Kenrokuen Garden is one of the three most beautiful
gardens in Japan, along with Kairakuen Garden in Mito City and Korakuen
Garden in Okayama City. It is designed for the stroller's pleasure and
the name KENROKUEN literally means "garden combining six," referring to
its six focal themes of beauty: extensiveness, quiet seclusion, artificial
construction, antique elegance, abundant water and wide prospect. It covers
an area of twenty-five acres with hills, man-made winding streams, tranquil
ponds, and waterfalls.
Kenrokuen garden was originally the garden of the outer residence
of Kanazawa Castle built by the fifth Maeda lord, Tsunanori, in the Enpo
Period(1673-81). The residence burnt down in the Great Fire in 1881 and
only its garden remained. The garden was enlarged in 1774 and finally
completed in 1822 by the 12th Maeda lord, Narinaga. Kenrokuen Garden was
opened to the public in 1875 after the Meiji Restoration.
It gives the visitors an unforgettable impression all year
round with its colorful charms particular to each season. |