Today, we went to Kanazawa, to see Kenrokuen Garden; one of the Three Most Beautiful Gardens of Japan.
Kenrakuen fits in there because of its name: Kenrokuen literally means “Garden of the Six Sublimities”, referring to spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water and broad views, six attributes
that make up a perfect garden according to a Chinese theory.
The spacious garden used to be the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle, a private garden of the ruling Maeda family. It was constructed over a period of two centuries and not open to the public until 1871.
Kenrokuen features various ponds, streams, waterfalls, bridges, teahouses, trees, stones and flowers. Here is one of the many ponds; the step stones are meant to represent a flock of geese, flying through the sky.
The water for the many streams and rivers of the park is still brought there from a distant river by a sophisticated water system constructed in 1632.
Really worth the 3-hour trip from Osaka.
When we arrived, one of the first things we noticed was the astounding architecture; the station itself has apparently been overhauled not too long ago. Here's a picture of the mockup, on display in the station itself:
A large wooden gate (Torii) is obviously the eyecatcher of this building, but anyone who has a soft spot of architecture, can't help to be in awe of the rest of it as well.
At the end of the lane leading to the street, another designer masterpiece can be found; a sign, stating the time and welcoming you in both Japanese and English.
Usually, signs like these are made from LED's, but not this one; tiny fountains were used to form characters:
Very innovative and original.
We also payed a visit to the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, which held an exhibition of various interesting and less interesting works.
One of the most interesting pieces was a "swimming pool", which created a real under water effect for those who were in it, and those who were looking into it.
You see, the "pool" was only 10cm deep, and underneath is an accessible room, painted aquablue. The water is kept in motion by small jets, creating the illusion of the people in the room underneath actually being submerged. Really cool.
Tomorrow, I'm going to see another beautiful spot: Miyajima, near Hiroshima. Until then.
Cheers, K.