讀後心得

Kenrokuen in Kanazawa showcases beautiful scenery with over three hundred years of history under the blooming soft pink cherry blossoms in spring, exuding the elegant charm of the Edo period. As one of Japan's three most famous gardens, Kenrokuen combines Eastern and Western aesthetics, has a long history, and offers a variety of cherry blossom species, such as Someiyoshino and double cherry blossoms. Moreover, the "Night Cherry Blossom Lighting" event in spring adds a romantic atmosphere. After your visit, don't forget to taste Kanazawa's specialty, gold leaf ice cream, to add a touch of luxury to your trip.

Kenrokuen in Kanazawa blossoms in light pink during spring, this Japanese garden with a history of over three hundred years is known as "one of Japan's three great gardens." It is beautiful in all seasons, especially the cherry blossoms in spring, which are the most romantic.

When the delicate cherry blossoms dance on the branches, intertwined with the garden’s arched bridges, ponds, and teahouses, it creates a poetic tapestry, making one feel as if they are immersed in the elegance of the Edo period.

The history of Kenrokuen dates back to the Edo period (1676), originally serving as the garden of the Maeda family of the Kaga domain, becoming a private garden for a feudal lord. The name "Kenroku" comes from the record of famous gardens in Luoyang by the Chinese poet Li Gefei from the Song Dynasty, symbolizing the garden's beauty containing six aspects: "grandeur, tranquility, human effort, antiquity, water features, and views".

After several expansions, Kenrokuen eventually became an open-style large strolling garden, showcasing a unique style that fuses Eastern and Western aesthetics.

Today, walking in Kenrokuen, one can still see the elegant scenery of the past, such as Kasumi Pond (the central pond of the garden), the "Higurashi" lantern (the symbolic stone lantern of Kenrokuen), and "Torazaki Matsu" (a black pine planted during the Edo period), where history intertwines with nature, seemingly pausing time.

Every spring, the cherry blossoms in Kenrokuen burst into bloom, adding a dreamy color to this century-old famous garden. The garden is planted with hundreds of cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, double-flowered cherry, and red-and-white cherry trees, each exhibiting its charm, leaving one dazzled.

One of the recommended cherry blossom viewing spots is the weeping cherry tree by the Hyō池. When the cherry blossoms fall with the wind, the petals gently touch the surface of the pond, causing ripples, as if the beauty of spring is forever captured in a painting.

Additionally, every spring, Kenrokuen holds a "Night Cherry Blossom Lighting" event, where the light reflects on the delicate petals, making the entire garden appear more tranquil and romantic.

When visiting Kanazawa, aside from cherry blossom viewing, another luxury delicacy not to be missed is "gold leaf ice cream." Kanazawa is the main production area for gold leaf in Japan, with over 90% of the country's gold leaf coming from here. The local ice cream is covered in a whole sheet of gold leaf, exuding a dazzling shine; the taste is rich and smooth, providing a dual enjoyment for both the visual and the palate.

Especially recommended is the spring limited "Sakura Gold Leaf Ice Cream," which combines the elegant aroma of cherry blossoms, sweet but not cloying, allowing one to taste the flavor of spring in every bite; after enjoying cherry blossoms, having one is undoubtedly the most perfect travel ritual.

In spring, Kenrokuen is worth a leisurely stroll, enjoying the dancing cherry blossoms and experiencing the historical charm of this famous garden from the Edo period. Accompanied by a bite of Kanazawa's limited gold leaf ice cream, this indeed becomes the best enjoyment of spring; looking forward to the next visit, at the time of blooming cherry blossoms, to savor the beauty of the garden throughout the seasons.

• Kenrokuen website: Official Kenrokuen website

• 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 1st to October 15th 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry); October 16th to the end of February 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry)