讀後心得

Kanazawa's Kenrokuen Garden showcases a beautiful scene of pale pink cherry blossoms in spring. This Japanese garden, which has a history of over three hundred years, is praised as "one of Japan's three great gardens." The cherry blossoms in the garden are picturesque and reflect the charm of the Edo period, featuring a unique landscape design. Since the Edo period, Kenrokuen has been the imperial garden of the Kaga Domain's Maeda family, with an elegant environment that blends Eastern and Western aesthetics. Every spring, the cherry blossoms bloom abundantly here, and it is especially recommended to admire the beauty of the weeping cherry trees by the Hyakumanban Pond. Additionally, visitors can taste Kanazawa's famous product—gold leaf ice cream, experiencing a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The springtime at Kenrokuen Garden leaves people enchanted, looking forward to appreciating its beauty throughout the seasons again.

Kenrokuen in Kanazawa transforms into a soft pink wonderland in spring. This historic Japanese garden has a history of over three hundred years and is renowned as "one of Japan's three most famous gardens." Each season offers unique scenery, but the cherry blossoms in spring are especially captivating.

As the cherry blossoms softly dance at the treetops, intertwined with the garden's curved bridges, ponds, and teahouses, it feels as though you are in the beautiful times of the Edo period.

The history of Kenrokuen dates back to the Edo period (1676) and was originally the garden of the Maeda family, the feudal lords of Kaga.

As a private garden for the daimyo family, the term "Kenroku" is derived from the "Record of Famous Gardens in Luoyang" by the Song dynasty poet Li Gefei, signifying that the garden showcases six kinds of beautiful landscapes: "greatness, tranquility, human labor, antiquity, water springs, and distant views."

After multiple expansions, Kenrokuen ultimately developed into a large, open-type strolling garden, exhibiting a unique blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics.

Today, a walk through Kenrokuen still allows you to witness its elegant features from the past, like the Kasumi Pond (the central pond of the garden), the lantern (a symbolic stone lantern), and the Tsubaki Pine (a black pine planted in the Edo period), where history and nature coexist, making you feel as if you are stepping back in time.

Every spring, the cherry blossoms of Kenrokuen bloom into a sea of flowers, adding a dreamy touch to this historic famous garden.

Many varieties of cherry trees are planted in the garden, including Somei Yoshino, Yaezakura, and red and white cherry blossoms, each with its own features, mesmerizing visitors.

The weeping cherry tree by the Hirase Pond is particularly recommended as a cherry blossom viewing spot. When the petals drift down with the wind and gently fall into the pond, the rippling water seems to eternally seal the beauty of spring in a painting.

Additionally, every spring, Kenrokuen hosts the "Night Cherry Blossom Lantern" event, where the cherry blossoms illuminated by the lights appear even more tranquil and romantic.

In Kanazawa, beyond viewing cherry blossoms, one must not miss the luxurious local specialty "gold leaf ice cream." Kanazawa is the main production area of gold leaf in Japan, with over ninety percent of the gold leaf coming from here. The local gold leaf ice cream is covered with a sheet of gold leaf, radiating a dazzling shine, and it has a smooth and rich texture, providing a dual pleasure of visual and taste.

Especially recommended is the spring limited "cherry blossom gold leaf ice cream," which combines the delicate scent of cherry blossoms, sweet but not cloying. Taking a bite brings the essence of spring, making it the perfect travel ritual after cherry blossom viewing!

Spring in Kenrokuen is truly enchanting. Strolling here, admiring the dancing cherry blossoms, and feeling the historical charm of the famous garden from the Edo period

paired with a taste of Kanazawa's specialty gold leaf ice cream, is undoubtedly the most delightful enjoyment of spring. Looking forward to my next visit during the cherry blossom season to savor the beauty of this famous garden throughout the seasons.

Website of Kenrokuen: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/

English Address: 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0936

Japanese Address: 石川県金沢市丸の内1番1号

Phone: +81762343800

Business Hours: March 1 to October 15 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry time), October 16 to end of February 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry time)