Kenroku-en Garden
One of Japan's three great landscape gardens, developed over 180 years by the Maeda clan beside Kanazawa Castle. The name means "garden with six attributes" (spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, waterways, panoramas) — all present simultaneously. The famous two-legged stone lantern (Kotojitoro) reflected in the pond has become Kanazawa's symbol.
1–2 hours
¥320
7:00–18:00 (Mar–Oct); 8:00–17:00 (Nov–Feb); free entry before 8:00 in summer
April (cherry), November–March (yukitsuri)
Bus from Kanazawa Station (approx. 15 min) to Kenrokuen-shita, then short walk
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Kenroku-en is one of only three gardens in Japan rated "perfect" by Edo-period landscape criteria
- 2
The Kotojitoro lantern (1837) stands in water on two mismatched legs — the most reproduced image in Kanazawa
- 3
Winter snow covering (yukitsuri — straw rope cones protecting tree branches) from November is extraordinarily beautiful
Local Tips
One of Japan's three great gardens. The name (Kenroku-en = 'six attributes combined') refers to the Chinese ideal of garden perfection. Early morning entry is free — a 45-minute walk before the crowds arrive is the best way to experience it. Winter yukitsuri (snow rope supports on pine trees) are the most iconic image of Kanazawa.
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