For nearly 400 years, Kenrokuen Garden has been one of the most prestigious gardens in Japan. Once used as a housing area for the women of the ruling Maeda clan, it gradually expanded into the garden we can see today. It is now considered one of the "Three Great Gardens" of Japan.
With Snow Monkey Resorts, you can get to and explore this serene garden as it transforms through the seasons. From the vivid and vibrant greens of spring, thriving through the heat of summer, the sea of reds, yellows and oranges that come with the fall foliage or blanketed in deep snow in a winter wonderland, this garden is a sight to behold all year round. Our group tours, private tours and charter services can bring you to the Garden of the Six Sublimities from multiple cities, making it easier to connect your visit with locations across Central Japan in comfort. This page will take you through all of the various ways to get to Japan's best garden!
What is Kenrokuen? Where is it?
Kenrokuen is a garden in Kanazawa, a city near the central coast of the Sea of Japan. The city is accessible from both the Tokyo side (via the Hokuriku Shinkansen) and from the Kyoto/ Osaka side (via the JR Thunderbird to Tsuruga Station, then Hokuriku Shinkansen). It can be reached in under three hours from both sides, making it a great stop on what is now called the Hokuriku Arch.
Kenrokuen (which literally translates to "The Garden of the Six Sublimities") is one of the most prestigious in Japan. It is frequently cited among the country's best, if not already at the #1 spot. The strolling garden is built in tiers representing how various lords through the Edo Period (1603 - 1868) expanded and built upon previous lords' work.
Walking through the garden, it's easy to understand why it is rated so highly: everywhere you look is another breath-taking landscape. In spring, scores of cherry blossoms burst into life. In the autumn, the maples, cedar, pine and zelkova trees all turn into a million shades of reds, oranges and yellows - each beautiful and different in their own way. Winter is when Kenrokuen undergoes its most striking transformation: the whole garden becomes blanketed in a thick layer of snow. The trees are supported by yukitsuri, rope supports that hold the tree branches up to protect their shape, which creates a striking silhouette and adds to the ethereal atmosphere of the garden.
Getting to Kenrokuen Garden with Snow Monkey Resorts
As one of the main attractions of Kanazawa, Kenrokuen is relatively simple to get to. If you're looking to travel in comfort and style, however, Snow Monkey Resorts has got your back. We offer multiple tours and private travel options to get to Kenrokuen. Listed here are travel options from five main starting locations - Kanazawa, Toyama, Nagano, Takayama and Nagoya - allowing you to choose the departure city that best fits your itinerary.
From Kanazawa
Naturally, Kanazawa is the most convenient place to reach Kenrokuen as the garden is located in the city centre. Spending just a day or two in Kanazawa allows you to see all of the city's main sites - including Kenrokuen - and also make time for one of the many interesting places in the surrounding area. Among those, the Shirakawa-Go World Heritage Site, Amaharashi scenic point, and Hakusan White Road are often cited as some of the best.
Group Tours
KANAZAWA MAIN SIGHTS TOUR / all year round
This tour has you walk in the same streets as those from times past. Walk the streets of the samurai of the Kaga clan and see a warrior's house from the Edo period. Relax and enjoy matcha in a tea house overlooking a beautiful garden next to the impressive castle walls. Stroll through the Kenroku-en garden like the daimyos of the Edo period and admire the artistry of the landscaping of not just the land but of the trees as well. Finally, walk through Higashi Chayamachi, the old geisha district, where you can shop, snack and take a tour of an opulent former tea house that was used by actual geisha in the past.
KANAZAWA FAMOUS SIGHTS TOUR / all year round
This tour invites you to start your journey in Higashi Chayamachi, the historic geisha district, where you can shop, savor local treats, and tour a former tea house once frequented by geisha. Wander through Kenroku-en Garden, once enjoyed by Edo period daimyos, and marvel at the intricate landscaping of both the land and the trees. You'll even get a chance to go inside one of the old villas of the time! Finally, follow in the footsteps of Kaga clan samurai as you pass through the castle and see the shrine that houses the spirit of the first lord of Kanazawa. This tour through history is one not to miss!
Private Tours
Our private tours around Kanazawa are perfect for travellers who want a more personalised experience with the flexibility to move at their own pace. With a dedicated guide, you can enjoy the city without the constraints of a group itinerary, making it ideal for couples, families or small groups.
Our Private Tour of Kanazawa offers an experience completely curated to you in a fun choose-your-own adventure style day. However, if you have specific sites you'd like to see, we're happy to work with you to make your trip around Kanazawa perfectly suited. If you're the type to go on the fly, that's fine too - just leave it to us! Our "typical" private tour includes the following:
Highlights:
- A gold-leaf decorating experience, Kanazawa's most traditional and opulent craft!
- Lunch at a make-your-own sushi restaurant where you can mix-and-match ingredients traditional and modern alike to suit your taste!
- In the afternoon, a choose-your-own adventure route, with options including the main sights of Kanazawa (including Kenrokuen), the history and feuds of samurai and ninja, or venturing into some of Kanazawa's world-leading museums!
From Nagano
Group Tours
4-Day Central Japan Tour from Nagano to Kanazawa / April to November
(Green Season) 4-Day Tour from Nagano to Kanazawa: The Ultimate Central Japan Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyTakayamaKanazawaMatsumotoKamikochiShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Kanazawa
This “see it all” tour showcases the best of Central Japan, combining stunning scenery, traditional architecture, and unforgettable cultural experiences. With a local guide sharing in-depth knowledge of the region and Japan as a whole, this journey offers both beauty and insight.
Day 1 – Nagano
Starting at Nagano Station, the morning begins with a visit to Zenkoji Temple, followed by sake tasting and lunch nearby. In the afternoon, you’ll head into the mountains to visit the Snow Monkey Park, where you can watch the monkeys play, eat, and bathe in the hot springs—especially lively in the colder months. The day concludes in Nagano City.
Day 2 – Matsumoto & Kamikochi
From Nagano, the tour continues to Matsumoto to explore one of Japan’s 12 original castles, Matsumoto Castle. After strolling along Kaeru Michi (“Frog Street”) with its many shops, you’ll travel to Kamikochi, a breathtaking valley where you can walk along a crystal-clear river beneath the towering Alps. The day ends in the atmospheric city of Takayama.
Day 3 – Takayama & Shirakawa-go
The day begins with a visit to Takayama Jinya, the former regional government office, followed by a walk through the preserved Edo-period merchant streets and a stop at the lively morning market. After lunch, you’ll travel to Shirakawa-go, famous for its thatched-roof farmhouses. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the village, explore the streets, and step inside one of the historic homes before heading on to Kanazawa for the night.
Day 4 – Kanazawa
From Kanazawa Station, the tour explores the city’s rich history and culture. You’ll visit a samurai residence in the Nagamachi district, stroll through Oyama Shrine, and enter Kanazawa Castle. Here, you’ll enjoy matcha and sweets in a traditional garden before exploring the inner castle grounds. After lunch, you’ll wander through Kenrokuen—one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens—before finishing in Higashi-Chayamachi, where traditional teahouses and geisha culture still thrive.
Returning to Kanazawa Station marks the end of this unforgettable journey. Over four days, you will have experienced the landscapes, traditions, and culture that make Central Japan truly unique.
Charter Services
Our chartered vehicles are the most flexible way to visit Kanazawa and Kenrokuen, giving you full control over your schedule and itinerary. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a small group, or simply want a private and personalised experience, our charters make the journey easy and comfortable.
Click the banner below or contact us directly if you need greater flexibility.
From Takayama
Group Tours
4-Day Central Japan Tour from Nagano to Kanazawa / April to November
(Green Season) 4-Day Tour from Nagano to Kanazawa: The Ultimate Central Japan Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyTakayamaKanazawaMatsumotoKamikochiShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Kanazawa
This “see it all” tour showcases the best of Central Japan, combining stunning scenery, traditional architecture, and unforgettable cultural experiences. With a local guide sharing in-depth knowledge of the region and Japan as a whole, this journey offers both beauty and insight.
Day 1 – Nagano
Starting at Nagano Station, the morning begins with a visit to Zenkoji Temple, followed by sake tasting and lunch nearby. In the afternoon, you’ll head into the mountains to visit the Snow Monkey Park, where you can watch the monkeys play, eat, and bathe in the hot springs—especially lively in the colder months. The day concludes in Nagano City.
Day 2 – Matsumoto & Kamikochi
From Nagano, the tour continues to Matsumoto to explore one of Japan’s 12 original castles, Matsumoto Castle. After strolling along Kaeru Michi (“Frog Street”) with its many shops, you’ll travel to Kamikochi, a breathtaking valley where you can walk along a crystal-clear river beneath the towering Alps. The day ends in the atmospheric city of Takayama.
Day 3 – Takayama & Shirakawa-go
The day begins with a visit to Takayama Jinya, the former regional government office, followed by a walk through the preserved Edo-period merchant streets and a stop at the lively morning market. After lunch, you’ll travel to Shirakawa-go, famous for its thatched-roof farmhouses. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the village, explore the streets, and step inside one of the historic homes before heading on to Kanazawa for the night.
Day 4 – Kanazawa
From Kanazawa Station, the tour explores the city’s rich history and culture. You’ll visit a samurai residence in the Nagamachi district, stroll through Oyama Shrine, and enter Kanazawa Castle. Here, you’ll enjoy matcha and sweets in a traditional garden before exploring the inner castle grounds. After lunch, you’ll wander through Kenrokuen—one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens—before finishing in Higashi-Chayamachi, where traditional teahouses and geisha culture still thrive.
Returning to Kanazawa Station marks the end of this unforgettable journey. Over four days, you will have experienced the landscapes, traditions, and culture that make Central Japan truly unique.
Charter Services
Our chartered vehicles are the most flexible way to visit Kanazawa and Kenrokuen, giving you full control over your schedule and itinerary. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a small group, or simply want a private and personalised experience, our charters make the journey easy and comfortable.
Click the banner below or contact us directly if you need greater flexibility.
From Toyama
Charter Services
Our chartered vehicles are the most flexible way to visit Kanazawa and Kenrokuen, giving you full control over your schedule and itinerary. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a small group, or simply want a private and personalised experience, our charters make the journey easy and comfortable.
Click the banner below or contact us directly if you need greater flexibility.
From Nagoya
Charter Services
Our chartered vehicles are the most flexible way to visit Kanazawa and Kenrokuen, giving you full control over your schedule and itinerary. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a small group, or simply want a private and personalised experience, our charters make the journey easy and comfortable.
Click the banner below or contact us directly if you need greater flexibility.
Things to Do in Kanazawa
One of the most historic and enjoyable cities in Japan, Kanazawa is well-suited to a multi-day visit combining the many attractions of the city with nearby regional highlights. From its historic attractions and districts to its excellent galleries, museums, shopping and dining, visitors tend to fall in love with Kanazawa and wish they’d allowed more time in their schedule to explore all it has to offer. For tips and suggestions of what to do in the city, see our ’Things To Do Around Kanazawa’ page.
If you're into museums, check out our guide on "Best Museums in Kanazawa" to see what the City of Culture has to offer. If you collect, or would like to begin collecting, goshuin (the unique red stamps at shrines and temples) - "Best Goshuin Near Kanazawa" has everything you need to fill some pages in your book. For seasonal activities, check out "Best Beaches Near Kanazawa" for summer and "Best Ski Resorts Near Kanazawa" for winter.
Want something more guided? We've got a range of tours and itineraries to choose from. Photographers professional and aspiring alike will want to see our guides on Best Photo Spots Around Kanazawa and Best Spots for Autumn Leaves in Kanazawa to get the lowdown. After all that, it's almost certainly time to eat - read Kanazawa's Famous Foods to get your mouth watering for the local cuisine! Finally, after it's all said and done, our page on Best Souvenirs to get from Kanazawa will help you get mementos to commemorate the trip of a lifetime!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Kenrokuen really that nice?
Kenrokuen gets its fair share of sceptical visitors and, while it obviously can't please everyone, the vast majority of people walk away saying "Yes. Kenrokuen really is worth visiting." The garden has beautiful scenery everywhere you look and is tended by a team of dedicated staff who are always out working in the garden. You can see them diligently trimming individual pine needles off the trees, plucking strands of grass and trimming the shrubbery to be picture perfect.
Located on the grounds is Seisonkaku, a massive villa that was built as a retirement home for the mother of one of the lords. It still stands today, completely original, and is a monument to the opulence and power that the rulers of Kanazawa once wielded. The extravagance of it is an interesting and powerful contrast to the natural feeling of the garden.
It all comes together to make something truly sublime and no garden in the world is the same.
How long should I expect to spend in Kenrokuen?
Kenrokuen is a massive garden, sprawling more than 100,000m² (24 acres). Exploring every inch of the garden could take a whole day for somebody desperate to see it all. However, we usually recommend 1-2 hours to get the best of the views without wearing yourself out.
Are there seasonal events at Kenrokuen?
Yes. In each season, Kenrokuen hosts night illuminations to show off the changing seasons against the contrast of the night sky. The most famous of these is the early-April illuminations to celebrate the cherry blossoms. However, there are also beautiful illuminations in July to see fireflies at night; in October for the fall foliage; and in February for the snow.
What are the other Great Gardens of Japan?
Kenrokuen is possibly the most notable of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. The other two are also wonderful to visit. The first is Koraku-en in Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. It is known as the "Garden of Pleasure After," referring to a Confucian proverb: a wise ruler must first ensure that the needs of his subjects are met before he can pursue his own interests.
The other is Kairaku-en in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. The name means "A Garden to Enjoy with People" which, at the time, was a revolutionary concept. Kairaku-en was one of the first public parks in Japan.
