If you’re a garden enthusiast with a passion for history, culture, and natural beauty, Kanazawa should be at the top of your travel list. Tucked away on Japan’s stunning western coast, Kanazawa offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, with some of the country’s most breathtaking gardens. Here’s why Kanazawa is a must-visit destination for garden lovers!
Explore One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens: Kenrokuen
The crown jewel of Kanazawa is undoubtedly Kenrokuen Garden, often referred to as one of Japan’s “Three Great Gardens.” Spanning over 11 hectares (28 acres), Kenrokuen is a masterpiece of landscape design, seamlessly blending water features, meticulously pruned trees, and scenic walking paths.
Kenrokuen is famous for its seasonal beauty—whether you’re strolling beneath cherry blossoms in spring, listening to the soothing and refreshing sound of water in summer, admiring the vibrant reds and golds of autumn, or witnessing the iconic yukitsuri (snow ropes) over trees in winter. Each season offers a unique perspective on the garden, making it a destination worth visiting year-round.
Step into Samurai Elegance at the Nomura Family Samurai Residence
The Nomura Family Samurai Residence‘s garden offers a rare glimpse into the refined lifestyle of Japan’s feudal samurai era. Once home to the esteemed Nomura family, this beautifully preserved garden reflects the elegance and balance that defined samurai culture. Tucked away in Kanazawa’s historic Nagamachi district, the garden’s variety of trees, including 400-year-old Japanese bayberry, stone lanterns, and pond with beautiful koi carp create an atmosphere of peace and harmony.
While Kenrokuen is a strolling style garden, this garden is designed for visitors to enjoy from the inside. How about sitting on the veranda and enjoying its seasonal beauty to your heart’s content.
Discover Charming Courtyard in Geisha Districts
In Kanazawa, three preserved chaya (geisha house) districts offer a window into Japan’s enduring geisha culture. Let’s step into Shima, a traditional teahouse on the main street of the Higashi Chaya District. With a history spanning 200 years, Shima embodies the elegance and unique structure of teahouse architecture. Unlike samurai residences, which are more sprawling, chaya buildings are narrow and long, with a focus on extending inward. A small courtyard garden lies at the heart of this layout, allowing sunlight and fresh air to flow through the building.
Kanazawa’s snowy winters add another dimension to this courtyard: as snow gathers on the roof, it falls gently into the courtyard below, creating a serene winter scene. Although compact, the teahouse garden reflects the owner’s careful attention to detail and creates a delightful, calming atmosphere for guests.
This small yet inspiring garden may offer fresh ideas for your own gardening journey.
Experience Modern Japanese Garden Design at D.T. Suzuki Museum
For a modern twist on Japanese garden aesthetics, the D.T. Suzuki Museum offers a tranquil, Zen-inspired experience. Dedicated to the life and teachings of the renowned Buddhist philosopher Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki, the museum is just a short 10-minute walk from the bustling Kenrokuen Garden yet feels worlds apart in its quiet simplicity.
The museum’s garden reinterprets traditional Zen design with clean lines, a serene water mirror, and the natural backdrop of Honda woods. This minimalist space encourages visitors to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace a moment of quiet reflection.
Immerse Yourself in Kanazawa’s Tea Culture
No garden experience in Japan is complete without a traditional tea ceremony, and Kanazawa is the perfect place to indulge in this cultural practice. Many of the city’s gardens are home to tea houses where you can enjoy matcha while gazing out at the beautiful surroundings. The Shigure-tei Tea House in Kenrokuen, for example, offers visitors a chance to savor tea in the heart of one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens.
The garden of a high-ranked retainer of the Kaga clan, the Nishida family’s Gyokusen-en, also offers an exquisite tea ceremony experience.
See also: 5 Must-visit spots and 3 Off-the-beaten-path areas in Kanazawa
Conclusion
Another great feature of Kanazawa is its accessibility—just under three hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen bullet train. Once you arrive, the city’s top attractions are easily explored on foot, allowing you to take your time and fully immerse yourself in a perfect balance of breathtaking gardens, rich history, and cultural experiences. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone with a love of nature, design, and the peaceful beauty of Japanese landscaping. Don’t miss the chance to explore this enchanting city and its incredible gardens on your next trip to Japan!
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