Kenroku-en (Kanazawa, Japan)

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Kenroku-en Garden Walking Itinerary (1 to 2 Hours)
Kenroku-en is one of Japan's "Three Great Gardens," famous for its beautiful balance of spaciousness, artifice, antiquity, water, and broad views. It is a traditional strolling-style garden best enjoyed by following the paths to discover the changing scenery.
Estimated Time: 60 - 90 minutes (for the main highlights)
1. Main Entrance & Iconic View (Start)
• Entrance: Begin at the Katsura-zaka Gate (near Kanazawa Castle) or the Kodatsuno Gate.
• The Symbol: Head directly to the Kasumiga-ike Pond area, the largest body of water in the garden. This is home to the most iconic spot.
• Must-See: The Kotoji-toro Lantern, the famous two-legged stone lantern that sits at the edge of the pond, perfectly framed by the water and greenery.
2. Pond Area & Pine Trees
• Feature: Circle Kasumiga-ike Pond.
• Highlight: See the Karasaki Pine, a massive, beautifully shaped pine tree. Look for the ropes (Yukitsuri) protecting its branches from heavy winter snow (visible from November to mid-March).
• Structure: Observe the nearby Gankobashi Bridge (Flying Geese Bridge), designed to look like a flock of flying geese.
3. Water Features & Scenery
• Pathway: Walk south from Kasumiga-ike Pond toward the garden's older area.
• Must-See: The Hisago-ike Pond, which features the dramatic Midori-taki Waterfall and the Kaiseki Pagoda.
• Natural Wonder: Find the Fountain nearby, which is the oldest in Japan, powered purely by natural water pressure from the higher Kasumiga-ike Pond.
4. Tea Houses & Resting Points (Mid-way)
• Relaxation: Visit the Shigure-tei Tea House (near the Kodatsuno Gate) or the Uchihashi-tei Tea House (by Kasumiga-ike) for a view and to enjoy a cup of matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets (optional, add 15-30 minutes).
5. Eastern Area & Exit
• Historical Point: Walk toward the east to see the Meiji Monument (Bronze Statue of Prince Yamato Takeru), a rare sight in a Japanese garden.
• Unique Tree: Look for the Neagari-no-Matsu (Raised Roots Pine), a huge pine tree with its roots dramatically exposed above the ground.
• Exit: You can exit at one of the main gates. Consider exiting at the Katsura-zaka Gate to be right next to Kanazawa Castle Park.
Pro-Tip:
• Best Time to Visit: Go early morning (opens at 7:00 am in summer, 8:00 am in winter) for a quieter experience.
• Seasonal Beauty: The garden is stunning year-round: Yukitsuri in winter, cherry blossoms in spring, irises in summer, and colorful foliage in autumn.