讀後心得

In Kanazawa's Kenrokuen, spring has arrived, and the garden is adorned with delicate pink cherry blossoms. This renowned Japanese garden, with a history of 300 years, is celebrated as "one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens." Each season is lovely, but spring is the most breathtaking. As the cherry blossoms dance in the wind, they beautifully complement the garden's arched bridges, ponds, and teahouses, creating a scene reminiscent of the Edo period. The origins of Kenrokuen can be traced back to the Edo period when it was originally the flower garden of the Maeda family of the Kaga Domain. After several expansions, it evolved into a unique open-style strolling garden. Walking through the garden, one can still see elegant sights such as Kasumiga Pond and the lanterns, where history and natural beauty intertwine. In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom in Kenrokuen, featuring various varieties such as Somei Yoshino and Yaezakura, attracting many visitors. The weeping cherry trees by the Hyouko Pond are particularly famous for cherry blossom viewing. Every spring, a nighttime cherry blossom illumination event is held, adding to the romantic atmosphere. Additionally, Kanazawa's gold leaf ice cream is a must-try; it is sweet yet not overwhelming, combining the fresh fragrance of cherry blossoms with luxurious gold leaf, making it a perfect treat for spring.

As spring approaches, Kanazawa's Kenrokuen wraps itself in a soft pink veil. This Japanese garden, with a history of over three hundred years, is praised as "one of Japan's three great gardens," showcasing stunning beauty in all four seasons, with the cherry blossoms in spring being particularly romantic.

As the delicate cherry blossoms dance lightly on the branches, intertwined with the garden's winding bridges, ponds, and tea houses, it creates a poetic scene that seems to transport people back to the prosperity of the Edo period.

The history of Kenrokuen dates back to the Edo period (1676), originally serving as the garden for the Maeda family of the Kaga Domain. As a private garden for a powerful family, the name "Kenroku" comes from the "Record of Famous Gardens in Luoyang" by the Song dynasty poet Li Gefei, expressing the beauty of six aspects: "grandeur, tranquility, human artistry, antiquity, water springs, and outlook."

After multiple expansions, Kenrokuen eventually developed into a large open-style stroll garden, showcasing a unique style that merges Eastern and Western aesthetics.

Today, walking through Kenrokuen, one can still see the elegant scenery that has been preserved since its establishment, such as the Kasumiga Pond (the central pond of the garden), the Hizakura Lantern (the iconic stone lantern of Kenrokuen), and the Tsurukame Pine (a black pine planted during the Edo period), where history and natural landscapes blend, allowing for a sense of tranquility in time.

Every spring, the blooming cherry blossoms in Kenrokuen add a dreamy color to this century-old renowned garden. The garden is planted with hundreds of cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino cherry, Yaezakura cherry, and red and white cherry trees, offering countless views, each with its unique charm, making it a feast for the eyes.

One especially recommended spot for cherry blossom viewing is the weeping cherry tree by the Hiragik pond. As the cherry blossoms fall with the wind, the petals lightly touch the water's surface, causing ripples that seem to capture the beauty of spring forever in a picture.

Moreover, every spring, Kenrokuen hosts a "Night Cherry Blossom Lighting" event, where the lights illuminate the soft pink petals, creating a more tranquil and romantic atmosphere throughout the garden.

In Kanazawa, not only are there beautiful cherry blossoms, but also a luxurious delicacy not to be missed: "Gold Flake Ice Cream." Gold leaf is a major product of Japan, with over 90% of the country's gold leaf originating here. The "Gold Flake Ice Cream" is covered with a whole sheet of gold leaf, shimmering with an enticing luster, and when tasted, it has a rich and smooth texture, undoubtedly providing a dual enjoyment for both the eyes and taste buds.

Limited to spring, the "Sakura Gold Flake Ice Cream," infused with the delicate fragrance of cherry blossoms, offers a sweet yet not cloying taste, making it the perfect treat to reward yourself after enjoying cherry blossoms—ideal for travel rituals!

Spring in Kenrokuen is truly memorable. Strolling in this garden, admiring the gentle dance of the cherry blossoms, and feeling the historical charm brought by this famous garden of the Edo period, combined with Kanazawa's unique gold flake ice cream, is the best enjoyment of spring. I look forward to visiting again and savoring the beauty of the four seasons in this famous garden during the cherry blossom season.

Kenrokuen website: 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 - October 15 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last Admission)
• October 16 - End of February 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last Admission)