Kanazawa castle and garden

7 days in Japan- 10/20/2023-10/26/2023

Day 4- Kanazawa -10/23/2023

Kenroku-en garden

Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa is justifiably classified as one of Japan’s “three most beautiful landscape gardens”. Kenroku-en contains roughly 8,750 trees, and 183 species of plants in total. The name Kenrokuen literally translates to “garden combining six”, referring to the six attributes all gardens should have: seclusion, antiquity, spaciousness, human ingenuity, water and scenic views. Opened to the public in 1871, Kenrokuen features a variety of flowering trees which provide the garden with a different look for each season.

Heading to the garden

The entrance fee is 320 Yuen = $2.13 (really cheap to get in).

The castle is in the back ground.

Walking around the garden

An old tree in the garden supported by bamboo poles.

More old trees in the garden

These trees must have been here for centuries.

Beautiful trail in the garden

Amazing roots growing on top of the ground.

A little stream along the walkway.

Hisago-ike pond was once called “The Lotus Pond Garden,” this pond and the surrounding area were the beginnings of what has become Kenroku-en Garden Park today. The pond itself is often remarked for its gourd-like shape.

The moderately sized Midori Waterfall is a rarity among Japanese gardens, making it one of the more appealing aspects for Japanese visitors. The branches of a maple hang deliberately in front of the waterfall, adding depth and character to the view.

An artist painting the lantern in the pond.

Koi fish in the pond.

Amazing trees leaning toward the pong and they are supported by a large tree trunk so they cannot lean forward.

Beautiful view of the pond.

There are so many amazing old trees in the garden.

It is definitely worth the time to walk around the property.

Large pine trees on the property.

A beautiful stream running through...

Panoramic view of the stream.

Stepping stones on the stream.

The garden is beautifully maintained.

Another old tree needing support. The trunk of the tree is amazing!

They are really taking care of their trees.

Plum Grove was made by gathering various plum trees all throughout Japan with 20 types, 200 trees within a 3,230 sq. ft.

View of part of the plum grove.

We are in the fall and the leaves are starting to change colors.

Pine trees with elongated branches.

Entrance of a previous residence .

Residence of a lord.

The ancient wooden flower viewing bridge is one of the most photographed area of the garden.

Wedding pictures in progress...

The groom and the bride with their family.

This area is filled with amazing Neagari pine trees.

Check out how the branches are growing so far from the trunk that they need to be supported.

This large pine tree’s full name, Neagari-no-matsu, means “raised roots pine,” for obvious reasons. The tree was planted on a high mount of soil. Once grown, much of the soil was removed from the upper areas of the roots, exposing them to the air and allowing them to develop bark. The result looks like the legs of an octopus, suspending the trunk of the tree above the ground.

Meji Monument was constructed in 1880 to commemorate the Ishikawa warriors who died in the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877

The patina statue is the figure of Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, a legendary figure of Japanese mythology.

Closer look at the Meiji Monument

Yukitsuri is a Japanese technique for preserving trees and shrubs from heaving snow and they are given extra support by bamboo poles.

Closer look at the bamboo poles and ropes.

It is really amazing to see how the branches are supported by the bamboo poles.

Kotoji-toro Lantern is the iconic stone lantern on the north shore of Lake Kasumigaike. The lantern leg

Kotoji-toro Lantern is the symbol of Kenrokuen Garden Park and is also often a symbol of Kanazawa. It’s remarkable for it’s distinct shape, especially its uneven legs. The lantern's legs are forked, and it is said that it got its name because it resembles a kotoji pillar that supports the strings of a koto. This lantern is a variation of the Yukimi lantern, which was used to illuminate the water surface, and is 8.75 ft. high.