Kenroku-en Garden

I had such a wonderful time visiting the Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa and came home with so many photos that I thought the outing deserved a post on its own. I didn’t actually plan on visiting the garden in the middle of winter, but found myself with some free time between meetings and thought it would be a good idea to see it in an off-season. The normally crowded garden was empty of tourists, allowing me an introspective moment. The one ultimate truth that became clear, this garden looks gorgeous in any season.

Kenroku-en was erected by the Maeda clan in the 1600s and used as a private garden till it was open to the public in 1874. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful feudal lord gardens in Japan and gets its namesake from the “six attributes” that contribute to the perfect garden landscape – spaciousness, tranquility, artifice, antiquity, water-courses and panoramas. For visitors brave enough to visit during the harsh winter months, you are treated to “yukitsuri”, which literally translates to “snow hangings” in English. This is a method to protect the branches of the ancient trees from breaking from the weight of snowfalls with ropes attached in a conical array. Definitely an interesting view from all angles!