Gyokusen-en
Ishikawa Prefecture · Japan
A charming tea house over looking a famous garden in Kanazawa castle grounds
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation1:58
Welcome to Gyokusen-en, a hidden horticultural jewel in the historic city of Kanazawa. While the city is world-famous for Kenroku-en, one of Japan's 'top three gardens,' Gyokusen-en offers a more 'intimate and private' experience…
Listen in the app2The Entrance & Historical Context1:53
Your journey begins at the humble entrance of Gyokusen-en, which reflects the 'understated elegance' of a samurai's private residence. Unlike the grand gates of Kanazawa Castle, this entrance was designed to be 'discreet and…
Listen in the app3Saisetsu-tei — The Oldest Tea House1:52
The spiritual heart of Gyokusen-en is the Saisetsu-tei tea house. It is widely recognized as the 'oldest tea house in Kanazawa,' dating back to the early 17th century. …
Listen in the app4The Stepped Ponds & Waterfalls1:48
What makes Gyokusen-en unique among Japanese gardens is its 'tiered or stepped' pond system. Utilizing the natural 400-year-old paths and slopes, the garden features two main ponds on different levels, connected by a 'gentle…
Listen in the app5Stone Lanterns & Hidden Symbolism1:49
Scattered throughout Gyokusen-en are numerous 'stone lanterns,' which are far more than mere lighting fixtures. They are 'symbolic structures' that hold deep spiritual and historical meaning. …
Listen in the app6The Backdrop of Kanazawa Castle Walls1:54
From several vantage points within Gyokusen-en, you can look up and see the massive 'stonework and walls' of Kanazawa Castle. This 'scenic perspective' is one of the garden's most impressive features, creating a sense of 'being…
Listen in the app7Botanical Diversity — Moss and Ancient Pines1:42
Gyokusen-en is a 'masterclass in Japanese botany,' specifically in its use of 'lush moss and ancient trees.' The garden features several varieties of moss that cover the 'undulating terrain,' creating a 'soft and velvet-like'…
Listen in the app8Closing1:27
As we conclude our journey through Gyokusen-en, take a final look at the 'Saisetsu-tei tea house' and the 'stepped ponds' that have been our companions today. You have experienced a 'hidden gem' of Kanazawa, a place where the…
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What is Gyokusen-en?
Gyokusen-en is a place in Ishikawa Prefecture · Japan with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Ishikawa Prefecture · Japan |
|---|---|
| Type | Activity |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Total length | 14 min 23 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 36.5639, 136.6637 |
| Last updated |
Nearby places
within a 5-minute walk
Kenroku-enHeritage8 sectionsKanazawa Castle ParkHeritage8 sections
Kanazawa CastleHeritage10 sectionsTerashima Kurando HouseActivity8 sections
21st Century Museum of Contemporary ArtHeritage8 sections
D. T. Suzuki MuseumHeritage7 sectionsGyokusen-immaru GardenNature8 sectionsKazuemachi ChayagaiActivity8 sections