Guide
Gyokusen-in Maru Garden is a stunning landscape located within the grounds of Kanazawa Castle in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Originally designed in 1634 by Maeda Toshitsune, this stroll-style garden (chisen-kaiyu-shiki) underwent a meticulous excavation and restoration in 2015. The garden is characterized by its profound Kyoto-style elegance. From the Shoin-style building known as "Gyokusen-an," guests can enjoy a breathtaking view of the garden's landscape set against the backdrop of the massive, historic Kanazawa Castle walls. The garden features a series of islands connected by bridges, creating a harmonious vista with the central pond. On certain weekends, special evening illuminations are held, offering a completely different, mystical atmosphere compared to daytime visits.
The history of this garden dates back to 1634 during the early Edo period, commissioned by Maeda Toshitsune, the fourth son of Maeda Toshiie. Toshitsune had deep ties with the builders of the Katsura Imperial Villa, and this connection is reflected in the garden's design and the refined atmosphere of the architecture. Although the garden's original features were lost over time, the 2015 restoration successfully brought its historical essence back to life. It stands as a culturally significant site that embodies the history of both the garden and Kanazawa Castle.
The highlight of the garden is the view from the Shoin-style Gyokusen-an. The villa contains both a free rest area and a paid tea-ceremony space. From here, you can feel the grandeur of the Kanazawa Castle stone walls and the intricate garden design up close. The stone walls of the castle feature various architectural styles, which are fascinating to observe. Additionally, the "Dan-ochi no Taki" (Step-drop Waterfall) on the western side of the garden showcases the natural beauty of water and stone. The arrangement of islands and the bridges connecting them form a quintessential Japanese garden landscape.
The garden offers a different face in every season. In early spring, you can see the arrival of spring with red and white camellias and the fragrant yellow flowers of the winter jasmine (ロウバイ). The sight of red berries from the Japanese Andromeda (Aoki) reflecting on the pond surface is also a beautiful sight. As the seasons change, you can observe the landscape evolving, such as the sight of pine trees adorned with wayuki (snow protection) in winter. For a truly magical experience, visit during the weekend evening illuminations, where the light creates a deeply emotive and poetic atmosphere.
At Gyokusen-an, you can immerse yourself in traditional Japanese tea culture. A paid tea service allows you to enjoy matcha green tea and traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi) while gazing at the garden. The Shoin-style setting provides a perfect space to appreciate seasonal hanging scrolls and tea utensils in a serene environment. Walking through the garden to observe the various styles of the castle's stone walls and the seasonal flora is a wonderful way to spend a relaxing afternoon.
Gyokusen-in Maru Garden is situated within Kanazawa Castle Park. This area includes other historic sites such as the Ninomaru and Sanmaru areas, making it a perfect part of a larger historical walking route. The park is easily accessible from Kanazawa Station, which serves as the main transport hub for the city.
As the garden features uneven surfaces and paths that may change depending on the weather, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. If you plan to use the tea-ceremony service at Gyokusen-an, please note the cost is approximately 800 JPY for matcha and sweets. Please follow all local rules and etiquette while visiting the garden and the surrounding castle facilities.