Kenrokuen Garden

4.4 (200)・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 $209 /person

4hrs

Half-day Trip All Around Kanazawa City

From $223 /person

8hrs

1 Day Trip All Around Kanazawa City

From $403 /person

What other travelers are saying about Kenrokuen Garden

Enjoyed it very much. The ticket was very cheap. The only thing is that in some places you aren’t allowed to walk on so sometimes you have to take a longer road. Also it’s easy to get lost since the signs at times were a bit misleading. Either way it has a beautiful view of Kanazawa at the top of the garden and there are some Buddha statues as well.

Rain Dream

Sep 3, 2024

This was a nice way to spend an hour or so on a hot summer day. There is a small entrance fee, but the garden experience is worth the price. The gardens are very well maintained, and the paths are fun to walk around on. There are a few tea houses offering drinks and snacks, which was a welcome spot to stop during the hot season. It is easy to reach the gardens via the loop bus. Overall a good place to visit.

Keith Moore

Aug 16, 2024

One of my two favorite gardens from my Japan trip (the other being in Yokohama). So many paths with details to explore. Plenty of water features, bridges, places to sit and ponder. Very well designed and maintained. Great central location as well.

Amanda Marie

Sep 2, 2024

Gorgeous, peaceful gardens with a new perspective around every curve. We spent a leisurely 90 minutes walking through the park just before closing time. If the tea houses had been open, I could have stayed longer. One of the 3 most famous gardens in Japan. Well worth the time to visit. While the garden is walkable, I wouldn't call it wheelchair or kid-friendly--paths are all gravel and there aren't any places to run and play. Small children need to be watched carefully as some of the water features would be easy to fall into.

Leslie Dalton

Jun 8, 2024

This is one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, and worths the visit. 400¥, well preserved and clean, see the nature and pray for the rest of your fellow tourists not to disturb the peace of the moment.