Kenrokuen Garden

Name: Kenrokuen Garden
Address: 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0936, Japan
Rating: 4.4

4.4 (200)・Garden・Tourist Attraction・Park・Point Of Interest・Establishment

Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa is a living symbol of the Edo period's elegance and ingenuity, often ranked among Japan's three great gardens. Its name, "Kenrokuen," translates to "Garden of the Six Sublimities," reflecting the ideal landscape characteristics: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, waterways, and panoramas. This philosophy has guided its design, making it a stunning example of traditional Japanese garden art.

Established in the 17th century as part of the Kanazawa Castle estate, Kenrokuen was opened to the public in 1874. The garden spans approximately 11.4 hectares, creating a lush, expansive space where visitors can lose themselves in natural beauty. The design cleverly uses hills and water sources from nearby rivers to create a varied landscape that includes ponds, streams, waterfalls, and carefully placed bridges.

One of the garden's most photographed features is the Kotojitoro Lantern, set beside the Kasumigaike Pond. Another highlight is the Karasaki Pine, shaped over the years to stretch out elegantly over the landscape. Throughout the year, Kenrokuen changes its appearance, from the snowy, quiet winter scenes to the vibrant burst of cherry blossoms in spring, making every visit a unique experience.

Hours:

7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Closed:

No closing days

Available:

All year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Fees:

320 yen (free during early admission hours)

Phone

+81 76-234-3800

Website

www.pref.ishikawa.jp

The area

Address

1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0936, Japan

Top ways to experience Kenrokuen Garden

4hrs

Kanazawa half-day Historical Photo Spot Walking Tour

From $208 /person

4hrs

Half-day Trip All Around Kanazawa City

From $221 /person

8hrs

1 Day Trip All Around Kanazawa City

From $401 /person

What other travelers are saying about Kenrokuen Garden

Definitely a highlight in Kanazawa. Went there at 4pm and the sun was on its way down so it was so nice. Wasn’t that just. It’s only 320yen to get in and closes at 6pm. Pretty chilled walk and feel like I could do it again as i definitely probably missed some elements. Might also be nice doing the walk without taking any pictures.

W T

Jun 17, 2025

Interested in experiencing a small piece of heaven on Earth? These gardens may be your next visit with divinity. Armed with your map and curiosity, beautiful shrines, ponds, waterfalls, streams, and much more natural beauty is revealed as you stroll along the walkway! Treat yourself if your travels take you to Kanazawa.

David Vincent

Jun 20, 2025

One of the three most beautiful and famous Japanese styles gardens in Japan! The entry fee is very cheap and if you are over 65 is free! If you thinking of build yourself a Japanese garden, you need to come here! If you love to taking selfie, you need to come here. If you just like to relax and be alone, this may not be the place for you because the popularity of the garden. It’s amazingly beautiful and well designed and maintained garden, worth a visit!

Steven Cheng

May 26, 2025

This is one of the most beautiful japanese garden in japan, so it is a must-visit spot in kanazawa. The area is quite spacious and there's many sections to explore within the garden. When I visited in December, the autumn leaves have mostly fallen and coated the grounds in orange, it was really beautiful. The lake section is the most popular and there are also a lot of bird watchers around with their professional camera. It is definitely worth checking out, especially when the weather is good. The park makes you feels like you are not in the middle of a city/town because the atmosphere is just so serene and calm.

Tracy Loh

May 22, 2025

A beautiful garden, hailed as one of the finest in Japan, albeit a bit overrun with tour groups. It costs ¥320 to get in, which is a bargain, and there are lots of lovely scenes to admire, with plenty of benches along the way. There are a few tourist-trap restaurants near the exit. Lots of toilets throughout.