Kenroku-en was founded and developed for about 180 years by the Maeda clan lord in Kaga, which is a strolling-style landscape garden and one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. The strolling-style garden allows you to take a walk to enjoy the landscape, in contrast to the sit-and-view style garden, which allows you to view the garden from a specific spot, such as a room in the palace or the drawing room. There are ponds, winding streams, and artificial hills scattered throughout the vast site of approximately 34,600 tsubo (about 28 acres), and you can enjoy the entire garden by stopping at each spot.
The name was derived from the fact that it has all the six attributes that are said to be difficult to coexist with, as described in the Song Dynasty book “Chronicles of the Famous Luoyang Gardens”. The contrasting landscapes are in perfect harmony, creating a beauty of contrast. It is also known for its seasonal beauty, as well as its illumination show (held on a regular basis), which transforms it into a fantastic sight. You can enjoy the beautiful garden in every season, with cherry blossoms in the spring, the Japanese iris in the summer, the colorful leaves in the fall, and the breathtaking collaboration of the trees with ropes to support the branches and silver snow in the winter.
There are many highlights scattered throughout the vast garden, it will take about 1 hour and a half to visit all of them. It is best to get a park map from the information center beforehand.
Highlights
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Wheelchairs are available to rent for free. There is also a barrier-free course for wheelchair users.
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A tourist information booth is located next to the Katsura-zaka gate entrance, where you can obtain a park map and other materials.
