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A trip to Kanazawa to soothe your soul at Kenrokuen and enjoy local sake 

　table of contents

1. Recommended sake breweries around Kenrokuen
2. Recommended selection of sake around Kenrokuen
3. History and highlights of Kenrokuen
   
4. Model course to visit Kenrokuen and sake breweries

Introduction

Kenrokuen is considered one of Japan’s top three gardens. The beauty of the garden, which shows different expressions throughout the seasons, calms the hearts of visitors and conveys the elegance of Kaga Hyakumangoku to this day.

On the other hand, there is another charm of this place – the rich “local sake” that Ishikawa Prefecture is proud of. Ishikawa’s sake is a product of underground water from Mt. Hakusan, high-quality sake rice, and the inherited techniques of the brewers, and is deeply connected to the history and culture of Kanazawa.

In this article, with the theme of “Kenrokuen x Sake,” we will introduce the highlights of the garden, recommended sake breweries and local sake selections in the area, and a model itinerary that can be visited in one day.

1. Recommended sake breweries around Kenrokuen 

A sacred place for local sake that Ishikawa is proud of, a place you should visit by taking a short trip from Kenrokuen

The area around Kenrokuen is dotted with sake breweries that continue to preserve the long history and craftsmanship of sake brewers, making use of underground water from the Hakusan water system and local sake rice. Some of the breweries boast a history of over 400 years, and these are all spots where you can experience the depth of Ishikawa’s sake brewing, which was nurtured along with the culture of Kaga Hyakumangoku.

Here, we will introduce carefully selected recommended sake breweries that you can visit and that are accessible from Kenrokuen by public transportation or taxi. We will provide a detailed introduction to each sake brewing philosophy and how to enjoy tours and tastings.

　1. Fukumitsuya | Experience the innovation of pure rice sake at the oldest brewery in Kanazawa

Exhibitor:https://www.fukumitsuya.co.jp

Established in 1625, Fukumitsuya is the oldest sake brewery in Kanazawa. While preserving over 300 years of tradition, the company has been highly praised for its innovative approach to pure rice sake brewing. All of the sake rice is grown under contract, and the water used for brewing is groundwater from Hakusan called 100 Years Water. Popular brands such as “Kaga Tobi”, “Kuro Obi”, and “Fukumasamune” are enjoyed by a wide range of people as sophisticated sake to accompany meals.

At the directly managed store “SAKE SHOP Fukumitsuya Kanazawa Store,” you can enjoy limited edition sake sales and paid tastings, as well as fermented foods and cosmetics. Experience Ishikawa’s sake culture with all five senses in a modern space with a cafe attached.

　2. Nakamura Sake Brewery | Near Higashi Chaya District, a local sake brewery that is particular about brewing in small quantities

Exhibitor:https://www.nakamura-shuzou.co.jp

Founded in 1818 (Bunsei 1), Nakamura Sake Brewery is a small sake brewery located in Higashiyama, near the Higashi Chaya District. The brands “Nichiei” and “Kanazawa” are characterized by their soft and umami flavor, which goes well with food. The brewery’s careful sake brewing is a combination of local ingredients and traditional techniques, such as Yamahaijikomi and Ishikawamon.

At the direct sales store attached to the brewery, you can sample and purchase some products (confirmation in advance required). This brewery is perfect for stopping by during your sightseeing in Kanazawa.

　3. Yachiya Sake Brewery | A traditional sake brewery that exudes the pride of Kaga Hyakumangoku

Exhibitor:https://www.yachiya-sake.co.jp

Established in 1583, Yachiya Sake Brewery is also known as a purveyor to the Kaga Domain and is one of the oldest sake breweries in Ishikawa Prefecture. We have a selection of brands with elegant flavors that give you a sense of history, such as “Kagatsuru” and “Maeda Toshiie Daiginjo.” The brewery is located in Kasamai, Kanazawa City, and although it is a little off the tourist route, it is a place where you can enjoy local sake in a calm atmosphere.

Tours and tastings are not normally held, but limited edition and standard sake can be purchased at the direct sales store. It is also recommended as a souvenir of local taste.

2. Recommended selection of sake around Kenrokuen 

3. History and highlights of Kenrokuen 

Kenrokuen, located in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a daimyo garden that has been around since the Edo period and is famous as one of Japan’s three great gardens, along with Korakuen in Okayama and Kairakuen in Mito. Its name comes from the fact that it combines all six outstanding landscape elements: “Horizontal, ethereal, human power, blue and ancient, water fountains, and views.” The scenery that changes with the seasons is a beauty that can be said to be the essence of Japanese gardens, and attracts many tourists.

　① The birth of Kenrokuen and the culture of Kaga Hyakumangoku

Kenrokuen’s origins date back to 1676, when Maeda Tsunanori, the fifth lord of the Kaga domain, created the Lotus Pond Garden, which was built around the Hasu Pond Palace on the outer wall of Kanazawa Castle. Since then, it has been gradually renovated and expanded by successive lords of the Kaga domain, and by the time of Maeda Nariyasu, the 13th lord of the domain, the garden style that we see today was almost completed.

This garden was a place of relaxation for the feudal lord, and at the same time symbolized the richness and aesthetic sense of the Kaga Domain. In the Meiji period, Kenrokuen was opened to the public due to the abolition of feudal domains and establishment of prefectures, and it continues to be loved as a cultural property that everyone can enjoy to this day.

　② Numerous attractions

・Kasumigaike and Kotoji ToroKasumigaike Pond, located in the center of the park, forms a landscape that can be said to be a symbol of Kenrokuen. The “Kiji Toro” standing on the north bank is a representative photo spot of Kenrokuen, named for its unique two-legged appearance that resembles the pillars of a koto.

・Karasaki pine and snow hangingThe Karasaki pine tree, which was grown to imitate the famous pine trees of Lake Biwa, is decorated with the traditional “Yukitsuri” technique in the winter. Its geometric and beautiful appearance is widely known as a winter feature in Kanazawa.

・Japan’s oldest fountainThe fountain, which is blown up by the natural water pressure from Lake Kasumigaike, was built in the Edo period and is said to be the oldest in Japan. The sight of the water flying up to a height of approximately 3.5 meters is a great example of the technology of the time.

　③ Attractions of each season

• spring: Approximately 400 cherry blossom trees will be in full bloom, and the cherry blossoms will be illuminated at night.

• summer: The bright green trees and the cool waterside are pleasant, and the azaleas and Japanese iris add color.

• autumn: During the autumn leaves season, the maples and zelkova trees turn red and yellow, creating a magical landscape.

• winter: The entire garden with snow hanging will be enveloped in a world of silver and silence.

　④ Access/basic information