Traditional handcrafting courses in the Kenrokuen Garden area.
When in Kanazawa, visit Kenrokuen Garden first. With sights such as the famous the Kotoji Stone Lantern and the Kanazawa Castle Hishi Yagura, as well as historical and cultural facilities and gardens from Edo period, it is impossible to get around in just one day.
But you also want to try your hand at making Japanese sweets, dyeing Kaga Yuzen experience and try a tea ceremony! For those who are greedy and want to experience the history of Kanazawa in the Kenrokuen area, we introduce a digest course that also includes plenty of traditional cultural experiences.
Kenrokuen Garden
A Beautiful and Famous Garden in the Heart of Kanazawa
Considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, Kenrokuen Garden is a must-visit location in Kanazawa. The name Kenrokuen means “having six factors”, representing the attributes which bring out the garden’s stunning beauty: spaciousness, tranquility, artifice, antiquity, water sources and magnificent views.The garden has an area of 11.4 hectares and is located on the heights of the central part of Kanazawa next to Kanazawa Castle. The Maeda family, who ruled the Kaga Domain (the present Ishikawa and Toyama areas) in feudal times, maintained the garden from generation to generation. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful feudal lords' gardens in Japan.
One of Kenrokuen Garden’s most stunning attractions is its large artificial pond called Kasumigaike. Located near the center of the pond is Horai Island. The pond is often seen to symbolize the sea and Horai Island a sacred island out at sea, on which an ageless hermit with miraculous power was believed to live. As a result, the pond and the island were constructed to symbolize long life and eternal prosperity for the lord.
There are many other gorgeous features to enjoy in the garden, including the flowers and trees that grow there, such as plum and cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas and irises early in summer, and colorful red and yellow leaves in autumn.
In Winter, visitors can enjoy the snow-covered landscapes with yukitsuri (which means “snow hanging”). yukitsuri is a traditional technique for protecting the branches of the pine trees in the garden from heavy snow; trees are given support by bamboo poles and rope arranged a captivating conical layout.
Siguretei
Tea ceremony room in Kenrokuen Garden
The villa from the time when Kenrokuen Garden was built was recreated in 2000. Matcha and sencha green tea can be served in the pavilion (for a fee).
Seisonkaku(Villa for the wife of one of the Maeda lords)
Seisonkaku Villa
Seisonkaku is a villa that the 13th lord of the Maeda family built for his mother in Kenrokuen Garden in 1863. Fine techniques in a wide variety are used for the inner pillars and walls of Seisonkaku. These techniques include a wooden panel with openwork carvings of flowers and birds and a coffered ceiling for the guest chamber called "Ekken-no-ma." From these, visitors will know the status of the then Maeda family.
Furthermore, Seisonkaku exhibits articles with a long and distinguished history, such as dolls for the Japanese Girls' Festival and furniture.
Ishikawa Local Products Center
Let's experience making Japanese sweets!
Traditional products of Ishikawa Prefecture, such as handicrafts, sweets, food, and local brands of sake (rice wine) from approximately 70 long-established stores, are exhibited and sold. An experience menu with the following items is also prepared.
Kaga-Yuzen Kimono Center
Kaga Yuzen Dyeing Experience
Kaga Yuzen is characterized by its distinctive use of color and vivid patterns for kimonos. This hall introduces the manufacturing process of Kaga Yuzen, a typical traditional craft of Kanazawa, and sells finished products as well. Artisans' coloring demonstration is performed, and the following experience menu (subject to reservation) is prepared as well.
