The Three Great Gardens of Japan (三名園, Sanmeien?), also known as "the three most famous gardens in Japan" are considered to include Kenroku-en in Kanazawa, Koraku-en in Okayama and Kairaku-en in Mito.[1]
The conception of gardens in a group of three is found elsewhere as well; for example, in the three gardens of former-Emperor Go-Mizunoo who abdicated in 1629. At Shūgakui rykū, Go-Mizunoo maintained landscaped areas at separate elevations on the northeastern outskirts of Kyoto.[2]
- Kenrokuen means "garden which combines six characteristics"[3] – the six aspects considered important in the notion of an ideal gardens: spaciousness, serenity, venerability, scenic views, subtle design, and coolness.[4]
- Koraku-en means "means "garden of pleasure after", which is a reference to a saying attributed to Confucius -- explaining that a wise ruler must attend to his subjects' needs first, and only then should he consider his own interests.[5]
- Kairaku-en means "a garden to enjoy with people." Nariaki Tokugawa who completed the garden, opened this private garden to the general populace. This was a novel concept which eventually led to the development of public parks.[6]
Notes
- ^ Lewis, Caroline. "Kenrokuen Garden Kanazawa," JapanVisitor.com; Koraku-en, Japan-Guide.com; and
- ^ Japan Society of London. (1989). Proceedings, Issues 112-120, p. 54.
- ^ "Kenroku-en," Ishikawa Prefecture, 2003.
- ^ Bornoff, Nicholas. (2008). National Geographic Traveler Japan, p. 150.
- ^ "Koraku-en," JapanLifestyle.com; "Kairaku-en," Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO).
- ^ Kairaku-en garden, JapanAtlas.com
References
- Bornoff, Nicholas. (2008). National Geographic Traveler Japan. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society. 13-ISBN 978-1-426-20234-6/10-ISBN 1-426-20234-2; OCLC 195701863
- Japan Society of London. (1989). Proceedings, Issues 112-120. London: Japan Society of London. OCLC 15680299
External links
- Wikitravel: Japan's Top 3
- Kenroku-en official website
- Japan Atlas: Kenrokuen
- Okayama Korakuen Garden official site (Japanese)
- Kairaku-en official website (Japanese)
Categories: Gardens in Japan
