Three Great Gardens of Japan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Three Great Gardens of Japan (日本三名園 Nihon 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]
- Kenroku-en 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 "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]
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[edit] See also
[edit] 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
[edit] 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
[edit] 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)
