What to know
Urakuen (有楽苑) is a Japanese garden in Inuyama, located just east of Inuyama Castle. It is home to Joan, one of Japan's most renowned teahouses and a designated National Treasure.
Joan was originally built in 1618 as part of a temple complex in Kyoto, alongside a study room called Shodenin Shoin. It was constructed by Oda Uraku, a younger brother of the great Oda Nobunaga and a disciple of Sen-no-Rikyu, Japan's most famous tea ceremony master.
In 1972, the study and teahouse were relocated from Kyoto to their current site in Urakuen, named after Oda Uraku. Today, visitors to this tranquil landscape garden can view both Shodenin Shoin and Joan from the outside.
Within Urakuen's peaceful grounds, you'll also find a bamboo grove and the Koan teahouse, where you can enjoy tea and sweets for an additional fee. Typically in the second half of November, the garden's lush greenery offers beautiful autumn colors.
Urakuen sits at the foot of Inuyama Castle. The garden is a ten-minute walk from Inuyama-Yuen Station or a 15-minute walk from Inuyama Station. The entrance is beside the car park of Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:30 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
- Closed
- Wednesdays, December 29 to January 1
- Admission
- 1500 yen (~$9.6) (garden only)
- English name
- Original name
- Urakuen
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.