Isuien (ː) is an attractive Japanese garden with a variety of features, such as the use of Todaiji Temple's Nandaimon Gate and Mount Wakakusayama as "borrowed scenery". Isuien means "garden founded on water", and the garden's name is derived from the fact that its ponds are fed by the small adjacent Yoshikigawa River. The Yoshikien Garden is located just on the other side of the river.
Isuien is divided into two parts, a front garden and a rear garden, with a number of tea houses scattered throughout. The front garden has a longer history, dating back to the mid 17th century. The rear garden, the larger of the two, is more recent and was built in 1899 by a wealthy merchant. Next to the garden and included with admission is a small museum displaying pottery, seals, mirrors and other artifacts from ancient China and Korea from the collection of the family that owns Isuien.
Getting there and around
Located in central Nara, a visit to Isuien Garden is easily combined with seeing other attractions such as Todaiji Temple and Kofukuji Temple, which are both a ten minute walk away.
Isuien Garden is also located a 15 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. From JR Nara Station, the garden can be reached by taking frequently departing buses bound for Aoyamajutaku or Kunimidai-hacchome to Oshiagecho bus stop (10 minutes, 250 yen).
Hours and Fees
Hours
9:30 to 16:30 (until 17:00 in April and May)
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing
Closed
Tuesdays (or the following day if Tuesday is a national holiday); from late December to mid January and in the last third of September
Admission
1200 yen
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
English
Japanese
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