Kenrokuen

The lantern is a landmark of Kenrokuen Garden. It is called Kotoji Lantern because its supporting pillar resembles the bridge of a koto, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument. The lantern stands beside an old maple tree, and upon closer inspection, one can see that one of its legs is shorter, giving it the appearance of standing on a rock. It is said that the lantern was installed in this way because it was broken for some reason, but its unique appearance is highly regarded for its charm.

In the Hokuriku region, where snow is heavy with moisture, "yukitsuri" is performed to prevent the branches of trees from breaking under the weight of snow. At Kenrokuen Garden, every November, a pillar is erected in the center of a pine tree and ropes are stretched radially from the pillar to the branches. The yukitsuri of the Karasaki pine, which is particularly beautiful when lined up, is a must-see. Both the appearance before the snow falls and the appearance covered in white snow have their own charm and are sure to delight visitors.

Kasumigaike is a scenic spot surrounded by natural beauty. The area around the pond features Kyoshin stone lanterns and a rainbow bridge, and in the center of the pond, there is a small island called "Horaijima" that adds to the picturesque scenery. Horaijima is also known as "Kikkoujima" because its shape resembles that of a turtle. If you look closely, you can see a large stone at the tip of the turtle's head, and a stone tower representing its tail on the opposite side, making it look like a real turtle.

The Neagari Pine is a large Japanese black pine with exposed roots, standing at about 15 meters tall. It is said to have been nurtured by Maeda Nariyasu, the 13th lord of the Kaga Domain. The approximately 40 thick roots that rise up from the ground exude a strong vitality. Currently, a fence has been erected around the roots, preventing people from touching them, but in the past, many people used to touch them believing it brought good luck.

Although it may be smaller than Kasumigaike, it doesn't lose in its charming atmosphere. The six-story tower called "Kaishito" located on a small island floating in the pond is covered in a faint layer of moss, giving it a historical feel. The name comes from the fact that the stone on the top of the tower, called "Kasaiishi," was taken from the sea. Additionally, the "Midori Waterfall," which is about 6.6 meters tall and 1.6 meters wide, blends in with the surrounding natural beauty and has a charming atmosphere that doesn't feel artificial. The bench nearby is a perfect spot for taking photos, especially during the autumn season when the surrounding maple trees change color and become indescribably beautiful.

Shiguretei is a tea house with a garden full of Japanese charm, like a condensed version of the beauty of Kenrokuen Garden. Here, you can taste authentic matcha and Japanese sweets. Originally built as a villa by the 6th lord, Yoshinori, around 1726 (in the 11th year of the Kyoho era), Shiguretei was demolished during the Meiji period and rebuilt as a rest area in the year 2000. Today, it's popular among tourists as a "Japanese cafe" where you can enjoy either matcha or sencha with Japanese sweets.

The name "Kenrokuen" means "garden that has six attributes." The six attributes refer to the six essential elements of a beautiful landscape, known as "rokusho" in Japanese. These elements are grandeur, seclusion, human ingenuity, ancient elegance, water features, and scenic views. The term "rokusho" originates from the book "Rakuyo Meienki" written during the Song Dynasty. The "Observatory" is the spot where visitors can enjoy the sixth attribute of "scenic views" among the six attributes. From this spot, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Utsu, which is about 140 meters high, Mount Iou, which is about 900 meters high, and Nanao Bay's third-largest sand dune, the Uchinada Sand Dune.

Within the grounds of Kenrokuen Garden, there are various tea shops that welcome visitors. The tea shop street, lined with buildings that retain the atmosphere of the castle town within the park, is enjoyable to stroll through. You can enjoy eating dango, Japanese sweets, and more while walking around, or have lunch while enjoying the scenery and the atmosphere of Kaga Hyakumangoku as you please. There are also souvenirs available for purchase, such as goods decorated with Kanazawa's famous gold leaf and elegant sweets.