he Japanese experts in the art of gardening give Kenrokuen gardens one of the top three places in the rank of most celebrated gardens in Japan, competing with Kairakuen in Mito and Korakuen in Okayama. Certainly, we don’t need any statistics to tell how impressive and captivating Kenrokuen is.

The 25-acre-area displays a significant abundance of trees, of which the most attractive are the 40 species of cherry trees and the popular “ume” (apricot) blossoms. 

Exclusive care is taken for the fine pine-trees during the winter season: special ropes, called “yukitsuri” [pictured on the left], support the branches of vegetation to resist the snow weight. 
 

Ponds and waterfalls lend comfort, and even a sense of feeling at home, to the gardens. Typical bridges adorn the calm water areas around which can be seen interesting stone lanterns, the most famous of them being the Kotoji Lantern at the Mist Pond. 
 

In historical aspect, Kenrokuen gardens were built in the 17th century by Tsunanori Maeda, the fifth lord of Kaga in Edo era, who decided to expand the park surrounding his castle. No fixed date of construction is recorded, though, because Kenrokuen gardens were rebuilt and developed by Maeda lords over a period of 200 years: they were like a family gift handed down from generation to generation.

But above all, the most intriguing topic when talking about Kenrokuen gardens is the origin of their name. Literally translated as “garden combining six”, Kenrokuen refers to the six (“roku” in Japanese) mandatory attributes of well-kept gardens, as defined by a Chinese book of park chronicles from the 11th century: spaciousness, seclusion, antiquity, artificial construction, plenty of water and beautiful views.