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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.

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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

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.
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Getting There

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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Discover more about Kenroku-en

Kenrokuen Garden, a jewel in the heart of Kanazawa, is more than just a garden; it's a living tapestry of history, art, and natural beauty. Ranked among Japan's Three Great Gardens, alongside Kairakuen and Korakuen, Kenrokuen offers visitors a unique strolling-style landscape that embodies the essence of traditional Japanese aesthetics. Developed from the 1620s to the 1840s by the Maeda clan, feudal lords of the Kaga Domain, Kenrokuen evolved from a private garden into a public treasure. The garden's name, meaning "Garden of the Six Attributes", reflects its adherence to the six essential qualities of an ideal landscape as described in classical Chinese texts: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water features, and panoramas. These attributes are harmoniously interwoven throughout the garden's nearly 25 acres. As you wander through Kenrokuen, you'll encounter meandering paths, a large central pond (Kasumigaike), historic tea houses, and meticulously crafted artificial hills. The garden is renowned for its seasonal beauty, offering stunning displays of plum blossoms in early spring, cherry blossoms in mid-April, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and snow-draped landscapes in winter. The iconic Kotoji-tōrō, a two-legged stone lantern, stands as a symbol of Kenrokuen, its image gracing countless postcards and photographs. Other highlights include the Karasakinomatsu Pine, the Yugaotei teahouse, and the Funsui fountain, Japan's oldest fountain powered by natural pressure. Kenrokuen is not merely a visual delight; it's a cultural experience. The garden reflects the Maeda family's appreciation for the arts and their desire for longevity and prosperity, evident in the design of the Kasumigaike pond and the arrangement of islands symbolizing eternal life. A visit to Kenrokuen offers a glimpse into the world of feudal lords and the serene beauty they sought to create.

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