JARDIN KENROKUEN

This beautiful garden has an unparalleled reputation throughout the archipelago. It belonged to the Maeda family who ruled the Kaga area, now known as Ishikawa and Toyama, from the feudal period for several generations. Built in 1676 and expanded 100 years later, the garden was opened to the public in 1875. Its name comes from kenroku, which means the combination of six elements: immensity, solemnity, venerability, awareness, freshness and abundance of water. It is considered one of the three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan along with Kairaku-en in Mito and Kōraku-en in Okayama. It has a large artificial pond at its center and is dotted with hills and pavilions. The large pond, named "Kasumigaike," was laid out like a sea and the island, placed in its center, symbolizes the hope of longevity and prosperity. At the edge of the pond there is a stone lantern and a beautiful fountain. The garden is very flowery, with many species such as azaleas and irises. The garden is at its most beautiful in spring and autumn, with cherry blossoms in April and warm foliage in October. But some would say that winter is also a very beautiful season to go there with the snowy landscape with a magical atmosphere, thanks to the "Yukitsuri", a traditional technique to prevent the branches from breaking under the weight of the snow. This "suspended" snow is of the most beautiful effect.