Kenroku-en was constructed by Kaga Hanshu
Kenroku-en is a Japanese garden that was designed in 1676 by Kaga Hanshu and took almost 180 years to complete. The name Kenroku-en (“garden with six characteristics”) comes from the Song dynasty book “Record of Famous Gardens in Luoyang,” which describes six features (spaciousness, seclusion, artifices, antiquity, water-courses and panoramas ), all of which are found in Kenroku-en. It is spacious, bright and open, but the garden also has the peacefulness and profundity of being among the mountains, and every inch of the garden has had some influence from man. The garden also has an antiquated feel, and, as the ponds and waterfalls vie for your attention, you can marvel at the view of the Ushinada sand dune and the Noto peninsula in the distance, and the view of the Utatsu Mountains, Mount Haku and Iozan in the foreground. In each season, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery while walking around the 5800m2 Kasumiga-ike pond in the middle of the garden, which still has the characteristics of a pleasure garden with trees and water-courses from the Edo period. The Kotoji Lanterns that light up the surface of the water are one of Kenroku-en’s most outstanding features, and they create an incredibly harmonious scene with the old maple trees and Nijibashi, which bridges the meandering stream. Gankou-bashi is a line of 11 stones modeled on the appearance of wild geese in flight. It is also called Tortoise-shell Bridge because the stones are shaped like tortoise shell. This bridge is said to ensure that those who cross it will live a long life, but crossing is now prohibited in order to protect the stones (viewing the bridge is possible).
Snow protection ropes are a typical sight during winter
Snow protection ropes are put on Karasaki pine trees and are a typical sight during winter. They prevent the branches from breaking due to the weight of the snow. The ropes are a beautiful sight as they emanate from the trees in straight lines. The garden is beautiful in every season, with the cherry blossoms in spring, the fresh greenery of summer, the autumn colors of fall, and the snowy landscapes of winter. Nighttime illumination events are also held for a limited duration in each season. Overlooking the Nagatani pond in the garden is the Shigure-tei tea house, where you can peacefully enjoy matcha, green tea and fresh Japanese sweets that change every season.