Kenroku-en

Kenroku-en stands alongside Kairaku-en and Koraku-en as one of Japan's three great landscape gardens. Its name, meaning "Garden of Six Sublimities," reflects the classical Chinese criteria for garden perfection: spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water, and commanding views. Originally the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle, it was developed over two centuries by successive generations of the ruling Maeda clan. Winding paths lead past tranquil ponds, cascading waterfalls, arched bridges, and intimate teahouses, with the iconic two-legged Kotoji lantern standing at the water's edge. Each season brings its own beauty—cherry blossoms in spring, deep shade in summer, crimson maples in autumn, and the striking yukitsuri rope structures that protect the pines from heavy snow. A combined visit with the adjacent Kanazawa Castle Park makes for a complete morning or afternoon.