In this article, we will talk about the 3 great Gardens of Japan called Nihon Sanmeien [日本三名園]. The 3 gardens known as kenrokuen, korakuen, and kairakuen are located in distant places but are connected.
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Why the 3 Big Gardens of Japan?
Are these really the 3 best, largest, or most popular Japanese gardens? Why are Kenrokuen, Korakuen, and Kairakuen grouped together as a trio of great gardens in Japan? Is there any reason behind all of this?
In reality, both are totally different gardens, built by different people and for different purposes, but which were grouped together by the Japanese for being large in both scale and traditional aspects of a Japanese garden.
The Japanese have a custom of grouping famous things into groups of 3. For example, the 3 biggest temples, 3 biggest onsens, 3 biggest sights, 3 biggest festivals and so on. It doesn't mean that these 3 big gardens are the biggest in Japan or the most visited.
The three famous gardens express the setsugekka [雪月花], which literally means snow, moon, and flowers, considered the three most beautiful aspects of nature through various seasons of the year.
It is believed that the Kenrokuen Garden symbolizes the snow, being quite beautiful during winter. The Korakuen Garden it is best seen during autumn symbolizing the moon. already the Kirakuen Garden symbolizes the flowers with its more than 3,000 plum blossoms.
The Famous Kenrokuen Garden - Kanazawa
Kenrokuen Japanese Garden [兼六園] is one of the most popular and tourist gardens in all of Japan, located in Kanazawa Prefecture, it is one of the most sought after by tourists from all over the world.
Kenroku-en was developed between 1620 and 1840 by the Maeda Clan that ruled Kanazawa, then known as the Kaga Domain. The name kenrokuen [兼六園] literally means "Garden of the 6 attributes", a name given by Matsudaira Sadanobu at the request of Narinaga.
The 6 attributes of Kenrokuen Garden are expansiveness, serenity, venerability, panoramic views, subtle design, and coolness. These are essential attributes for creating an ideal Japanese garden.
It was built in 1676 and is currently considered one of the most beautiful and oldest gardens in the country. It was initially created for the entertainment of nobles and their visitors, and was normally used by successive feudal lords.
It was only open to the public on special dates, but it has definitely been open to the public since 1871. What should be highlighted in this garden is the harmony and balance that exists between what was built by the hand of man and nature.
Information about Kenrokuen Garden
The garden is located outside the gates of Kanazawa Castle and covers approximately 114,436.65 m² (over 25 acres). The Garden has more than 8750 trees, 183 different species of plants that surround picturesque hills, streams, lakes, rocks, paths between bridges and tea houses.
Outside Kenrokuen Garden, you can still find a lane with cherry trees, restaurants and shops. This is a complete and amazing sightseeing tour where you can see both a beautiful garden and visit the castle of Kanazawa city.
In Kenrokuen, you can find the oldest fountain in Japan, operated by natural water pressure. A Pagode Kaiseki donated to Maeda by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The flying goose bridge, made of eleven red stones, and much more.
Another great advantage is that the Garden can provide a good experience at any time of year. In Kenrokuen Garden you can also find the famous gold-plated ice cream, which costs around ¥1,000.
The Korakuen Garden in Okayama
The Korakuen Garden is ideal for showcasing the beauty of autumn. It is located north of Okayama Castle and was built in 1700 by Ikeda Tsunamasa, incorporating the surrounding hills of the castle.
Korakuen [後楽園] means garden of "pleasure only later” referring to a Confucian saying that a wise ruler should attend to the needs of his subjects first, and only then [後] consider his own interests and pleasures [楽].
The garden was designed in the Kaiyu style that simulates a scenic walk, presenting a beautiful view at every step surrounded by lawns, lakes, hills, tea houses and many trees and plants. The Garden is located on the bank of the Aashi River and covers approximately 133,000 square meters.
The experience brings a sense of peace and tranquility to anyone who spends time walking in this garden. The Garden is surrounded by water and incorporates an internal pond with an artificial flow of 650 meters.
The Garden is huge and offers stunning views with plants azaleas, rhododendrons, as well as red and white flowers like lotus. Its maple trees are beautiful in spring, but in autumn the landscape is breathtaking, with views surrounded by red leaves between thousands of paths and bridges.
Kairakuen Garden in Mito, Ibaraki
Kairakuen Garden [偕楽園] was made to be enjoyed together, that is the meaning of its name. It was built by Tokugawa Nariaki in 1841. Unlike the other gardens in the article, it was created to be open to the public, hence the name Kairakuen.
This garden is very important, because it served as a model for other private gardens to be open to the public, living up to the name and allowing several people to enjoy the gardens together.
Kairakuen Garden is famous for its more than 3000 plum trees representing the spirit and colors of spring. There are over 100 species of plum (ume) in a total of 13 hectares. Kairakuen is more of a park than a garden.
Kairakuen Garden is located on a hill in the city of Mito, its trees provide a coloration of white, pink, and red all around. The garden also features an artificial lake called Senba Lake, filled with 鯉 and swans.
The best time to visit Kairakuen Garden is during the spring plum season which runs from late February to April. It is also possible to appreciate azaleas, cosmos, cedar wood and a bamboo grove, in addition to traditional constructions.
What do you think about visiting the 3 big gardens?
Of course, the 3 gardens mentioned in the article are not the most important, popular or famous in Japan. In any city you can enjoy colorful landscapes, take beautiful photos and relax in the numerous gardens.
When visiting some of the 3 cities mentioned in the article, consider visiting the castles and their surrounding gardens. Kenrokuen is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions mentioned in this article, and it can be enjoyed in any season.
What did you think of the 3 great Japanese gardens? Have you had the chance to visit any of them? What are your favorite Japanese gardens? If you liked the article, don't forget to share and leave your comments.
