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Kenroku-en, Kanazawa
兼六園 · Kanazawa, Ishikawa
The daimyō garden of the million-koku Kaga domain: the Kotoji lantern and snow-roped pines, with a different face in every season.
Know before you go
- Don't step on the lawns or moss
- don't pick flowers or break branches
- when queuing for photos at the Kotoji lantern, don't hog the spot
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
The garden of the million-koku Kaga domain
After Maeda Toshiie was granted Kaga and Noto, the Kaga domain became the richest domain of the Edo period, known as 'Kaga's million koku'. Kenroku-en is the daimyō garden created over more than two centuries by successive Maeda lords, opened to the public only in 1871.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Kenroku-en was created step by step by the Maeda family, rulers of the Kaga domain, between the 1620s and the 1840s, and with Kairaku-en in Mito and Kōraku-en in Okayama is one of the 'three great gardens of Japan'. One account dates its beginnings to the 'Renchi-tei' built in 1676 by the fifth lord, Maeda Tsunanori, on the slope opposite Kanazawa Castle. It opened to the public in 1871 and was designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty in 1985.
Local customs
- It is a stroll garden, best enjoyed walking slowly along its paths
- in winter the 'yukizuri' rope supports on the pines are a traditional way to stop snow breaking the branches
Religion & beliefs
- A daimyō garden
- no religious affiliation.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Don't step on the lawns or moss
- don't pick flowers or break branches
- when queuing for photos at the Kotoji lantern, don't hog the spot
Locals appreciate DO
- Kanazawa people appreciate visitors who take their time and combine it with Kanazawa Castle and the Higashi Chaya district
- snow ropes in winter and cherry blossom in spring are the locals' seasonal rituals.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Good in every season; the winter yukizuri rope supports are the classic sight |
|---|---|
| Time needed | 1.5–2 hours |
Travel tips
- Open during the day all year, with an admission fee
- it adjoins Kanazawa Castle Park, so see both together
- the winter snow scenes and yukizuri are the most iconic
Photos
Photos
_in_Kenrokuen_garden%2C_Kanazawa%2C_Japan_(2621644979).jpg?width=640)
KimonBerlin · CC BY-SA 2.0
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KimonBerlin · CC BY-SA 2.0
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