Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa is considered to be one of three most beautiful strolling gardens of Japan. Located on the heights of the central Kanazawa and next to Kanazawa Castle, the Maeda family maintained the garden from generation to generation in feudal times and the name Kenrokuen literally means a garden combining the six attributes that create a perfect landscape: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water features, and panoramas.
During a two-hour ride from Takayama in a snowstorm that became a cold, driving rain, all I could think of was, “Who in creation wants to walk around a garden in such miserable weather? I wish the guide would just forget about it.” But then we began walking through Kenrokuen, spectacular even on such a gloomy day.
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a vivid spot of color in Kenrokuen Garden, Japan
Kenrokuen Garden, Japan
camellias and supporting branch structures in Kenrokuen Garden, Japan
The garden’s winter highlight is the yukitsuri (snow hanging) structures which protect the pine tree branches in the garden with ropes attached in a conical array to the trees to prevent the branches from breaking. Gardeners begin attaching the tepee fashion ropes to branches November 1 each year; a long, laborious process that takes approximately one month.
Sights that can be seen all year are: the iconic two-legged stone lantern designed in the image of the Japanese koto (carp) by the pond and symbol of Kenrokuen Garden; and Kasumigaike pond. The big pond was compared to an open sea, and an island on which an ageless hermit with miraculous power was believed to live, and constructed here to bring long life and eternal prosperity to its lord.
frog rock in Kenrokuen Garden, Japan
Kenrokuen Garden, Japan
famous two-legged lantern in Kenrokuen Garden, Japan
Kenrokuen Garden also has the oldest fountain in japan, created using the natural pressure of water flowing from the higher pond. Camellias and a few little plum blossoms were blooming and they, along with traditionally dressed women in their colorful kimono, added additional beauty to the drab day.
branch supports in Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa
umbrellas for sale in Kanazawa, Japan
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