Gyokusen-en, Japanese garden in Kanazawa, Japan.
Gyokusen-en is a Japanese strolling garden in Kanazawa built around a central pond with three small islands connected by bridges and walking paths. The whole space covers about one hectare and offers different areas to explore and experience.
The garden was founded in 1634 by Lord Toshitsune Maeda and remained under his family's care for centuries. After the feudal system ended, ownership changed and the space became open to the public.
A tea house within the garden space hosts matcha ceremonies where visitors participate in traditional Japanese practices. The way people move through these rituals reflects how the space was designed to connect guests with nature and custom.
The garden features comfortable walking paths that lead around the pond and are mostly level. Visitors should wear good walking shoes, as you will spend time on foot and paths can become slippery when wet.
The garden contains a Korean pine tree grown from seeds, which reflects a historic connection in the garden's origins. This particular specimen is carefully maintained and represents a subtle link between two cultures within the landscape.
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