讀後心得

Kenroku-en in Kanazawa showcases romance and beauty amidst the cherry blossoms blooming in spring. This historic Japanese garden is renowned as "one of Japan's three great gardens." Kenroku-en was established in 1676 as the ornamental garden of the Maeda family of the Kaga Domain. Today, it is a large strolling garden that integrates both Eastern and Western aesthetics, with each season displaying its unique charm, especially the variety of cherry blossoms in spring. Visitors can admire the cherry blossoms, ancient lanterns, and traditional teahouses here. Every spring, the "Night Cherry Blossom Lighting" event is also held. Additionally, tourists should not miss the local specialty, gold leaf ice cream, to enjoy the taste of spring.

As spring arrives, Kenrokuen in Kanazawa dons a fresh layer of light pink. This Japanese garden, which boasts over three hundred years of history, is regarded as "one of the three greatest gardens in Japan." Among the changing seasons, the cherry blossoms in spring are particularly enchanting and romantic.

As the delicate cherry blossoms dance on the branches, they reflect beautifully with the garden's winding bridges, ponds, and tea houses, resembling a picturesque painting that transports visitors to the prosperity of the Edo period.

The history of Kenrokuen dates back to the Edo period, originally serving as the garden of the Maeda clan of Kaga. As a private garden of a daimyō family, the name "Kenroku" originates from a poem by the Song Dynasty poet Li Ge Fei, signifying that the garden possesses the beauty of six aspects: "grandeur, tranquility, human effort, antiquity, water springs, and outlook."

After multiple expansions, Kenrokuen ultimately became a large open stroll garden, showcasing a unique style that blends Eastern and Western aesthetics.

In Kenrokuen, one can still see the elegant sceneries left from the past, such as the Kasumi Pond and the lanterns. The intertwining of history and natural landscapes seems to freeze time.

Every spring, the cherry blossoms in Kenrokuen bloom in vibrant colors, adorning this century-old famous garden with a dreamlike beauty. The garden is home to various cherry blossoms, including Somei Yoshino, Yaezakura, and Benihai Sakura, providing a feast for the eyes.

One of the particularly recommended cherry blossom viewing spots is the weeping cherry tree by the Hirakuzaki Pond. As the cherry blossoms fall with the wind, the petals land on the pond's surface, creating ripples that seem to eternally capture the beauty of spring.

Moreover, every spring, Kenrokuen holds the "Yozakura Lighting" event, where the illuminated cherry blossoms appear even more tranquil and romantic.

When visiting Kanazawa, in addition to cherry blossom viewing, there is a luxurious delicacy you cannot miss—gold leaf ice cream. Kanazawa is the main production area of gold leaf in Japan, with over 90% of the country's gold leaf coming from here. The local gold leaf ice cream is topped with a whole sheet of gold leaf, emanating a dazzling shine, with a rich and smooth taste that provides a dual pleasure for both the eyes and the palate.

Especially recommended in spring is the "Sakura Gold Leaf Ice Cream," which blends the delicate fragrance of cherry blossoms, sweet but not cloying, making it the best choice to savor spring. Enjoying one after cherry blossom viewing is undoubtedly a perfect travel ritual!

In the spring days of Kenrokuen, strolling while admiring the gentle dance of cherry blossoms and feeling the historical charm of this famous garden from the Edo period, paired with the limited edition gold leaf ice cream from Kanazawa, is the most beautiful enjoyment of spring. Looking forward to visiting again next time, to savor the seasonal beauty of this famous garden during the cherry blossom bloom.

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

Opening hours: March 1 - October 15 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM (last entry)
October 16 - end of February 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry)