Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa

It really depends on in what condition you go. I came here in winter three years ago and I thought it was quite boring compared to other Japanese gardens, but this year it was fantastic with snow and almost zero tourist. Also, the garden is a lot larger than it appears on map. You can easily spend hours just by strolling, taking photos, and enjoy a short tea break.

This place is probably one of the largest cultural park in Japan. In this place, you can enjoy the landscape of an old feudal Japan, perfectly preserved. The big pond-lake-like with one of those traditional Japanese house around the edge, all kinds of old trees (probably hundred of years), some important spot like statues, fountain etc are signed with simple explanation in Japanese, English and other languages. Since this park is high up, you can see the city from it. Don‘t forget to enjoy the semi-traditional gift shops offering presents from both modern-traditional. Also the famous gold-leaves kanazawa ice cream, one of the signature this from this city can also be found here even though you may have to pay a little bit higher for it. Come when it is spring, so you can enjoy the park full with pink sakura blossom. The ticket for one person is less than 400 yen (4 US dollars).