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Gyokuseninmaru Park: A Feudal Lord's Serene Retreat

Explore a meticulously restored Edo-era garden in Kanazawa Castle Park, offering a tranquil escape with scenic views and historical significance.

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Gyokuseninmaru Park, located within Kanazawa Castle Park, is a meticulously restored traditional Japanese garden. Originally constructed in 1634 for the Maeda clan, it offers a tranquil escape with its central pond, scenic walking paths, and historically inspired design, providing a glimpse into Edo-period aesthetics.

A brief summary to Gyokuseninmaru Park

Local tips

  • Visit during the evening illuminations on Fridays, Saturdays, and days before holidays for a magical experience.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden for a full day of exploring Kanazawa's history and beauty.
  • Enjoy matcha and traditional sweets at the Gyokusen-an teahouse for a complete cultural experience.
  • Check the opening hours, as they vary depending on the season.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Kanazawa Castle Park entrance, follow the signs leading to Gyokuseninmaru Park. The garden entrance is a short, pleasant walk of about 5 minutes within the Kanazawa Castle Park area. The path is well-marked and offers scenic views of the surrounding park.

  • Public Transport

    From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus (either Loop B or the Kenrokuen Shuttle) and get off at the 'Kanazawa Castle Park' or 'Kenrokuen Garden' bus stop. From there, it's a short walk to the Gyokuseninmaru Park entrance. The Kanazawa Loop Bus costs ¥200 per ride, or ¥500 for a day pass. The Kenrokuen Shuttle is ¥200 on weekdays and ¥100 on weekends and holidays.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Kanazawa Station to Gyokuseninmaru Park takes approximately 10 minutes. The fare is typically around ¥1,500 to ¥2,000, depending on traffic conditions.

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Discover more about Gyokuseninmaru Park

Gyokuseninmaru Park, nestled within the grounds of Kanazawa Castle, is a serene and historically significant Japanese garden. Created in 1634 by Toshitsune Maeda, the third lord of the Kaga Domain, it served as a private garden for the feudal lords. The garden was named after Gyokusenin, the wife of the second lord of the Kaga domain. Abandoned during the Meiji Era (1868-1912), the garden was reconstructed based on extensive archaeological surveys and historical records, reopening in 2015. The garden's design features a central pond with three islands, connected by walking paths and small bridges, inviting visitors to stroll and appreciate the scenery. A notable element is the stepped waterfall integrated into one of the garden's distinctive stone walls. The height from the bottom of the pond to the top of the surrounding stone wall is as much as 22 meters. The garden showcases unique stone wall construction techniques, including the Shikishi Tanzaku-Zumi Stone Wall. After sunset on Fridays, Saturdays, and days before public holidays, the garden is illuminated with spectacular colors that change with the seasons. The Gyokusen-an teahouse offers tea and traditional sweets with views of the garden. Visitors can also enjoy the scenery from covered, free seating outside the teahouse. Gyokuseninmaru Garden provides a tranquil retreat and a glimpse into the refined aesthetics of Edo-period Japan.

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