Gyokuseninmaru Garden

Gyokuseninmaru Garden is a historic Japanese garden adjacent to Kanazawa Castle. It began in 1634 (Kan’ei 11), when the third Kaga Domain lord, Maeda Toshitsune, started building it; it originally stood in the Gyokuseninmaru area within Kanazawa Castle until the abolition of the domain. It is a daimyo garden in a strolling, pond-centered style, built around stone walls. The garden was abolished in the Meiji era, but from 2008 a five-year excavation was conducted and the garden was restored over two years. It features scenes unique to this site, such as the “shikishi-tanzaku” stacked stone wall style, a tiered waterfall, and groups of stone walls. In the pond, there are three islands of different sizes, and you can enjoy changing views from different angles—once you notice how the islands’ appearance shifts, you may discover new ways to appreciate the garden. Because it’s adjacent to Kanazawa Castle Park / Kanazawa Castle ruins, visiting together is recommended. On weekends, it is also lit up at night, offering a different atmosphere. Access: from Kanazawa Station, take a bus about 15 minutes, get off at Kenrokuen-shita, then walk about 5 minutes.