| Kenrokuen Garden is
one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, along with Kairakuen Garden
in Mito City and Korakuen Garden in Okayama City. It is designed for the
stroller's pleasure and the name KENROKUEN literally means "garden combining
six," referring to its six focal themes of beauty: extensiveness, quiet
seclusion, artificial construction, antique elgance, abundant water and
wide prospect. It covers an area of twenty-five acres with hills, man-made
winding streams, tranquil ponds, and waterfalls. Kenrokuen garden was originally
the garden of the outer residence of Kanazawa Castle built by the fifth
Maeda lord, Tsunanori, in the Enpo Period(1673-81). The residence burnt
down in the Great Fire in 1881 and only its garden remained. The garden
was enlarged in 1774 and finally completed in 1822 by the 12th Maeda lord,
Narinaga. Kenrokuen Garden was opened to the public in 1875 after the Meiji
Restoration. It gives the visitors an unforgettable impression all year
round with its colorful charms particular to each season. |
