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Gyokusen-en Nishida Family Garden

A serene 17th-century Japanese garden in Kanazawa, featuring meticulously designed landscapes, ancient trees, and a historic tea house.

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Discover Gyokusen-en, a serene 17th-century Japanese garden in Kanazawa, carefully maintained by the Nishida family since the early 20th century. This hidden gem, predating the renowned Kenrokuen Garden, offers a tranquil escape with its meticulously designed landscapes, ancient trees, and historic tea house.

A brief summary to Gyokusen-en Nishida Family Garden

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a tea ceremony at Saisetsu-tei for a complete cultural experience.
  • Visit during different seasons to appreciate the changing colors and flora of the garden.
  • Check the garden's website for seasonal news and possible closures.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Gyokusen-en Garden is located close to other attractions, making walking a viable option. From Kenrokuen Garden, it's a short 5-minute walk. From Kanazawa Castle Park, exit near the Ishikawa-mon Gate and follow the signs. The garden is also near the Kaga Yuzen Kimono Center.

  • Public Transport

    The closest bus stops are "Kenrokuen Garden Kanazawa Castle Park" and "Kenrokuen-shita", which are both a 2-minute walk from the garden. These stops are serviced by the Kanazawa Loop Bus, Hokutetsu Local-Line Bus, West JR Bus, and Kanazawa Flat Bus Zaimoku route. A single bus fare is around ¥210. A one-day pass for unlimited rides on the Kanazawa Loop Bus and other designated buses costs ¥800.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Kanazawa. From Kanazawa Station, the taxi ride to Gyokusen-en takes approximately 10-15 minutes. The base fare for a small taxi is ¥690, with an additional ¥80 for every 277 meters. The estimated fare from Kanazawa Station to the garden is under ¥1400.

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Discover more about Gyokusen-en Nishida Family Garden

Gyokusen-en Garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Kanazawa, invites visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in the beauty of a traditional Japanese landscape. Created in the mid-17th century by Wakita Naokata, a retainer of the powerful Maeda clan, the garden later became the property of the Nishida family at the end of the Meiji Era (1868-1912). Opened to the public in 1971, it offers a serene contrast to the bustling city. The garden's design showcases three distinct areas: the center, west, and east, each offering unique perspectives and charms. Towering Korean pines and maple trees, some centuries old, provide a lush backdrop, while moss-covered grounds create a soothing, verdant atmosphere. Stone lanterns and carefully placed pathways add to the garden's tranquil ambiance. The main pond is shaped to resemble the kanji character for water (水), and two waterfalls cascade from small hills, their gentle sounds enhancing the peaceful setting. Gyokusen-en's beauty evolves with the seasons, with specific plants and flowers chosen to highlight each time of year. One of the garden's most remarkable features is the Gyomatsu, a Korean pine believed to have been planted by Wakita Naokata himself as a tribute to his homeland. Visitors can also experience a traditional tea ceremony in the Saisetsu-tei pavilion, one of Kanazawa's oldest tea houses, adding another layer of cultural immersion to their visit.

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