Kenrokuen Garden

Kenrokuen Garden is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, because it is so beautiful and carries so much history. This garden features a vast artificial pond, a storied history of its creators, and six important characteristics of a garden. Read on to learn more about Kenrokuen Garden.

The Maeda Family

The Maeda family, or clan, were the original developers and keepers of Kenrokuen Garden. It is believed that the garden was in development from the 1620s to the 1840s alongside the construction of Kanazawa Castle. The Maeda family lived in the Kanazawa Castle and used it for defensive purposes. It was burned down, but other important and cultural buildings—such as the Ishikawamon Gate—have been constructed in its place.

The Six Characteristics

Kenrokuen stands for “having six factors,” or “having six characteristics.” These characteristics are attributed to bringing out the garden’s perfect landscape. The six characteristics are: spaciousness, tranquility, artifice, antiquity, water courses, and magnificent views. All of these different characteristics lend themselves to the garden’s look and feel, which attracts viewers year-round and from around the world. These characteristics come from the garden’s large pond, rolling hills, extensive history, and beautiful views.

The Kasumigaike Pond

One of the most famous structures in the Kenrokuen Garden is the big, artificial pond called Kasumigaike. This pond is so large that it has often been compared to a vast, open sea. An island was constructed in the middle of the pond, and there is a legend of an immortal hermit living on the island. It is believed that this hermit grants long life and eternal prosperity.