Kenroku-en Garden

Kenroku-en Garden, located in Kaazawa, Japan, is an absolutely gorgeous place.  In fact, it is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.  Many consider it the most beautiful of the three.  The garden covers over 40 acres.  The name, "kenrokuen," means, "garden which combines six characteristics."  What are those six characteristics?  Spaciousness, serenity, venerability, scenic views, subtle design, and coolness.

The garden used to be the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle, which was constructed by the ruling Maede family.  They maintained it for generations.  The gardens were finally open to the public in 1871.

Visitors will enjoy the large Kasumigaike pond, hills, tea houses, fountains, stone lanterns (one large one is in the shape of a Japanese harp [koto]) and lovely plants and flowers.  The plum and cherry blossoms are especially pretty in the spring.  If you visit in the summer, you will see azaleas and iris.  In the fall, the leaves are simply beautiful. 

The garden is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM October - February, and 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM the rest of the year.  Admission is 300 yen for adults and 100 yen for children.