Kenroku-en, located in the city of Kanazawa, Japan, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful landscape gardens in the world. This sprawling garden was once the outer garden of the Kanazawa Castle and was constructed over a period of nearly two centuries by the ruling Maeda family. Kenroku-en has been classified as one of Japan’s “three most beautiful landscape gardens,” along with Kairakuen in Mito and Korakuen in Okayama.

Kenroku-en garden is open to the public since 1871 and covers a vast area of 25 acres. The garden is well-known for its immaculate landscaping, stunning ponds, waterfalls, and a variety of flowering trees that provide the garden with a different look in every season. The garden’s name “Kenroku-en” translates to “garden of six attributes,” which symbolizes the six qualities that make up the perfect garden: seclusion, spaciousness, antiquity, artificiality, abundant water, and extensive views.

One of the highlights of Kenroku-en is the famous Kasumiga-ike Pond, which is surrounded by majestic pine trees and a waterfall. The pond is also home to numerous koi fish, which visitors can feed while taking a leisurely stroll around the pond. Another iconic feature of the garden is the Kotoji-toro lantern, which is a two-legged stone lantern that reflects beautifully in the pond’s tranquil waters.

The garden also features a tea house, where visitors can enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony while surrounded by the natural beauty of the garden. The tea house, named “Saisetsu-an,” was built in the early 1800s and has been carefully preserved to maintain its traditional charm and architectural integrity.

Visitors can enjoy Kenroku-en’s beauty throughout the year, as the garden showcases a different view in each season. In the spring, visitors can witness the garden’s famous cherry blossoms, while autumn brings a stunning display of fiery red and orange leaves. During the winter season, visitors can experience the garden’s unique beauty with the addition of snow-covered landscapes and the sight of snow-capped pine trees.

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