Image courtesy Jeffrey Friedl.
7. Kenroku-en Garden, Iskikawa, Japan
One of the Three Great Gardens of Japan the Kenroku-en Garden, located in the Japanese city of Kanazawa is an oasis of floral and fauna with distinct, captivating looks for each season making it a hit attraction all year round in the western seaside city.
The name Kenroku-en means “Garden of the Six Sublimities” referring to the spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water and broadviews, which according to Chinese Landscape theory are the six essential attributes that make up a perfect garden.
With roots dating back to the 1620’s the garden is rich in Japanese history. The ruling Maeda family built it over two centuries as an outer garden for the Kanasawa castle. It was opened to the public in 1871.
The soil is home to Karasaki Pine trees planted hundreds of years ago by the 13th lord Nariyasu as well as ancient structures like the Kaiseki Pagoda and Yūgao-te teahouse. Visitors stroll along lush, calm pathways carved alongside gentle streams and ponds making the experience a truly tranquil one.
