- 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]
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]
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