Kenroku-en Garden is a beautiful traditional Japanese garden located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. It is considered one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, along with Kairaku-en in Mito and Koraku-en in Okayama.
1. Interesting Facts and Description:
- Kenroku-en translates to \"Garden of the Six Sublimities,\" which refers to its six attributes of spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water, and panoramic views.
- The garden dates back to the 17th century and was initially the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle, belonging to the ruling Maeda Clan.
- Kenroku-en covers an area of about 25 acres and features a variety of landscape styles, including streams, ponds, waterfalls, bridges, hills, tea houses, and numerous plant species.
- The garden is meticulously designed, with trees and plants strategically placed to provide stunning views throughout the year. Cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant foliage in autumn, and snow-covered landscapes in winter attract many visitors.
- One of the highlights of Kenroku-en is the Kotoji-toro Lantern, a two-legged stone lantern that is the symbol of the garden. It is reflected in the water of Kasumigaike Pond, creating a picturesque scene.
- The garden also includes a teahouse called Kaisui-tei, where visitors can enjoy a traditional tea ceremony while taking in the garden’s beauty.
2. Working Time and Contact Information:
- Kenroku-en Garden is open every day of the year, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (April to September) and from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (October to March).
- The garden does not have a phone number specifically for inquiries. Visitors are advised to contact the Kanazawa City Tourist Information Center at +81-76-221-0023 for more information.
3. Ticket and Transportation Information:
- The admission fee for Kenroku-en Garden is 310 yen (approximately $3) for adults and 100 yen (approximately $1) for children.
- The garden is easily accessible by public transportation. From Kanazawa Station, take a bus (Line 7, 8, or Kenrokuen Shuttle) and get off at the Kenrokuen-shita bus stop, which is right in front of the garden’s entrance. It takes about 15 minutes by bus from the station.
- Alternatively, the garden is within walking distance (about 1.5 km) from Kanazawa Castle or Higashi Chaya District, making it convenient to explore multiple attractions in a day.
Visiting Kenroku-en Garden offers a chance to immerse oneself in the beauty and tranquility of traditional Japanese garden design. Whether it’s strolling along winding paths or sitting in contemplation, this remarkable garden provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
