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Kenrokuen Garden Fountain: A Timeless Cascade

Witness Japan's oldest fountain within Kanazawa's Kenrokuen Garden, a landscape masterpiece blending history, nature, and serene beauty.

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The fountain in Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa, is Japan's oldest functioning fountain, dating back to 1861. Powered by natural water pressure from Kasumigaike Pond, it gracefully spouts water 3.5 meters high, embodying the ingenuity and beauty of this celebrated landscape garden.

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Local tips

  • Visit during early admission for free entry and a quieter experience.
  • Check the seasonal hours, as they vary throughout the year.
  • Explore the garden beyond the fountain to appreciate the 'Six Sublimities'.
  • Combine your visit with nearby Kanazawa Castle for a historical tour.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus, Kenrokuen Shuttle, or Hokutetsu bus to the Kenrokuen-shita bus stop. The ride takes about 15-20 minutes and costs 210 yen. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the garden entrance.

  • Walking

    From Kanazawa Station, it's approximately a 30-minute walk to Kenrokuen Garden. Head east from the station, following the main road towards Kanazawa Castle. Kenrokuen Garden is located adjacent to the castle grounds.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at Kanazawa Station. The taxi ride to Kenrokuen Garden takes about 5 minutes and costs approximately 1600-1900 yen. Taxi stands are located outside the Kenrokuen Exit (East Exit) of the station.

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Discover more about Fountain

Nestled within the sprawling Kenrokuen Garden, the fountain stands as a testament to both historical significance and natural engineering. Constructed in 1861, this fountain distinguishes itself as the oldest in Japan that still operates. What makes it particularly remarkable is its reliance on natural principles rather than modern machinery. The fountain's mechanics are elegantly simple: water from the Kasumigaike Pond flows through a reverse siphon system, capitalizing on the difference in elevation to create a jet of water that reaches approximately 3.5 meters. This ingenious design reflects the deep understanding of natural forces prevalent during the Edo period. Kenrokuen Garden itself is steeped in history, cultivated over centuries by the Maeda family, who once ruled the Kaga Domain. Originally conceived as a private retreat attached to Kanazawa Castle, it evolved into one of Japan's designated 'Three Great Gardens'. The garden's name, Kenrokuen, translates to 'Garden of the Six Sublimities,' referencing the six essential attributes of an ideal garden: spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water, and broad views. As visitors explore Kenrokuen, they'll discover how each element contributes to the garden's overall harmony. From meticulously arranged stones to serene ponds and carefully pruned trees, every detail reflects a commitment to aesthetic balance and tranquility. The fountain, with its gentle cascade and historical importance, serves as a captivating reminder of the garden's enduring legacy.

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