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.
Information
- Address
- 〒920-0936 1 Kenroku-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
- Price
- Adult: 320 yen
Children (6 to 17 years old): 100 yen
Persons aged 65 years old or over: Free (ID required) - Business Hours
- 7:00–18:00 (8:00–17:00 from October 16th to end of February.)
- Regular Holidays
- Kenrokuen Garden is open 365 days a year.
- By Public Transportation
- Approx. 3 minutes on foot from "Kenrokuen Garden・Kanazawa Castle Park" bus stop on the Kanazawa Loop Bus, Hokutetsu Local-Line Bus, and West JR Bus
Approx. 3 minutes on foot from "Kenrokuen Shita" bus stop on the Kanazawa Flat Bus Zaimoku route. - Parking
- None
- Phone
- 076-234-3800
- Official Website
- on its official website.
- Website
- Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience