centuries by the Maeda clan, feudal lords of the Kaga Domain, Kenrokuen began as a private garden adjacent to Kanazawa Castle. Its origins can be traced back to 1676 when Maeda Tsunanori developed Renchitei garden. The garden evolved through the contributions of successive generations, with major expansions and enhancements occurring in the 18th and 19th centuries. The garden was opened to the public in 1874. Today, Kenrokuen features meandering paths that wind past a large pond (Kasumigaike), historical tea houses, and diverse flora providing a new experience each season. The garden is artfully designed with streams and ponds, incorporating water from the Tatsumi Waterway, and offers panoramic views. Highlights include the Kotoji-toro lantern, the Karasaki pine, and the Yugao-tei teahouse, the garden's oldest structure. In winter, the yukitsuri—bamboo and rope supports—protect the trees from heavy snowfall, creating a stunning visual. Located in the heart of Kanazawa, Kenrokuen is adjacent to Kanazawa Castle, making it easy to explore both sites in one visit. The garden showcases the Kaga Hyakumangoku culture and the Maeda family's commitment to creating a space of beauty and tranquility.

Popular Experiences near Kenroku-en

Popular Hotels near Kenroku-en

Select Currency