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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, Ishikawa, is celebrated as one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. Originally the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle, the Maeda family cultivated it over generations, opening it to the public in 1874. The garden embodies six essential attributes of an ideal landscape: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water features, and panoramas.

A brief summary to Kenrokuen Garden Kodatsuno Gate

Local tips

  • Consider visiting during early admission for free entry and a serene experience before the crowds arrive.
  • Purchase the Kenrokuen Plus One Ticket for access to the garden and another cultural facility in Kanazawa.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the garden features many walking paths, slopes and gravel areas.
  • Check the seasonal highlights before your visit to witness the garden's unique beauty, such as cherry blossoms in spring or yukitsuri in winter.
  • Allow at least a few hours to fully explore the expansive garden and appreciate its many features.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus or Hokutetsu bus from the east exit (Kenrokuen Exit). The ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes, and the fare is ¥210. Get off at the Kenrokuen-shita bus stop, a short walk from the garden entrance.

  • Walking

    From Kanazawa Station, it is approximately a 30-minute walk to Kenrokuen Garden. Alternatively, if you are visiting Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen Garden is located adjacent to the castle, and you can easily walk between the two.

  • Taxi

    From Kanazawa Station, a taxi ride to Kenrokuen Garden takes about 10 minutes. The estimated fare is ¥1,500 - ¥2,000. Taxis are readily available at the station's east exit.

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Kenrokuen Garden, whose name translates to “Garden of the Six Sublimities”, is a sprawling, exquisite landscape in the heart of Kanazawa. For centuries, this garden was carefully sculpted by the Maeda family, powerful lords who once reigned over the Kaga Domain from Kanazawa Castle. What began as a simple landscape garden in 1676 evolved into a masterpiece, reflecting the family's refined tastes and aspirations. The garden was opened to the public in 1874. Kenrokuen brilliantly incorporates the six essential attributes of an ideal Japanese garden: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water features, and panoramas. Strolling through its 25 acres, visitors encounter meticulously designed ponds, historic tea houses, artfully arranged stones, and carefully pruned trees. The garden offers a unique experience each season, from plum and cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant foliage in autumn and snow-draped landscapes in winter. During the winter months, the park's caretakers erect yukitsuri, cone-shaped arrangements of ropes, to protect the pine trees from heavy snowfall. Key highlights include Kasumigaike Pond, the garden's largest artificial pond, featuring Horai Island, symbolizing long life and prosperity. The Kotojitoro Lantern, with its distinctive two legs, is an iconic symbol of Kenrokuen. The garden also features Japan's oldest fountain, powered by natural water pressure. Don't miss the Yugao-tei teahouse, dating back to 1774, and the Karasaki Pine, carefully protected against the winter snow.

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