Discover Kenrokuen Garden, a stunning daimyo garden in Kanazawa, Japan. Experience the beauty of each season as you wander through the garden’s layout, featuring a vast pond and an island with an immortal hermit.
Hello and welcome to my blog! In today’s post, I’ll be discussing Kenrokuen Garden. I’ve only been there in the summer, so I decided to research information about visiting during other seasons. It turns out this place has something special to offer in every season. I’m especially excited about the idea of exploring it during spring and autumn.
The videos I’ve selected from YouTube are right here.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
Japan's Historic Daimyo Garden
Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa, Japan, a well-known daimyo garden from the Edo period, was carefully created over time by the feudal lords who ruled the area around Kanazawa City. This charming destination has captured the hearts of many visitors, offering the genuine beauty of each season.
The garden’s layout includes a large pond resembling the open sea, with an island believed to be the dwelling of wise immortals. The lords wished for longevity and everlasting prosperity to grace the garden.
In Kenrokuen Garden’s expansive grounds, you can take a leisurely stroll, appreciating the flowers that grace each season and enjoying the melodies of wild birds. It’s a place where you can relish the shifting scenery in a relaxed manner.
Allow me to introduce Kenrokuen Garden, where visitors can immerse themselves in the ever-changing landscapes of each season.
Blossoming Spring at Kenrokuen Garden
Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom, Akin to Chrysanthemums
Kenrokuen Garden presents its springtime beauty with over 400 cherry blossoms, each representing different species and variations.
By mid-April, an assortment of cherry blossoms graces the scene. Noteworthy among them is the ‘Kenrokuen Kikuzakura,’ a distinctive variety that boasts more than 300 petals, resembling the rounded form of chrysanthemums. Unlike the commonly seen Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms that blanket Japan, these blooms make their appearance from late April to mid-May.
Close by stands the celebrated ‘Kenrokuen Kumagai,’ a prominent tree adorned with profuse petals and a deep hue, flowering about a week after the Somei Yoshino.
Cherry-Lined Pathways
Streets such as the Konya Slope and Mayumi Slope, along with the surroundings of the Hanami Bridge and the district known as ‘Edo Machi,’ are adorned with an abundance of cherry trees, providing a charming spectacle. You can take in their splendor while seated on chairs topped with red cushions placed outside teahouses, savoring your meal amidst the blossoms.
The Radiance of Cherry Blossoms on the Water
Kenrokuen Garden features ponds and streams scattered across its grounds. As night falls, the illuminated cherry blossoms cast a beautiful reflection upon the water’s surface. Notably, the scenes from Hisagoike Pond and the stream referred to as ‘Kyokusui,’ with the wooden ‘Hanami Bridge’ spanning it, receive praise for their enchanting allure.
Glimmering Summer Fireflies
If you visit Kenrokuen Garden during the vibrant green summer season, I suggest observing the fireflies that gracefully illuminate the garden at night.
Fireflies are not uncommon globally, but the ones found in Japan are a rare species that spend their larval stage in water and depend on clean water to survive. Consequently, they are not easily spotted in urban areas. Seeing this natural spectacle will be a wonderful experience.
Captivating Autumn Colors
If you visit Kenrokuen Garden around November, you’ll be treated to the garden’s splendid autumn foliage.
Take a leisurely stroll through the garden as it becomes adorned in captivating autumn hues. Mt. Yamazaki, also known as “Maple Leaf Mountain,” showcases maple and ginkgo trees ablaze in red and yellow, creating a vibrant and captivating landscape.
The “Midori-taki” waterfall, standing over 6 meters tall, is surrounded by trees that undergo a similar transformation, enhancing the waterfall’s beauty. It is often referred to as the “Autumn Foliage Waterfall” due to its stunning appearance.
The “Kasumi-ga-ike” pond offers a picturesque autumn setting, with illuminated maple trees and the misty pond combining to create a colorful and enchanting atmosphere.
Snow Drapes Protecting Trees in Winter
If you venture to Kenrokuen Garden during winter, when it is blanketed in pristine white snow, you can witness the traditional practice of “yukitsuri” (snow hanging).
“Yukitsuri” involves suspending ropes in a radial pattern from wooden or bamboo pillars to support tree branches and prevent them from breaking under the weight of snow. With over 500 trees in the garden adorned with “Yukitsuri,” you can experience the unique winter ambiance of Kenrokuen Garden even before the snowfall. Additionally, the annual illumination event held in February further enhances its beauty.
Culture, History, and Traditions
In 1601, when the princess of the Tokugawa shogunate arrived here for her marriage, row houses were built in the area where tea houses now stand. These houses were intended to accommodate the 300 attendants who had accompanied her from Edo (present-day Tokyo). Over time, this area became known as Edo-machi (Edo Town), a name that still resonates within the garden.
Around 1676, it is believed that the garden expanded from its original location near Kanazawa Castle to its current site with the construction of a villa for the feudal lord.
During its early years, the garden played a prominent role as a venue for entertaining guests and important vassals. In 1822, it was officially named “Kenrokuen” and underwent various modifications. By 1863, it had taken on a layout that closely resembles the present-day garden.
With the decline of the samurai society, Kenrokuen was fully opened to the public in 1874, leading to the establishment of numerous tea houses that continue to thrive within the garden.
In 1922, the garden’s extraordinary beauty led to its designation as a national scenic spot, and in 1985, it was further elevated to a special scenic spot, receiving the highest recognition among Japanese gardens.
Since 1994, restoration work has been ongoing, including the reconstruction of the “Shigure Tei” and “Funano-ochin,” which were demolished during the Meiji era. These efforts, along with the garden’s maintenance, have added even more magnificence to Kenrokuen.
Dining Guide
Exploring Culinary Delights within Kenrokuen Garden
Inside Kenrokuen Garden, you’ll discover a delightful array of Japanese cuisine, kaiseki restaurants, cafes, and tea houses.
Among them is “Shigure Tei,” which we mentioned earlier, offering the chance to indulge in authentic Japanese sweets and matcha while taking in the garden’s splendid view. In addition to exquisite dining options like Miyoshian and Kenrokutei, there are also more affordable alternatives like Kotobuki. Moreover, the garden’s website provides comprehensive information on the tea houses operating within Kenrokuen Garden.
Discovering City Center Eateries
Kanazawa is a captivating culinary destination, harmoniously combining Eastern and Western Japanese cultures. Located amidst the picturesque backdrop of sea and mountains, the city enjoys a bounty of fresh ingredients, inspiring a diverse array of dishes that highlight the exceptional quality of local produce. For food enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable dining experience, a visit to Kanazawa provides a chance to indulge in its diverse culinary delights.
Kanazawa has a variety of high-quality conveyor belt sushi restaurants, where you can enjoy authentic sushi at reasonable prices..
Unveiling the Enigmatic Delicacy: Nodoguro
Additionally, there are several eateries specializing in the highly regarded and elusive “nodoguro,” a premium fish commonly known as the “blackthroat seaperch.
Despite being a white-fleshed fish, nodoguro boasts a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich, flavorful taste, earning it the moniker “the toro of white fish.” While available year-round, Kanazawa is especially renowned for enjoying this delicacy during late autumn to winter.
You can discover these restaurants through online searches, such as Koufuku and Nodoguro Itaru.
Indulge in Kanazawa's Delight: Kanō Crab
Furthermore, Kanazawa is famous for its Kanō crab. To protect against overfishing, the crabbing season is limited from around November 6th to March 20th of the following year. If you visit during this period, be sure to indulge in this exquisite delicacy. Kanazawa’s traditional ryotei restaurants and sushi shops offer various delectable options, including set meals, grilled crab, and fresh sashimi.
Additionally, at the “Ichi no Kura” section of Omi-cho Market, you can relish crab dishes all year round.
Accommodation
Kanazawa, located at the heart of this region, is a captivating city with the iconic Kenrokuen Garden as its centerpiece. It boasts a diverse selection of accommodations to cater to all types of travelers. From affordable options starting at a few thousand yen to more luxurious choices around 20,000 yen, there is something for everyone’s taste and budget. Making reservations is convenient and hassle-free with the availability of online search and booking platforms.
Transportation
There are multiple transportation options to reach Kenrokuen Garden.
If you’re coming from a distant location, you can opt for a flight. The nearest airport is Komatsu Airport. From there, you can take a limousine bus to Kanazawa Station, which costs approximately 1,300 yen.
For travelers from Tokyo, Nagano, or Niigata, the JR East Hokuriku Shinkansen is a convenient choice, offering a shorter travel time. The Hokuriku Shinkansen features modern trains, ensuring a comfortable journey. If you’re traveling from Osaka or Kyoto, it is recommended to take the JR West Thunderbird Limited Express train. For those coming from Nagoya, the Shirasagi Limited Express train is suitable.
Once you arrive at Kanazawa Station by plane, limousine bus, or train, you can transfer to a local bus. From Kanazawa Station, catch the Kanazawa Loop Bus “Castle Town Kanazawa Sightseeing Bus” at bus stop #6 in the Kenrokuen-guchi (Higashi-guchi) Bus Terminal. The bus operates every 15 minutes and stops at Kenrokuen Garden. The bus offers both clockwise and counterclockwise routes, but the clockwise route enables you to disembark on the side closer to the road leading to Kenrokuen Garden. The fare for adults is 200 yen.
Budget and Transportation Tips
Kenrokuen Garden, which is open year-round, charges an admission fee of 320 yen per day for adults.
However, there are several periods when admission is free: the three days from New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day, a week during the cherry blossom season (please check the specific dates in advance as they vary each year), the three days of the Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival in early June, the “Obon” period from August 14th to 16th (a special Buddhist event in Japan), and on November 3rd, known as Culture Day.
Note that the Obon period, which is a traditional Buddhist event in Japan, may not be the best time for foreign travelers to visit. During this time, people in Japan typically take vacations and travel, which can result in crowded transportation and accommodations.
If you plan to explore multiple museums and art galleries near Kenrokuen Garden, the Combination Ticket is a cost-effective choice. It allows entry to Kenrokuen Garden and one of the participating facilities for a bundled price of 500 yen.
For those considering traveling to Kanazawa by train, using the JAPAN RAIL PASS can be a money-saving option.
Weather Guide
Kanazawa City has a climate characterized by frequent rainfall throughout the year. Summers are known for their high humidity and muggy conditions, while winters bring cold temperatures and snowfall. The average annual temperature is 14.3℃, with December being the coldest month and August the warmest.
The cherry blossom season typically begins in early April during earlier years and around mid-April in later years. On average, the peak bloom occurs during the first week of April, around the 10th.
During this season, daytime temperatures can range from 15℃ to 18℃, but the mornings and evenings can feel considerably cooler, dropping to around 5℃. It is advisable to dress in layers and be prepared for temperature fluctuations.
Moreover, it is common to encounter light rain or showers, so it’s a good idea to have rain gear with you, just in case.
