Kenroku-en

Kenroku-en is a famous Japanese garden in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, built during the Edo period by the Maeda clan. Its name means "Garden of Six Attributes". Together with Kairaku-en and Koraku-en it is counted as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.

The garden covers about 11 hectares and is a strolling garden, with winding paths, a big pond, tea houses and one of Japan's oldest fountains. It is loved in every season but especially in winter. It first opened to the public in 1871 and was named a National Site of Special Scenic Beauty in 1985. Visitors stroll along the paths in every season.

The Maeda family garden

The Maeda clan, who ruled the Kaga Domain, developed the garden between the 1620s and 1840s. Its beginnings are not clear. One story points to 1632, when the third lord finished the Tatsumi water channel, and another to 1676, when the fifth lord, Tsunanori, moved to Kanazawa Castle and began a garden called Renchitei. A huge fire destroyed that garden in 1759, and it was later rebuilt and grew into Kenroku-en.

Snow ropes in winter

In winter, gardeners protect the pine trees from heavy snow by tying ropes in a cone shape above each tree. This craft is called yukitsuri. The ropes keep the branches from breaking under the weight of snow and also make the garden look beautiful. Kenroku-en is open year-round during daylight hours, and each season, from spring blossoms to winter snow, shows a different view.

On the globe

The toy globe marks Kenroku-en in Kanazawa, Japan. Zoom in to see the garden beside the old castle.