Kenroku-en Garden – Most Beautiful Gardens in Japan
Kenroku-en was a garden that I knew accidentally, and I was so impressed with this place that I visited it again. Initially, I was looking for a traditional region to visit, not far from Kyoto, in that way I found Kanazawa, and when I was looking for what to see at this place, I knew about this garden. I don’t even know that some people visit Kanazawa only for this garden, because Kenroku-en is one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan., and this place really justifies this title.
Its name means 3 Garden of the six sublimities”, the properties that have to be a perfect garden, it means: spaciousness, antiquity, seclusion, elaborate use of water, scenic charm, and artifice.
How much does it cost to go to Kenroku-en?
The entrance is not very expensive. Only 320 yens for adults (until 65 years, and free for over 65), and 100 yens for kids (6-17 years).
The first time we visited this garden, it was during the Festival Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Matsuri and the entrance was free.
When to visit this garden and How much time does it take?
Kenroku-en Garden can be visited all year round. Every season will offer different views to the visitors. But no doubt that the most beautiful season will be spring and autumn. We visited a couple of times in mi-May and it was full of flowers and colors (a little less on the second time, it seemed a dry year).
Local people told us that in autumn colors are also beautiful, with shades of red and orange. The cherry blossom can be also a wonderful moment, but remember that it will also be very crowded.
The garden will need an entire day if you really want to enjoy the park, to sit sometimes and just contemplate the landscape. You’ll find wonderful details everywhere: classical garden stone lantern decorations, big and small bridges, precious trees…
What to do in this Garden and around it?
You have to visit the different landscapes in this park and take your time for contemplation. You are not allowed to picnic inside the garden. But there are some areas where you will be able to eat and drink.
There are some tea houses in the garden where you will be able to drink tea and Japanese pastries while admiring the landscape, soooo Japanese. Do not expect a traditional tea ceremony.
When you exit by the Katsurazaka Gate, you will find several souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafés for eating, buying ice cream, or drinking.
One of the most beautiful points of the garden is the large artificial pond Kasumiga-ike (check the photos below). This pond symbolizes the sea.
You can also visit the Kanazawa Castle and its park which communicates with the Kenroku-en garden with a bridge (Ishikawa Gate). Access to the park of the castle and some ruins is free, you only have to pay for entry to the reconstructed buildings, inside you will learn about the building techniques employed. The castle was entirely constructed in wood, like a temple or a shrine.
Entry to the reconstructed area is 310 yen for adults and for children between 6 – 17 years old it is just 100 yen.
Another place that you don’t have to forget is Gyokusen’inmaru Park next to the castle. It is a little garden but gorgeous, with paths and a very photogenic central pond. Actually, the first time we visited the Kenroku-en garden we arrived by the Nezumita-mon Gate and we saw this garden and we thought we have already in Kenroku-en.
You can stop at Gyokusen-an Rest House, where you will be able to take a the enjoying this garden traditionally, sat on a tatami-floored room.
Every day you can enjoy a light-up of the Kanazawa Castle Park from April to September. The theme changes with the season, the admission is free and starts at sunset until 10pm. Here you can find the program to check the schedule during your visit.
Kenroku-en Garden Layout
