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Gyokusenin Maru Garden: A Tranquil Oasis in Kanazawa

Discover a serene Edo-era garden within Kanazawa Castle Park, featuring tranquil ponds, stone walls, and a traditional teahouse.

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Located on the grounds of Kanazawa Castle, Gyokusenin Maru Garden offers a serene escape with its traditional landscape design, featuring a central pond, meticulously arranged stones, and a charming teahouse. Reconstructed in 2015, it reflects the elegance of Edo-period gardens.

A brief summary to Gyokusenin Maru Garden

  • Monday 8 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit in the evening on Fridays, Saturdays, or days before public holidays to witness the garden's stunning illuminations.
  • Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at the Gyokusen-an teahouse for an immersive cultural experience.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the adjacent Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden for a full day of historical and natural exploration.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Kenrokuen Garden, exit and walk towards Kanazawa Castle Park. The entrance to Gyokusenin Maru Garden is adjacent to Kanazawa Castle Park, approximately a 10-minute walk, following signs within the park.

  • Public Transport

    From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus (either Right Loop or Left Loop) to the 'Kanazawa Castle Park' bus stop. From the bus stop, walk towards the Kanazawa Castle Park entrance and follow the signs to Gyokusenin Maru Garden, about a 5-minute walk. The bus fare is ¥210 per ride. A one-day pass for unlimited rides on the Loop Bus and other local buses is available for ¥800.

  • Taxi

    From Kanazawa Station, a taxi to Gyokusenin Maru Garden takes approximately 10 minutes. Taxi fares typically range from ¥1200 to ¥1500. Note that late-night and early-morning rides may incur an additional surcharge.

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Discover more about Gyokusenin Maru Garden

Gyokusenin Maru Garden, nestled within the Kanazawa Castle Park, provides a tranquil retreat into traditional Japanese landscape design. This meticulously restored garden, completed in 2015, offers visitors a glimpse into the aesthetic principles of the Edo period (1603-1868). The garden's history dates back to 1634 when Toshitsune Maeda, the third lord of the Kaga Domain, commissioned its construction. It was named after Gyokusenin, the wife of the second lord of the Kaga domain. The garden served as a private courtyard for the Maeda lords, a place for quiet contemplation rather than grand entertainment. Over the centuries, successive lords, including Tsunanori and Nariyasu, continued to shape and refine the garden's design. The garden fell into disrepair during the Meiji era (1868-1912) but was lovingly reconstructed based on extensive archaeological surveys and historical records. The garden's design showcases a central pond with carefully placed islands, winding paths for strolling, and creatively patterned stone walls. A notable feature is the Shikishi Tanzaku-Zumi Stone Wall, incorporating a unique waterfall structure fed by the Tatsumi Irrigation Channel during the Edo period. The reconstructed waterfall cascades down a series of steps, creating a soothing ambiance. Visitors can also enjoy the Gyokusen-an teahouse, where they can partake in a traditional tea ceremony while overlooking the picturesque scenery. The garden is illuminated with spectacular colors after sunset on Fridays, Saturdays, and days before public holidays.

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