紹介記事―MCN international（シンガポール）

Kenrokuen, a garden of excellence in Japan
By Michiyo Ishida, Channel NewsAsia's Japan Bureau Chief

TOKYO: It's time for seasons to change from winter to spring in Japan, but the weather has been quite erratic lately.

Some snow fell in Tokyo this month, only to have the temperature exceed 20 degrees just days later.

But one thing hasn't changed for many years - the cutting off of the ropes which have been protecting the trees in a famous garden from the heavy snow during winter.

This traditional practice to mark the changing season from winter to spring takes place in the famous Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa city, Ishikawa Prefecture.

The Kenrokuen Garden is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan.

Kenrokuen literally means garden with six characteristics.

According to an ancient Chinese book of gardens, a garden must have six sublime characteristics to qualify as a garden of excellence.

Kenrokuen is blessed with all the characteristics.

Among the trees in the garden, the Matsu is the only one that is growing horizontally and it's regarded as one of the most beautiful trees in Japan.

The Matsu and other trees in the garden are taken care of all year round.

After all, until the late 19th century, this had been the garden of the feudal lords.

So, every single day, workers would painstakingly remove any unwanted elements.

But when it comes to cutting off the branches, only a few certified gardeners are allowed to do it.

"The average gardener is not permitted to cut any of the branches of any of the trees inside the Kenrokuen Garden. Only five of us are qualified to use a saw or scissors to chop and trim the trees of this popular garden," said Toshio Yonebayashi, the chief gardener of Kenrokuen.

Kenrokuen also boasts of streams, ponds and even a waterfall.

It is located on a hill and if the clouds clear up, one can get a panoramic view of the Kanazawa city from the garden.

The garden is also a place to appreciate some ancient artefacts, the most precious of which is the oldest fountain in Japan.

But, perhaps, the Kenrokuen is best enjoyed for what a garden is meant for - the different flowers and plants all year round.

By early April, the garden is expected to be covered with cherry blossoms. - CNA

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