Late Autumn Stroll in Kanazawa: The Maple Leaf Feast at Kenrokuen

Every late autumn, Kanazawa in Japan's Hokuriku region becomes a pilgrimage site for maple leaf enthusiasts, and Kenrokuen is the most beautiful representative among them. This garden, known as one of Japan's three most famous gardens, features intricate landscaping and rich vegetation, showcasing its beauty in every season. In late November, during the peak of the maple leaf season, Kenrokuen offers a visual feast with its exquisite blend of red, yellow, and green hues. The scenery in the photo was captured during my visit to Kenrokuen in late November. The maple trees in the garden were adorned in red, interspersed among the verdant pines and golden ginkgo trees. The pond reflected the full spectrum of autumn colors, with the shimmering water surface resembling another serene painting. Sunlight filtered through the treetops, making the leaves appear exceptionally translucent, as if they were gently burning in the twilight, quietly narrating the beauty of autumn. The beauty of Kenrokuen's maple leaves lies not only in their red color but in the rich layers of red, yellow, and green that blend harmoniously with the traditional Japanese landscaping within the garden. Walking along the winding paths, the stone lanterns, streams, moss, and various trees create a thickly autumnal picture. Every corner and every step reveals different scenery, making one pause to savor the tranquility. The photos were taken in the evening, with the setting sun casting a soft golden hue over Kanazawa's sky, making the red of the maple leaves even more vivid. As a few crows flew over the treetops, the entire scene added a touch of the unique aesthetic beauty of Japanese gardens—both the melancholy of late autumn and the harmony of nature. The maple leaves of Kenrokuen are not just a visual delight but also a spiritual retreat. In late November, the temperature in Kanazawa cools down, and the air carries a slight moist chill that complements the autumn colors in the garden. If you are looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle and quietly enjoy the maple leaves, then the late autumn of Kenrokuen is definitely worth a visit.