Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa, Japan

Kenrokuen Garden

Kenrokuen in Kanazawa is one of Japan’s three most celebrated gardens, and its name says it all: “Garden of the Six Sublimities” — spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water, and views. Built over nearly two centuries by the ruling Maeda family, its 11 hectares blend ponds, streams, stone lanterns, ancient pines, and winding paths into a beautifully composed landscape. We strolled through in summer, enjoying the lush greenery and views that shift between open vistas and quiet, tucked-away corners. But Japan in spring — when the cherry trees burst into bloom — must make this place truly magical. A reason to return to this garden designed for wandering – and wondering.