Kenrokuen Garden: A Stroll Through History and Harmony
Discover Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa: A harmonious blend of history, art, and nature, celebrated as one of Japan's most beautiful gardens.
Kenrokuen Garden, located in Kanazawa, is celebrated as one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. Originally the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle, it was developed over centuries by the Maeda family, Kenrokuen blends spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water features, and panoramas to create a landscape of serene beauty that changes with the seasons.
A brief summary to Kenroku-en
- 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Kenrokumachi, Ishikawa, 920-0936, JP
- +8176-234-3800
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during early admission hours for a quieter experience and free entry.
- Check the seasonal illumination schedule for a magical nighttime viewing.
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the garden's diverse landscapes.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the garden's meandering paths.
- Combine your visit with nearby Kanazawa Castle for a comprehensive historical experience.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus, Hokutetsu bus, or JR bus. The ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes and costs around ¥210. Get off at the Kenrokuen-shita bus stop, a short walk from the garden's entrance.
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Walking
Kenrokuen Garden is approximately a 30-minute walk from Kanazawa Station. From the station's east exit (Kenrokuen Exit), follow the main road towards Kanazawa Castle. Kenrokuen is located adjacent to the castle grounds.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available at Kanazawa Station. A taxi ride to Kenrokuen Garden takes about 10 minutes and costs approximately ¥3,100 - ¥3,800.
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Car
If driving, Kenrokuen is accessible from the Hokuriku Expressway via the Kanazawa West, Kanazawa East, or Morimoto ICs. From any of these exits, it will take approximately 20-30 minutes to reach the garden. Parking is available at the Kenroku Car Park. Parking fees are ¥350 for the first hour and ¥150 for every 30 minutes thereafter between 7:30 and 22:00. Overnight parking from 22:00 to 8:00 costs ¥1,060.
Discover more about Kenroku-en
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Gankou-Bashi (Flying Geese Bridge)
0.1 km
Discover the serene beauty of Kanazawa's Gankou-Bashi, the Flying Geese Bridge, nestled in the heart of Kenrokuen Garden.
Sekirei-jima (Wagtail Island)
0.1 km
A symbolic island within Kanazawa's Kenrokuen Garden, representing life's journey through birth, marriage, and death.
Kenrokuen Garden Kamisaka Gate
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Explore the serene beauty of Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa, a masterpiece of Japanese landscaping and a must-visit for every nature lover.
Ryuseki
0.1 km
Discover Ryuseki, a hidden gem in Kanazawa, offering a tranquil escape near the famed Kenrokuen Garden.
Kaiseki Pagoda
0.1 km
Discover the enigmatic Kaiseki Pagoda in Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa – a historic stone structure shrouded in mystery and surrounded by serene beauty.
Kinjo Reitaku Sacred Well
0.2 km
Explore the serene Kinjo Reitaku Sacred Well in Kanazawa, a historical landmark surrounded by nature's beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Kenrokuen Garden Kodatsuno Gate
0.2 km
Discover Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa: A landscape masterpiece blending history, artistry, and natural beauty in one of Japan's most celebrated gardens.
Ishikawa Local Products Center
0.3 km
Discover Ishikawa's cultural heart: local crafts, flavors, and hands-on experiences await near Kanazawa's famed Kenrokuen Garden.
Northwest Turret Remains
0.5 km
Explore the Northwest Turret Remains at Kanazawa Castle Park, a window into the history and strategic design of the Maeda clan's stronghold.
Gojukken Nagaya - Kanazawa castle
0.5 km
Explore Gojukken Nagaya, a historic storehouse in Kanazawa Castle Park, showcasing Edo-period architecture and defensive ingenuity of feudal Japan.
Kahoku-mon Gate
0.5 km
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Sanjikken nagaya
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Hishi Yagura
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KAMU KANAZAWA
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Kaname Inn Tatemachi
0.8 km
Experience Kanazawa in style and comfort at Kaname Inn Tatemachi, perfectly located on historic Tatemachi Street for exploring the city's best attractions.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kasumiga-ike Pond
0.1 km
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Tiger Stone
0.1 km
Explore the captivating beauty of Tiger Stone in Kanazawa, where nature and culture unite in a serene Japanese landscape.
Kotoji Toro (Stone Lantern)
0.1 km
Explore Kotoji Toro, the iconic stone lantern of Kanazawa, nestled in the serene beauty of Kenrokuen Garden, a must-visit for every traveler.
Seison-kaku
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Explore Seison-kaku, a historic gem in Kanazawa, where traditional architecture meets serene gardens, embodying Japan's rich cultural heritage.
Suitaki
0.1 km
Experience the tranquility of Suitaki, a serene garden in Kanazawa, where nature's beauty and Japanese culture come together in harmony.
Fountain
0.1 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of Kenrokuen Fountain in Kanazawa, a stunning garden that embodies the essence of Japanese aesthetics and nature.
Yugao-tei (Gourd Tea House)
0.2 km
Experience the tranquility of Yugao-tei, a historic gourd tea house in Kanazawa's beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, where tradition meets nature.
Renchi-mon Gate
0.2 km
Discover the serene beauty of Renchi-mon Gate, a gateway to the enchanting Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa, where history meets nature.
Gyokusen-en Nishida Family Garden
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Experience the serene beauty and cultural heritage of Gyokusen-en Nishida Family Garden in Kanazawa, a tranquil retreat for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Kaga-Yuzen Kimono Center
0.2 km
Experience the elegance of Kaga-Yuzen silk dyeing at the Kimono Center, a cultural gem in Kanazawa showcasing traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Kenrokuen Garden Katsurazaka Gate
0.3 km
Explore the breathtaking Kenrokuen Garden, a masterpiece of Japanese landscaping art in Kanazawa, offering seasonal beauty and tranquility.
Ishiura Shrine
0.3 km
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Ishiura Shrine, a cultural gem in Kanazawa, where tradition and tranquility meet.
Ishikawa Prefectural Noh Theater
0.3 km
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Noh theater at Ishikawa Prefectural Noh Theater, a cultural treasure in Kanazawa, Japan.
Kanazawa Castle Park
0.3 km
Discover the serene beauty of Kanazawa Castle Park, where history and nature unite in a tranquil setting perfect for exploration and relaxation.
Hondanomori Park
0.3 km
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Essential places to dine
Kotobuki
0.1 km
Discover authentic Japanese cuisine at Kotobuki in Kanazawa, where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
Miyoshian Suitei
0.1 km
Discover the exquisite art of Kaiseki dining at Miyoshian Suitei in Kanazawa – where every dish tells a story of seasonal beauty.
Miyoshian
0.2 km
Experience authentic Kaiseki dining at Miyoshian in Kanazawa—where every meal is a celebration of Japan's culinary artistry.
Kikantei
0.2 km
Experience the essence of Japanese culinary art at Kikantei in Kanazawa - a delightful destination for authentic flavors.
Kenrokutei
0.2 km
Discover authentic Japanese cuisine at Kenrokutei, a charming café in Kanazawa offering exquisite dishes in a serene atmosphere.
兼六坂 金澤さくら亭
0.2 km
Discover authentic Kaiseki dining at Kenroku-saka Sakura-tei in Kanazawa, where tradition meets culinary artistry amidst serene garden views.
Shiroyamatei
0.2 km
Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Shiroyamatei in Kanazawa—a perfect blend of tradition and flavor awaits you.
お食事処堤亭
0.2 km
Discover the flavors of Japan at お食事処堤亭 in Kanazawa – your gateway to authentic dining experiences.
Gyokusen-tei
0.2 km
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Atsushi
0.3 km
Discover authentic sushi craftsmanship at Atsushi, where tradition meets innovation in every bite.
Sekitei Kaiseki restaurant
0.5 km
Experience authentic Japanese kaiseki cuisine at Sekitei in Kanazawa, where each dish is a work of art reflecting seasonal flavors.
Japanese Dining Yamatoku
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Discover authentic izakaya dining at Japanese Dining Yamatoku in Kanazawa, where traditional flavors meet warm hospitality.
Itaru Honten
0.6 km
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Ageha
0.6 km
Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Ageha Izakaya in Kanazawa – where tradition meets taste in every bite.
Turban Curry Main Store
0.7 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
浪漫
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Imai Kinpaku Hirosaka Store
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Hokusai Graphic
0.3 km
Explore Hokusai Graphic in Kanazawa, a treasure trove of art-inspired gifts celebrating the legacy of Japan's iconic artist, Katsushika Hokusai.
Hakuichi Kenrokuen Store
0.4 km
Explore the essence of Kanazawa at Hakuichi Kenrokuen Store, where traditional souvenirs and local delicacies await every traveler.
Museum Shop
0.4 km
Explore the Museum Shop in Kanazawa for unique gifts and souvenirs that embody the artistry and culture of Japan.
[g]ift
0.5 km
Explore [g]ift in Kanazawa for unique handicrafts, novelties, and souvenirs that capture the heart of Ishikawa culture.
Sanrio
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Discover the charm of Sanrio in Kanazawa, where cute characters and unique souvenirs come to life in a delightful gift shop experience.
Daiwa Korinbo Store
0.8 km
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Animate Kanazawa
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CoCoTTo KANAZAWA
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Experience shopping like never before at CoCoTTo KANAZAWA, where modern boutiques meet vintage charm in a vibrant setting.
[JFK]kanazawa
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UNDERCOVER Kanazawa
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Explore the stylish world of UNDERCOVER Kanazawa, where unique fashion accessories meet the vibrant culture of Ishikawa.
原荒物雑貨店
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MM6 Maison Margiela Kanazawa
0.8 km
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F.I.L. KANAZAWA
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Explore F.I.L. Kanazawa, where contemporary fashion meets traditional craftsmanship in a captivating shopping experience.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar
0.7 km
Experience Kanazawa's vibrant nightlife at this premier bar, where exceptional drinks and a welcoming atmosphere come together to create unforgettable evenings.
Kanazawa Music Bar
0.8 km
Discover Kanazawa Music Bar: A lively venue blending live music, delicious drinks, and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Kohaku Bar
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and diverse drink selection at Kohaku Bar, a must-visit destination in Kanazawa's nightlife scene.
漱流
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Kanazawa at 漱流, where artisanal cocktails and a cozy atmosphere create unforgettable memories.
Bar Quinase
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Kanazawa at Bar Quinase, where tradition meets modern sophistication in a delightful ambiance.
The Londonya Bar
0.9 km
Discover the lively atmosphere and exquisite drinks at The Londonya Bar in Kanazawa, a perfect spot for nightlife enthusiasts.
Bar polish
0.9 km
Discover the charm of Kanazawa at Bar Polish, where expertly crafted drinks and a cozy atmosphere await you after a day of exploration.
Kirikou
0.9 km
Discover Kirikou, a vibrant bar in Kanazawa, where local culture and delightful drinks come together for a memorable nightlife experience.
ヨーク
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at ヨーク in Kanazawa, where local drinks and lively ambiance meet Japanese hospitality.
Bar Spoon
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Kanazawa at Bar Spoon, where exquisite cocktails meet a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Bar Tobira (Door)
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Bar Tobira in Kanazawa – a perfect blend of traditional and modern ambiance with exceptional drinks.
金沢・片町 BAR de JOAO(バードジョアン)
0.9 km
Discover the lively BAR de JOAO in Kanazawa - a cocktail bar offering an unforgettable nightlife experience with exquisite drinks and vibrant atmosphere.
Orbital bar
0.9 km
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OinkOink オインクオインク
0.9 km
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FURANSU COCKTAIL BAR フランス
0.9 km
Discover the art of cocktail creation at Furansu Cocktail Bar in Kanazawa, where each drink tells a story of flavor and elegance.