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Kenrokuen Garden: A Stroll Through Perfection

Discover Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa: A landscape masterpiece blending history, artistry, and natural beauty in one of Japan's most celebrated gardens.

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Kenrokuen Garden, located in Kanazawa, is celebrated as one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens. Originally the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle, it was meticulously cultivated by the Maeda family over centuries, showcasing a harmonious blend of spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water features, and panoramic views.

A brief summary to Kenrokuen Garden Katsurazaka Gate

Local tips

  • Visit during different seasons to experience the garden's unique beauty, from cherry blossoms in spring to snow-covered landscapes in winter.
  • Take advantage of the early admission hours for free entry and a peaceful stroll before the crowds arrive.
  • Explore the garden's teahouses for a traditional tea ceremony experience with views of the landscape.
  • Combine your visit with nearby Kanazawa Castle to immerse yourself in the region's history and culture.
  • Check the illumination schedule to experience the garden's magical nighttime atmosphere.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus or a Hokutetsu bus to Kenrokuen. The ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes and costs 210 yen. Get off at the Kenrokuen-shita bus stop, which is a short walk from the Katsurazaka Gate entrance.

  • Walking

    From Kanazawa Station, it is approximately a 30-minute walk to Kenrokuen Garden. Follow the main streets towards Kanazawa Castle, and then continue to the garden entrance. Note that the garden entrance is up a somewhat steep slope from the bus stop.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Kanazawa Station to Kenrokuen Garden takes approximately 10 minutes. The fare is around 1,500 yen.

  • Car

    From the Kanazawa West or Kanazawa East IC on the Hokuriku Expressway, it takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Kenrokuen Garden. From the Morimoto IC, it takes about 20 minutes. Note that Kenrokuen Garden does not have its own parking lot. Use the nearby Kenroku Car Park, which costs 350 yen for the first hour and 150 yen for every 30 minutes thereafter between 7:30 and 22:00.

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Discover more about Kenrokuen Garden Katsurazaka Gate

Kenrokuen Garden, a jewel in the heart of Kanazawa, stands as a testament to the artistry and vision of the Maeda family, who meticulously crafted this landscape masterpiece over generations. Ranked among Japan's 'three most beautiful gardens,' alongside Mito's Kairakuen and Okayama's Korakuen, Kenrokuen offers visitors a captivating stroll through meticulously designed scenery that changes with the seasons. Originally conceived as the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle in the 17th century, Kenrokuen evolved from a modest landscape into an expansive 11.4-hectare (25-acre) haven. The garden's name, meaning 'Garden of the Combined Six,' alludes to the six essential attributes of an ideal garden as defined by ancient Chinese landscaping principles: spaciousness and seclusion, artifice and antiquity, water features and panoramas. These elements are artfully interwoven throughout the grounds, creating a dynamic and harmonious experience. Visitors can admire the garden's iconic features, including the Kasumigaike Pond with Horai Island, representing long life and eternal prosperity, and the naturally-powered fountain, Japan's oldest, which combines human artistry and flowing water. The Karasaki Pine, carefully nurtured from seed, extends its branches gracefully over the pond, while historic teahouses like Yugao-tei (built in 1774) offer tranquil spots to savor tea and traditional sweets. In winter, the garden transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, with trees adorned in yukitsuri (bamboo and rope supports) to protect them from the heavy snowfall. Kenrokuen's history is deeply intertwined with the Maeda family, who ruled the Kaga domain. Construction began in 1676 under Maeda Tsunanori, and subsequent generations expanded and refined the garden, incorporating ponds, streams, hills, and diverse flora. Opened to the public in 1874, Kenrokuen continues to enchant visitors with its serene beauty and historical significance.

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