Gyokusen-inmaru Garden is one of the oldest and most beautiful gardens in Kanazawa. First constructed in 1634, it was built over the former home of Nagahime, the wife of the second lord of Kanazawa. Nagahime was a daughter of Oda Nobunaga, one of the most influential figures in Japanese history. The garden was destroyed at the end of the Edo Period (1603 - 1868), but was rebuilt and opened in 2015. Now, it serves as a popular scenic spot during a stroll around Kanazawa Castle Park.
A Garden Worthy of a Princess
While Nagahime was not royalty, as the daughter of Oda Nobunaga, she would have been treated like one when she married her husband. Her father is considered one of the "Three Great Unifiers" of Japan after the century of war that defined Japan during the 1500s.
It's said that her marriage was an unhappy one, as the couple were unable to conceive children and grew estranged. She moved to the site of the current garden and, her husband died in 1614, Nagahime shaved her head, adopted a Buddhist name and devoted herself to a temple. She died in 1623, aged 50.
She must have been held in great regard by the third lord, Toshitsune. He saw that she was buried at the highest point of the clan's graveyard, renamed the temple she dedicated herself to in her honour - now Gyokusen-Ji - and built the garden in her name, too.
Visiting Gyokusen-inmaru Garden
This garden is perfectly place to begin a stroll through the castle and into Kanazawa's more famous garden, Kenrokuen. Admission to the garden is free and can be easily accessed through Oyama Shrine. The building is a tea house where you can sit and drink matcha while taking in the garden view. If you're travelling on a budget, though, you can get (basically) the same view from the observation deck to the right.
The garden also does illumination events through the seasons. From Gyokusen-inmaru you can walk all the way through the castle park and into Kenrokuen. This walk is particularly nice in early December: all the trees are covered in yukitsuri, supportive ropes that hold the tree's shape against the heavy snowfall, and the illuminations cast a striking silhouette against the setting sun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is it to enter the garden?
Entering the garden is free! You can enter the garden through the back exit of Oyama Shrine: simply walk over the bridge and up the stairs. If you're coming through Kanazawa Castle Park, go up behind the castle itself and follow the path, heading down the slope.
What time is the garden open?
The garden is open every day from 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., although there are often illumination events in the evening.
What's that building?
That's Gyokusen-an, a tea house. If you go inside, you can get matcha and a traditional Japanese sweet, called wagashi. It's the perfect place to reflect on the garden's beauty!
When is the best time to visit the garden?
We recommend visiting the garden in winter. The thick blanket of snow is a beautiful contrast to the colour of the trees, and the matcha from the teahouse is the perfect thing to warm up after a snowy stroll. The garden is scenic all year round, however, and you may prefer the blossoming of spring, the vibrant greens of summer, or the colours of the leaves in autumn.
Can I get a tour of the garden?
Absolutely! Snow Monkey Resorts offers a tour which goes through the garden as well as the castle park and Kenrokuen! If you're interested in seeing all of Kanazawa's most famous sites in a day, look no further than our acclaimed Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha tour, running all year round!
