6 Gardens in Nara worth your time

This garden, designed by Zen'ami, is a National Place of Scenic Beauty worth visiting for its historical importance.

What it is

• Former temple garden, designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty.
• Originally established in 1087, moved to present site after 1180 fire.
• Garden restored by famous landscape designer Zen’ami after 1451 fire.

What to see

• The only remaining example of Zen’ami’s garden work.
• Heritage Center with artifacts from Daijoin and its priests.
• Model reconstruction of the temple and garden from 1463.
• Portrait of Jinson, 20th chief priest, holding prayer beads and fan.
• Historical paintings of Daijoin and a garden sketch.
• Artworks from the Muromachi period, including from Kofukuji temple.

Official site

www.narahotel.co.jp

Read more about Former Daijō-in Temple Garden

Isui-en is a historic Japanese garden in Nara, known for its two distinct sections.

What it is

• A Japanese garden in Nara, designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty.
• Divided into a front garden from 1673 and a Meiji period rear garden.
• Uses water from the Yoshikigawa, a branch of the Yamato River.

What to see

• Explore the distinct front and rear garden sections.
• View structures like Sanshutei, Teishuken, and Yagyudo.
• Visit the Neiraku Museum, built in 1969, for art.
• Yoshikien Garden is adjacent and can be visited.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station.

Official site

isuien.or.jp

Read more about Isui-en

A free, modern Japanese garden in Nara, built around a unique persimmon tree.

What it is

• A Japanese garden in Nara City.
• Opened in autumn of 2006.
• Created around an old persimmon tree.
• Admission is free.

What to see

• A persimmon tree over one hundred years old.
• The tree changes from astringent to sweet.
• A monument with a haiku by Shiki.
• The haiku monument has a carved persimmon.

When to go

• Annual memorial service on September 19th.

Getting there

• Near Kintetsu Nara Station.
• 700 meters north of Nara Prefectural Office.

Official site

shikinoniwa.com

Read more about Shiki no Niwa

Kyūseki Teien is a historic garden site in Nara, offering a glimpse into ancient Japanese landscape design.

What it is

• A garden remains, a National Special Historic Site.
• Also a National Special Place of Scenic Beauty.
• Located in Heijō-kyō Sakyō Sanjō Nibō Rokutsubo.

What to see

• Confirmed remains of a garden, pond, and buildings.
• Pond has a curved stream bed with pebbles.
• Tiles similar to Heijō Palace were found.

When to go

• Believed to have been used for 'kyokusui-no-en' events.

Official site

www.city.nara.lg.jp

Read more about Kyūseki Teien

See 8000 iris flowers and 1000 hydrangea bushes in a tranquil mountain valley garden.

What it is

• A garden in Nara City, Nara Prefecture.
• Opened in 1985.
• Covers about 1.0 hectare.

What to see

• A hanashobu garden at the foot of the mountain.
• An ajisai garden at the back of the long site.
• A pond and a rest area.

When to go

• Open from June 1st to June 30th.
• Hours are from 9:00 to 16:00.

Official site

yagyusyobuen.jimdofree.com

Read more about Yagyū Hanashōbu Garden

Yoshiki-en is a tranquil Japanese garden with three distinct styles, perfect for a peaceful hour.

What it is

• A Japanese garden owned by Nara Prefecture.
• Current buildings and garden built in 1919.
• Opened to the public on April 1, 1989.

What to see

• Three distinct garden parts: pond, moss, and tea flower.
• A detached tea room with a thatched roof.
• The Old Shohoin Family Residence, a cultural property.

Official site

www.pref.nara.jp

Read more about Yoshiki-en