A Detailed Guide to the History and Features of Kenrokuen Garden

　Table of Contents

1. What is Kenrokuen?
2. The History of Kenrokuen
3. Highlights of Kenrokuen

Introduction

Kenrokuen (兼六園), one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, is a historic landscape garden located in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. True to its name, Kenrokuen embodies six attributes of landscape beauty: spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water, and scenic views. These six elements combine to create a garden that enchants visitors with its changing beauty across all four seasons.

Constructed during the Edo period by the Maeda family, lords of the Kaga Domain, Kenrokuen has undergone numerous expansions and enhancements over its long history, evolving into the masterpiece we see today.

This article aims to deepen your understanding of Kenrokuen’s charm by exploring its rich history and must-see highlights. Use this guide as a reference for your visit, and enjoy a moment immersed in the garden’s lush nature and cultural heritage.

1. What is Kenrokuen? 

Kenrokuen (兼六園) is one of Japan's most renowned gardens, located in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. It is designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. Alongside Kōraku-en in Okayama and Kairaku-en in Mito, Kenrokuen is celebrated as one of the "Three Great Gardens of Japan." Spanning approximately 11.7 hectares, the garden offers breathtaking scenery throughout the four seasons.

The origins of Kenrokuen date back to 1676 (Enpō 4), when Tsunanori Maeda, the fifth lord of the Kaga Domain, constructed a villa called "Renchi Goten" on the outer grounds of Kanazawa Castle and developed a garden named "Renchi Tei" around it. The name "Kenrokuen" was given in 1822 (Bunsei 5) by Matsudaira Sadanobu, inspired by the Chinese classic Records of Famous Gardens in Luoyang. The name reflects the garden’s harmonious embodiment of six aesthetic qualities: spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water, and scenic views.

Kenrokuen is a spacious strolling garden, covering approximately 11.4 hectares, with ponds, artificial hills, teahouses, and other features artfully arranged. The garden’s seasonal beauty is unparalleled, with each season bringing its unique charm. In winter, the traditional "yukitsuri" technique—ropes attached to tree branches to protect them from heavy snow—is a particularly iconic sight and a beloved symbol of Kenrokuen in winter.

The garden is home to numerous famous landmarks, including the Kotoji Lantern and Kasumigaike Pond, which captivate visitors with their timeless beauty. Due to its historical significance and scenic elegance, Kenrokuen was designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty in 1985 (Shōwa 60). Today, it attracts countless visitors from Japan and around the world as one of Kanazawa’s most treasured attractions.

2. The History of Kenrokuen 

Kenrokuen, located in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most renowned feudal lord gardens. Its history is deeply intertwined with the Maeda family, the ruling clan of the Kaga Domain. Below is a chronological overview of key events in the history of Kenrokuen.

　1. 1676 (Enpō 4): The Creation of Renchi Tei  

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In 1676, Tsunanori Maeda, the 5th lord of the Kaga Domain, constructed a villa called Renchi Goten on the sloped terrain north of Kanazawa Castle. Surrounding this villa, he developed a garden known as Renchi Tei. The garden featured a strolling pond garden layout that utilized the natural topography of the area. Renchi Tei served as a place of relaxation for Maeda and his retainers, laying the foundation for what would eventually become Kenrokuen. 

　2. 1759 (Hōreki 9): The Great Fire of Hōreki  

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On April 10, 1759, a massive fire, known as the Great Fire of Hōreki, broke out in Kanazawa. It is believed to have started near Shunchō-ji Temple in the Rokuto-no-Hiroba area. Fueled by strong winds, the fire spread across the city, destroying much of Kanazawa Castle and the surrounding castle town. Renchi Tei also suffered extensive damage, leaving the garden in ruins. This fire remains one of the most devastating disasters in Kanazawa’s history. 

　3. 1774 (An'ei 3): The Reconstruction of Renchi Tei 

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In 1774, Harunaga Maeda, the 11th lord of the Kaga Domain, began restoring the burnt-down Renchi Tei. New features, such as Sui-taki (a waterfall) and the Yūgao-tei teahouse, were added to enhance the garden’s aesthetic appeal. In 1776, he constructed Naikyo-tei, a pavilion used for rest and social gatherings. Through these renovations, Harunaga elevated Renchi Tei to an even more refined and elegant garden. 

　4. 1822 (Bunsei 5): The Naming of Kenrokuen and the Completion of Takezawa Goten 

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In 1822, Narihiro Maeda, the 12th lord of the Kaga Domain, built Takezawa Goten, a retirement villa, on the flat terrain known as Chitose-dai above Renchi Tei. That same year, he asked Matsudaira Sadanobu, an influential shogunate elder, to name the garden. Sadanobu chose the name Kenrokuen, inspired by the Chinese classic Records of Famous Gardens in Luoyang. The name signifies the six ideal characteristics of a landscape garden: spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water, and scenic views.

　5. 1874 (Meiji 7): Public Opening and Park Designation 

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Following the Meiji Restoration, Kenrokuen, previously owned by the Maeda family, was opened to the general public in 1874. This marked a significant transition, allowing people from all walks of life to enjoy the garden. Facilities such as tea houses were introduced to cater to visitors. In 1922, Kenrokuen was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty, and in 1985, it was elevated to a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. Restoration efforts continued, including the recreation of historical structures like Shigure-tei and Funano-ochaya in 2002, ensuring the garden’s legacy for future generations.

3. Highlights of Kenrokuen 

Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, is a stunning landscape garden featuring a variety of attractions. Below are some must-visit spots within the garden.

　■ Kasumigaike Pond 

Located at the center of the garden, Kasumigaike Pond spans approximately 5,800 square meters, making it the largest pond in Kenrokuen. It was expanded during the era of the 13th lord of the Kaga Domain, Nariyasu Maeda. A small island named Hōraijima, symbolizing eternal youth and longevity, floats in the pond and is also known as Kikkōjima (Turtle Shell Island) due to its shape. Surrounding the pond are iconic features such as the Kotoji Lantern, Rainbow Bridge, Karasaki Pine, Shōrōzan, and Naikyo-tei, all of which offer breathtaking views throughout the seasons.

　■ Kotoji Lantern 

The Kotoji Lantern, with its unique two-legged structure, is a symbolic feature of Kenrokuen. The name "Kotoji" refers to the bridge on a Japanese harp (koto), which the lantern resembles. This iconic structure blends harmoniously with the pond’s scenery and is a popular spot for photography. At night, the lantern is illuminated, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

　■ Karasaki Pine 

Planted by the 13th lord, Nariyasu Maeda, using seeds from Karasaki on the shores of Lake Biwa, the Karasaki Pine is a majestic tree with sprawling branches. During winter, the tree is adorned with yukitsuri—a traditional method of protecting branches from snow damage. This iconic sight is a hallmark of Kenrokuen in winter.

　■ Gankōbashi Bridge 

The Gankōbashi Bridge is uniquely constructed with 11 turtle-shell-shaped stones arranged to resemble the orderly flight of wild geese. The stones, made from Aka-Tomuro-ishi (red Tomuro stone) from nearby Mount Tomuro, create a picturesque and atmospheric scene. Over time, the stones have worn down due to frequent use, forming shallow pools of water on their surfaces.

　■ Neagarimatsu (Raised-Root Pine) 

The Neagarimatsu, or Raised-Root Pine, is a black pine tree with exposed roots that reach approximately 2 meters above the ground. Believed to have been planted by Nariyasu Maeda, the tree’s unique appearance was achieved through a technique in which the roots were covered with soil during growth and later exposed by removing the soil. This reflects the masterful foresight and skill of the gardeners, who crafted a landscape that would develop over decades and centuries.

　■ Plum Grove 

The Plum Grove in Kenrokuen features around 200 plum trees. In early spring, the grove comes alive with white and pale pink blossoms, filling the air with a delicate fragrance. This grove is best enjoyed between February and March, when the first signs of spring emerge. The trees include a variety of species, offering subtle differences in aroma and appearance.

　■ The Fountain 

Kenrokuen’s fountain is renowned as Japan’s oldest functioning fountain. Built in 1861, it operates without the use of mechanical pumps, relying instead on the natural principle of a reverse siphon. Water from Kasumigaike Pond flows through a system utilizing height differences to produce a jet of water about 3.5 meters high.

　■ Shigure-tei Pavilion 

The Shigure-tei Pavilion is a reconstructed tea house within Kenrokuen. Originally built in 1676 as the Renchi Ochi-in, it served as a resting place for the 5th lord, Tsunanori Maeda. Though the original structure was demolished in the early Meiji era, it was faithfully rebuilt in 2000 based on preserved blueprints. The single-story wooden structure features 10- and 8-tatami-mat rooms overlooking the garden, recreating the elegance of its original design.

 Conclusion 

Kenrokuen is a masterpiece of Japanese landscaping, created by the Maeda family of the Kaga Domain. The garden transforms with the seasons—plum and cherry blossoms in spring, verdant greenery in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and snow-laden trees in winter with yukitsuri adding a touch of elegance.

Kenrokuen is not merely a tourist destination; it is a cultural treasure embodying the refined aesthetics of Kaga culture. Visitors are sure to find relaxation and inspiration amidst its timeless beauty. When visiting Kanazawa, make time to explore this iconic garden and experience its history and seasonal splendor.