Kenroku-en garden in Kanazawa opens for free cherry blossom viewing

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240405_19/

Friday, April 5, 8:01

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One of Japan's celebrated traditional gardens in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is now open for free for cherry blossom viewing.

The garden, Kenroku-en, is designated by the government as a scenic beauty that requires protection. It opens for free in the cherry blossoming season every year.

A powerful earthquake hit the prefecture on January 1, with areas on the Noto Peninsula hit hardest.
The quake also caused damage to the garden.

Most of stone lanterns that fell have been repaired, but stone walls that partially collapsed have yet to be restored and remain off-limits.

The free admittance began on Friday. Visitors enjoyed strolling around the garden, where cherry blossoms are in bloom but still not flowering fully.

A man in his 40s, who came from Okayama Prefecture, said he was excited to see the beautiful garden. He added that he visited the prefecture hoping to help rebuild quake-hit communities.

The garden is open for free from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. every day until Thursday. It will also be illuminated after sunset.