Discover the Majestic Trio of Japanese Gardens

Journey through the serene beauty of Japan’s three most celebrated gardens: Kenroku-en, Kōraku-en, and Ritsurin Kōen. Each garden encapsulates the unique aspects of traditional Japanese landscape design and has been honored as some of the finest examples of garden art in the country.

Kenroku-en Garden

Kenroku-en, located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, is admired for its perfect balance and harmony. Known as ‘the garden combining six characteristics’, it integrates spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water courses, and panoramic views. The garden is mesmerizing year-round, with cherry blossom in spring, vibrant greenery in summer, fiery autumnal leaves, and snow-draped scenes in winter.

Kōraku-en Garden

Found in Okayama, Kōraku-en complements Kenroku-en by showcasing a different set of aesthetic values and design principles. It was constructed over 14 years starting in 1687 by Ikeda Tsunamasa. Kōraku-en prioritizes viewer’s pleasure and boasts a traditional tea house, streams, and walking paths that meander through expanses of meticulously kept lawns and flowerbeds, supporting its reputation as a garden of pleasure and a stroller’s paradise.

Ritsurin Kōen Garden

Ritsurin Kōen, a magnificent garden in Takamatsu, Kagawa, is famed for its impressive use of the surrounding scenery as borrowed landscape. This extensive garden features six ponds and thirteen landscaped hills, with historic tea houses sprinkled throughout. The park is a perfect blend of compositional elegance and natural beauty, offering an extraordinary stroll-and-view experience.

Visiting the Gardens

Though each garden has peak seasons, they are accessible and delightful year-round. Each offers unique festivals and cultural events that enhance the visitor’s experience, making any time a good time to visit. As representatives of cultural treasure, these gardens provide a profound insight into the Japanese aesthetic and its reverence for nature.